The Linnet's Tale

Average customer rating:

Delightful -- but in a surprising way

Disappointing and flat

Exponentially Exquisite

Fun to discover together!

Most Delightful!

The Linnet's Tale
Dale C. Willard
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H2MXJC

Book Description

Share the romance, drama, and adventure of small-town life among the mice of Tottensea Burrows -- as told by a very entertaining bird

In the garden of an English cottage live the lovable, highly literate field mice of Tottensea Burrows -- Peebles Carryforth the Mayor; Opportune Baggs, the inventor; the Fieldpea family with their three beautiful daughters, Grenadine, Almandine, and Incarnadine; the widow Proserpine Pockets and her young son Farnaby; and Merchanty Swift, the bold mouse who becomes the hero of The Linnet's Tale.

Brokenhearted when his beloved Pleasings Tatterstraw runs away with a charming French mouse, Merchanty, a daring trader, goes on to become a mouse of means. But when Tottensea Burrows is threatened, he risks everything to rescue his friends and neighbors. In the midst of danger, will he find love again?

Full of wit and sparkle and irresistible linguistic inventiveness, The Linnet's Tale delivers pure enjoyment.

Customer Reviews:

Delightful -- but in a surprising way.......2005-04-11

Sure, I found it delightful. My last book was the frenetic, sprawling "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson, so "The Linnet's Tale" can be called conservatively, a 'change of pace'. When is the last time I read a book I found myself laughing at out loud, somehow pulled into a life of anthropomorphized animals? A.A. Milne? What made it more interesting was that the family/community life of very well-spoken mice was described first-person by an orphaned bird adopted by rodents, so behind all of the domesticity is some kind of smell of grace. There is even a brief story within the story, another event of cross-species caretaking. I was also glad I resisted cynicism to settle in with the flow of wildly creative mouse names and the most pleasant use of the English language, certainly more adult in all these regards than Peter Rabbit. This book is a subtle treat.

Disappointing and flat.......2003-04-09

While written (and marketed) with the intention of bringing to mind other allegorical, borderline genre, talking animal stories (like Wind in the Willows or Watership Down), The Linnet's Tale will not make it as a perennial favorite. While the mice names and a few literary references are cute, the overall story is rather dull with very little tension being formed within the plot. Most of the book is given over to introducing and reintroducing the residents of Tottensea Burrows without much in the way of adventures (including a chapter of furious dressmaking and preparation for the Tottensea Burrows Midsummer's Night Fancy Dress Cotillion Ball, followed by a chapter describing the details of those who did not attend the Ball and not more than a page or a page and a half of the Ball itself) creating what seems to be a shallow set up for possible future endeavors of these mice in their newly achieved, materially unburdened existence away from the farm house and out in the field, where true field mice should be. Children will be overwhelmed with the vocabulary, yet adults will find the storytelling trite and predictable. A sadly disappointing read.

Exponentially Exquisite.......2002-09-28

I'm not quite finished reading this book yet, but it is so fantastic I couldn't wait any longer to write a review for it. The language is whimsical and the voice who tells the story is as developed and unique as any of the other characters. I might compare this book to Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows," another favourite. The characters are believable and lovable. This is truly a book for all ages -- young ones will doubtless enjoy the escapades of the mice; I myself (a college freshman) was introduced to this indispensible work of literature by my best friend (now age 15) and her family (the second youngest, age 7, loves it); and I in turn have read bits of it to my mother, who has demanded that I allow her to read it when I am through. If nothing else, the names of the mice are enough to draw one in... my personal favourite it Merchanty Swift.

In summary, I would recommend this book to anybody with a taste for a truly marvelous "grown-up" children's story.

Fun to discover together!.......2002-06-29

This is an excellent tale to read aloud to a little one. It can be enjoyed on so many levels, and my niece thought the mice were neat--kindof like Mickey, but more real!

There are references throughout the book to greater works of literature (Clauswitz' On War for example) and the language is delicious. The pace of the book is very relaxing.

I found the setting and characters ideal for bedtime, for both me and my little niece. Chapters may be read one at a time, and are nice vignettes when read in that manner.

Most Delightful!.......2002-05-09

This is a novel for adults, but it is written in a style that brings back memories of the stories our mothers read us as children. It's FULL of fun little creatures with HUGE vocabularies - I find it fun to read with a British accent! If you want a book that is a stress reliever and a delight to your senses - buy this book. You will laugh at the absurdities of his characters and you'll find your favorites among them. I hope Dale Willard will make The Linnet's Tale the first in a series of many more to come!

Average customer rating:

Linnet's trial: A tale
Menella Bute Smedley
Manufacturer: Loring
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

action a light drizzle; sappiness a storm [no spoilers]

Not a very "spicy" read

#2 in the series

great read

Which witch?
Storm Watcher (The Watcher Series, Book 2)
Lilith Saintcrow
Manufacturer: Imajinn Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Dark Fantasy | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Dark Watcher (The Watcher Series, Book 1)

Fire Watcher (The Watcher Series, Book 3)

The Society (The Society Series, Book 1)

Hunter, Healer (The Society Series, Book 2)

Cloud Watcher (The Watcher Series, Book 4)

ASIN: 1933417005

Book Description

All Mariamne Niege wants to do is finish her thesis and get a job. Unfortunately, her life isn't that simple. She's a Guardian now, and her visions of the future have grown so intense she is literally blind to the world while in their grip. Not to mention that her Watcher, Hanson, is sleeping on her couch and scaring her roommates when he's not shepherding her through the visions and calming her progressively worsening nightmares. Then the earthquakes start, warning of an even bigger disaster approaching—a disaster that could level her beloved city and claim both hers and her best friend's lives. A disaster that her visions say could be triggered by Hanson.

Hanson has his own problems. He joined the Watchers to atone for a life of lies, but it seems the only way he can protect Mari is to use some of his less than honest talents. She is the only witch who can ease the agony of being a Watcher, and the only woman in the world he wants. But the distance between them grows daily, and the entire city is uneasy as the earthquakes start. Then Mari's house is broken into and her roommates slaughtered by the Dark. In order to save Mari from the evil that hunts her, he's going to have to become more of what frightens her. It's a hell of a choice, and one he isn't sure he can make...

Customer Reviews:

action a light drizzle; sappiness a storm [no spoilers].......2007-09-04

The sexual tension between Mari the water witch and Hanson the Watcher of "Storm Watcher" dominates the second novel in "The Watcher Series". Over a year has passed for the two of them yet every other page has Mari and Hanson thinking of touching each other, being near each other, smelling each other, and more, splitting the plots effectiveness. Extra words and some misspellings also detract from the flow.

As with the previous book, there is little substance behind the history of Circle Lightfall, a Lightbringer's enemies, or the characters. Mari encounters vicious monsters but outside of its name and the immediate threat, nothing further is clarified whether how such creatures are conjured or what specific Dark powers are available. The fights receive a fleeting account by cutting to the next chapter as the battle begins.

The series is pro-pagan; therefore those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.

Thank you.

Not a very "spicy" read.......2007-03-24

Good story line, however the book could be hotter in the love department. I huuried to finish the book not because it provided excellent reading, but because I wanted the experience to be over quickly.

Not a bad read if that's all you have on your bookshelf!!!

#2 in the series.......2007-02-09

I really enjoyed Dark Watcher, which is why I bought Storm Watcher. This second book in the series delves a little deeper into the characters. Unfortunately, I had started reading this one about a month ago and had to put it aside for a time. I picked it up recently and haven't finished reading it, but it was easy getting back into the story. I'm looking forward to finishing this one and moving on the next in the series.

great read.......2006-09-05

This is the only book I have read in the series and it is not even the first, yet, I felt completely comfortable reading it. The book is short and covers a society that was new, but the author explained the basics in complete, concise voice so that the action was not put on hold.

The characters were likable and the hero sounded very sexy.
The herione was intelligent and strong, yet unsure of herself--very normal. I do plan to read more from this series.

Which witch?.......2006-05-19

Second in Saintcrow's Watcher series, this story features one of the witches who works in an occult shop. Mariamne is a water witch - her powers come from, use, and share water. But being a witch isn't her goal in life - she simply wants to finish her degree at the university and get a job in her field! But the untimely arrival of Hanson, her Watcher, disrupts her life and her studies. To Mari's dismay, Hanson's arrival also saved her life because her visions are so forceful that she's been blinded to reality at times, almost walking into traffic. Hanson moves into Mari's house to protect her, sleeping on the couch, which her fellow housemates find distinctly uncomfortable. But when earthquakes (or worse!) threaten Mari's city and friends, Mari sits up and takes notice of her gifts and her Watcher - trying to use both to save her life and the lives of those around her. I am enjoying the Watcher series, although I still have to put WORKING FOR THE DEVIL at the top of her list of works.

The Weather Identification Handbook: The Ultimate Guide for Weather Watchers

Average customer rating:

Great for Cloud Classifications
"Now how fun is this?" The children exclaimed:
Linda's meteorology text
Not what you might expect
Weather Identification Handbook

The Weather Identification Handbook: The Ultimate Guide for Weather Watchers
Storm Dunlop
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Rivers | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Weather | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1585748579

Book Description

What does it mean when there is a corona around the moon? How do you tell the difference between stratocumulus and nimbostratus clouds? THE WEATHER IDENTIFICATION HANDBOOK is an essential guide to the many different types of phenomena that may be observed, and also gives brief details of the weather that may be expected. The following topics are covered in a reader-friendly format:

Ø Cloud classification
Ø How to identify different cloud types and how they relate to forthcoming weather
Ø How clouds are formed
Ø Optical phenomena
Ø Precipitation
Ø Wind
Ø Severe weather
Ø Weather systems
Ø Satellite images and weather maps

Full of beautiful color photographs and diagrams, THE WEATHER IDENTIFICATION HANDBOOK is essential for the outdoor photographer, adventurer, or meteorological enthusiast. It is also perfect for any parent whose child asks the proverbial question, "Why is the sky blue?"

Customer Reviews:

Great for Cloud Classifications.......2007-09-14

If you are interested in learning and classifying weather phenomenon this book is for you. The focus of the book is on clouds and it does a great job differentiating the ten major cloud types and describing the sub-species and varieties. The full color photographic illustrations are outstanding. The author does not get into too much detail about the science behind the phenomena, but that is not the intention.

"Now how fun is this?" The children exclaimed:.......2007-07-05

Such a statement is music to the ears of anyone who strives to encourage curiosity and promotes learning. We carry The Weather Identification Handbook with us in the car, identifying cloud formations, making our own weather predictions. We can grow with the book, now reading highlights, progressing into greater detail and increasing focus with age and ability. Isn't learning that sneaks up as fun, great?

Linda's meteorology text.......2007-03-09

This serves as the text for my meteorology class. It is quite thorough and offers many useful graphics to help seal the various theories into my brain.

Not what you might expect.......2006-03-02

I am reluctant to criticize any book for being something other than what I expected it to be. I was looking for a 'basic meteorology' book. I wanted a better understanding of fronts, high- and low-pressure areas, wind patterns, world weather patterns, the influence of ocean currents, etc.

If you're looking for weather principles, this book is not for you. Unfortunately (for me), the book takes a taxonomic approach to weather. Approx. 2/3rds of the pages are dedicated to identifying and classifying various cloud formations and optical phenomena. If you read assiduously, you'll never mistake stratus for stratocumulus, cirrus for cirrocumulus, and, aha, there's some altostratus undulatus! And you'll learn of Corona, Glory, and Heiligenschein. Broad weather patterns and principles get short shrift, if they get any shrift at all. About page 178 (out of 192, incl. bibliography, credits, and index) you'll finally get into a discussion of air masses, fronts, depressions, etc.

Publishers are usually responsible for choosing the title. This book is mis-titled.

Weather Identification Handbook.......2005-09-08

This is an excellent book. It is generously illustrated, giving the user more types of cloud classification than most people will ever need to know. It then goes into storm development and other atmospheric conditions. The information is concisely organized and well presented. This is just an excellent book. Anyone with a casual interest in weather will find this book useful.

The book is printed on good quality stock and is full color throughout. I wouldn't be suprised if this is used as a meteorology textbook. It is reasonably priced so I encourage everyone who reads this review to strongly consider this book.

Storm Watchers: The Turbulent History of Weather Prediction from Franklin's Kite to El Nino

Average customer rating:

Storm Watchers - Great Historical Information
Storm Watchers

Storm Watchers: The Turbulent History of Weather Prediction from Franklin's Kite to El Nino
John D. Cox
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Weather | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 047138108X

Book Description

A lively, inspiring account of the pioneers who sought to accurately predict the weather

Benjamin Franklin . . . James P. Espy . . . Cleveland Abbe . . . Carl-Gustaf Rossby . . . Jule G. Charney . . . just a few of the remarkable individuals who struggled against formidable odds to understand the atmosphere and predict the weather. Where they saw patterns and processes, others saw randomness and tumult-and yet they strove to make their voices heard, often saving lives in the process.

Storm Watchers takes you on a fascinating journey through time that captures the evolution of weather forecasting. From the age when meteorology was considered one step removed from sorcery to the modern-day wizardry of supercomputers, John Cox introduces you to the pioneering scientists whose work fulfilled an ancient dream and made it possible to foretell the future. He tells the little-known stories of these weathermen, such as Ptolemy's weather predictions based on astrology, John Finley's breakthrough research in identifying tornadoes, and Tor Bergeron's new techniques of weather forecasting, which contributed to its final worldwide acceptance.

Filled with extraordinary tales of bravery and sacrifice, Storm Watchers will make you think twice the next time you turn on the local news to catch the weather report.

Customer Reviews:

Storm Watchers - Great Historical Information.......2003-02-20

For a meteorologist, this is clearly a must read if you're at all interested in knowing more about some of the most influential people in our field. The author obviously has done considerable homework and made some of the pioneers in this field come alive, instead of just being names and old b&w photographs. Since the book is unprecedented and I didn't know many of these people personally, it's not possible for me to say how accurate these word descriptions are, but they have the "ring of truth" to me. Some very interesting parallels can be drawn from the past to the present with the information in this terrific book!

Storm Watchers.......2002-09-12

John Cox is, and has always been, a phenomenal reporter and writer. This book deserves to be widely read. As a work of history, it is very much welcome -- a book that sheds light on the past of a subject which is, too often, shrouded in myth.
-- Keay Davidson, Science Writer, San Francisco Chronicle

Storm Chaser! with Matchbox Weather Radar Truck (Book & Toy Combo) (Matchbox Hero City)

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Storm Chaser! with Matchbox Weather Radar Truck (Book & Toy Combo) (Matchbox Hero City)
Cecile Schoberle
Manufacturer: Little Simon / Matchbox
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VXZRBS

Product Description

The Matchbox weather radar truck (hurricane hunter, storm chaser, tornado watcher) is brand new, without a package (direct from the manufacturer). This was the model created to go with the "Storm" board books that are now out-of-print. The movable plastic satellite dish can be raised and lowered and turned in all directions. On the bottom of the radar truck is the following information: c.2000; Mattel, Inc.; CHINA; Radar Truck; Matchbox; 0772 EA.The book, "Storm Chaser!" (from the Matchbox Hero City series), was written by Cecile Schoberle and illustrated by John Huxtable. 2004, Little Simon - New York, New York. Size is about 6" x 9" with soft covers, 31 pages. Categorized: Ready-To-Read Level 1, and written in a rhyming poem style.Book Description: When bad weather appears, the weather truck tracks down storms to help predict their path. Ride along as the truck uses its antenna and radar to save people from hurricanes and twisters! Follow the Storm Chasers to learn about the scientific study of weather. Kids will enjoy the story-line and images in this well written reader. It piques a child's interest into the world of science and opens up dialogue to teach younger children about scientific study and data collection.

Storm Watcher: Trials of Balance, Chapter Three (Trials of Balance)

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Storm Watcher: Trials of Balance, Chapter Three (Trials of Balance)
Ivan Henley
Manufacturer: Writers Club Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595009832

Book Description

In a world ruled by legends and defended by magic, many races lived together to maintain the balance. However, the humans waged war and the balance was broken. Now the other races fight to preserve all life and the land that sustains it. Thus began a time known as the Trials Of Balance. The Aukern prophets foretold the coming of a savior. That savior, young Kiri, is of a race vanished and long-since forgotten. She wanders alone, unsure of her destiny and watched by hidden eyes. Many individuals are destined to cross her path; some are kind, some are evil. Those who may have the biggest impact remain invisible to her: the Keeper of Balance, the Swordmaster Zyphus and an Aukern named Rylar who knows something about her that even she does not. In this third chapter of the Trials Of Balance Kiri struggles to find herself and her meaning in life while Rylar fights to uncover some terrible secrets that could threaten everyone in the land. The land’s balance continues to weaken, and soldiers from the Dark Army continue their massacres of innocent people. In a race against time Kiri must find allies and fight. . . or all shall die.

Coast thwarts storm watchers.(Columns)(Column): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

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Coast thwarts storm watchers.(Columns)(Column): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: The Register Guard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008FZ52U
Release Date: 2005-07-30

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on January 21, 2003. The length of the article is 922 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: Coast thwarts storm watchers.(Columns)(Column)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: January 21, 2003
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: d1

Article Type: Column

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Here's your coastal port in the storm.(Columns)(The weather outside may be frightful, but there are vantage points where storm watchers can stay warm and ... from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

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Here's your coastal port in the storm.(Columns)(The weather outside may be frightful, but there are vantage points where storm watchers can stay warm and ... from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: The Register Guard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0009GQUTK
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on December 3, 2004. The length of the article is 635 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: Here's your coastal port in the storm.(Columns)(The weather outside may be frightful, but there are vantage points where storm watchers can stay warm and dry)(Column)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: December 3, 2004
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: T3

Article Type: Column

Distributed by Thomson Gale

One watcher completely taken by storm.(Columns)(Column): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

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One watcher completely taken by storm.(Columns)(Column): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: The Register Guard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008IS9N4
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on December 16, 2003. The length of the article is 749 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: One watcher completely taken by storm.(Columns)(Column)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: December 16, 2003
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: d1

Article Type: Column

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Twisters sighted as storm rages; Weather watchers glued to the sky.(City): An article from: Winnipeg Free Press

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Twisters sighted as storm rages; Weather watchers glued to the sky.(City): An article from: Winnipeg Free Press
Gale Reference Team
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Winnipeg Free Press, published by Thomson Gale on May 24, 2007. The length of the article is 570 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: Twisters sighted as storm rages; Weather watchers glued to the sky.(City)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: Winnipeg Free Press (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 24, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: a5

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Weather spotters prepare for worst.(Weather)(A statewide network of trained storm watchers regularly call in observations): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

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Weather spotters prepare for worst.(Weather)(A statewide network of trained storm watchers regularly call in observations): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: The Register Guard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008E9VN0
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on October 20, 2003. The length of the article is 1541 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: Weather spotters prepare for worst.(Weather)(A statewide network of trained storm watchers regularly call in observations)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: October 20, 2003
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: B1

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Customer Reviews:

Fast-Paced action.......2004-05-04

This week I read THE TRINITY VECTOR by Steve Perry. Many people feel that Steve Perry is turning out a few too many books lately and therefore his quality is down. If that is so then this is the exception.

The Story concerns a mysterious silver box. The box will answer almost any question asked of it. It will even predict the future. The box appeared in a temple and a courier was hired to take it to the main temple. Needles to say, things get a bit sticky. A number of people want the box. Then it splits itself into three parts and each main player has one. Each piece will tell where the others are. What follows is well paced and well written.

If you pick up the book because of the blurb on the back, you might be a little disappointed that the properties of the box are not mentioned for the first half. But the story works. There is also a steamy sex scene that actually advances the plot. How many times have you seen that happen? Go ahead, take a look at it.

Typical Steve Perry.......2000-10-09

Steve Perry writes books that are fairly open about sex. The details - such as they are - hardly titillate, but there are certainly details. A lot of that depends on your point of view I guess. If I was younger, I'd find the material to be somewhat racy. Of course, the world the younger me lived in was different, but I digress.

There is also a strong martial component to his books. I actually prefer the Matador trilogy, because shooting people doesn't make for interesting reading to me.

The Trinity vector seems to be more of a story in search of a plot to make it work than anything else.

The story is about two people who have loved and lost, and find love again. It's not that bad a story, all things considered.

The book doesn't really fit conveniently into any category. The hero is much to sensitive for a good action novel, but some of the characters are much to... Policitally Incorrect for a novel with a sensitive hero. Actually, they are portrayed with more depth than the equivalent character would be in a true New Age novel, and aren't really made out to be the monsters that a shallower treatment would make them out to be.

Sure, the ending disappoints, except, it's not about the silver box. Once I understood that, it made a lot more sense.

So, what then is this book exactly? Well, for me, it was enjoyable to read. The characters were complex enough tp be interesting, without causing a lot of deep thought about what it all meant. The story read well enough to draw you in, without tripping over itself trying to please. It's just a good, solid, well-crafted story. Nothing ground breaking or earth shattering.

A good afternoon's entertainment, any time (my afternoon was a gloomy one in October, yours can be different).

WOW........2000-06-03

I thought this book was a blast. I couldn't put it down. It starts out explosively and just keeps getting better until the action charged final gun fight. I don't know what a certain other reviewer means when he says the ending fizzles off. It is a great book through and through, with an excellent plot and furiously paced action. And as a fifteen year old I thought it was perfectly fine for a fairly mature reader.

Excellent page-turner with an abbreviated ending.......1999-07-06

I really enjoyed this book, spending a lot more time than I should have in each reading session. I picked up this book after reading the also excellent The Man Who Never Missed.

It follows the adventures of an ex-navy commando who's now a courier, expecting and receiving lethal attention from others trying to intercept the package he carries.

I didn't expect such detailed descriptions in the sex scenes though. It's definitely not something I'll lend my teenage nephew.

The only real problem I have with this story is that parts of the last few pages appear to have gone missing. The plot thunders wonderfully toward the endpoint, then all of a sudden there's the epilogue and I feel I've missed out on the final scene. What happened in that missing scene that explains the epilogue?

If I'd stopped at the penultimate page, I would have given it five stars. It is a great read until then.

Average customer rating:
Target Earth & THe Trinity Vector ( Set of 2 Books )

Manufacturer: Aspect
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GS5QYG

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The Trinity Vector
Steve Perry
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000LNLJPG

Book Description

Martín Prechtel continues the narrative of his unique life in Santiago, Atitlan in Long Life, Honey in the Heart, an eloquent memoir replete with the subtle intelligence and sophistication of Mayan culture. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Guatemala's political upheaval in the 1980s, this heady mix of magic, humor, and spirituality immerses the reader in the experiences of Mayan birth, courting, marriage, childrearing, old age, death, and beyond, using the true story of Prechtel's own family and friends.

Customer Reviews:

Each on for the benefit of all.......2007-05-20

Modern society has us born and abandonded. It does not take any interest in us unless we make lots of money or achieve some kind of fame. We have little purpose in it except to make money for others and that is pretty much the extent of it: nothing else is demanded of us.

Martin Prechtel's book describes a society where giving is more important than receiving, working together for a common cause of spiritual value rather than material value, opposed on both sides by the materialist communists and capitalists, neither of whom can see any value in their old ways of initiation.

Yet the initition creates a person of far greater value than those who sought to destroy it. Whether or not the reader can share the beliefs of the Tzutujil Maya, and for a modern reader it is of course difficult, the result of this system of society is the creation of real human beings, lives not devoid of meaning and afloat on a sea of worthlessness, but deeply intertwined with the living processes of the world, each one feeling that they contribute to the story of life, that they have value and love.

The difficult and dangerous passage of initiation that the adolescents of the village undergo to bring the goddess back to life gives them an inner power and wisdom that stays with them for the rest of their lives, meaning that they don't become disruptive, lost and alienated from the world but an integral part.

It is a shame to me that our modern societies, whatever their political system, cannot operate more in this way. Not to live exactly like they used to - before the modern societies imposed themselves - but to realise what they achieved and how it can benefit our cast-adrift generations.

I have given this book five stars because it offers a way out of the ever-tightening spiral of anguish that drives even the pleasures of modern life and it does so without preaching or spite. There are humourous passages throughout as well as more serious tracts. It is about the joy and beauty of life.

JUST AS GREAT AS HIS OTHER BOOKS!.......2007-02-16

This is the third book I've read by Martin Prechtel. I wish there were 5 more to read. He is an excellent wordsmith and his experience with the Maya people of Lake Atitlan is much needed in these troubled times.

BLESS YOU MARTIN.......2007-01-20

We saw Martin speak in Ashland, Oregon, and bought his books. they are nectar foods for the soul. nothing else like his writing, he will transport you with language to a place in your brain beyond language. Savory, delicious, honest, wildly reverent. but it and read it. then quit your job.

A glimpse of a loving and healthy world.......2005-09-07

Prechtel's retelling of his life as a part of a society based on ancient tribal traditions. It gives a rare glimpse of mankind caring for its own. A tale of a culture striving for health and balance between neighbors, generations, mankind and nature. It is a beautiful tale of human beauty dashed by the motion of time in the hands of modern man. As sad as it is to see the outcome I find these people living within me as a reminder of what society can accomplish when it is rooted in respect, dignity and love.

wisdom of the ancients.......2001-01-15

Prechtel's book is incredibly beautiful, describing the life, loves and rituals of a small town in Guatemala, Santiage de Atitlan and the changes that have occurred there. As a companion piece to the Secrets of the Talking Jaguar, which is equally profound, this book leads us away from the Shamanistic and into the everyday life of these beautiful people. The book is full of the wisdom of the past regarding such things as marriage, teenage years, birth and death. My emotions and memories of the indiginous peoples of this land are brought vividly to mind in this book. I have lived and worked for many years with Pueblo people and am struck by the many similarities of belief and ritual.Prechtel is a fantastic writer who keeps one wanting more!

Average customer rating:

Long Life Honey in the Heart Inscribed
Martin Prechtel
Manufacturer: PENGUIN PUTNAM * TRADE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WOTQTK

Average customer rating:

Long Life, Honey in the Heart
Martin Prechtex
Manufacturer: Thorsons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MQOE9A

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