History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Oh, what a fun book this was!

Doctor in the House
Richard Gordon
Manufacturer: House of Stratus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Doctors & Medicine | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1842324918

Book Description

Richard Gordon's acceptance into St Swithan's medical school came as no surprise to anyone, least of all him - after all, he had been to public school, played first XV rugby, and his father was, let's face it, 'a St Swithan's man'. Surely he was set for life. It was rather a shock then to discover that, once there, he would actually have to work, and quite hard. Fortunately for Richard Gordon, life proved not to be all dissection and textbooks after all... This hilarious hospital comedy is perfect reading for anyone who's ever wondered exactly what medical students get up to in their training. Just don't read it on your way to the doctor's!

Customer Reviews:

Oh, what a fun book this was!.......2004-01-15

Dr. Gordon (a real doctor, by the way) tells us of medical school adventures at (the fictional) St. Swithin's Hospital in London. It's like a combination of "The Interns" and "Animal House," with lazy students (one who went to med school and failed four times just so he could keep receiving his grandmother's inheritance!), pub crawling, rugby, girlfriends, the horror of cramming for exams, and of the colorful characters (staff, patients, friends & assorted folks that drift in and out) that they come across in a typical crazy day. It's a book that had me laughing on nearly every page, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

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House Doctor
Ann Maurice
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0002202107

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House Doctor Quick Fixes
Ann Maurice , and Fanny Blake
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0007122403

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A Brilliant Resource
yahoo!
Great for do-it-yourselfers
Absolutely Useful
Absolutely Useful

The Furniture Doctor
George Grotz
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Furniture | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0385266707
Release Date: 1989-12-01

Book Description

The best-selling guide to keeping furniture in the finest and most beautiful condition, with complete information on proper repair and refinishing techniques from the legendary expert on antiques and their restoration.

B & W photographs throughout

Customer Reviews:

A Brilliant Resource.......2005-05-19

I love this book! Years ago there was a paint store in my town located minutes from a large retirement community. I noticed that retired painters would congregate in the shop and pass the time talking about paint and techniques with the owner. I learned more from those gents that I could have ever picked up from those glossy books that promise all you'll ever need to know and more. This book reminds me of those afternoons. Filled with sensible information that you will not find elsewhere. I have been restoring and refinishing wood for more than 30 years, and when I have a problem I turn to my copy of this book first.

yahoo!.......2005-01-31

Im so glad to have a copy of this book again-I used to borrow it from the library-havent seen it in years, and have missed it BADLY!
It is just a fun read, besides having alot of great information presented in a really delightful manner.
Mr Grotz has a very low-to-the-ground type of style that is refreshing-he demistifies the entire subject of antique furniture and its care.
If you are dealing with MAJOR museum quality antiques-this aint the book for you, but if, like most of us, you are just collecting a houseful of affordable, cool 'old stuff'-this is THE book to have!

Great for do-it-yourselfers.......2001-12-05

This is a 'bible' for the average amateur and full of good tips for both the experienced and fussy wood worker. I've used it for more than 30 years. Whenever I have a problem I start my research with this book, and I usually come back to it again after looking at a number of other sources. There are suggestions that you'll not find anywhere else. The humor is a delight. However Grotz wrote most of this before the development of many current ideas about how to preserve antiques. I imagine that employing some of his suggestions might lead to a reduction in the market value of an item. However, I don't think it will ever lead to a reduction in your personal enjoyment of the piece.

Absolutely Useful.......2001-11-21

I've used this book for 30 years - to learn about furniture, to learn about tools and, most of all, to learn how to finish, re-finish and repair furniture. It's an invaluable reference and guide with no pretentions. The drawings are excellent - you're not buying a lot of glossy photos of unaffordable furniture. Grotz's style is folks-y and sometimes coy, but it doesn't get in the way of the wealth of information he shares.

Absolutely Useful.......2001-11-21

Linguistics of Political Argument: The Spin-Doctor and the Wolf-Pack at the White House (Routledge Studies in Corpus Linguistics)

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Linguistics of Political Argument: The Spin-Doctor and the Wolf-Pack at the White House (Routledge Studies in Corpus Linguistics)
Alan Partington
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0415287138

Book Description

This book examines the relationship between the White House, in the person of its press secretary, and the press corps through a linguistic analysis of the language used by both sides. A corpus was compiled of around fifty press briefings from the late Clinton years. A wide range of topics are discussed from the Kosovo crisis to the Clinton-Lewinsky affair.
This work is highly original in demonstrating how concordance technology and the detailed linguistic evidence available in corpora can be used to study discourse features of text and the communicative strategies of speakers. It will be of vital interest to all linguists interested in corpus-based linguistics and pragmatics, as well as sociolinguists and students and scholars of communications, politics and the media.

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House Doctor A--Z of Design
Ann Maurice
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0007200781

Book Description

From TV's home staging guru, House Doctor Ann Maurice, this new title offers sure-fire tips for fixing up the house. A complete A-Z guide, the book looks at every imaginable problem and provides solutions for selling, improving - or just de-cluttering your home. In providing real life case studies with before and after transformations, House Doctor Ann Maurice gives invaluable practical advice on how to best smarten up your property. From "Antiques Addiction" and "Dingy Dining Rooms" to "Gorgeous Gardens" and "Kerb Appeal," this book gives an alphabetical twist to the all-important quest of creating a house with character.

The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss (Random House Large Print (Hardcover))

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Easy Diet and it Works
Are you ready?
Some Programs are Better than Others
The South Beach Diet
Skeptic no more

The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss (Random House Large Print (Hardcover))
Arthur Agatston
Manufacturer: Random House Large Print
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 0375431942
Release Date: 2003-04-01

Amazon.com

The verdict is in: those simple carbs we've been living on are killing us. For good health, we've got to get our blood sugar under control and stop the incessant cravings. Or so says Dr. Arthur Agatston, author of The South Beach Diet. The first half of the book details the science behind the diet. Most of the explanations revolve around why things you thought were healthy—-orange juice, wheat toast, carrots—-are actually evil. To avoid blood sugar surges, Agatston created a modified carbohydrate plan, recommending plenty of high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while cutting bread, rice, pastas, and fruits. Major differences from other diets include a lack of concern over portion size and a serious indifference to exercise. Feeling full while on a diet is a beautiful thing, but it seems odd that a cardiologist buries his exercise recommendations in a solitary sentence.

The last half of the book covers his three-stage plan; daily diets are mixed with recipes, some of which are from South Beach restaurant chefs. The most restrictive period lasts just two weeks, enough time to stabilize your urges and lose a few pounds; stage two adds fruits and a handful of other carbs, while stage three is meant to last the remainder of your life, with occasional lapses for white bread or birthday cake. While the diet is sound, the book could be better organized. The first half mixes scientific study with anecdote in a seemingly random way, while the mix of meal plans and recipes can be confusing. Still, the recipes are varied and tasty, and you'll never feel deprived, unless you currently happen to live by bread alone. --Jill Lightner

Book Description

Great food that's good for you--that's the foundation of the South Beach Diet and the reason millions of people around the world have adopted it as their lifelong eating plan, shedding unwanted pounds in the process. Created by leading Miami cardiologist Arthur Agatston, M.D., the diet emphasizes good fats and good carbohydrates, the kind that stave off cravings for unhealthy sugary food and promote long-term weight loss. It's not "diet" food--it's satisfying, flavorful dishes that are good for your health and your waistline.

Customer Reviews:

Easy Diet and it Works.......2007-10-04

I'm not one to follow diets usually, because I always believe in eat less/exercise more. Unfortunately that doesn't work, because when I exercise more, I eat more. When a friend recommended the South Beach I decided to read up about the philosophy first before jumping in. I had always been raised to think that carbohydrates are good and fats are bad. What Dr. Agaston explains is that there are good carbs and bad carbs, good fats and bad fats. The South Beach diet educates you on what is good for you, and what causes weight gain and harmful blood chemistry.

As for the mechanics of the diet, it is really quite simple. I never followed their menus, or their recipes. I just looked at the allowed foods and made up my own meals. I really hate to count anything, document anything or look things up. This diet doesn't require any of that, unless it is to count the number of peanuts you should have for a snack (which is really quite simple to do). It also doesn't require purchasing special meals, or drinks, or anything. Just follow the principles, adapt to your own tastes and off comes the weight.

There are 3 phases to the diet, all explained and easily understood. The book also explains the physiology of the diet, and why harmful swings in blood sugar can cause problems, including overweight, diabetes and heart disease. Once you get your blood sugar levels under control, you do not get cravings anymore or hunger pangs in between meals. It is really ironic that being on this diet does not make you hungry. In fact, starving yourself, or being hungry is counterproductive, since the key is to maintain a steady blood sugar state, so that you do not experience the feast/famine cycle which causes overeating, as well as overstorage of fat.

Are you ready?.......2007-09-22

I've just purchased my sixth gift copy of The South Beach Diet. No, I don't go around sending it to people who I think need to drop some pounds. But when a friend wants to know how I lost weight or why we aren't eating potatoes or bread, and they seriously indicate an interest in following new food-eating patterns, I send them a copy. My husband and I bought a copy three years ago and embarked on our South Beach food adventure. Within six months, I had lost 40 pounds, he had lost the ten that was his goal, and while I have gained part of mine back after slipping off the path, I am now back on it to drop 10 lbs.

Dr. Agatston gives enough philosophy behind his diet suggestions, and his fairly rigorous first two weeks is succcessful quickly enough, that we found it easy to continue. And I can honestly say, I never felt hungry.

Some Programs are Better than Others.......2007-09-20

I have been there, I have seen it, I have done it all! Low carb, low fat, low this, low that... It took me many years to realize that diets are nothing else but what they are - just diets. I will NOT say they don't work. Sure they work! At least as long as you watch each and every bite you take! At least as long as you maintain your strong willpower. It IS nice to have good looks, but is that all we want from our lives? How about GOOD LOOKS resulting from GOOD HEALTH? Dr. Tombak in his book "Can We Live 150 Year" cites bad habits that lead people to obesity. Here are some of them:

1. The habit of eating fast and not chewing the food well
2. Drinking fluids at meals
3. Frequent snacking or constant chewing
4. Incorrect combining of food products
5. Lying down after meals
6. Sitting lifestyle
7. Eating while watching TV
8. Eating while irritated
9. Eating before bedtime or at night
10. Eating mostly refined and cooked food products.

Recognize some of them? Mr.Tombak, like Atkins and Agatston, also mentions eating too mach of carbohydrates. But he does not limit the cause of obesity to ONE SOURCE. Why? Because he applies COMMONSENSE. Because he puts GOOD HEALTH before GOOD LOOKS! Not good looks at all cost! Here is how he proposes to lose weight:

1. Correct the alignment of lumbar vertebrae. (Have you ever heard of this one? He explains why.)
2. Gradually and systematically increase the amount of your physical activities. (Nothing new, isn't it?)
3. Combine food products correctly. (We hear often about this one, too)
4. Perform internal cleansing routines and go through regular fasts.

Yes, just periodical short fasts that will cleanse your body, and shake off your cravings. It is nothing new! It is a simple procedure applied by many people around the world throughout ages. Larry Clapp in his book "Prostate Health in 90 Days" advocates the same. None of these unnatural diets throughout your entire life!...

I did a few days of fasting myself, and I strongly recommend this over any kind of diet to anyone who cares about his looks, his health, and his longevity. Periodical fasting energizes; purifies your body and mind; makes it easier to change your eating habits and to get back to natural, fiber-rich foods.

Everybody has his own opinion, but for me Tombak makes much more sense then Atkins, Agatston and all other inventors of "perfect diets"...

Why four stars for "The South Beach Diet"? -- Because it works! But at what cost to your lifelong pleasure, and (possibly) to your health? Be sensible. Read Can We Live 150 instead.

The South Beach Diet .......2007-09-15

If you can't stick to the Atkins diet then this one will be even more of a challenge because with Atkins you get to eat higher fat contented foods where as with South Beach you have to choose the lower-fat, lower-calorie versions of the food you get to eat on the Atkins, I would recommend starting with Atkins(the strictest low carb plan) then after induction phase, try South Beach's induction then phases 2&3 shouldn't be too much of a problem to stick to.

Skeptic no more.......2007-09-14

Count me as one who doubted the South Beach approach. But...I'm in week three, have lost twenty pounds so far, and have enjoyed the variety of "diet" meal recipes Dr. Agatston provides. I highly recommend this.

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House Doctor Emergency Rooms
Ann Maurice
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0007144253

Book Description

Following "House Doctor" and "House Doctor Quick Fixes", this text is the latest title from TV's DIY guru, Ann Maurice. Packed with hints and tips for fixing up the house and adding hundreds to its value, this book is aimed at all home enthusiasts. Each house is dealt with in its entirety and there is more focus on the owners of the houses than in the two previous books. Maurice gives her initial diagnosis of the house as a whole and her final verdict is highlighted in a box. The changes made to every room are documented along with the owners' reactions to them. Each case history is followed by examples of how to transform something from tatty to tasteful, for example, transforming an old garden table into a mosaic dining table. A number of different styles are covered: Victorian; country; retro; minimalist chic; seaside; and so forth. The key components needed to get a particular look are detailed and illustrated.

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wash it away
Dull and unengaging!
Not very engaging
A fun and provacative read!
fine Manhattan character driven drama

Spin Doctor
Leslie Carroll
Manufacturer: Avon A
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Friendship | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0060596139
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Book Description

Question:
What do Amy, the new mom;
Meriel, the West-Indian housekeeper;
Claude and Naomi, the alternative couple;
Faith, the elegant widow;
and Talia, the super-skinny ballerina
have in common?

Answer:
Abso-freakin'-lutely-nothing!

Except that they all live lives of not-so-quiet desperation on the Upper West Side of New York City. What gets them through? Their unusual therapy sessions with supershrink Susan Lederer, held in the depths of the laundry room. Susan knows that all of life's problems eventually come out in the wash, but while the washers keep breaking down, she helps her female friends take control.

But Susan's life has become an agitated mess. Her teenage daughter seems destined for a fast-food future; her son's adolescence hasn't quite hit yet . . . and her perfect husband is hiding something. Susan could use a really good shrink.

Instead, her dirty linen exposed, she finds that it's her friends who rally 'round her, and by the final spin, she realizes that while it might not take a whole village, it does sometimes take a laundry room to get rid of the nastier wrinkles in life.

Now if only she could find the formula for getting rid of that ring around the collar.

Customer Reviews:

wash it away.......2006-06-13

Too many characters with too many problems. Like another reviewer mentioned, I was confused as to who had what problem because there was too much going on.

I wanted so bad to really enjoy the book but I couldn't. The premise seemed like a fun story. I was very excited to read it but then I started and it dragged. Characters weren't developed and Susan's problems with her husband seemed to be added at the last minute for character development that never happened.

Dull and unengaging!.......2006-04-14

Leslie Carroll's "Spin Doctor" revolved aroud Susan, a therapist, who gave free counselling sessions to the tenants of her apartment building. The counselling sessions were held in the laundry room of the building where Susan's "patients" were more comfortable to share their problems while at the same time, doing their laundry. Even though Susan seemed to be able to her the tenants, she was unable to solve the problems in her life. Her relationship with her husband seemed stagnant, and her daughter, Molly seemed doomed for a career at McDonald's.

I didn't enjoy this book at all as the author provided many stories which was a bit confusing as I cannot remember who has what problems. The storyline in general was weak and not very engaging. The main character, Susan, was not well-developed and the supporting characters were not very interesting either. This was a rather weak chick-lit book. Nothing worth wasting your money.

Not very engaging.......2006-03-08

I found the premise of the novel very interesting, but Carroll just tried to tell too many stories in this book. I felt like I didn't really get to know the main character, so when her life started to fall apart, I didn't really care.

A fun and provacative read!.......2006-02-18

Thanks to Ms. Carroll I've nearly missed my stop on the train twice! Her new book draws you in immediately and makes it almost impossible to put down. Witty and sweet--i really enjoyed it!

fine Manhattan character driven drama.......2006-01-28

Amy the new mother, Meriel the bored West-Indian housekeeper, Naomi part of a different lifestyle couple with Claude (though they each clean the dirty linen), Faith the new widow, Talia the injured ballerina, and Susan the therapist all live in the same Manhattan apartment house. At the laundry room Susan listens to their individual woes and offers sage advice to help each one cope with their personal crisis.

However, no one is there for Susan. She believes her once picture perfect family is near collapse. Her spouse spends way too much time in the office as if he needs to avoid her or has something better there to occupy his time; her daughter is a rebel with a fast food cause; finally her son is on the verge of puberty, but each step forward leads to two steps back as she thinks he will be eligible for Medicare by the time his body changes. Susan needs a psychiatrist, but what she has is friends willing to listen to her woes and advise her now how to clean the dirty laundry.

SPIN DOCTOR contains an intriguing premise as the audience sees the woes of the apartment six and a half (Naomi and Claude get one and a half) mostly through the eyes of Susan, the professional member of the rinse cycle club. The story line shifts focus from one of the sextet to another though Susan remains the glue that holds the plot together. Leslie Carroll deftly insure her ensemble has differing personalities and tsuras, but there are too many to keep score of and that shrinks the shrink's effectiveness. Still this is a fine Manhattan character driven drama that uses laundry vernacular to clean away one's troubles.

Harriet Klausner

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