Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
  • True friendship
  • So-So
  • Easy Read
  • Everyone I Know Loves This Book
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel
Lisa See
Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Asian American | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
HistoricalHistorical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
FriendshipFriendship | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0812968069
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Book Description

In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.

Download Description

Lisa See is the author of Flower Net (an Edgar Award nominee), The Interior, and Dragon Bones, as well as the critically acclaimed memoir On Gold Mountain. The Organization of Chinese American Women named her the 2001 National Woman of the Year. She lives in Los Angeles.


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.......2007-10-03

I thought this book was very informative as to the life and habits of the Chinese around the turn of the 20th century. Relationships have changed little since that time, people are always misunderstanding situations. It was beautifully described and written.

5 out of 5 stars True friendship.......2007-10-02

This book is not a "feel good" book, in fact you will be choking back the tears by the end of it. The book goes deep into the relationship between two friends starting with early days of footbinding and on to through the ups and downs of life. It is well worth your time to read!

3 out of 5 stars So-So.......2007-10-02

Based on all the reviews, I had expected this book to be much better than it was. I found the chapter on the feet-binding process well-written and interesting, but the rest of the novel was fairly uneventful for me. I thought a lot of the messages the women were writing to each other were too "sappy". I really felt no emotional connection to any of the women - except maybe for Auntie (Beautiful Moon's mother). I'm glad I read the book, but I think it's overrated.

3 out of 5 stars Easy Read.......2007-10-01

Easy read but distrubing to learn of the cultural practices that young chinese girls had to endure.

5 out of 5 stars Everyone I Know Loves This Book.......2007-09-29

Once I read Snow Flower, I passed it on to a friend, who passed it on, and on, and on. Everyone has loved this book. For myself, I found it engaging and endlessly entertaining. It has a beginning, a middle and an end that are all wonderful. The writer has a beautiful way of telling the story of an enduring friendship. I highly recommend.
1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • 1,000 Places to Go Before You Die
  • Pure Conde Nast
  • No what I was expecting....
  • I don't agree
  • Disgraceful Bias and Shameless Slant
1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List
Patricia Schultz
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  3. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Traveler's Journal (Travel Journal) 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Traveler's Journal (Travel Journal)
  4. Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die
  5. Unforgettable Things to Do Before You Die Unforgettable Things to Do Before You Die

Accessories:
  1. Panasonic ES4815S Pro Curve Compact Mens Shaver With Double Blades, Blue/Silver Panasonic ES4815S Pro Curve Compact Mens Shaver With Double Blades, Blue/Silver

ASIN: 0761104844

Book Description

Around the World, continent by continent, here is the best the world has to offer: 1,000 places guaranteed to give travelers the shivers. Sacred ruins, grand hotels, wildlife preserves, hilltop villages, snack shacks, castles, festivals, reefs, restaurants, cathedrals, hidden islands, opera houses, museums, and more. Each entry tells exactly why it's essential to visit. Then come the nuts and bolts: addresses, websites, phone and fax numbers, best times to visit. Stop dreaming and get going.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 1,000 Places to Go Before You Die.......2007-09-28

This book is the "real" deal, as indicated by the multitude of authors who mimic even just the title! It is well researched, well written and an awesome undertaking by Ms. Schultz. The destinations chosen are what I, as a traveller, dream of seeing and experiencing.The factual tidbits about each of the locations satiate the curious. How the Grand Tetons were named, for example, or that the "Medieval Europeans popularly believed it (Iceland) to be the threshold of the underworld.." are interesting facts that required research and outstanding editing.
1,000 Places to Go Before You Die is an excellent resource for planning a trip. Bravo, Ms. Schultz!

1 out of 5 stars Pure Conde Nast.......2007-09-27

Each of the 1000 "sights" is accompanied by a resumee. The first section of these is entitled "What" (others are "How" etc) - time and time again the entry is "Site and Hotel". Have the Hotels paid to be mentioned? I know not but even the most magnificent Natural and Cultural sights seem to get associated with a hotel!
If you want to see the world a la Conde Nast then use this book as your bible. If not then start your lifetime plans with the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Despite its undoubted "Western bias" it gives Africa and Asia a better shout than this book.

3 out of 5 stars No what I was expecting...........2007-09-25

I know that in order to cram 1,000 different places in the world into one book, you are going to have to be as brief as possible, but still present enough details so that people reading the book might be interested in visiting a particular location. Well--the book gives great ideas for places to see, but just not enough information to keep you from having to go other places to do more research for your trips. Overall--not great, but not terrible either.

1 out of 5 stars I don't agree.......2007-09-20

I've done a lot of world travel, and I most certainly do not agree with many of the author's choices. Almost half of the destinations are in the United States, and certain countries in Africa and Asia are completely overlooked! Luckily I just borrowed this from a friend and did not waste my money.

My advice: If you are a true blue world traveler and don't like the typical touristy stuff - you will be disappointed with this book.

1 out of 5 stars Disgraceful Bias and Shameless Slant .......2007-09-17

This is a slanted politically-biased listing with gaping omissions that are simply shameful and unacceptable. For instance, it lists no sites worth seeing in Lebanon, a country that contains 6 of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites; by comparison, for instance, the list includes 10 sites in Israel, a country that contains 6 World Heritage Sites as well (counting the one in Jerusalem as being in Israel, which is disputed still). I frankly can't think of a reason for the glaring discrepancy other than political bias. You'd think a fair and balanced list (not ala Fox News) of 1000 must-see sites would at least include the World Heritage Sites (the total of which is 851 properties "forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value").
I recommend instead the gorgeously photographed "Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die" or Lonely Planet's far more comprehensive "The Travel Book".
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A+
  • Addicting!
  • Eric Carle
  • Wonderful for 12mo olds!
  • Inspires reading
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Bill Martin Jr.
Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

ColorsColors | Basic Concepts | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0805047905

Amazon.com

The gentle rhyming and gorgeous, tissue-paper collage illustrations in this classic picture book make it a dog-eared favorite on many children's bookshelves. On each page, we meet a new animal who nudges us onward to discover which creature will show up next: "Blue Horse, Blue Horse, What do you see? I see a green frog looking at me." This pattern is repeated over and over, until the pre-reader can chime in with the reader, easily predicting the next rhyme. One thing readers might not predict, however, is just what kinds of funny characters will make an appearance at the denouement! Children on the verge of reading learn best with plenty of identifiable images and rhythmic repetition. Eric Carle's good-humored style and colorful, bold illustrations (like those in The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Ladybug, and Have You Seen My Cat?) have earned him a prominent place in the children's book hall of fame. (Baby to Preschool) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck-- all parade across the pages of this delightful book. Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages. Combined with Bill Martin's singsong text, they create unforgettable images of these endearing animals.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A+.......2007-09-30

I've used this book (the hard cover version) to teach English to my Kindergarten English Language Learners. They like it! I also give this as a gift to my friends' pre-schoolers. It's a keeper.

5 out of 5 stars Addicting!.......2007-09-27

From the day we purchased this book, my daughter asks for it EVERYTIME she lies down for a nap or bedtime. I quickly learned it by heart so I could tell her the story in the dark (many times she will fall asleep before I finish). My husband however just changes the story a little bit. My daughter can now read it to us (only 21 months old) and does so often. This book has really helped her learn her animals and colors. I will be giving this book for a shower gift from now on.

5 out of 5 stars Eric Carle.......2007-09-23

Anything by Eric Carle is excellent. This is my son's favorite book. He's 3 and know every animal before we get to the page.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful for 12mo olds!.......2007-09-20

We bought this for our daughter for her first birthday. The text is simple, teaching colors and animals. The illustrations are, of course, beautiful. She loves this book!

5 out of 5 stars Inspires reading.......2007-09-09

My 3-year-old granddaughter found this book easy to memorize. She loved being able to anticipate which animal would be next, along with its color. This, in turn, gave her the feeling of being able to read, and I believe it was this book that inspired her to learn how to read "for real" in the next few months. I'd recommend it for younger children as well.
Training to See: A Value Stream Mapping Workshop (Lean Enterprise Institute)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Training to See: A Value Stream Mapping Workshop (Lean Enterprise Institute)
    Mike Rother , and John Shook
    Manufacturer: Lean Enterprise Institute
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0966784324
    Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Exactly what I needed
    • Good deal
    • book
    • Nice balance of creative & technical advice
    • Absolutely worth it!
    Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)
    Bryan Peterson
    Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0817441816

    Book Description

    Almost everyone can "see" in the conventional sense, but developing photographic vision takes practice. Learning to See Creatively helps photographers visualize their work, and the world, in a whole new light.

    Now totally rewritten, revised, and expanded, this best-selling guide takes a radical approach to creativity. It explains how it is not some gift only for the "chosen few" but actually a skill that can be learned and applied. Using inventive photos from his own stunning portfolio, author and veteran photographer Bryan Peterson deconstructs creativity for photographers. He details the basic techniques that went into not only taking a particular photo, but also provides insights on how to improve upon it—helping readers avoid the visual pitfalls and technical dead ends that can lead to dull, uninventive photographs.

    This revised edition features the latest information on digital photography and digital imaging software, as well as an all-new section on color as a design element. Learning to See Creatively is the definitive reference for any photographers looking for a fresh perspective on their work.

    * New edition of a best-selling title
    * Updated to include digital
    * All new artwork, and a totally revised and expanded text
    * All-new section on color as a design element
    * Written by one of Amphoto's bestselling authors

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Exactly what I needed.......2007-08-15

    I purchased this book earlier this summer and couldn't be more pleased with the information it contains. I needed some inspiration to "see" things differently to make my photographs more dramatic. Bryan's writing and assignments in this book really changed the way I look at the composition of a scene and the way I see colors and how they compliment each other. My photos have improved A LOT since applying some of the principles written about in this book.

    5 out of 5 stars Good deal.......2007-08-10

    I found the information in the book worth money I paid. I love photography but something was missing in getting appealing result with my photos. This book fills some holes in my amateur knowledge and also opened my mind to different thinking and approach. Good examples of right and wrong, nice recommendations. Specialy I live author's good sense to explain observation techniques with everyday and real life situations.
    I'm still not done, searching for another book.

    5 out of 5 stars book.......2007-08-02

    good experience, did not speed in sending and prefered no shippimg. I deal with Amazon and they always take care of me

    5 out of 5 stars Nice balance of creative & technical advice.......2007-07-26

    This book delivers on its promise to teach you how to see the world in ways that will lead to better photos. The examples (photographs and commentary) are inspiring and the author provides enough details about technique so you know how he took the picture but you're not overwhelmed. It is an enjoyable read and I like to go back and look at the examples again and again. I only wish the book were longer, I was sorry when I finished it.

    5 out of 5 stars Absolutely worth it!.......2007-06-20

    I've been shooting for a few years now and felt I needed something to take me to the next step. While this isn't a 100% solution to that problem it definitely is a huge step in the right direction. This book has opened my thinking to different ways of composing, and in general really helped me to see the bigger picture while shooting. All of the 100+ photos in the book give the details of the exposure which is a huge help in and of itself.

    Highly recommended for the avid hobbyist to semi pro and even down to the mom or regular guy/girl who just want to take better pictures.
    See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Real behind the scenes of how the spy agency worked
    • Dispatches From the Pre-9/11 War on Terror Front
    • Useful Stuff
    • "Why don't they listen to me?"
    • My favorite CIA book
    See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism
    Robert Baer
    Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    PoliticalPolitical | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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    5. Inside the CIA Inside the CIA

    ASIN: 140004684X
    Release Date: 2003-01-07

    Book Description

    In his explosive New York Times bestseller, top CIA operative Robert Baer paints a chilling picture of how terrorism works on the inside and provides startling evidence of how Washington politics sabotaged the CIA’s efforts to root out the world’s deadliest terrorists, allowing for the rise of Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda and the continued entrenchment of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

    A veteran case officer in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations in the Middle East, Baer witnessed the rise of terrorism first hand and the CIA’s inadequate response to it, leading to the attacks of September 11, 2001. This riveting book is both an indictment of an agency that lost its way and an unprecedented look at the roots of modern terrorism, and includes a new afterword in which Baer speaks out about the American war on terrorism and its profound implications throughout the Middle East.

    “Robert Baer was considered perhaps the best on-the-ground field
    officer in the Middle East.”
    –Seymour M. Hersh, The New Yorker

    From The Preface
    This book is a memoir of one foot soldier’s career in the other cold war, the one against terrorist networks. It’s a story about places most Americans will never travel to, about people many Americans would prefer to think we don’t need to do business with.

    This memoir, I hope, will show the reader how spying is supposed to work, where the CIA lost its way, and how we can bring it back again. But I hope this book will accomplish one more purpose as well: I hope it will show why I am angry about what happened to the CIA. And I want to show why every American and everyone who cares about the preservation of this country should be angry and alarmed, too.

    The CIA was systematically destroyed by political correctness, by petty Beltway wars, by careerism, and much more. At a time when terrorist threats were compounding globally, the agency that should have been monitoring them was being scrubbed clean instead. Americans were making too much money to bother. Life was good. The White House and the National Security Council became cathedrals of commerce where the interests of big business outweighed the interests of protecting American citizens at home and abroad. Defanged and dispirited, the CIA went along for the ride. And then on September 11, 2001, the reckoning for such vast carelessness was presented for all the world to see.

    Download Description

    In See No Evil, one of the CIA's top field officers of the past quarter century recounts his career running agents in the back alleys of the Middle East. In the process, Robert Baer paints a chilling picture of how terrorism works on the inside and provides compelling evidence about how Washington politics sabotaged the CIA's efforts to root out the world's deadliest terrorists.

    On the morning of September 11, 2001, the world witnessed the terrible result of that intelligence failure with the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In the wake of those attacks, Americans were left wondering how such an obviously long-term, globally coordinated plot could have escaped detection by the CIA and taken the nation by surprise. Robert Baer was not surprised. A twenty-one-year veteran of the CIA's Directorate of Operations who had left the agency in 1997, Baer observed firsthand how an increasingly bureaucratic CIA lost its way in the post-cold war world and refused to adequately acknowledge and neutralize the growing threat of Islamic fundamentalist terror in the Middle East and elsewhere.

    A throwback to the days when CIA operatives got results by getting their hands dirty and running covert operations, Baer spent his career chasing down leads on suspected terrorists in the world's most volatile hot spots. As he and his agents risked their lives gathering intelligence, he watched as the CIA reduced drastically its operations overseas, failed to put in place people who knew local languages and customs, and rewarded workers who knew how to play the political games of the agency's suburban Washington headquarters but not how to recruit agents on the ground.

    See No Evil is not only a candid memoir of the education and disillusionment of an intelligence operative but also an unprecedented look at the roots of modern terrorism. Baer reveals some of the disturbing details he uncovered in his work, including:

    When Baer left the agency in 1997 he received the Career Intelligence Medal, with a citation that says, "He repeatedly put himself in personal danger, working the hardest targets, in service to his country."

    See No Evil is Baer's frank assessment of an agency that forgot that "service to country" must transcend politics and is a forceful plea for the CIA to return to its original mission -- the preservation of our national sovereignty and the American way of life.


    "Robert Baer was considered perhaps the best on-the-ground field officer in the Middle East."
       SEYMOUR M. HERSH, THE NEW YORKER

    "Robert Baer [was] one of the most talented Middle East case officers of the past twenty years."
       REUEL MARC GERECHT, THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY


    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Real behind the scenes of how the spy agency worked.......2007-10-02

    Only halfway through, but this book is great. It shows you in depth how the agency worked. Reveals how training was done, how missions worked. Includes real stories not just analysis.

    5 out of 5 stars Dispatches From the Pre-9/11 War on Terror Front.......2007-09-30

    The stories and experiences of real life are often more gripping than fiction. Given that celebrated novels receive greater fame and publicity, it is rare to come across a book that captures the adventure of a captivating adventure novel and the benefit of a knowledgeable nonfiction author. A medley of suspense, wisdom from years experience, and formidable lessons from around the globe abound in former CIA officer Bob Baer's veracious story from the forefront of the US's struggle against international terrorism.

    Baer recounts his professional life in one of the most riveting, true-life spy tales around. His first book is easy to follow and lively; even if you're not a James Bond suspense-novel junkie you'll likely appreciate "See No Evil." Baer's insight on the past and the state of current intelligence operations in a post 9/11 world with admonition for, what he sees as, the most potent gambit in the war against Middle Eastern terrorism, is vital for composing a winning strategy in the region.

    The reputability of being the basis for George Clooney's character in the film "Syriana." shouldn't deter readers who actually watched the risible movie. George Clooney's Bob Barnes never amounted to the valorous character we become acquainted with in the book; his pitiful role is a real injustice to the real life Baer. There are no real parallels between the fictional movie`s plot and the book based on Baer's firsthand experiences.

    With such a furtive job like a case officer, it is rare for an author to lift the shroud of secrecy for the public to behold some of these highly-speculated operations. An ordinary American youngster, full of guilelessness and vitality, finds himself leading an anything but ordinary life in an abstruse field that eventually takes him to the forefront of the nation`s interests in the Middle East. Ultimately departing an agency hampered by politicalization and putrefied by scandals, Bob holds back nothing in sharing passionate convictions, doubts, and solicitude in an earnest reflection of his entire espionage career. From the young operative's tribulation of his first assignment in India up to senior liaison orchestrating a coup against Saddam His story is gripping, his insight and perception on the challenges we face is indispensable.

    5 out of 5 stars Useful Stuff.......2007-08-28

    After reading the book one can never be so ignorant!!!
    It's pretty sad to watch these guys risk their lives for such dangerous missions and let go in the end...

    3 out of 5 stars "Why don't they listen to me?".......2007-07-27

    Robert Baer
    See No Evil
    book review

    The first half of this book is a great adventure story. The second reveals a personality.

    We are treated to a sampling of the adventures of a vigorous, energetic, productive young case officer's (we learn that a CIA "agent" is the local who does the actual spying, "case officer" being the term for the professional recruiter and manager of agents) experiences during the birth and maturation of his productive years in southern Asia and the Middle East. For those of us interested in espionage procedurals, this part of the book is exhilarating. I couldn't put it down. It is written with vim and a touch of humor.

    The second half of the book is in some ways more interesting, as it reveals through a change of style a man who needs rest. Mr. Baer's supervisors should have recognized it and brought him "in from the cold" from time to time, so that he could adjust in a healthy way back to normal life with a normal perspective. I saw this happen more than once in my own law enforcement career. Such seems to me what Robert Baer reveals to us, consciously or not, in the second half of his book.

    The transition is marked by a curious re-call, which Robert Baer ("Robert Pope"?) resists vehemently, during which he is investigated as a suspect in a murder for hire. The portrayal of the burned out case officer in the movie Syriana, based on See No Evil, seems to be Robert Baer himself. The fictional character, Wilson, knows too much, or thinks he does. The fictional character in the movie blows up some bad guys, acting on his own authority in secret. The real Robert Baer in See No Evil is accused of plotting to assassinate Saddam Hussein, a weird story in itself. By is own admission, there are things he does not write up in reports.

    It is as though he has arrived in the insane hell of Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now (a movie Mr. Baer refers to in his book). He wonders why "they" back at headquarters don't pay more respect to his on-the-spot reporting. As the fictional character, Captain Willard, says to himself in Apocalypse Now, "They didn't know I wasn't even in their f...ing army anymore."

    But, you see, Robert Baer has been in the field so long and left alone to do pretty much as he sees fit, and it begins to tell. When he and his team are sent to northern Iraq, he interprets whole world scenarios through his team's emplacement. The whole course of world history depends on him and his team's mission. He blows their role out of proportion and takes on the role of the representative of the United States. He writes that the local Kurds think of him as the Untied States Ambassador.

    He is turning into Colonel Kurtz. It is he whom they rely on, and he tells them lies about what Washington thinks and commitments he thinks they should make. Whether the Kurdish leaders really believe him or not is a matter of speculation. Robert Baer seems to think they do. Everything rests on Robert Baer, and Washington just won't do what he tells them needs to be done. It is time to be brought "in from the cold." He's gone over the edge, out of control, and control is what secret operations rely on most. He needs closer supervision. He needs to be watched. (Cf. the latter career of James J. Angleton.) His bosses order him back to the home office in Washington.

    From there we get a phantasmagoria of life in the most unfathomable world imaginable, Washington, D.C. Robert Baer is out of his environment. He admittedly does not understand how it works. He is still "out in the field." He proceeds to engage this strange new world in the context of what he knows how to do. He runs into roadblocks wherever he turns. Why won't they listen to me?

    In sum, read this book. Mr. Baer the author is a good writer and deserves a loyal audience for this and the other books he has written. For those interested in good-humored, adventurous spy stories, it is A-number-one. For those interested in the questionable practices and questionable values of unsupervised operators left to assume roles they should not, this is a perfect example of it.

    Gary Berntsen, too, in his revelation, Jawbreaker, shows us another example of self-exaggerated importance among field people. Why does the CIA allow these people to publish and appear on television? In other recent histories written about these circumstances, nary a word is mentioned about the Gary Bernstsens' or Robert Baers's exploits. "Why won't they listen to me?" "I could've got Saddam Hussein." "I could've got Osama bin Laden." "If only I had two divisions of men with the will to cut off the arms of inoculated children ...." (Colonel Kurtz)

    Maybe the operational side of the CIA should be abandoned. Maybe they are loose cannons. Maybe the CIA should be kept strictly to the business of gathering and analyzing information. Mr. Baer alludes to the establishment of FBI offices overseas. Maybe the CIA or at least its operational side should be folded into the FBI. There are just too many intelligence agencies. There is nothing central about the Central Intelligence Agency. There is not enough control. There are too many Robert Baers and Gary Berntsens out there doing too many things on their own.

    I say all of this with all respect due to Robert Baer, Gary Berntsen, and those like them. As young men they enter into an adventurous world and ripen into the most sincere patriots one can find. They work hard and do good things. However, as mature men, they begin to think they know more than they do and that those with other responsibility know less. "Why don't they listen to us?" Why, indeed.

    5 out of 5 stars My favorite CIA book.......2007-07-23

    I've read a few books on the subject and I have to say that this is my favorite CIA book. Baer's style of writing makes it easy even for a first time CIA history reader. The book is packed with exciting stories and was a very pleasant read. It is a nice add for anyone interested in intelligence and how that region of the world works, as well as how our internal bureaucracy interacts and makes things that much more difficult for these people doing exceptional work abroad.

    And if you watched the movie "Syriana" with George Clooney, this is the book on which it was based. Of course the book is much better and full of detail. I could not put it down once I started reading it.
    1,000 Places to See Before You Die Traveler's Journal (Travel Journal)
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Nice journal
    • Nothing special
    • Before You Die Journal
    • 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Traveler's Journal
    • Good Addition
    1,000 Places to See Before You Die Traveler's Journal (Travel Journal)
    Patricia Schultz
    Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
    Blank BooksBlank Books | Journals | Accessories | Formats | Books
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    ASIN: 0761138323

    Book Description

    Inspired by the roaring #1 New York Times bestseller with more than 1 million copies in print, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Traveler's Journal is perfect for giving--it's specially designed for people who love to travel and want an elegant place to record their experiences. Scattered throughout the journal are traveler's lists ("Unforgettable Destinations for the 'Been There, Done That' Crowd"and "10 Experiences Guaranteed to Give You the Shivers") and quotes that will spark insight and provide writerly inspiration. At the back of the diary is helpful nuts-and-bolts info: time zones, conversion charts, telephone codes, mini-translation guides, and more.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Nice journal.......2007-07-30

    I quite like this book, though I bought it in a store, so I knew what it was when I purchased it. Yes, it's a journal with blank pages to write on. But what I liked about it is the interesting lists of places to see that pop up every 10 pages or so. It also has a quote about travel on each page. The cover is not a hardback, but not a paperback... somewhere in between. It has an attached ribbon bookmark, and a pocket in front that I would use to store receipts on the trip. I would have liked it to be spiral bound to make it easier to write in, so I may take mine to Kinko's and have them cut the binding off and spiral bind it for me.

    2 out of 5 stars Nothing special.......2007-06-18

    Not sure what I was expecting but I think you can get the same thing from a cheap journal without the fancy name

    4 out of 5 stars Before You Die Journal.......2007-05-14

    The book, while constructed of good quality is not exactly filled with information. It is more like a daily travel journal for your personal observations and notes of sites you seen during the travel. The book also is a checklist of places to visit/see. The checklist portion of the 1000 sites has a brief description of the location.

    5 out of 5 stars 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Traveler's Journal.......2007-02-04

    Very informative and easy to use.

    4 out of 5 stars Good Addition.......2006-11-03

    This book is high quality and a good addition to "1000 Places To See Before You Die," but not really necessary. Has good trivia interspersed throughout it and between whatever you write in it during your travels.
    See No Evil: A Novel
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Not Impressed
    • Good Suspense Novel
    • VERY good
    • Great Airport Book!
    • Excellent story teller
    See No Evil: A Novel
    Allison Brennan
    Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
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    1. Fear No Evil: A Novel Fear No Evil: A Novel
    2. Speak No Evil: A Novel Speak No Evil: A Novel
    3. The Hunt: A Novel The Hunt: A Novel
    4. The Kill: A Novel The Kill: A Novel
    5. The Prey: A Novel The Prey: A Novel

    ASIN: 0345495039
    Release Date: 2007-02-27

    Book Description

    A cunning killer hides in plain sight.

    A troubled teenage girl has been charged with the grisly murder of her stepfather. The evidence is damning: Emily was found alone at the scene with blood on her hands, and an incriminating e-mail she wrote outlines a murder plot identical to the method of the brutal slaying. But deputy district attorney Julia Chandler believes her niece is innocent, and she’s determined to keep the promise she made to protect her dead brother’s daughter–even if it means hiring private eye Connor Kincaid . . . the man who blames her for forcing his resignation from the police department.

    Together Julia and Connor uncover a chain of unsolved violent crimes tied to an unorthodox therapist whose anonymous online patients purge their anger by posting lethal fantasies. But someone in the group has turned vigilante, turning the game of virtual murder into a flesh-and-blood vendetta.

    After evil is seen, face your ultimate fear.

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Not Impressed.......2007-08-09

    This trilogy is my first time reading Allison Brennan, and so far I've been less than impressed.

    While not as graphic or violent as the first one, this one seemed a bit too heavy on hardcore romance for a suspense novel. It also seems in both books that the culprit ended up being someone who really wasn't part of the story, and was just kind of tossed in right before being revealed. I also thought the female part of this crime group was way too easy to figure out and identify.

    I'll read the last one, but not sure if I'll purchase any others.

    4 out of 5 stars Good Suspense Novel.......2007-07-29

    I did not enjoy "the suspense" as much as Speak No Evil and Fear No Evil. Seemed like a rush to wrap it up toward the end and characters got thrown in with different names that made it abit hard to follow. There was more "romance" in this book than the other two I mentioned. If you like a good mystery/romance you will enjoy this. It's worth reading if you are following this series because it involves some of the characters found in the other two books I mentioned.

    4 out of 5 stars VERY good.......2007-07-07

    I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was very well thought out and planned. I liked that she put in numerous twists and turns. It was a new concept of murder that I hadn't read before. It kept me interested in what was going on and thinking about who was really behind it all. I enjoyed the Kincaid family and Julia's interactions. I loved how it showed them working through things and what they were thinking. It was interesting to see how they handled the police with Emily and her mental state. I wasn't sure I would like this trilogy after the first book since it wasn't as strong as this one. However this book more than made up for it. I can't wait to read the final book in the Evil trilogy. I would highly recommend this book.

    4 out of 5 stars Great Airport Book! .......2007-06-27

    I liked it. The story was different enough and kept me interested. It wasn't as gory as her last one, but still good. The one thing I'm not into was the love making parts....it's a suspense thriller not a romance novel. Leave that stuff out and put in more killings and it'll get a much high rating. Overall, I would buy the book again and I'm going to read here third book in this series.

    4 out of 5 stars Excellent story teller.......2007-06-27

    Having read several of her books, I like Allison Brennan's style and the way she builds the stories. This book was no different. Mystery, suspense, with a little romance thrown in makes for an entertaining read. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery and who doesn't mind the romance aspect added to it. I will continue to read her books if that helps you decide.
    Teach Yourself Swahili Complete Course Package (Book + 2CDs) (Teach Yourself Language Complete Courses)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • good product, fast shipping
    • Great course!
    • Good Buy
    • No passive learning in your car
    • Can't Lose
    Teach Yourself Swahili Complete Course Package (Book + 2CDs) (Teach Yourself Language Complete Courses)
    Joan Russell
    Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
    AfricanAfrican | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0071414487

    Book Description

    Bestselling language courses now with audio CDs!

    From Danish to Spanish, Swahili to Brazilian Portuguese, the languages of the world are brought within the reach of any beginning student. Learners can use the Teach Yourself Language Courses at their own pace or as a supplement to formal courses. These complete courses are based on the very latest learning methods and designed to be enjoyable and user-friendly.

    Prepared by experts in the language, each course begins with the basics and gradually promotes the student to a level of smooth and confident communication, including:

    The new editions also feature:

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars good product, fast shipping.......2007-05-21

    Good product, but not made to learn a massive amount of Swahili in a short time span. Instead, it's an in-depth coverage of grammar and language rules. Excellent package if you have a considerable amount of time to devote to learning Swahili.

    5 out of 5 stars Great course!.......2007-03-21

    This course to teach yourself Swahili is easy for anybody - all you need is to take time and study.

    5 out of 5 stars Good Buy.......2006-11-04

    It was hard to find a book on Swahili. This one is easy to follow, the CD's are great and they have quizes after each chapter. It will teach you everything you need to know.

    4 out of 5 stars No passive learning in your car.......2006-08-04

    This is a very thorough course - goes well beyond a phrasebook, and the CD is only worthwhile if you read along and do the exercises. So, no passive learning by listening over and over on your commute.

    So, for a quick course in airport and hotel Swahili, choose something else. For a working knowledge of the language, this is perfect.

    5 out of 5 stars Can't Lose.......2006-07-24

    At this price? You will speaking Swahili after soaking in this whole book. All you need after this book is the CD (so you can hear), and a dictionary to extend your vocabulary. The only fault I have is that some words in the English half of the book's dictionary aren't found in the Swahili side, and vice versa. But, this is an EXCELLENT beginners course. An excellent value. The structure of the language is well spelled out.
    How to Draw What You See (Practical Art Books)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Great book
    • Lots of useful information
    • draw what you can see
    • Excellent
    • Good resource
    How to Draw What You See (Practical Art Books)
    Rudy De Reyna
    Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Study & TeachingStudy & Teaching | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    DrawingDrawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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    5. Interaction of Color: Revised and Expanded Edition Interaction of Color: Revised and Expanded Edition

    ASIN: 0823023753

    Book Description

    •A best-seller for 35 years

    • A timeless classic that has taught generations of artists—and will teach generations more

    When it was originally published in 1970, How to Draw What You See zoomed to the top of the publisher's best-seller list—and it has remained there ever since. "I believe that you must be able to draw things as you see them—realistically," wrote Rudy de Reyna in this introduction. Today, generations of artists have learned to draw what they see, to truly capture the world around them, using de Reyna's methods. How to Draw What You See shows artists how to recognize the basic shape to draw the object, no matter how much detail it contains.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Great book.......2007-05-18

    This book is wonderful. I've been drawing ever since I was little, and it is def. helping me sharpen my drawings skills. Even if you don't know how to draw and want to learn-this is a great way to start. The author explains things very well.

    4 out of 5 stars Lots of useful information.......2007-04-10

    A good book for learning to draw the outdoors. Was especially helpful to my teenage son in Art class.

    5 out of 5 stars draw what you can see.......2007-03-27

    I am just amazed at how quickly i received these books, i just wish the freight wasn't quite as dear, I would do much more, I give art classes in my studio and am on a limited budget, so to be able to offer these books at a cheaper rate is great , the condition of the books was terrific and have no hesitation in telling other people about this site, which i have done, the choice of art books seem to be much larger then here in Australia and especially the fact that we can get them secondhand in good condition is a plus..... thank you /very happy customer

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent.......2007-03-19

    This book is excellent for those who want to learn more about drawing. This book is worth buying!

    5 out of 5 stars Good resource.......2007-02-15

    This is a good book to help you define and sharpen your drawing skills. Even if you think you can't draw, give this book a try. It helps you to see what you're drawing instead of trying to draw what you think you saw. Highly recommended, with many projects in the book to use as practice.

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    3. The Amazing Faith of Texas: Common Ground on Higher Ground
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    5. The Elements of Graphic Design: Space, Unity, Page Architecture, and Type
    6. The Glass Castle: A Memoir
    7. The Glory of Their Times
    8. The Great Migration: An American Story
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