Book Description
"Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat." As Shakespeare knew, love burns high when thwarted by obstacles. In Twilight, an exquisite fantasy by Stephenie Meyer, readers discover a pair of lovers who are supremely star-crossed. Bella adores beautiful Edward, and he returns her love. But Edward is having a hard time controlling the blood lust she arouses in him, because--he's a vampire. At any moment, the intensity of their passion could drive him to kill her, and he agonizes over the danger. But, Bella would rather be dead than part from Edward, so she risks her life to stay near him, and the novel burns with the erotic tension of their dangerous and necessarily chaste relationship.Meyer has achieved quite a feat by making this scenario completely human and believable. She begins with a familiar YA premise (the new kid in school), and lulls us into thinking this will be just another realistic young adult novel. Bella has come to the small town of Forks on the gloomy Olympic Peninsula to be with her father. At school, she wonders about a group of five remarkably beautiful teens, who sit together in the cafeteria but never eat. As she grows to know, and then love, Edward, she learns their secret. They are all rescued vampires, part of a family headed by saintly Carlisle, who has inspired them to renounce human prey. For Edward's sake they welcome Bella, but when a roving group of tracker vampires fixates on her, the family is drawn into a desperate pursuit to protect the fragile human in their midst.The precision and delicacy of Meyer's writing lifts this wonderful novel beyond the limitations of the horror genre to a place among the best of YA fiction.(Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell 10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Stephenie Meyer Q: Were you a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Angel? What are you watching now that those shows are off the air? A: I have never seen an entire episode of Buffy or Angel. While I was writing Twilight, I let my older sister read along chapter by chapter. She's a huge Buffy fan and she kept trying to get me to watch, but I was afraid it would mess up my vision of the vampire world so I never did. I don't have a ton of time for TV, and my kids get rowdy when I have on "mommy shows," but I do have a secret fondness for reality shows (the good ones, at least in my opinion). I always TiVo Survivor, The Amazing Race, and America's Next Top Model. Q: What inspired you to write Twilight? Is this the beginning of a series? Why write for teens? A: Twilight was inspired by a very vivid dream, which is fairly faithfully transcribed as chapter thirteen of the book. There are sequels on the way--I'm hard at work editing book two (tentatively titled New Moon) right now, and book three is waiting in line for its turn. I didn't mean to write for teens--I didn't mean to write for anyone but myself, so I had an audience of one twenty-nine year old (and later one thirty-one year old when my sister started reading). I think the reason that I ended up with a book for teens is because high school is such a compelling time period--it gives you some of your worst scars and some of your most exhilarating memories. It's a fascinating place: old enough to feel truly adult, old enough to make decisions that affect the rest of your life, old enough to fall in love, yet, at the same time too young (in most cases) to be free to make a lot of those decisions without someone else's approval. There's a lot of scope for a novel in that. Q: What is your favorite vampire story? Fave vampire movie? A: I guess my favorite vampire story would be The Vampire Lestat, by Anne Rice, simply because it's one of the only ones I've ever read. I keep meaning to pick up Bram Stoker's Dracula, because I get asked this question so often and I should probably start with the classics, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Again, I'm afraid to read other vampire books now, for fear of finding things either too similar, or too different from my own vampire world. Ack! I can't even answer the movie question. I can't remember ever seeing a single vampire movie, outside of clips from Bela Lugosi movies on TV. I don't like true horror movies--my favorite scary movies are all Hitchcock's. Q: What other young adult authors do you read? A: My favorite young adult author is L.M. Montgomery I also enjoyJ.K. Rowling (but who doesn't?), and Ann Brashares. As a teen, I skipped straight to adult books (lots of sci-fi and Jane Austen), so I'm rediscovering the world of teen literature now. Stephenie Meyer's List of Books You Should Read Anne of Green GablesRomeo and JulietDragonflightTo Kill a Mockingbird The Princess BrideSee more recommendations from Stephenie Meyer Amazon.com's Significant SevenStephenie Meyer graciously agreed to answer the questions we like to ask every author: the Amazon.com Significant Seven. Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?A: The book with the most significant impact on my life is The Book of Mormon. The book with the most significant impact on my life as a writer is probably Speaker for the Dead, by Orson Scott Card, with Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier coming in as a close second.Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?A: The CD is easy: Absolution by Muse, hands down. It's harder to give myself just one movie, but the one I watch most frequently is Sense and Sensibility--the one with the screenplay by Emma Thompson. One book is impossible. I'd have to have Pride and Prejudice, but I couldn't live without something by Orson Scott Card and a nice, thick Maeve Binchy, too.Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?A: My lies are all very, very boring: "No, you really look great in hot pink!" "My children only watch one hour of TV a day." "I didn't eat the last Swiss Cake Roll--it must have been one of the kids." That's the best I've got.Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.A: It's late at night and the house is silent, but I'm still (miraculously) full of energy. I have my headphones in and I'm listened to a mix of Muse, Coldplay, Travis, My Chemical Romance, and The All-American Rejects. Beside me is a fabulous, and yet mysteriously low in calorie, cheesecake....Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?A: I'd like it to say that I really tried at the important things.I was never perfect at any of them, but I honestly tried to be a great mom, a loving wife, a good daughter, and a true friend. Under that, I'd want a list of my favorite Simpsons quotes.Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?A: I'd love to have a chance to talk to Orson Scott Card--I have a million questions for him. Mostly things like, "How do you come up with this stuff?!" But, if he wasn't available, I'd settle for Matthew Bellamy (lead singer of Muse).Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?A: I'd want something offensive, rather than defensive. Like shooting fireballs from my hands. That way, you're really open to going either way--hero or villain. I like to have choices.
Customer Reviews:
A M A Z I N G.......2007-10-04
Twilight was a surprising book that made me fall in love with it immediately. Bella, a clumsy 17 year old girl moves to live with her father in Forks, Washington where it rains most of the year. She quickly makes new friends including the gorgeous Edward Cullen. It starts out as a love story but quickly turns into a fantasy novel when the Cullens have to hide Bella to keep her safe from vampires who are trying to kill her. I love this book so much I have read it over and over again. If you like vampire stories this may not be for you. This book is not about vampires, really. It is a love story with a fantasy twist and it is Amazing.
Very good.......2007-10-04
I thought this book was great. It was light reading, and nothing too intense. I liked the characters and how they interact with one another. It's simple, but emotionally complicated, which is what being a teenager is about. I'm really very glad that the quality of young adult novels has vastly improved over the last 10 years. It doesn't under estimate the intelligence of young people. I call it the Dawson's Creek syndrome. They vocabulary is a bit more sophisticated than normal teenagers, and even most adults. I hope this kind of writing will help improve that overall...Aside from that, however, I thought this novel did a good job of encapsulating a lot of the emotions that young people feel. I've never forgotten it. I've never forgotten how everything feels so final and yet so infinite. That excitement of endless love and adventure...makes me wish that I could feel that kind of intensity again.
Draws you in completely........2007-10-04
Love this book! Great characters and storyline - imaginative and fun, as well as completely romantic. My favorite book of all.
Great book, drags on in a few spots.......2007-10-04
It is a must read. Just a few pages that i felt i skimmed through.
Is this book acceptable for 11-yr old boys?.......2007-10-04
I've heard from friends this is the best book ever. My question is - can I read it with my almost 11-yr old son?
Please advise.
Book Description
A Mormon in the White House? is the first book on Mitt Romney, his unusual faith story, and his viability as a Republican presidential nominee. Inside are exclusive interviews with the governor, his family, and closest associates, mixed with candid conversations with some of the country's shrewdest political observers and Christian leaders. Radio host and blogger Hugh Hewitt sets out to explain Romney, his faith, and the importance of that debate in a headline-making and election-shaping opening shot in the campaign before the campaign.
Customer Reviews:
A Mormon in the White House.......2007-09-16
This is one of the best books I have ever read since I have been studying about the candidates for 2008 President. Mitt's qualifications are excellent except the concern of his religious background. This book helps me to recognize him as a human being-- a noble citizen, just like anyone else in the country. I love this book. It gives a very specific explanations about Mitt. I highly recommend every American read this book if he/she really cares about the future of his/her country.
A Mormon in the White House.......2007-09-04
An excellent insight into the man running for President, his character and his qualifications. It is very positive presentation. Before discounting this candidate, every voter should read this book.
A Political Advertisement - Nothing More.......2007-08-30
A far more interesting book would be the Top Ten political issues Mitt has flip-flopped on to win the Republican nomination (granted, it may be difficult to narrow the list down to 10!).
A smart and slick politician, Mitt Romney is.
A man of principles and integrity, Mitt Romney ain't.
I LUV THE GOV........2007-08-29
Absolutely! And so does my mom.
I once said, I don't love the Gov, when I lived in Massachusetts for 13 years. I have since changed my views 180 degrees. The transformation has come about gradually and no one has tried to change my previous affiliation through argument. When Romney says Massachusetts is a blue state, I can verify that he is telling you the absolute truth!
A few years before I moved to Georgia, I met with others in my community about a local business that I had had dealings and was terribly upset, wanted to join others in speaking out, etc. The business was in Belmont, the town where Mitt Romney and his family live. I said something negative about him and a gentleman who was sympathetic to my grievances said simply that he was a good man and that he had done a lot for the community, the schools, one of his children knew one of his kids, but he didn't try to coerce me or argue and the subject was changed. That sort of response had a big impact on my thinking. I think back on that a lot. I could 'count the ways' for you of how I have come to the conclusion that I will not vote for a Democrat for President in 2008, but the real icing on the cake has happened since I moved to Georgia. Frankly, the Democrats scare me these days what with Jimmy Carter's racially provocative book titled Peace, Not Aparteid implying the embattled, bloodied jews are racist, etc. etc. and finally Nancy Pelosi getting cozy with the most rabid terrorist regimes in the Mideast. Those two let fly the foulest, foul balls, that any truly American umpire would not only end the inning, but end the game.
The world is too dangerous right now to have such delicate matters as terrorism and peace be influenced by people whose motivation is political power and front page photos and news interviews. The Hank Aaron home run for me for the Republicans and Mitt Romney in particular was a few years back when I either heard or read that Mitt Romney was good friends with Benjamin Netanyahu. I thought they went to school together, but actually Romney was studying at Harvard getting his MBA/JD degree while Netanyahu was at MIT studying architecture.
This book is written by a christian friend of Romney's and, of course, is written to influence votes and so is biased in that regard. However, my mother and myself have not really heard anything out of Romney's mouth to make us uneasy, and the more we hear and see him speak, the more impressed we are of him. He is quietly confident and is inspiring. He has made his millions turning companies around and getting them to succeed financially and not by playing the stock market and thereby forcing companies to fold.
I was surprised and pleased by the interviews the author had with two doctorate in theology students who reasoned why a christian could vote for a Mormon who's theology is a bit off. To me, he has lived what he believes, and in my mind, has lived the christian life as Christ taught. His record is spotless, and I'm convinced he could handle the Presidency. My mother always has commented on how that job takes a toll on whoever has it. You can see how they age so much in four years, and Bush these days looks pretty bushed. He's had a rough time with this congress.
Anyway, I do love the Gov and do your homework. I'm going to this time around and expect to see some more reviews from me about Giuliani and McCain and maybe Thompson. I consider myself now an independent!
good book about great candidate.......2007-08-29
Hewitt if fair and balanced in his analysis of Mitt Romney's candidacy. The book is about more than just Mormonism, it addresses many of Romney's strengths and weaknesses as we approach these upcoming elections. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about Mitt Romney
Customer Reviews:
Awesome help with home buying and sales!.......2007-01-06
Vitt's book has been a tremendous help to us with the complicated and emotional process of buying and selling our homes. We knew we wanted to move, but each of us had very different ideas of what the "perfect home" would be like. Our differences sometimes seemed insurmountable. Also, it was often hard to understand why we were looking for certain characteristics in a home, and why we wouldn't compromise. Fond memories of homes that we had loved mixed and collided with current and future needs. For example, one of us wanted a wooded lot on a quiet street above all else; the other didn't care about location but wanted the home to be big enough to meet our need for interior space. We couldn't find a property that suited us both; how could we resolve this potential pitfall? Ms. Vitt gave us a structure for examining our motives and hopes, as well as a way to resolve our differences and find a home we can both love.
Also, the financial aspects of the decision-making process were important, and "10 Secrets" gave us a very clear path for avoiding potential financial disasters.
A home is so important, both emotionally and financially. "10 Secrets" gave us the tools and information we needed to navigate our way to successfully buy a home.
Also, we were so impressed with Vitt's book, that we gave a copy to our realtor, who frequently has to negotiate between couples, as well as between buyers and sellers. A Must-Buy for Realtors, too!
Have given copies to friends who are thinking about moving. Great gift.
Well-written, well-organized, an awesome book!
Yippee!! I made the decision..........2005-01-25
to stay in my house! Having recently gone through a divorce, and somewhat uncomfortable with my neighborhood, which has a very different demographic from mine, I struggled with how I could manage the house on my own, and finance numerous small and large repairs without taking on too much debt.
After taking the quiz, I realized that the financial stability of my house is the most important factor I needed to satisfy. Once I realized that...it was much easier to invest a few thousand dollars to update the furnishings and to make the house more like a home that reflected my personality. I was also able to take on additional debt to make some costly, but necessary repairs, such a new foundation and sewer line. In doing so, I found a way to restructure my entire debt load that allows me one smaller monthly payment, leaving me with a greater monthly cash flow.
I can honestly say that I wouldn't have had the courage to undertake the repairs, and take on the additional debt, if I hadn't read this book. Having a clear insight into my issues surrounding "home" and understanding more clearly my emotional profile, I was able to make my need structure work in my favor, instead of against me. Without this book, I would probably have sold the house at a discount, and made another, equally unsatisfying move.
Housing and Happiness.......2005-01-05
I purchased this book on the advice of a friend. After determining my housing profile I purchased ten additional copies as holiday gifts for colleagues. This book is the first of it's kind and will assist you in understanding how your housing decisions are made and how to make your home a place of happiness and not only financial but emotional security. I found myself highlighting passages as I went along for quick future reference. I would highly recommend this book to anyone - no matter what your living/financial situation.
Housing Decisions.......2004-12-28
At last a book that entertains you while giving solid information. I especially like the way this author uses flesh and blood real people to illustrate her points. I'm halfway through already in one day --maybe I'll write another when I finish it.
A Remarkable Effort.......2004-12-27
I have worked with Dr. Vitt for many years, and I am always amazed when the final product arrives. This book is just one of many of the remarkable things she has written, but this book alone has been the greatest help to me in deciding to refinance my home, an idea I had been toying with for a long time. After rereading it for pleasure and learning, rather than editing, I have learned a great deal more about the dynamics of buying, selling or refinancing my own home, and for this I am grateful to Dr. Vitt. This book should be a great help to anyone who is considering any kind of housing change.
V. Karen McMahon
Book Description
Using the best medical research, experience from her own practice, and numerous interviews, Dr. Meeker shows why Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is not a slogan-it's a necessity.
Customer Reviews:
Fathers & Daughters.......2007-09-30
This is an excellent book written by a medical doctor, who shows the supreme importance of a Dad in the life of a daughter. He is vital to her development as a girl and a woman. It took me back to my own relationship with my daughter, who now has her Ph.D. and is a psychologist. After I read the book, and I found myself hungry for each chapter, I am sending the book to my son, who has a young daughter himself.
Fathers need to read this book.......NOW!.......2007-09-28
Don't waste time , read this book as soon as you recieve it! Buy it now!
Very inisightful book.......2007-09-26
This book has been wonderful. I only wish i had read it years ago when all three of my daughters were young (2 r college age now). I now see how many of my defects/wrong assumptions in parenting set the stage for a lot of the heart ache that we went through with my older two daughters. It now makes sense to me and i know how to address the problem going forward. I can not recommmend this book highly enough for every father who wants his daughter to thrive and not struggle to survive. It opened my eyes to how different my daughter's world is from what i knew as a kid. And to how if i do not father her, there is a culture that is desperately trying to teach her that what is important is looking like Paris Hilton, partying, being promiscuous, etc .... The issue is whether i surrender her to that or protect and nurture her. Thanks to Dr. Meeker.
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.......2007-09-17
This book came highly recommended, but had to be one of the worst I have ever read - great title, horribly written - read the first 44 pages, skipped a couple of chapters, and all that was said was the same thing over and over - watch out for STD's, be there for your daughter, here's some examples of girls without fathers who turned out horribly, etc.
Over and over facts are stated about a father staying in his daughter's life - common sense stuff mixed in with a few eye opening facts - don't waste your money on this book!!!!
Freightening.......2007-09-02
My mother gave me a copy of this book upon the birth of my daughter (she liked the title). Anxious as I was to be a new father of a baby girl, I was excited to have something to read that might help me overcome my fear and anxiety and help me learn how to be the best father I can be. Ok. So since I don't love Jesus, don't vote Republican and don't mistrust and hate everyone who isn't exactly like me or, more precisely, the author, this book was not going to be the book for me. Putting to the side your religious, political and social alliances, why would any new father want to read a book where every 3rd page it seems warns that your new daughter is going to be raped, contract a STD or become a crack addict? Is that helpful? I don't live in a closet. I own a television, computer, etc. I'm aware and, yes, worried, about what's going on out there. It is painfully unhelpful, then, to be bowled over with contrived anecdotal tales and other sensational facts and figures which have the effect, solely, of causing upset. I know enough about Brittany, Paris and Lindsay to know what I don't want my daughter to be. Like so much conservative garbage out there today, this book has the exact opposite effect of what it ought to have. Rather than come away with positive feelings about our little girls, the author seems intent on frightening parents, forcing them to build walls and fences to keep the wolves away from our helpless little lambs.
Average customer rating:
- OMG
- Okay, enough already!
- Good book for teens.
- the Pretty Committee
- ariel likes this book. cool, iknow. =]
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It's Not Easy Being Mean (Clique Series)
Lisi Harrison
Manufacturer: Poppy
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ASIN: 0316115053 |
Book Description
Massie Block: Massie is the uncontested ruler of The Clique and the rest of the social scene at Octavian Country Day, an exclusive private school in Westchester County, New York. Claire Lyons: Has finally arrived! She's in the Clique and adored by super-cute Briarwood boy Cam. But will she be able to stay in Massie's inner circle? Alicia Rivera: As sneaky as she is beautiful, Alicia would love to take Massie's throne one day. She just might do it.Dylan Marvil:Divides her time between sucking up to Massie and sucking down Atkin's shakes to try to get rid of the extra fifteen pounds that won't seem to leave her butt alone. Kristen Gregory: She's smart, hardworking and will insult you to tears faster than you can say "scholarship kid."The Clique... The only thing harder than getting in is staying in.
Customer Reviews:
OMG.......2007-06-27
OMG i love these books, they are like the best ever!!! the girls are like total female dogs but there clothes are ah-mazing!
Okay, enough already! .......2007-06-04
The Clique series debuted as a scathing book that looked into the lives of rich pre-teens who seemed to have it all. In the previous Clique books Massie was an interesting character. Although she seemed so put together on the outside, the readers saw some of her insecurities that led her to desperately do some of the nasty actions that she did to others. Massie wasn't a one demensional character, and she seemed to genuinely care about Claire as a friend. But ever since the book Dial L for Loser, Massie's treatment of Claire is pretty sadistic, even for the most catty of girls. The petty mind games are cruel, yet Claire still endures the treatment of her 'friends' The Claire bashing from the past book and this one has turned off a lot of readers, and it's time for certain characters to get a backbone.
Good book for teens........2007-06-02
This book is a good book for all teens but especially for teens that suffer with the whole clique's in school type thing. Highly recommended!
the Pretty Committee.......2007-06-01
As the years march on, one constant changes in such a fractionally small way as to be imperceptible from one decade to the next: junior high drama. No matter where you are in the country (perhaps the world), the years between ages 12 and 15 are mentally draining for both teenagers and their parents.
The Clique series by Lisi Harrison has always done a fine job of painting the reality of the daily situations encountered by wealthy 12-year-old Massie Block and her group of friends, better known as the Pretty Committee. Harrison's most recent book in the series, IT'S NOT EASY BEING MEAN, keeps up the breakneck gossip-driven pace of Massie and her friends --- Alicia Rivera, Kristen Gregory, Dylan Marvil and the slightly out-of-place Claire Lyons, the newest addition to the Pretty Committee.
As the Pretty Committee prepares for their exit from seventh grade at upscale private school Octavian Country Day (OCD...I'm sure there's hidden meaning there), they encounter the opportunity of a teenage girl's lifetime --- the chance to gain access to "paradise." In this case, paradise is a mythical secret room that only a select group of eighth graders is allowed to know about, let alone enter. Finding the key and gaining entrance to the room pose a series of humorous and well-crafted problems for the spoiled young girls.
While some readers, both young and old, may find the characters in IT'S NOT EASY BEING MEAN artificial and impossibly too mature for their age, it's entirely plausible to imagine their vocal styling and fashion sense to be appropriate for daughters of families whose income puts them firmly in the upper extremes of the economic bell curve. Do seventh grade girls really wear Prada and Gucci while texting on Razr phones and saying things like "ah-dorable" and "ah-mazing"? The answer is a resounding "Ohmygawd, Duh!"
IT'S NOT EASY BEING MEAN will never hold the interest of boys or even girls who have left the hallowed halls of junior high behind on their quest for the even more delicate and debilitating cliques they will experience in high school. But for girls preparing to leave the world of elementary school or currently experiencing the daily chaos of hormones gone awry (aka junior high), the Clique series offers good, safe fun.
Careful thought during the reading should reveal the messages that lie beneath the obvious tales presented in these books, for indeed there is much to be learned about how to lead an exciting life in junior high while avoiding the pitfalls of trying to fit in everywhere with everyone on a daily basis.
--- Reviewed by Simon King
ariel likes this book. cool, iknow. =].......2007-06-01
Eighth grade is just around the corner in It's Not East Being Mean by Lisi Harrison, which is why the eight grade alpha Skye Hamilton has announced that she is passing on the key to the "secret room" at OCD. She decides to break the tradition and chooses five groups of seventh graders to compete for the key. The contest is tricky, requiring the girls to find the key underneath a Briarwood Boys' bed. Massie and the girls are facing some tough competition and Massie claims the pretty committee HAS to get the key. Claire has been asked to star in another movie and has to miss a lot of the searches because she's off meeting with directors. Massie, Alicia and Dylan are forced to join the soccer team to learn more about school spirit and team effectiveness. This is the seventh book in the series, and by far the best. I recommend this book to anyone who likes drama. Lisi's writing style is very intriguing. Spending an exhausting amount of time planning the key search, scheming to get into the Briarwood boys' bedrooms, and dealing with Claire's movie business is causing Massie and the girls a lot of trouble. But the pretty committee is willing to find a way.
Book Description
Top 10 Sonoma Diet Power Foods for weight loss and health.
Portion sizes made easy with The Sonoma Diet Plate and Bowl guidelines.
Detailed meal plans for surefire weight loss success.
Smart Food Combinations that make each food even healthier.
The science behind the diet—learn why it works!
Mouthwatering recipes, rich in flavor and nutrition.
Bonus: Diet guide pullout to make following the diet a breeze when on the go.
Customer Reviews:
My Favorite Cookbook.......2007-09-29
I've been an avid cook/baker for over 30 years. This is by far my favorite cookbook. It's easy to follow, the ingredients are healthy, and the flavors are wonderful! If I haven't had time to preplan which recipe I'm making that day, I carry the book with me in the car so I can buy the few fresh ingredients at the store before returing home. The cilantro chicken with peanuts is probably the recipe I've made the most. I haven't lost much weight, but that's probably because I indulge in the wine while preparing the meal. Highly recommended unless you are adverse to fresh vegetables, fresh spices and flavor!
The Sonoma Diet.......2007-09-21
I purchased this product with the Sonoma Diet Cookbook The Sonoma Diet Cookbook for my daughter and myself. We are both very pleased with the clear concise reasoning behind the program. You must try this if you enjoy eating fresh, flavorful food without counting calories or points. A very sensible, easy to follow plan for those wanting a lifetime change. The ingredients are easy to find and the meals are fun and simple to prepare. I have lost 22 pounds in 7 weeks, 2 pant sizes and 3 shirt sizes. I plan on eating this way for the rest of my life.
Book, with a message!.......2007-08-01
Given the obesity epidemic North America is currently grappling with, this book serves an important purpose. The book is written in an easy to understand format and clearly articulates the benefits of healthy eating. message. It talks about the power foods, the food which are full of nutrient, have anti oxidant properties, are cholesterol lowering, and have low fat and so on. I also liked a book by Dr Oz. (often touted, no I should say promoted on Oprah show)You: On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management, the author puts emphasis on waist management as against an obsession on wight loss. Reading these authors, it seems that the new mantra is waist management.
Great Food, but is it realistic?.......2007-07-23
The book is well written, with a conversational tone. It has a lot of great recipes and menus, that you can follow or use as guidelines. As far as the actual diet is concerned, however, she naively assumes everyone lives in a big city with access to specialty food stores. She also plans the menus and recipes as though you're going to be home for every meal. The food is good, the diet well balanced. It will take a lot of adjusting to fit todays lifestyles. This diet would blend well with someone who likes natural, organic, or health foods.
A comparison of Diet Books.......2007-06-03
Like many of you, I found myself wondering what the differences were between the various diet programs. What I discovered is that all of the major diet books are well written and share many similarities. None of them offered an "silver bullet" to weight loss - it primarily comes down to keeping your calories burned greater than your calories eaten. There are theories presented about glycemic index, good vs. bad carbs, etc., but at the end of the day it's about calories and exercise.
In this review, I've tried to offer brief summaries of each diet book/program in hopes that it might help you pick out the one that would work best for you. Don't pay too much attention to the number of stars, as it's my own subjective rating based on effectiveness, ease of use, and ability to stick with the diet. Instead, try to discern which diet might fit your lifestyle better.
The Abs Diet, ****
This book is written by David Zinczenko, the editor of Men's Health Magazine. The diet likes the number 6 - promising "6 pack abs in 6 weeks," by eating 6 meals a day. Each meal is built around the "power 12" foods. There is a strong emphasis on whey supplements. The fitness program was easy to follow but perhaps too strenuous for beginners and seemed better suited to men. Strong points are excellent nutritional content and strong exercise. Weak points are questionable claims about rapid weight loss and "6 pack" abs, and mediocre meal plans. Average recommended daily calories are 1,890, with 7 fruits and vegetable servings.
The South Beach Diet ****
The SB Diet is a slightly more permissive version of the Atkins low-carb diet. It is based on the premise that eating low-glycemic foods (foods that don't raise blood sugar) decreases cravings for sugar and refined carbs. Like many of the diets, there are two phases. In the first phase, fruits, sugar, and grains are banned outright. Phase 2 allows some fruit, high-fiber grains, and dark chocolate. The simplicity of the diet might appeal to many busy dieters. However the emphasis on the glycemic index and insufficient exercise sections are a drawback. Recipes are easy to prepare, but some called for unusual ingredients (a clever cook could make substitutions). Average recommended daily calories are a mere 1,340, with 13 fruits and vegetable servings (mostly veggies).
The Sonoma Diet ****
The Sonoma Diet is an updated low-carb diet with a Mediterranean theme. Again, it is broken into two phases, called "waves." In "Wave 1," the dieter is banned from eating most sweet or refined foods. The much longer "Wave 2" permits fruits and wine. It has a unique method of calculating portions by filling sectors of small plates with specified food categories. The diet is healthy but complex. It is also very restrictive, which makes it more difficult to stay on. Also, the book doesn't offer enough on exercise. The recipes were tasty but elaborate to prepare. Average recommended daily calories are a mere 1,390, with 10 fruits and vegetable servings.
Ultra-Metabolism ***
The Ultra-Metabolism Diet is designed around the assertion that people get fat because their body's systems become toxic, inflamed, and imbalanced. Again, this is a two phase diet. Phase 1 is an initial "detox" period. The longer Phase 2 is a "rebalancing" period. Overall, the dieter must eliminate white rice, refined grains, most red meats, and caffeinated beverages. The theory of your body requiring detoxification goes beyond any scientific evidence and rings a bit of late night television "miracle detox bowel-cleansing pills." The diet is fairly restrictive and complicated. The exercise section was brief but practical. Average recommended daily calories are 1,660, with 12 fruits and vegetable servings.
Volumetrics, ****
The Volumetrics Diet is based on Penn State research. It aims to maximize the amount of food you can eat for a given caloric intake. This is done primarily by eating reduced-fat products, adding in lots of vegetables, and using low-fat cooking techniques. It encourages eating a first course of broth-based soup or low-calorie salad (not heavily laden with dressing, cheese or bacon) to take the edge off your appetite. Recent clinical studies have shown this diet to be very effective. The recipes are appetizing but time consuming. Average recommended daily calories are 1,500, with 14 fruits and vegetable servings.
The Zone Diet, ****
The Zone Diet was designed to keep your blood sugar and hormones at optimal levels so that you can better fight obesity and diseases. It requires that each meal consist of 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbs (based on calories). The diet allows many fruits, but almost no grains except oatmeal. The meals are simple to prepare and nutritionally balanced. But having to keep to the 30/30/40 balance is very tedious and requires lots of preplanning. Recent studies showed that the overall weight loss was below average. Average recommended daily calories are 1,660, with 17 fruits and vegetable servings.
Eat More, Weigh Less, ***
The Eat More, Weigh Less (Ornish) Diet is a low-fat vegetarian diet that bans all meat, fish, oils, alcohol, sugar, and white flour. Their clinical studies suggest that strictly following the diet can prevent or reverse some diseases. Ornish argues that it is easier to make drastic changes to diet rather than small ones. The diet offers the most food per calorie of any of the diets. It is actually lower in fat than current USDA guidelines recommend. Studies have shown good long term weight loss, but a relatively high drop-out rate. Average recommended daily calories are 1,520, with 17 fruits and vegetable servings.
Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, ***
The Atkins Diet is the grand daddy of them all. As with many of the other diets, it is divided into two phases. The first phase is a two week induction period that bans nearly all carbs. The second phase is only slightly less restrictive, but does slowly add more vegetables, fruit, and wine. Research has suggested that Atkins' dieters are less hungry than on many other diets. But the diet is difficult to adhere to and has a high drop-out rate. Long term weight loss has been shown to be average. The single most glaring concern with the Atkins diet is that the nutritional profile is far outside conventional dietary guidelines. (We've all known people eating handfuls of bacon, eggs, and cheese for breakfast, claiming they were on a diet). Average recommended daily calories are 1,520, with 6 fruits and vegetable servings.
Again, please don't worry too much about my ranking of the diet books - it's completely subjective. My suggestion is to simply find a program that seems to fit your lifestyle best.
Please be kind enough to indicate if reviews are helpful.
Written by Arthur Bradley, author of "Process of Elimination" - an intense thriller in which a martial artist, a greedy corporate attorney, and a sexy conspiracy theorist team up to stop a world-class sniper from killing presidential candidates.
Product Description
Information Security Policies Made Easy, Version 10 is the new and updated version of the best-selling policy resource by Charles Cresson Wood, CISSP, CISA, CISM. Based on the 20 year consulting and security experience of Mr. Wood, ISPME is the most complete policy resource available. ISPME Version 10 has everything you need to build a due-care security policy environment, including: 1. A complete policy library with over 1350 individual pre-written security policies including: Coverage of the latest technical, legal and regulatory issues. ISO 17799 outline format, allowing for easy gap-analysis against existing standards and security frameworks. Expert commentary discussing the risks mitigated by each policy. Target audience (management, technical, or user) and security environment (low, medium, high) for each policy. Policy coverage maps for Sarbanes-Oxley (COBIT) and HIPAA security 2. Eighteen complete pre-written security policy documents that every company should have, updated and ready to use "as is" or with easy customization, including: User-targeted policies such as: Electronic Mail Policy, Internet Security Policy for End Users and Web Privacy Policy. Organization-wide policies such as: High-Level Security Policy, Privacy policy, Information Ownership Policy. Technology-based policies such as: Firewall Policy, Data Classification Policy and Network Security Policy. Sample risk acceptance memo for the approval of out of compliance situations, a sample non-disclosure agreement, and a user policy acceptance agreement. 3. Expert advice on the policy development and review process, including: A step-by-step checklist of policy development tasks to quickly start a policy development project. Helpful tips and tricks for getting management buy-in for information security policies and education. Tips and techniques for raising security policy awareness. Real-world examples of problems caused by missing or poor security policies. Policy development resources such as Information Security Periodicals, professional associations and related security organizations. 4. All content available on an easy-to-use CD-ROM with an indexed and searchable HTML interface for easy location, featuring: Policies available in HTML, PDF, MS-Word format. Easy cut-and-paste into existing corporate documents. Extensive cross-references between policies that help the user quickly understand alternative solutions and complimentary controls. ISPME V10 policies cover these important security topics: Access Control Data Classification and Control Risk Assessments Password and user ID management Logging Controls Encryption and Digital Signatures Instant messaging, PDAs and smart phones Personnel Security including Security Awareness and Training Data Privacy Management for employees and customers Corporate governance, including Sarbanes-Oxley Electronic mail, viruses, malicious code protection, and social engineering attacks, including phishing scams Preventing and responding to identity theft Network security including wireless and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Security, configuration, and management firewalls Communication Security including telephones and FAX machines Web site and e-commerce security Security in 3rd party contracts, including outsourcing and off-shoring of IT projects Document destruction, as well as retention of documents that may be used in court cases Incident Response and Contingency planning Telecommuting and mobile computing Honeypots and intrusion detection systems Effective software patch management including Open Source software And many others! Information Security Policies Made Easy, Version 10.0 policies are organized around the ISO/IEC 17799 Security Standard. All contents come on a fully indexed and searchable CD-ROM with linked cross-references.
Customer Reviews:
Even Better.......2006-08-10
I keep books in two places, a small shelf near my computer that I can reach and a large bookshelf across the room. This book deserves a place on the small shelf within arm's reach.
Version 10 builds on the previous work and includes ISO 17799 outline format, policy coverage maps for Sarbanes-Oxley and coverage of the latest issues (technical, legal and regulatory.) I particularly appreciate the section on policy awareness. This is one of the biggest problems you run into.
If you are a manager, before you ever make a decision, or approve a policy, look the topic up, there is a good chance you will see something you didn't think of.
Let me give you an example, our company used to have a fairly long Non-Diclosure Agreement (NDA) prepared by our attorney for a specific purpose. However, we decided to create a simpler, general purpose NDA for all 1099 contractors. The lawyer created it and before I approved it I checked it against the book. I found three items that really should have been in our NDA that we would have missed, thank you Mr. Wood!
If you are a techie, do you need this book? Sure, because everything we do as a techie or engineer has liability implications for the company. Each topic is very clear, concise, and well thought out. It takes a few seconds to look it up, about two minutes to read the section and that investment is well worth your time.
Yes, this is an expensive book; however, it is worth the investment, every organization should have at least one copy. S.
Notes on ISPME version 10.......2006-01-25
Book is a very good resource on information security policies; however, I was disappointed that this book did not match ISO 17799 version 2005 it only matched the 2000 version. I would wait for the next version of the book for updated material matches for ISO 17799 v2005. The authors should have provided updates via CD ROM or download to support this necessary update to this version they have not. You would seem to think at $795.00 a pop for the book and CDROM you would get better support on the material in the book. Also pay close attention to the license uses of the security policies..
New version of a vital information security reference.......2005-08-17
In technology, books are often obsolete shortly after publication. Given the dynamic nature of technology, very few technology books can stand the test of time and remain relevant for a few years, let alone a decade after their original printing. Some of those rare titles that seem timeless include Applied Cryptography by Bruce Schneier, Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems by Ross Anderson, and the book I'll review here, Information Security Policies Made Easy, Version 10. Information Security Policies Made Easy (ISPME) is one of the most important information security books available for those who are serious about creating a comprehensive set of information systems security policies.
The importance of effective information security policies cannot be overemphasized, as they are the foundation toward implementing information security and ensuring the security of the people, systems, and networks within an organization. If an organization lacks security policies, they cannot inform employees and users of their specific security responsibilities. Policies define acceptable system use and user behavior, and those policies must be in place before they can be enforced.
Version 10 of ISPME contains more than 1350 pre-written security policies that can be used as a framework for the creation of a comprehensive set of information security policies. The book comes with a CD-ROM that includes every policy. The beauty of ISPME is that it removes the huge burden and time required to create a global set of security policies. With ISPME, you can immediately begin exploring the myriad policies required for information security.
One of the biggest mistakes you could make, however, when using ISPME, is to implement a policy too quickly, without deciding specifically how those policies with be selected, developed, deployed, maintained, and enforced. With that, Chapter 2 provides an orientation to the information security policy writing and development process. The books states that while it may be tempting to immediately start cutting and pasting policies together, it is crucial to understand both what the policies do and what you want to accomplish with them before you begin. If that is done, the subsequent policy writing tasks will be much more efficient and focused.
At 501 pages, Chapter 3 comprises the bulk of the book and contains the all of the specific policies. These policies are divided into 10 separate domains that are mapped to the ISO-17799 standard. This organization scheme makes it makes it easy to create a gap-analysis of your current policies against the ISO-17799 standard. This is helpful since many organizations are now embracing ISO-17799.
Each of the policies contain the individual policy itself and a detailed commentary on why the policy is specifically needed. Each policy also has a cross-reference to related policies and an indication of the audience (management, technical, end-user) and the security environment (low, medium, high) for which it is written.
Chapters 4 - 20 contain various high-level policies in areas such as mobile computing, data classification, email, Web security, and more. These 18 chapters are complete security policy documents that can be implemented with little customization.
The book contains 15 appendixes, which include secondary information such as awareness-raising methods, checklists, memos, and next steps to take.
The CD-ROM that is included contains the entire set of polices in HTML, Word, and PDF formats. It also includes two documents that map the policies in the book against HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley.
Organizations that take information security seriously will likely have used ISPME in its previous versions. But for those that have not yet taken the plunge, ISPME is a valuable tool that can be utilized to create a comprehensive set of information security policies in a cost- and time-effective manner. For those building corporate or organizational security policies, ISPME is clearly the definitive reference.
Book Description
This is the first book devoted exclusively to the Master Cleanse since Stanley Burroughs wrote the original book in 1976. Written in a clear, simple style, it is based on the author’s coaching hundreds of people, both live and on one of the largest Internet bulletin boards. It covers the widespread nature of obesity, the body's method of handling toxins by storing them in fat cells, how to do the cleanse, what detox symptoms are, what to do about them and what pitfalls to avoid. This book also contains personal experiences from scores of people as they did the cleanse day by, what to expect, which days are the worst, how the cleanse affects women, what ingredients to buy and answers the 70 most frequently asked questions. The author, Peter Glickman, has been a chiropractic clinic director, chelation clinic director (alternative medical procedure for plugged arteries), contributing editor to an online alternative health newsletter and president of two computer software companies.
The book, the author, and/or his website have been in The London Times, The New York Daily News, The New York Times, Us Weekly, the NBC Today Show and are scheduled for Geraldo at Large in January 2007.
Customer Reviews:
Unexpected Results!.......2007-09-29
Purchased the book a few days into my first cleanse and found answers to many questions I had. The cleanse wasn't easy but was successful, even in a way I hadn't expected. After 4 or 5 days I realized that my allergies/hay fever/asthma symptoms were greatly diminished and so I quit taking any medication (even over the counter.) Stayed on the cleanse for 14 days and did not have any symptoms for those days or 2 months following. Did my second 14 day cleanse after 3 months (with symptoms returning) with the same results. Am really trying to watch what I eat now in hopes of keeping all the sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and breathing problems at bay. The book helped with motivation and staying on course as well as providing valuable information.
Stop smoking with the master cleanse.......2007-09-28
I am getting ready to start my second Master cleanse in a few weeks. My first time was about six months ago I was joined by my sister, her boyfriend and my sister in law. we were all successful in our own way my sister and her boyfriend quit smoking cold turkey on day one and have not gone back, they both would agree this was the easiest way to quit with the least amount of negative side effects. I am excited about doing the cleanse again and this book helped me so much my first time I am going to re read it for inspiration.
Eric Zemke
Feeling Great.......2007-09-26
I started this cleanse because I wanted to lose weight and transition to the raw and living food diet. I must say this has helped me tremendously. The weight is falling off, the cravings for sweets and unhealthy foods are gone and I feel great. My skin is glowing and for the first time in years I have an abundance of energy that I did not have before.
Michelle
Loaded With Information.......2007-09-26
I have braved through the Master Cleanse 3 times now. I'm not going to lie, it can be a tough experience and put you face to face with personal challenges like what role does food play in your life? Food satisfied me on many levels other than just something in my stomach. I realized I ate for many reasons...boredom, anxiety, thirst, etc. The M.C. made me face these challenges which made me feel a lot freer in the end, because I no longer used food as a crutch but rather one of the multiple means to good health.
There are a lot of pitfalls and details regarding this fast, and this author covers most of them. There is a lot of practical information. Highly recommended. Here's to Better Health! Your body will thank you...
Lost 29 lbs in 14 days.......2007-09-26
I did the cleanse for 14 days in March 07. I'm a big guy and normally eat more than 4000 calories per day. So I thought I would be really hungry but surprisingly I wasn't. Certainly there were times when I was but overall it wasn't that hard. You find out how much of your eating is habit or boredom and not really caused by hunger. My energy levels were also high, in fact some nights I had trouble sleeping. I seem to have permanent phlegm in my upper throat. At day 12 it seemed to loosen up and I've never been sure if it was coincidence or if I was on the verge of really getting rid of it. Next week I'll start my second cleanse and this time I'll go longer. I prefer using limes to lemons!
Book Description
A fun, engaging, 132-page complete language learning workbook. Includes 150 sticky labels, flash cards, a cut out menu, a crossword puzzle and more. Original art and an open format are just two of the many reasons why this is one of the bestselling language series in print.
Customer Reviews:
Best Help and Fast Review.......2007-09-24
I first checked this book out from the library. It is so good , I purchased a copy from Amazon. This book has the normal words used everyday. It is easy to follow and you do it at you own pace. You are learning how to speak in easy short sentences. It has flash cards that speed up the learning process. Of all the reference books I have, this is the one I pick up first. This book will be great if you are going on vacation and only need to know certain things :)
Spanish in 10 Minutes a Day.......2006-08-15
This text is either for the very beginning beginner or a good review for the person who has been away from Spanish for a time.
It is done in a logical manner and in workbook form. It has stickers for nouns and cutouts for flashcards of the important beginning vocabulary in the book. It is fun to do and quick to finish.
A good Start .......2006-04-07
I have read almost all of the book. Along with the CDs I think the set would be very good for a beginner but not enough for adequate conversation. No conjugation rules mentioned. You have to be enrolled in a spanish teaching class to fill in the defecits that this set have. Overall I think my spanish improved alot from 0% spanish to 50% now,which is not bad to a beginner....
Wonderful Product.......2006-02-24
We are a homeschooling family and we were looking for a good beginning Spanish program. This program was recommended to me by several people so I thought we would give it a try. My daughter and I are learning together and we are finding this program easy to use and alot of fun. I think it would be a great program for older elementary (my daughter is 14) - adult. The CDs are a must because they teach you the correct pronouncation for each word. The stickers are a great way to incorporate Spanish into your everyday life. Excellent program. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to learning Spanish for educational purposes and for those who are planning a trip to a Spanish speaking country.
Good for a traveler, Not for a class.......2005-08-12
I began using this as text for a class of mine, but quickly only used it as a supplement. You are to simply copy the words and say them in 10 minutes each day. It's a great theory, but very difficult to absorb any language through this method. The vocabulary is bent toward the traveler - what to pack, where's the restaurant, I'd like to order, that type of phrasing.
The color pictures make it seem like it might be aimed at a younger crowd, but the exercises were a bit stale for anyone under high school age.
Overall, this is a good crash course if you're about to leave for a week's vacation in a Spanish-speaking country. To learn how to truly communicate in Spanish, you need something more thorough on grammar points and practice. The fact that no CD comes with it also makes pronunciation a concern for the novice learner.
For the much younger child, Flip Flop Spanish is a great tool which comes with a CD.
Books:
- New York Rises: Photographs by Eugene de Salignac
- OpenGL(R) Programming Guide: The Official Guide to Learning OpenGL(R), Version 2 (5th Edition) (OpenGL)
- Orson Welles: Volume 1: The Road to Xanadu
- Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me
- Pop Dreams: Music, Movies, and the Media in the American 1960's (Harbrace Books on America Since 1945)
- Propaganda and the German Cinema, 1933-1945 (Cinema and Society)
- Raising a G-Rated Family in an X-Rated World
- Retrofitting Blade Runner: Issues in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner and Phillip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
- Sam Shepard : Seven Plays (Buried Child, Curse of the Starving Class, The Tooth of Crime, La Turista, Tongues, Savage Love, True West)
- Sams Teach Yourself Macromedia Flash 8 in 24 Hours (Sams Teach Yourself)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Strategic Fund Development, 2nd Edition: Building Profitable Relationships That Last
- If You Tame Me: Understanding Our Connection With Animals
- Eva Hesse Drawing
- Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Secret Past
- History: Fiction or Science
- Pattern Classification
- In Season: A Natural History of the New England Year
- Key Events and Lessons for Managers in a Diverse Workforce: 2003A Report on Research and Findings
- Electronic Resumes: A Complete Guide to Putting Your Resume On-Line
- The Cooper Hill Stylebook: A guide to writing and revision
Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
Eclipse (Twilight, Book 3)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
Specials (Uglies Trilogy, Book 3)
Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1)
Q: Were you a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Angel? What are you watching now that those shows are off the air?
