Rollback (Sci Fi Essential Books)

Book Description

Dr. Sarah Halifax decoded the first-ever radio transmission received from aliens. Thirty-eight years later, a second message is received and Sarah, now 87, may hold the key to deciphering this one, too . . . if she lives long enough.A wealthy industrialist offers to pay for Sarah to have a rollback-a hugely expensive experimental rejuvenation procedure. She accepts on condition that Don, her husband of sixty years, gets a rollback, too. The process works for Don, making him physically twenty-five again. But in a tragic twist, the rollback fails for Sarah, leaving her in her eighties. While Don tries to deal with his newfound youth and the suddenly vast age gap between him and his wife, Sarah struggles to do again what she'd done once before: figure out what a signal from the stars contains. Exploring morals and ethics on both human and cosmic scales, Rollback is the big new SF novel for 2007 by Hugo and Nebula Award-winner Robert J. Sawyer.

Customer Reviews:

eh. its okay........2007-10-02

While I am an avid Sawyer reader, this book while interesting pulled too much from ethical literature without fully exploring any of its ramifications. An interesting and quick read, but not nearly as satisfying as his other works.

Good characters, good concept, and an easy read.......2007-08-25

Robert J. Sawyer's novels are always a treat for me. I have read them all. His characters are believeable and likeable. His ideas are unique and based on science that is not that far-fetched at all. Rollback is another one of those books that fits right into those categories. Sawyer is a master at developing ethical or moral issues for his characters in the way they respond to their environment, circumstances, etc.

Here we have Don Halifax, an Octogenarian who receives an expensive, highly sought after rollback that fixes all his innards to be that of a man in his 20's. His wife, also an Octogenarian, gets the same treatment but it fails. Don and his wife are still in love after 60 years of marriage but things get frustrating and confusing for Don as he sees his elderly wife fading away while he gets this other chance at life that he never actually asked for. All the while, Don's wife Sarah is trying to use her twilight years to assist an alien species that responded to a SETI message she sent years earlier during the prime of her career.

This book didn't have a real enemy per se just a lot of thought provoking ideas. I suppose the antogonist was Don's own psyche as he reacted to friends and family dying around him, guilt, frustrations, raging hormones, and looking younger than his own kids

The book is over 300 pages but you will get through it in no time, even with all the scientific research discussions thrown into the mix. It is also going to be his last book with TOR as his next book will have a new publisher.

By the way, I loved Gunther, the Robot and I wished there was more of him in the book.

I want a Rollback!.......2007-08-23

After reading several Robert Sawyer novels i was excited about obtaining Rollback. The story is of an alien message to earth which is received and returned about 2013. 34 years later a new message arrives(17 years each way).
The science is interesting but the really interesting thing about the story is the personal interactions that transpire because of a aging reversal project done on the scientist who decoded the message and her husband. He goes from 88 to 25 years old physically.
This completely changes the dynamics of his marriage and how he is treated by society. Talk about age discrimination. Talk about raging hormones.
I love this societal aspect of most of Sawyer's writing. It actually overtakes the storyline for me. How would your life change if you could rollback to age 25...assuming you are considerably older than that now. How would your friends and relatives treat you. how about work...could you get a job.
A very thought provoking novel. I enjoyed it.

Live Long and Be Joyful.......2007-08-19

Rollback (2007) is a standalone SF novel. It takes place mostly in Toronto, Ontario, about four decades from now. This story was first published as a serial within Analog, starting with the October 2006 issue.

In this novel, Sarah Halifax is a retired astronomer in her eighties. Her moment of fame occurred in 2010, when she interpreted the very first interstellar message. After her translation, a response was sent back to the aliens on Sigma Draconis, who had initiated the first message. Now a reply has been received to the human response and, once again, none can interrupt the message. It seems that the message is not only encoded for transmission, but is actually encrypted and no one knows the key.

Donald Halifax is Sarah's husband. When Cody McGavin -- a very rich man -- offers to pay for rejuvenation of Sarah to allow her more time (and energy) to work on the current message, Sarah insists that Donald be rejuvenated as well. So Donald becomes younger, but the procedure does not work for Sarah and she remains old.

However, Sarah continues working on the translation of the new message. She agrees with other translators that a key must have been incorporated in the first message or its response, but nothing can be found. Sarah searches the original messages to see if the key had been muddled in the copies.

In this story, Donald is now a very confused person. Donald and Sarah have been married for sixty years. They are used to doing everything together. They have raised two children and have two grandchildren. Donald hardly remembers his life before Sarah.

Suddenly Donald has the energy and libido of a twenty-five year old man, but is married to an eighty-seven year old woman. Donald is still full of energy when Sarah is drooping. When temptation comes his way, he struggles with his conflicting emotions. Then Donald becomes really interested in Lenore Darby, an astronomy graduate student, who reminds him of his Sarah. So he starts hanging out with people of his own apparent age.

This story is more about Donald than Sarah, but can anything about him be separated from her? His life has been hugely changed. He now has all the capabilities of the young with the experience of the old. Naturally, Donald wants his wife to also be young again, but is that possible? So what will he do for the rest of his extended life?

An early scene hints at the ideational origins of this novel. Sarah and Donald have a conversation about the long-term aspects of SETI, which leads to the notion of longevity. While persistence is necessary in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, such signals might be acquired at any point in time. Truly long-term continuity is only required for communications. As this story vividly illustrates, waiting for replies could take generations.

Highly recommended for Sawyer fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of alien communications, intergenerational relations, and true love.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Though Provoking in Customary Sawyer Style .......2007-08-15

Robert Sawyer writes books about things we all think "what if?" In Rollback the what if scenario is "What if you could rejuvenate your body to the body of your youth?" Would you do it, if so, at what price? Set in the not so distant future, Sarah and Don are faced with this very situation. The choice that they make changes their lives and the lives of their families forever. Sawyer has a way of presenting his readers with a philosophical dialogue, where science allows plausible options. I am a big Robert Sawyer fan, and enjoy reading his work. This book did not disappoint, and I highly recommend it. Rollback (Sci Fi Essential Books)

P. Walker Williams
PageTurner.net

Average customer rating:

Heat
Excellent YA Baseball Book
Parent-approved fantastic read - especially for young boys
A Story for Baseball Lovers
Heat's Heated!!! review by Romano

Heat
Mike Lupica
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0142407577
Release Date: 2007-03-01

Book Description

Michael Arroyo has a pitching arm that throws serious heat. But his firepower is nothing compared to the heat Michael faces in his day-to-day life. Newly orphaned after his father led the family's escape from Cuba, Michael's only family is his seventeen-yearold brother Carlos. If Social Services hears of their situation, they will be separated in the foster-care system—or worse, sent back to Cuba. Together, the boys carry on alone, dodging bills and anyone who asks too many questions. But then someone wonders how a twelve-year-old boy could possibly throw with as much power as Michael Arroyo throws. With no way to prove his age, no birth certificate, and no parent to fight for his cause, Michael's secret world is blown wide open, and he discovers that family can come from the most unexpected sources.

Customer Reviews:

Heat.......2007-07-28

The author is trying to be a Tom Clancy type of author by taking a number of pages to explain one fact. The story line is good, when you can remember what it was. Should be more baseball action and less talk about the same subject.
My favorite books when I was growing up were the chip Hilton series, written be Clair Bee. They all had good story lines, but had one thing in common, they also talked sports. Mr Lupica gets away from this in all his books, whereas he could be the modern day Clair Bee if he so chose.

Excellent YA Baseball Book.......2007-07-13

If you don't like books on baseball written for young adults, this book isn't for you. It does not transcend its nature. However, it is an excellent example of its kind and well worth your time if you like this kind of book at all.

The central character is well-drawn and sympathetic but his sidekick, his Catcher and pal is possibly even better and their interaction is funny also. Their is a love-interest but nothing innapropriate for kids that age happens and this romance may simply be the beginning of a long friendship, which would be no tragedy.

There are some very nicely done minor characters.

The narration is unobtrusive and fits the situation. The dialogue is not on the lines of adult conversation but it is mostly kids talking and is as it should be.

The baseball is fun and the story is worth reading.

Parent-approved fantastic read - especially for young boys.......2007-06-19

As a parent of 2 sons, it's tough for me to find good literature for them to read. HEAT is just what I'm looking for as a parent. A great story that moves right along, just enough character detail to make the story real, and baseball! Strongly recommend without reservation. This was my first read of a book by Mike Lupica. Hope some of his others are just as good.

A Story for Baseball Lovers.......2007-06-03

Michael Arroyo has a dream: to pitch in the Little League World Series. His fast ball has "heat" that could get him and his team, the Clippers, there. Michael also has a secret that could keep him from even playing baseball. "Heat" is a novel for everyone who's ever had a dream, for baseball fans and players, and for those who just love a good story with a likeable main character and interesting, quirky supporting characters.

Listen to the Ghost
Secrets I Have Kept

Heat's Heated!!! review by Romano.......2007-05-26

Picture this... a robber steals a woman's purse and is running away as fast as he can. He's at the park, almost able to jump a fence and be free with the purse. But suddenly a baseball comes flying out of nowhere and hits the robber on the back of the head. That's how Heat by Mike Lupica starts out. This is a story about two brothers, illegal from Cuba, whose dad dies, and they have to figure out how to make rent. Michael, the younger brother, is 12 years old and is an outstanding pitcher. Carlos is almost 18, and supports Michael in everything. Michael dreams of playing pro and if Michael goes pro they will be rich. Michael, like every other kid's idol is El Grande a famous picture for the New York Yankees. During one of Michael's games the other team's coach questioned Michael age. He didn't have a birth certificate, so he's not allowed to play. I can't tell you the whole book, your going to have to read it to find out if Michael and Carlos get caught, and if the find his birth certificate.

In my opinion this is one of the most fasciating books I have ever read. Mike made the book tense so you can't stop reading, though out the book. He's got man other books that I'm going to have to read, but this was one of his best books ever. I think anyone would like this book, but if you're a baseball fanatic you're going to have to read it.

Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Super Reader
Fussy Woman Gets Her Man - er - Alien
is brutality equality?....
Enjoyable
enjoy a good book

Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Book 1)
Gena Showalter
Manufacturer: Downtown Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Women Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Police Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 074349749X

Book Description

RIDDING THE WORLD OF EVIL, ONE ALIEN AT A TIME: THAT'S MIA SNOW'S MISSION.

Snow is in the forecast.

In a time and place not too far away, Mia Snow is an alien huntress for the New Chicago Police Department. Heading up her expert team of Alien Investigation and Removal agents, Mia's unmatched at battling the elusive enemy among us, and she's the perfect girl for the job. She's seen her brother die at the hands of aliens. She's earned each of her scars. And she'll die before she cries. Now, a series of killings have Mia and her partner Dallas tracking alien suspects -- but a sudden blast of violence leaves Dallas fighting for his life.

They are ice and fire.

The chance to save Dallas appears in the form of a tall, erotic stranger. An alien. A murder suspect. Kyrin en Arr, of the deadly Arcadian species, holds the power to heal the injured agent but not without a price. For Mia Snow, that price is surrendering to Kyrin's forbidden seduction...and embracing their electric attraction. She's walking a knife's edge, risking her badge and even her life. The closer she gets to Kyrin, the more Mia learns about her own heart, her human needs -- and the shocking secret that will shatter everything she's ever believed.

Download Description

"RIDDING THE WORLD OF EVIL, ONE ALIEN AT A TIME: THAT'S MIA SNOW'S MISSION. Snow is in the forecast. In a time and place not too far away, Mia Snow is an alien huntress for the New Chicago Police Department. Heading up her expert team of Alien Investigation and Removal agents, Mia's unmatched at battling the elusive enemy among us, and she's the perfect girl for the job. She's seen her brother die at the hands of aliens. She's earned each of her scars. And she'll die before she cries. Now, a series of killings have Mia and her partner Dallas tracking alien suspects -- but a sudden blast of violence leaves Dallas fighting for his life. They are ice and fire. The chance to save Dallas appears in the form of a tall, erotic stranger. An alien. A murder suspect. Kyrin en Arr, of the deadly Arcadian species, holds the power to heal the injured agent but not without a price. For Mia Snow, that price is surrendering to Kyrin's forbidden seduction...and embracing their electric attraction. She's walking a knife's edge, risking her badge and even her life. The closer she gets to Kyrin, the more Mia learns about her own heart, her human needs -- and the shocking secret that will shatter everything she's ever believed. "

Customer Reviews:

Super Reader.......2007-08-31

Mia Snow is a top cop with the Alien Investigation and Removal unit. She runs around dealing with illegal immigrants from a long way away, and extreme violence is good when it is necessary.

A partner is critically injured and she ends up in a relationship of sorts with an alien that reveals something about who she actually is, and why she can do what she can do better than other humans.

Fussy Woman Gets Her Man - er - Alien.......2007-07-02

Strong female characters attract my attention, so I was drawn to Awaken Me Darkly by the foreboding Mia Snow. But what made me lay my money on the counter to buy the book was the description of Dallas Gutierrez set as a teaser in the front of my edition. Good Lord. Give me a partner like that any day of the week. Mia who? Oh, is that little girl going to factor into this story? That's nice...get back to Dallas...

So you can imagine how upset I was when Dallas got injured (great foreshadowing and leading into that on Gena Showalter's part, by the way), but the novel didn't just leave me disappointed there. Mia continued working with her other partners (even though some of that felt contrived, but, hey, when you've only got 306 pages, what's a writer to do?) and fighting for Dallas's life and working to rid society of evil bad guys. Now, I expected Mia to save Dallas, sacrificing herself in some way in the process, and end up sweating up the sheets with him. So imagine my surprise when Dallas remained impotently in a hospital bed while the alien huntress alternately beat up and slept with his enemy. Somehow, the talented Ms. Gena Showalter brought it all together with a satisfying ending. Wonderfully.

That's a gifted storyteller.

is brutality equality?...........2007-06-13

LJ Lewis' review below pretty much sums up how I feel about this book as well.

I found this book a rehash of the whole "tough cookie" heroine and not in a good way. The behavior of the heroine, Mia, is brutal and off putting.

The storyline is that the Alien Hunters have complete authority over all Alien species, judge, jury and executioner. In just the first 100 pages alone you see the heroine committing various forms of police harassment and brutality, all the while thinking to herself how much she dislikes most Aliens. And she's supposed to fall in love with an Alien? Is this supposed to be enjoyable?

If this was a male lead I would consider him a villain-and I consider Mia Snow one equally. At one point she tells a suspect "you know I have no conscience" and I agree.

When did equality mean to be equally brutal?

0 stars.

Enjoyable.......2007-06-12

This book features a kick-butt heroine, which is something that I love in books. She doesn't take crap from anyone (or anything). The romance is nice but doesn't overwhelm the plot. Looking forward to the next title in this series.

enjoy a good book.......2007-02-04

Whats not to like? You have adventure in a future Earth with lots of aliens, a beautiful woman with deadly fighting skills (she enjoys fighting), an awsome alien who loves her, along with bad guy & good guys and a big secret she uncovers that changes her life. People who like this type of stuff will also enjoy reading this book.

Enslave Me Sweetly (Alien Huntress, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Fantastic!
great
Enslave Me Sweetly
Pretty Good
The best Gena Showalter yet!

Enslave Me Sweetly (Alien Huntress, Book 2)
Gena Showalter
Manufacturer: Downtown Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0743497503

Book Description

Eden Black walks among humans, protecting them from the murderous evil of other-worlders who abduct and enslave. And though she appears to be human herself, Eden is an alien, a Raka, distinguished by her golden hair and skin, and gifted with the ominous ability to kill without remorse -- and with total accuracy. That is, until the fateful night she has one shot to eliminate her target, a human slaver -- and misses.

"Failure" is not in Eden's vocabulary. Neither is "partner" -- but that's what she is forcibly assigned after recovering from her disastrous mission. A sexy, steely-nerved human agent, Lucius Adaire enjoys nothing more than sparking the fury -- and rousing the desire -- of the fiery female assassin too proud to admit defeat. Locked in an assignment they cannot afford to lose, Lucius and Eden find themselves bound in two high-stakes, heart-pounding games: the sensual web of kill or be killed, and the erotic dance of seduction.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2007-02-01

I liked Awaken Me Darkly but this one I loved even more! I felt more of a bond with Eden perhaps, because she was humanized a little more. I love the imaginary world of Gena Showalter's. I can easily imagine the characters and their interactions with one another.

Eden Black is sexy with golden hair and skin. She is a Raka. They are known to be a peaceful race. Their race is usually hunted down and their hair and skin sold for money. Her parents were murdered right in front of her. Michael Black, the head of the agency, raises Eden as his own. Eden always feels that she has to prove something so, she would not be viewed as a spoiled brat. Her father is overprotective over her and she is trying to win his praise. Eden turns from her peace loving heritage and relies more on her assassin training skills. She is extremely aggressive and strong. I love a strong female character.

Lucius enters the picture. After Eden botches a major hit, she has to accept a partner. Lucius refuses to let Eden control, win, or work independently. He forces her into training and does not sugar coat (couldn't resist!) it for her. The only problem is that Eden is turned on by his appearance and his obnoxious attitude.

The interactions are interesting and true to the characters' natures. I was sorry the book ended. Gena Showalter mentioned in this book that her new book, Savor Me Slowly when have both Mia Snow and Eden Black in it and their men. I cannot wait! What a great fantasy adventure book!

great.......2007-01-24

I liked this one even more than the previous book in the series. I thought the play between the two main characters funny and endearing. Eden is a otherworlder and an assassin of otherworlders (the bad guys). She was brought up by a man who heads a group of assassins and took her away after her parents were viciously murdered. The story beings with Eden on assignment (one that she fails). When she recovers from injuries her father puts her back to complete the assignment, only she has to agree to having a partner--enter Lucius. Lucius is very sexy, very mysterious, and very interested.

I was glued to this book for two nights until I finished it. I truly hope Showalter doesn't wait too long before she puts out another book in this series. Especially if the next one is at least as good as this one.

Enslave Me Sweetly.......2006-09-01

I thought it was great! I enjoyed this book just as much as the first edition to this series. I read it in two settings-only because I needed to sleep. Gena Showalter has a way to make the imagined believable. A very refreshingly different escape from everyday realism, to the world of Gena!

Pretty Good.......2006-08-13

It's a good read. I just like my series to tie together in characters a bit more. The over all story is good with good sex but just not what the first one was.

The best Gena Showalter yet!.......2006-08-04

I really enjoyed this new Gena Showalter novel! Her characters were complex and interesting, something often missing from romance novels, and they had great chemistry with each other. The basic premise of this book is Agent Eden Black screws up one of her missions, to kill an alien who is illegally trafficing human slaves to other planets, and although her boss (and father) allows her to try and remedy her mistake, she must do so with the help of a partner. Adgent "Luscious" is deadly, not to mention sexy, and he is the LAST thing Eden wants to deal with when she is trying to fix her mistake. The ins and outs of their relationship, both personal and professional, not to mention the daring plan they develop to trap the bad guy makes for a fantastic, fast read. I read it in one sitting and I cant wait for the next installment in the Alien Huntress series!

Multiculturalism, Postcoloniality and Transnational Media (Rutgers Depth of Field Series)

Average customer rating:

Multiculturalism, Postcoloniality and Transnational Media (Rutgers Depth of Field Series)

Manufacturer: Rutgers University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Popular Culture | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Media Studies | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Entertainment | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0813532353

Book Description

Reflecting the burgeoning academic interest in issues of nation, race, gender, sexuality, and other axes of identity, Multiculturalism, Postcoloniality, and Transnational Media brings all of these concerns under the same umbrella, contending that these issues must be discussed in relation to each other. Communities, societies, nations, and even entire continents, the book suggests, exist not autonomously but rather in a densely woven web of connectedness.

Book Description

When falling crop prices threaten his family with starvation, fifteen-year-old Victor Flores heads north in an attempt to "cross the wire" from Mexico into the United States so he can find work and send money home. But with no coyote money to pay the smugglers who sneak illegal workers across the border, Victor must struggle to survive as he jumps trains, stows away on trucks, and hikes grueling miles through the Arizona desert.

Victor's journey is fraught with danger, freezing cold, scorching heat, hunger, and dead ends. It's a gauntlet run by millions attempting to cross the border. Through Victor's often desperate struggle, Will Hobbs brings to life one of the great human dramas of our time.

Customer Reviews:

Good book for adults to read as well as teens.......2007-09-25

This was a great story and one adults should read also. Comparing it with adult books I normally read, I would give it 4 1/2 stars.

A very realistic book (coming from me).......2006-09-27

I have family members that have expierienced this adventure of "crossing the wire". It is not only hard but its also sad, sad because not only are you suffering but you see other people suffer and that ther can get really tough. This book goes in detaial what one person, Victore Flores had to do to cross. Now if whatever happend to him in the story affects you in any way, just think about all the people that are crossing just to see how it is like here, or even to get money for their family. I think they deserve a little simpathy. Overall this book is a great book to read, you'll get addicted i guarantee it.

Loved it.......2006-06-01

As an author, I was freaking out about how timely this book was, given all the talk of illegal immigration, etc. Then I read it, and was even more impressed. This is a terrific book, far more interesting than a lot of news stories I've read on the topic, from a master of the genre. I fear it won't get the attention it deserves, solely because it's a YA book.

A Good Read And You Might Learn Something.......2006-05-17

Once again Will Hobbs has put together a boy's story that leads the reader not only on an adventure but also gives insight into ways of life in which most of us are unfimiliar. Overwhelmed in the knowledge that his mother and little brother will soon end up living on the streets the young lad of Crossing Jordan decides that he must sneak across the American border where there is hope he can make enough money to send home. The adventure is the telling of all the efforts, and failures, the boy must go through to accomplish such a feat.

Mr Hobbs presents a compelling drama that will help young readers understand why so many young Mexican men and boys are willing the risk everything for a better life. Without being preachy he helps the reader understand how some American policies actually force many Mexican farmers into poverty. He presents the risks these people must take. He exposes the corruption of those who offer these poor people a way across the border. Then, when one might expect American border guards to be presented as evil, Mr Hobbs gives us characters who are understanding, yet do a job that they are hired to perform.

Please read this book. Or if you have teenage children, or younger even, have them read it. Not for the sake of taking sides on the immigration issue. But to understand it. To see that there are two sides that need to be seen. CROSSING THE WIRE is one of those books that you read, put it away and figure you'll probably not open it again. BUT, after time it begins to grow on you. You want to read it again.

Voices from the Fields : Children of Migrant Farmworkers Tell Their Stories

Average customer rating:

Wonderful book for multi cultural interest
Easy read, yet sad
Review Of Voices From The Fields
Picking into migrant families lives

Voices from the Fields : Children of Migrant Farmworkers Tell Their Stories
S. Beth Atkin
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0316056200

Book Description

"Now in paperback, this critically acclaimed book offers readers a rare glimpse into the lives of today's migrant children. "

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful book for multi cultural interest.......2006-11-10

I used this book as an extension book for a thematic unit I created over Mexican Migrant Farmers. It is great to bring home the idea that this is not history but is still going on in present day!

Easy read, yet sad.......2002-02-02

I write that as a title because if you look into these children's eyes there is hope and sadness. It bothers me to see how these children and their families are forced to live. I live in the N CA wine country and I see the same thing going on here. Exploitation of the workers, inadequite housing, awful pay.
I would LOVE to see a follow up book about these families now that it is 10 years later to see how they have fared. The young gang member who left his gang, the teenage mother who dreams of going to college, the little boy who wants to buy his parents a car. Did any of them make it?

Review Of Voices From The Fields.......2001-04-17

Voices From The Fields is about nine different children all of which are Mexican/Spanish. Each tells a different story about their life. All of these children have one thing in common, they work in the fields or they have a close relative that works in a field. Their stories range from being involved with gangs to the difficulty of moving up in society. As different as these nine children may be, they all care very much for their families and believe nothing is more important. Throughout the book there are photographs of the children and their families. Photographs aid the text in describing conditions and emotions of the people being discussed. Through this mix of text and photographs emotions can be amplified. Children most importantly can aid from photographs being provided since they may not understand certain things they read; yet photographs may open the doors for them. The can better see different feelings such as joy or anger as well as people of different cultures in their own environment. It can also become apparent to children who read the book just how important family is to each of the nine children. They are all care for each other very deeply and this is obvious through the photographs. Julia Hirsch says "A far more complex and elusive relationship between text and image occurs in those books which use snapshots, or other similarly dramatic image: pictures which contain some emotional charge, such as a gesture caught in midstride, an object viewed from an unusual angle, an enigmatic facial expression, a blurred background, or deep shadows and diffuse lighting."(Hirsch, 142) Manuel Araiza talks about his home in the book and such details such as the home being comprised of one room with a kitchen. Next to the text where he is discussing these conditions is a picture of the house. Immediately we feel more sympathetic towards Manuel since we are able to see with our own eyes what he is describing to us. The photographs in this book allow children readers to "experience" a minority culture that most children otherwise would never be exposed to. Hirsch later goes on to say, "Photography in recent years has also given "visibility" to yet other aspects of the human condition which have formerly been kept from most children."(Hirsch 150) One example of these "human conditions" is presented in the book for children to learn about. This condition is the life of migrant farm workers and their families. The photographs in this book depicting ethnic minorities, which also happen to be largely immigrants, provide for an excellent learning experience for children. Books focusing on different cultures and ways of life especially ones with such rich and detailed photography are good for children. These books help to educate on material that is beyond the classroom. Emotions, feelings, and different situations are better understood. It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so by supplementing photographs with the text of the book children take with them a great deal more than would have been without photographs.

Picking into migrant families lives.......2000-08-23

I have recommended this book to teachers, counselors, therapists, social workers, politicians and law enforcement officials. It takes you inside migrant families lives and lets you share with them their success, sacrifice, and nostalgia. Beth Atkins captures more than images in her photographs. She captures pride, hard work, and nostalgic happy lives away from home (Mexico).

Book Description

It's an alphabet explosion!

18 things in this book begin with the letter "A", 19 start with "H", and there are 37 ways of counting "S".

Can you find them all?

As you search, discover dazzling worlds where poodles paint, crows ride in corn-on-the-cob cars, unicorns wear underwear, and so much more. And when you've counted your way from A-Z, check your answers in the back of the book that lists all 421 things that appear.

Customer Reviews:

Seriously Engaging.......2007-09-11

This book is just fascinating.
We got it from the library and it kept my five year old's attention (and mine!) for well over a week. It is really hard to find all the illustrations for any given letter, even for adults. It was great fun to work together on this each evening. Really fun quality time. I highly recommend this book and will be getting it for both Trey's cousins for Christmas!

It's fun.......2007-05-13

It was not easy to find the hidden words and even an adult can enjoy this.

Teach kids the alphabet with a different kind of picture book.......2006-11-06

Teach kids the alphabet with a different kind of picture book: one which invites a treasure hunt through crazy worlds where poodles paint, crows ride in corncob cars, frog nurses administer care, and more. Each page holds a caption telling how many 'a' 'b' or other letter objects appear on the colorful image-laden page: it's up to the kids to find and identify them!

Bat Boy Lives!: The WEEKLY WORLD NEWS Guide to Politics, Culture, Celebrities, Alien Abductions, and the Mutant Freaks that Shape Our World

Average customer rating:

So funny
set your faces to stun
Weekly Word News Lives on in this WONDERFUL book.
A zany presentation
More than just Bat Boy

Bat Boy Lives!: The WEEKLY WORLD NEWS Guide to Politics, Culture, Celebrities, Alien Abductions, and the Mutant Freaks that Shape Our World
Editors of Weekly World News , and David Perel
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humor, Comics & Pop Culture | Bargain Books | Stores | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Popular Culture | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1402728239

Book Description

All the news that's not fit to print! Browse through this fascinating compendium of the best of the Weekly World News and you'll never look at the world the same way again.

Admit it. You've sneaked a peek at the supermarket checkout. Where else could you find the scoop on which senators are aliens, or Saddam and Osama's torrid love affair? Serious newshounds know the Weekly World News (which counts over a million beings as readers) broke the story that Elvis still lives, but it also has exclusives on what kind of pizza was served at Jesus' last supper, who's the father of the Loch Ness monster's baby, and (of course) the various escapades of Bat Boy, the half man/half bat found in a West Virginia cave almost 15 years ago. For the dedicated follower of the fantastic, and for the uninitiated too, Bat Boy Lives! contains all these vital dispatches and much more. Because the truth...is in here.

Customer Reviews:

So funny.......2007-09-06

My dad loved this book...he used to collect the newspapers to get his students interested in reading something...anything!

set your faces to stun.......2007-08-09

This and the Holy Bible are the only two books you need.

I continue to be baffled why folks believe The New York Times but not the Weekly World News. The WWN has *never* had to print a retraction or correction. It is the journalistic standard to which the Columbia Review of Journalism should benchmark.

Modern documentation off what Old Scratch is up to.

You may want to get a copy of "Let's Pave the Stupid Rainforest and Give Teachers Stun Guns."

Weekly Word News Lives on in this WONDERFUL book. .......2007-07-30

Heard the Weekly World News isn't going to be publishing it's funny newspaper anymore. Was so sorry to hear this. Always loved reading the headlines as I waited in the grocery store line. Maybe should have purchased the paper every time I laughed at a headline and they'd still be in business. This book brings all the top of the tops in Weekly World News back. VERY well produced and all the articles will make you laugh out loud.

From President Clinton's 3 breasted intern to blobs from space eating farmer's trucks it's all here.

HIGHLY recommended.

A zany presentation.......2007-01-07

It's hard to easily categorize BAT BOY LIVES!: it's a humor title which also is based on the Weekly World News gossip publication's impossible, sensationalist headlines - and it provides tongue-in-cheek commentary on celebrities, culture, politics, alien abductions and more within its pages of 'impossible events'. Black and white photos blend with 'truths' to make for a zany presentation indeed.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

More than just Bat Boy.......2006-10-16

This tabletop book is 6 chapter of "Best of" the WWN. While some of my all time favorates are there, some importiant "News" articles are missing.

For those with a weird sense of humor and that have not heard of the WWN this book provides an ideal introduction to the unique features WWN. Those that are long term followers, this book will bring back memories of some of WWN shining moments.

My Teacher Is an Alien (My Teacher Books)

Average customer rating:

Greatest Book Ever!
Clever storytelling and excellent suspense
The Bomb
The Bomb
Bruce Coville is the shizzle

My Teacher Is an Alien (My Teacher Books)
Bruce Coville
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

School | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1416903348

Book Description

Sixth grade is just out of this world!

Susan Simmons can tell that her new substitute teacher is really weird. But she doesn't know how weird until she catches him peeling off his face -- and realizes that "Mr. Smith" is really an alien!

At first no one will believe her except Peter Thompson, the class brain. When Peter and Susan discover Mr. Smith's horrible plans for their classmates, they know they have to act fast. Only they can get rid of their extraterrestrial visitor -- and save the rest of the sixth-grade class from a fate worse than math tests!

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Book Ever!.......2006-11-29

I really like this book because it had lots of creepy stuff. And they get to talk to aliens on the communicator. The teacher came from space .He is the subsitute teacher.

Clever storytelling and excellent suspense.......2005-09-01

I loved this book when I was a kid, and decided to re-read it recently. Doing that gave me a new appreciation for what Bruce has done with this story.

Told from the perspective of Susan Simmons, the story fairly believably tells a tale of the impossible. Susan discovers that her new teacher, rigid and demanding Mr. Smith, is actually an alien. Furthermore, he has plans to take several of the students back to space with him! If that wasn't enough, he's holding the previous teacher, Ms. Schwarz, prisoner in his house.

The premise may be clearly fantasy-based, but what follows is some very clever storytelling. Susan has to figure out what to do about her situation, which isn't easy when new complications keep arising. But she's not alone. One of the first things Susan does, is attempt to get fellow student Peter Thompson to believe her. Peter, a friendless nerd who Susan gets along with ("I realized that I was probably the closest thing he had to a friend"), is naturally skeptical at first, but a trip to the teacher/alien's house gives him all the proof he needs. From that point on, the story branches out in a number of surprising directions, with many new twists introduced into the plot, all under an increasingly looming threat.

Bruce Coville tells a brilliant tale with "My Teacher Is an Alien". The characters are believable, with believable narration told from Susan's perspective, mixing in the descriptions one would expect from a novel with the observations and opinions one would expect from a kid. Bruce fleshes out things more by showing Susan's home life, and hinting at Peter's. The plot branches and twists in surprising, yet believable ways, making for an unpredictable story. The only place I felt the author stumbled was with some of Peter's dialog. While Peter is clearly meant to be an intelligent kid, he makes observations that I as an adult couldn't really imagine a sixth grader making. But when I originally read this book back as a kid, I never felt that Peter was too unrealistic, so it's probably not a concern for many kids.

Overall, I think this book is a classic that stands the test of time. Mixing in the fantastic (aliens) with the familiar (a school setting) makes for a blend that works.

Recommended.

The Bomb.......2005-06-10

This book is so cool. I did not even put this book down for 1 second. My Teacher is an Alien is the best book ever made.I love it. It is so interesting.
I can recommend this book for anyone!

The Bomb.......2005-06-10

This book is so cool. I did not even put this book down for 1 second. My Teacher is an Alien is the best book ever made.I love it. It is so interesting.
I can recommend this book for anyone!

Bruce Coville is the shizzle.......2005-04-21

I'm a sophomore in college and for some reason I started to remember all the books I read when I was a kid. Bruce Coville stuck in my mind because his books are the absolute best, and I read every single one of his that were out at the time. Even though I don't like to read science fiction, and the only science fiction I like is Star Wars, these books are the greatest of all time. In fact they're so awesome that I might as well as buy all of Bruce Coville's books and read them all over again. If you have a kid in elementary school, you must force them to read Bruce Coville books just like you make them brush their teeth and wash their hands. No child completely experiences childhood unless they read Bruce Coville. I guarantee that as soon as your kid reads one of Coville's books, they will be hooked.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books