Book Description
In a heartrending and astonishing novel, Eggers illuminates the history of the civil war in Sudan through the eyes of Valentino Achak Deng, a refugee now living in the United States. We follow his life as he's driven from his home as a boy and walks, with thousands of orphans, to Ethiopia, where he finds safety — for a time. Valentino's travels, truly Biblical in scope, bring him in contact with government soldiers, janjaweed-like militias, liberation rebels, hyenas and lions, disease and starvation — and a string of unexpected romances. Ultimately, Valentino finds safety in Kenya and, just after the millennium, is finally resettled in the United States, from where this novel is narrated. In this book, written with expansive humanity and surprising humor, we come to understand the nature of the conflicts in Sudan, the refugee experience in America, the dreams of the Dinka people, and the challenge one indomitable man faces in a world collapsing around him.
Customer Reviews:
a powerful telling of one refugee's story and how it fits into a broader disaster.......2007-09-29
Over several years, a refugee (named Achak) from Sudan who has resettled in the United States (one of the "lost boys of Sudan") told his story to Dave Eggers. Eggers wrote a novel based on the story, and the result is excellent. Leaping back and forth through time, the fictional Achak tells of how he is forced from his village by the Sudanese civil war, travels hundreds (thousands?) of miles on foot from country to country and refugee camp to camp, and then how he arrives in the United States and adjust to life there.
Several times early in the reading I wondered, Why didn't Eggers just write the story of this guy's life rather than a novel "based" on it? Eventually I could see that the novel allowed Eggers to bring in characters, sub-stories, and dialogue to teach us not only Achak's story but also about the broader conflict, the other Sudanese conflict in Darfur, and the problems encountered by a broader net of re-settled refugees. Eggers seeks to (and I believe manages to) give enthrall us with Achak and convey an impressive amount of information at the same time.
I found one of his narrative devices mildly distracting: Achak narrates from the present-day, resettled in the USA, and most of flashbacks are in the form of his mentally telling people around him his story. For example, he meets someone at his work and imagines telling them about the time his buddy got eaten by a lion. But that's a quibble.
The audiobook reading by Dion Graham (published by BBC Audiobooks America) is very well done.
Note on content: Much of this book takes place in a war zone, so we see violence and intense human suffering. And in the USA, there is a mugging that involves lots of strong language (all in the book's first 50 pages).
Straightforward, Unpretentious Memoir.......2007-09-27
I'm a fan of Eggers, and even though I'm not crazy about how the precious and overly self-aware syle of writing in AHWOSG has seeped into literature, I think he has been an important influence. I was pleasantly surprised at how well he avoided his trademark style in this novel -- not that it's a bad thing in other contexts -- but because it wouldn't have worked here. As a result, this is a kind of sparsely (and well) written story. The only thing I thought was a little contrived was the device used to tell the story, which is that Valentino is telling his story to his captor in a robbery, and then some others. They aren't listening, so he's kind of recounting the story to the reader as though he was talking to the captor. I suppose it makes it more interesting than a simple straight-out memoir, but it's a little contrived. The fact that the modern day asides are so short is evidence that they could have just been cut out altogether. (One could say it's just creative, I suppose).
I found the story very interesting, and I would not have made it through any form of nonfiction about the same topic. THis is a credit to Eggers. The character development is credible, and the way he weaves the question "What is the What" through the novel is compelling and profound. It's very well constructed and told, and could be read by a wide age range. It's also fairly evenhanded in its treatment of the politics, and never gets preachy or self-important. (He in fact debunks many of the exaggerated stories of the Lost Boys, which I thought was a pretty brave thing to do).
If you are a fan of Eggers, you will appreciate this book unless you're just in love with his schtick, which is absent. If you're one of the haters (people love to hate AHWOSG, it seems), you might want to give this a try. I think Eggers will go down as a very important writer and this is very well done. And the profits go to charity!
A good book that gets better with diatance.......2007-09-08
There have been enough African horror stories in recent years to constitute a genre - the heart of darkness narrative. Most readers turn to these tales with a mixture of humane concern and prurient fascination. Back in Conrad's day, the European or American narrator generally found himself caught between warm fuzzy liberalism and the horror. In recent years, African narrators, often children, have been the ones whose innocence has been challenged by horrendous deeds and bestial actions done in the name of liberation but in the service of greed. The thin line between naivete and cynicism is particularly treacherous for writers who lived to tell the tale, but haven't had enough time to fully see their experience in perspective. By working with Dave Eggers, Valentino Achak Deng filters the story of his years as a lost boy, and thus provides the reader a chance to get close to him. I tend to shy away from confessional narrators like Ismael Beah, whose A Long Way Gone was too direct for my taste. I appreciated his tale, but it seemed too naïve.
The magic of What is the What is impressive. By creating creaky framing devices (the break-in of Part 1) and historical coincidences (the death of Diana Spencer and the destruction of the twin towers occur on significant days in Valentino's life), Eggers reminds us that this is a fiction based on a real life and actual incidents in Sudan's history. In the process of peeling off the artifice, the reader paradoxically draws closer to the young man who narrates the story. He preserves some mystery because we know that we don't know all that he might have said. We long to see him more clearly, just as we gaze at the drawing on the cover and wish that his eyes and features weren't obscured by shadow. But Valentino is himself trying to uncover the mysteries of fate, self, and the elusive "What," which seems both mystical and concrete.
There were times when I wanted more historical detail - religious conflicts and the promise of oil wealth explain the problem in broad terms, but Sudan has been part of public discourse for so long that one longs for more nuance. However, Valentino is not a political scientist, and the balance between naivete and knowledge is delicate. Eggers provides promising leads for the reader who wants more history. I loved the way the past and present narratives intertwined to make us sympathetic to Valentino's need for love and affection. His relationship with Tabitha was particularly affecting because we first experienced her in America and only gradually learned about the origins of their relationship. After he leaves his hometown to journey across Sudan with the Lost Boys, we forget about his parents for a long time, but we feel their absence keenly. Deng and Eggers have created a story rich in emotion and human feeling, no small task when facing the horrors of Sudan. In the end, we only know a little more about the situation in Sudan and Darfur, but we feel as if we have a Sudanese friend. And yet we can't even recognize his face or say for sure if his name is really Valentino Achak Deng.
A thought provoking and enjoyable read.......2007-09-05
Dave Eggers' What is the What is a fictional, yet truthful account of Sudanese refugee Valentino Deng and his life throughout civil war stricken Sudan and the United States of America. Eggers' retelling of Deng's life is not one of a robotic biography, but rather a fluid reminiscence interspersed with moments of the present and laced throughout with Eggers' own voice. The story is simultaneously frightening and beautiful, a feeling created by a combination of Deng's personal strength and Eggers' unique sense of timing and dark humor. This voice pokes fun at the ironies between Deng's life in America and Sudan. For example, the American Deng works the front counter at a health club in a county where almost 60 million people are overweight but while in Sudan he tried to get an extra ration card because food was scarce. There doesn't seem to by any anger at these ironies, Deng appears to be more confused by them then anything.
The plot is exciting enough to hold one's interest and be fun, yet still contains enough truth and soul to it to make you really think about Deng's plights during his journey. It is the ability to maintain this balance which truly takes the book from an interesting tale to a piece of literary art. The story itself is not only beautifully written, but expertly paced; on multiple occasions I found myself ready to put the book down for the night and turned the page to discover that I was at the end of a chapter. It is those little things that make the book an absolute joy to read. Also, I feel that I must mention the hardcover art is absolutely beautiful and protected the book from harm when I spilled a cup of tea on it, which is something I was pleasantly surprised by. What is the What is an great thought provoking, yet very accessible read, and I would recommend it to everyone.
MUST READ.......2007-09-04
The book was recommended by a Bible study leader and it did not disappoint. I learned so much regarding the past and current situation in Sudan (not necessarily the point of the book) that I am now embarrased about my previous ignorance. This book changed the way I look at the world. I highly recommend it!
Book Description
Using a practical, step-by-step approach, easy-to-follow language, an abundance of graphics, and state-of-the-art professional machining simulation/verification software, this text/CD-ROM package gradually develops the most fundamental concepts in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology—with a focus on word address (G and M code) programming for the industry standard Fanuc controllers. An emphasis on program pattern recognition helps readers learn to organize lines of CNC code into specific groups that execute particular machining operations. Contains self-contained, thoroughly tested program listings, over 92 completely solved programming examples, over 165 self-contained programming exercises, a review of important mathematical principles, and quick-reference appendixes. The accompanying software can be run on many types of computer platforms. Modern Machine Tool Controls. Tooling for Hole and Milling Operations. Features of CNC Machining Centers. Review of Basic Blueprint Reading. Review of Basic Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. Mathematics for CNC Programming. An Overview of CNC Shop Activities. Word Address Programming. Programming Hole Operations. Programming Linear Profiles. Programming Circular Profiles. Programming with Cutter Diameter Compensation. Programming with Subprograms. Introduction to the CNC Lathe. Fundamental Concepts of CNC Lathe Programming. Techniques and Fixed Cycles for CNC Lathe Programming. Modern Computer-Aided Part Programming. Elements of the Computer-Controlled Factory. Verifying Part Programs. For CNC Programmers/Operators, Machinists, Process Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Shop Operators/Managers, Planners, Coordinators, Sales Personnel.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for getting started.......2001-11-18
When I wanted to make a career change, this book was my primer on the basics of CNC programming and machining. It helped me to quickly pick up the essentials of this manufacturing process. I recommend it to anyone who wishes to get a foundation or refresher course in the basics, such as understanding shop math, G code programming, tooling, set-ups, speeds and feeds etc. These are the necessary building blocks for success in this field.
The best illustrated CNC text on the market.......2001-10-27
This book is probably one of the best Tech texts that I have yet seen. It covers a wide range of topics and keeps the reader interested with very good photograps and 3D drawings. There are several chapters for beginners to deal with shop trigonometry, metalworking data, blueprint reading, as well as a nice overview of CNC Mill and Lathe programming.
If Peter Smid's book is the best reference on the topic of CNC Programming, this book certainly is a close second for value. This book's contents are not as advanced as Mr. Smid's work, but it is more than adequate for most students in college, university, and apprentices wishing to learn the trade.
Good job!
Peter Eigler
Book Description
- Student-friendly graphical displays are emphasized in lieu of long text and definitions.
- Includes an overview of the process of generating a word address program.
- Examples provide step-by-step instructions with graphical displays.
- Eliminates flipping between pages by featuring all explanations on the same page as the example.
- Contains exercises at the end of each chapter.
- Features a process plan for many machining exercises to indicate the machining operations to be performed and the tools to be used.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent for cad/cam students! 5 star cnc-book.......2006-07-18
I must agree with the other reviewers. The authors have managed to produce an excellent title that will help all of us cnc novices. The diagrams, instructions, as well as the included cd made for an excellent hands-on experience. I would strongly recommend purchasing this book from a cncbookstore. Thank you for this great manual, now I have a strong grasp of mastercam.
mastercam.......2006-03-16
easy to follow, & informative but has a few 'typos' in it--also I couldn't get the tool library to save right.
Worthwile text on Mastercam.......2006-03-16
It is very difficult to write a text suitable for tecnical
school and college undergraduate level at the same time.
The authors have accomplished this.
With this text you can begin learning to program in Mastercam
from the first chapter.
The CD included makes familarization work without the expense
of buying the full program.
good but basic.......2005-09-24
As a conplete novice I found this book very useful.I liked the note like style of the writing and found the general setup information time saving.
Learning Mastercam Mill Step by Step.......2005-09-23
This is an excellent book. It is very easy to understand but it spend 4 chapters to teach how to make a drawings, few minor mistakes but it is critical to new user (you got lost and you need read again and again to understand it was a mistake),and few exercises we can not do it because of the demo disk. I still can follow through whole book even the mistakes and/or I can not do the exercises.
Most of us use other professional cad software. I will recommend the author concentrate how to convert other CAD software, how to rotate or translate the axis, and do the measurement on the converted drawings.
I recommend you read this book first if you are new to MasterCam like me.
I am not a machinest and I learning this just to see I can produce G code for machining. I don't know which book I should read after. Any recommendation?
Book Description
What If I had Never Tried It is the first autobiography of arguably the world's greatest motorcycle road racing champion, Valentino Rossi. Certainly he is the greatest in modern times and similarly the best loved. This is the official, personal story: fast paced yet insightful.
Rossi’s record in the motorcycle road racing World Championship is supreme. First in the ultra-competitive 125 class starting in 1996; then in the 250 class only to graduate shortly thereafter to the big league of the 500s. In 2002 the premier class switched direction moving from 500 cc two-strokes to 990 cc four-strokes from then on to be known as MotoGP. Rossi rides for Honda and wins. He wins on a Honda the next year and then switches to Yamaha, to every race fans’ surprise, and wins against all odds. He wins again in 2005. No one is close. No one is faster. And all at speeds which approach 200 mph.
Both on and off-track, on the ubiquitous TV screen or walking in the street, Rossi is idolized as though he were a rock star. From his native Italy to California, from Philips Island to Laguna Seca, he has raised the limits, reshaped the frontiers of the sport and set new trends. Rossi has become the 21st Century face of motorcycle road racing. Yet he remains faithful to himselfâone moment the intelligent, articulate interviewee; the next a jokester; the next the single-minded, focused, strategic racer with split-second skills the rest of us can only dream of.
Customer Reviews:
Read the book, change your mind.......2007-09-01
I am a MotoGP fan who always admired Rossi the rider but thought he was a bit of an ego maniac. I never really liked Rossi the guy until I read this book. He gives a picture of his life from childhood through his all important development to present (near). There are many facinating tid bits from his childhood in Italy to the near impossible to manage super-stardom. He also shares some of the behind the scenes of MotoGP, his rivalries and big move from Honda to Yamaha.
I am no literary critic but I can say the book is personal and warm, very conversational. It'll make you laugh, it'll make you think. It may change your mind about who Rossi really is. Great book for any motorsport fan or interested reader.
Rossi.......2007-07-11
Book was in great shape, no tears. Delivered in a reasonable amount of time
Living Legend.......2007-06-09
This book is a must for any MotoGP fan.It really explains most if not all of what's going on in the mind of the most spectacular bike racer ever!!!!
A very interesting life of a genius.......2007-05-12
This book is very easy to read and understand the life of Valentino Rossi.
There are many funny stories in it. And many technical too.
A real pleasure to read it.
The Story of a Champion.......2007-04-12
Find out how one hardcore motorcyclist became a champion in this well-written autobiography. You'll see how the choices Rossi made helped him become a winner.
Book Description
- Student-friendly graphical displays are emphasized in lieu of long text and definitions.
- Includes an overview of the process of generating a word address program.
- Examples provide step-by-step instructions with graphical displays.
- Eliminates flipping between pages by featuring all explanations on the same page as the example.
- Contains exercises at the end of each chapter.
- Features a process plan for many machining exercises to indicate the machining operations to be performed and the tools to be used.
- The enclosed CD contains a student version of Mastercam Mill X.
- The CD also contains the same examples used in the text so students can practice select exercises.
Customer Reviews:
New Mastercam User.......2007-01-10
I found this publication an excellent introduction to Mastercam X and the whole concept of 3D Milling. The projects are easy to follow and are easily translated to producing your own projects. I am sure the more advanced sections will become useful as I progress in 3D Milling.
WELL DONE
Frustrating and very poorly edited.......2006-10-17
Did anyone actually do the problems given in the book? If they did they would have discovered that key strokes are missing and some dimensions are wrong. Awful, don't bother.
Editing?.......2006-05-27
The material is worthwhile, but the editors have let down the authors on this text. I found too many errors to be excused. Errors focused on spelling and missing keystroke information.
Come on guys! Spelling errors are inexcusable these days! Key stroke sequence errors should have been fixed in the editing process.
I have worked with AutoCAD for 19 years, and I have been writing CNC programs for 8 years. I was able to deduce the correct keystroke information, but I think this would be a difficult (frustrating) text for the novice.
Beginner .......2006-03-10
This book is the best in the industry. There is no other book that can teach you mastercam mill from scratch, trust me i looked. I can't wait till they come out with their lathe version.
Book Description
Provides a sound theoretical basis for understanding chemical kinetics and its uses in studying drug stability. Treats the calculations, approximations, and estimates that are useful to the pharmacist in professional practice, and presents a collection of selected drug-stability data from the pharmaceutical literature. This Handbook makes accessible to the pharmacist much of the information necessary to make pharmaceutical decisions about drug stability. Changes in this edition include thorough revision of the chapter on oxidation, addition of a new chapter on solid-state stability, and a tripling of the number of stability monographs. All monographs figures have been redrawn, most of them from published data, and all sources are cited.
Book Description
This haunting first collection of Annabelle's memories are filled with frightening stories and dark fairy tales about her various owners . Featuring the first 6 issues, as well as some other spookirific surprises, including an introduction by Tommy Kovac (Skelebunnies, Stitch and Autumn) as well as a guest page by Jhonen Vasquez and other SLG creators.
Customer Reviews:
Hoe Hum.........2006-12-22
It's not a bad book the imageries good, the stories somewhat interesting. But something is missing. It's worth buying but you may need both volumes to feel fully satisfied. If you like her artist style it's worth it for the pictures, but there is something lacking in the over all completed product that makes it hard for me to give it a higher rating.
Fairy Tales Back to Their Dark Roots.......2006-01-30
Before Disney changed things and made everyone think Fairy Tales are all about Bambis and fuzzy bunnies, Fairy Tales were dark, disturbing, and always had a meaning. Serena Valentino attempts to bring those fairy tales back to their dark roots, with art by FSc. And, for the most part, she succeeds. Each tale is dark and disturbing, and the each story is told with decieving simplicity. The dialogue is also simple; so simple that it feels juvenile, like something a high schooler might write during study hall (ok, perhaps that's a bit too severe...). Also, Valentino's original stories, such as the first story with the lesbian vampires, are simply not as strong as her own twists on such well known Fairy Tales as Cinderella and Snow White. And lastly, even though I feel FSc's art is strong and vivid, there are a few moments where the drawings are very sketchy, as if the artist simply forget to put the finishing touches on those frames. All in all though, Nightmares & Fairytales is more hit than miss, and is a good read for anyone in the mood for a dark comic.
Cute evil.......2006-01-19
I read the first comic when it was first released, and I fell in love with the artwork almost immediately. The writing is very lovely, some of the stories--especially in volume 2--are brilliant, but it can also fall a little flat at times. But the art, however, is what draws me to this series over and over again. FSc is a fabulous artist, she incorporates a vague anime sensibility couples with swirling, magical images. The characters--especially Gwen--are adorable, the worlds are filled with beauty, and there is an overabundance of cuteness.
I wish ALL fairy tales were like this.......2006-01-14
This is not a funny book. Er, not not-funny as in poor humor, but not funny as in it's not supposed to be a gut-buster. Not funny as in not bought to make you laugh, like Squee or Lenore would be. It is also drawn in a more manga-ish style than Dirge or Vasquez' stuff. It has some very cool stories, most are gorey spin-offs from fairy tales. It is told through the eyes of a little doll. Again, it's not supposed to be funny but it is fascinating. The drawings are sometimes vague and hard to follow, and the characters all look a bit too similar to easily disifer, the first few storues were a bit too confusing, and I had to carefully re-read certain part to get what was happening, but it's a good book. Definately worth figuring out.
The back also has trade art from Vasquez and Dirge, which I found a very pleasant suprise.
devilish delight.......2005-09-17
This book is, as my father would say, warped. It is strong in visuals and original twists on classic stories. I would recommend this book for lovers of dark subjects, those who would tour a house only for its hunted stasis. I do not plan on buying any more books under this title in the near future, but that is not for the lack of quality. I personally found the books too dark for my taste at this point. But if you a looking for a devilish delight, here it is.
Book Description
Serving people is difficult and demanding work, but the rewards outweigh the challenges. Education, training, and a professional attitude are the ingredients needed to harvest those rewards. This comprehensive book educates servers, supervisors, and managers in the techniques and demeanor of professional service.
Book Description
Personality Selling is a unique and long overdue concept for understanding the art of influence. It is the first book to combine the most powerful psychological models in use today - Neuro-Linguistic-Programming (NLP), Ericksonian Hypnosis, and the Enneagram personality typing system - with traditional selling techniques to show you how to apply the golden rule of selling: "Sell unto others the way they want to be sold to."
Personality Selling acts as a map that allows the reader to get inside the head of others and recognize the seemingly random and often mysterious aspects of the many personalities we meet. Personality Selling describes such things as; NLP personality traits, the nine personality types of human nature, how the mind makes associations, the structure of rapport, the power of language, and the impact of physiology. It also examines the basics of selling using a powerful psychological approach to gathering information, tailoring presentations, handling objections, and recognizing the various ways people make decisions. It also includes a comprehensive section on the psychology and tactics of negotiation. Through extensive use of experiential language and examples, the reader can actually experience the impact different approaches can have on others so they can fine tune their selling style to achieve success.
Customer Reviews:
Personality Selling : Using NLP and the Enneagram to Understand People and How They Are Influenced.......2006-03-16
One of the best books that I read on Selling and NLP. However, it is of advantage to have some idea about NLP and the Enneagram. But that's what the title already presupposes, anyway
Good Straight-Forward Tools.......2005-09-23
I just took a 3 week intensive Practitioner's Certification training course in California with Robert Dilts and I found this book to be really helpful with "people reading". I found some information we really didn't have time to go into in CA in this book. It is written cleanly and clearly on subjects that can be complex. I recommend it to anyone studying NLP for any reason.
The Enneagram.......2004-10-25
If you have already read books on NLP and selling, you won't get anything new out of it. It gets three stars because it introduces the enneagram and correlates the meta-programs to it, and that's something quite interesting.
If you want to understand NLP READ THIS BOOK.......2004-05-20
If you want NLP to make practical sense and apply it then this book is a must. The author clearly has an in depth grasp of NLP, the Enneagram and selling. Filled with practical examples, tips for influencing all personality types, and how to tie different psychological models together, this book is a must for everyone whether in sales or just trying to understand and get along with the people in your life.
Distinctions that make the difference........2003-12-06
It is clear that Valentino has fluid experience with NLP in the real word. The distinctions he makes can only come from practical application. Valuable insight brought out in a well written book.
Books:
- What You Wear Can Change Your Life
- You Are Being Lied To: The Disinformation Guide to Media Distortion, Historical Whitewashes and Cultural Myths
- 300
- A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
- A Twist of the Wrist: Quick Flavorful Meals with Ingredients from Jars, Cans, Bags, and Boxes
- All Wrapped Up!: Groovy Gift Wrap of the 1960s
- America's Painted Ladies: The Ultimate Celebration of Our Victorians
- Applied Equity Analysis: Stock Valuation Techniques for Wall Street Professionals
- Art And Flair Of Mary Blair, The
- Art, Space and the City: Public Art and Urban Futures
Books Index
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Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
The Emperor's Children (Vintage)
The Inheritance of Loss
Suite Francaise
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
