Book Description
Introduction to Computing Systems: From bits & gates to C & beyond, now in its second edition, is designed to give students a better understanding of computing early in their college careers in order to give them a stronger foundation for later courses. The book is in two parts: (a) the underlying structure of a computer, and (b) programming in a high level language and programming methodology.
To understand the computer, the authors introduce the LC-3 and provide the LC-3 Simulator to give students hands-on access for testing what they learn. To develop their understanding of programming and programming methodology, they use the C programming language. The book takes a "motivated" bottom-up approach, where the students first get exposed to the big picture and then start at the bottom and build their knowledge bottom-up. Within each smaller unit, the same motivated bottom-up approach is followed. Every step of the way, students learn new things, building on what they already know. The authors feel that this approach encourages deeper understanding and downplays the need for memorizing. Students develop a greater breadth of understanding, since they see how the various parts of the computer fit together.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book to Teach You the Basics of the Computer.......2007-05-06
This book is really good for learning the basics of how a computer functions. It takes you from the low-level Flip-Flops to explaining how a register and other small components of a computer work. Then the book shows you the basic components a computer, and then gives a full example in the LC-3. The LC-3 is complete with a architecture diagram and Assembly instructions. The book does a good job of of taking you through the LC-3 data path and showing how an instruction is implemented on the architecture. The book also does a good job of showing how the assembly code connects to higher level languages like C/++ or Java. It also gives a high-level explanation of exactly what a compiler does. Towards the end it gives some information on data structures and particularly as to how a stack would be implemented by the LC-3 in assembly. The book also explains how memory works and how input and output are handled in some computers.
Some problems with the book are in the C section. This book does not give a real C tutorial, there are much better guides to C programming.It doesn't really give you any instruction as to how to program in LC-3 Assembly; however, the instructions are simple enough that you should be able to figure it out. Another potential problem is the combinational logic section. This part of the book is not really comprehensive, but teaches what you need to know so that you understand how all the low-level components work; however, if you want to design your own combinational logic, then there are other books for that. Also this book does not really go into the theory of how and why they developed the LC-3 architecture as it is. It is just an intro to get you used how a computer architecture looks and how it works.
All in all a great read for a CS student or Electrical Engineer to get an idea of how a computer runs the programs written on it.
Note: I am a student at University of Illinois (Patel works here) and took a class created around this book. ECE 190 is still my favorite class I've taken to date.
Needs improvement.......2007-02-05
I was lucky enough to be taught by the professor himself--Dr. Patt. The book needs definite improvement in clarity. Too many of the concepts are abstract and ambiguous. The exercises at the end of each section are pathetic, they should be presented more in a Mathematical or Physics style and they do not flex your knowledge about what you have learned in that section. I had to rely on my TAs to explain certain concepts to me since the book did such a poor job.
However, once you master everything that this book has to offer (I strongly recommend you read the appendixes at the end of the book as collateral reading) you will truly understand how computers work at the most fundamental level.
Great book........2007-01-03
This is one of the best books I have used for a computer science course. This book is really detailed. Would really recommend getting this book and keeping it for reference.
Better Than The Teacher.......2005-12-15
I had a pretty ambiguous and boring teacher for the course that required this book so I didn't listen to her much at all in class. Instead, I just substituted the book for her lectures, and I aced the course with ease learning much about how a computer works along the way. It makes me feel a lot more competent about programming to know this stuff, and the book provides it in a pretty good way through the LC-3 architecture and sprinkles the book with examples.
I didn't read any of the "C and beyond" stuff, but everything else was spot-on. I found that most of the teacher's slides (up until a couple of last topics the book didn't cover like linking and loading) were almost identical to the book's presentation of the material. It's a pricey book, but take heart in knowing that it's not a waste of your money for what you get from it.
Intro to CS the way it should be done.......2005-05-17
This book is the implementation of what I have been trying to impart to my beginning students for years. It contains explanations of all of the ideas that make up the foundation of computer science. The first sections deal with the fundamentals of binary data, how numbers are represented, how arithmetic is performed, how the bitwise operations are executed, followed by the basics of digital logic. These ideas are then expanded into a simple assembly code with many control instructions. Staying at the assembly level, I/O operations, subroutines and stacks are demonstrated.
In chapter 11, the transition is made to higher-level languages by the introduction of C. It is then used to illustrate variables, operators, control structures, functions, pointers and arrays; recursion, I/O in C and simple data structures. The explanations are all very well done and the topics are what should be the first set encountered by a computer science major. While the level of abstraction that most programmers work at has dramatically increased over the years, there is still no substitute for being well schooled in the fundamentals. Not only does this make it easier to move up the abstraction ladder, it also makes it possible for a programmer to function at the lower level, should the need arise.
I strongly recommend this book for adoption as a text for a first course in computer science. While it is not designed to fit into the traditional mold of a first semester programming class, it will provide a much stronger foundation for the student taking their first course in CS.
Average customer rating:
- Super Reader
- A Jewell in the Empire
- Fantastic book
- Not as good as Legend, but still Good...
- Second in the Drenai Series
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The King Beyond the Gate (Drenai Tales, Book 2)
David Gemmell
Manufacturer: Del Rey
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Quest for Lost Heroes (Drenai Tales, Book 3)
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Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1)
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Waylander (Drenai Tales, Book 4)
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In the Realm of the Wolf (Drenai Tales, Book 5)
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The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 6)
ASIN: 0345379055
Release Date: 1994-12-28 |
Book Description
Once the mighty fortress had stood strong, defended by the mightiest of all Drenai heroes, Druss, the Legend. But now a tyrannical, mad emperor had seized control of the fortress, and his twisted will was carried throughout the land by the Joinings --- abominations that were half-man, half-beast. Tenaka Khan was a half-breed himself, hated by the Drenai for his Nadir blood and despised by the Nadir for his Drenai ancestry. But he alone had a plan to destroy the emperor. The last heroes of the Drenai joined with him in a desperate gamble to bring down the emperor -- even at the cost of their own destruction.
Customer Reviews:
Super Reader.......2007-08-26
An old man has a prophecy of Gold, Ice and Shadow, the men who will oppose the Dark Magic.
It is a century after Druss held Dros Delnoch, and the Drenai emperor is insane, and using old technology/chaos magic to make armies of half men/half beasts. He has disbanded The Dragon, his elite force.
A few of the leaders of this unit remain, however, and they have had enough. Resistance is also starting to form in Skoda, but is likely to be crushed.
Tenaka Khan, the half Nadir descendant of both Ulric and the Earl of Bronze will lead, as he is the Prince of Shadows. Ananais is the Golden One. Decado, the Ice-Killer, the best swordsman in the world has give up violence and become a priest.
To his shock, he learns the temple he is serving in is a Temple of the Thirty. Although he has no magical powers himself, he will lead the White Priests in battle against the Dark Templar parodies that server Ceska the mad.
Along with the farm woman Rayvan and her rebellion, they will oppose the perversions, but to win, the unthinkable has to happen. Dros Delnoch must fall, and at the hands of the Earl of Bronze.
Not as good as Legend, but that would be pretty hard. Gemmell has the same sort of ability for th creation of races and political structures that Robert E. Howard possessed, even if his world appears to be set thousands of years in the future, rather than in the past, given the ice age and ancient technology references.
A Jewell in the Empire.......2007-08-15
This is a special book among many great works from an acknowledged master of the genre. But what makes this book stand out from the crowd? In my mind, it is the classic heroic fantasy storyline. It has all the seeds necessary for easy adaption to film. You can almost picture the actors striding along epic sets, fighting for lost ideals like honour, love and family against horrific opposition and evil...
The books starts in a lonely, abandoned barracks. It is a reminder of lost days, when things were right and true within the empire. A reminder of the faded dreams of youth. And the first hero we meet, he is tired, jaded and without hope or dreams. He lives only for an empty chance to kill a monster he failed to oppose in the past.
He is Tenaka Khan, the Prince of Shadows. A man whose whole being shouts "destiny", but whose destiny was never reached. A man who is an outsider wherever he goes.
Enter an old man, haunted by his unwitting aid of an evil empire. With him is the only good thing that he has left. His legacy. Her name is Renya. The meeting of Tenaka and Renya is one of four crucial moments that might change history.
The second is when a mysterious, gigantic warrior called Darkmask comes hunting for Tenaka Khan. You will have to read the book to find out the other two moments!
The themes of this novel differ a little from other Gemmell books. Many Gemmell books focus on redemption as a theme, and of course, that is a theme of this novel as well.
However, I would argue that the main theme of this book is the meaning and value that is placed upon friendship. Do our characters place the lives of their friends above their own? Is their friendship strong enough to withstand temptation and great pressure? How much do you trust your friends?
These are the themes running through the novel. Seeing the iron regard that the main characters have for each other (and the doubt that others have), their love and honour, you begin to feel the stirrings of hope that they may succeed. But the odds are so great, that you know that success is still a very remote possibility. Out of reach...
This book has elements of high fantasy, heroic fantasy, classic adventure and horror thrown in for good measure. It is an excellent read, and has a fantastic ending. Do yourself a favour, if you haven't already, and get this book!
catch up with other gemmell fans at: [...]
Fantastic book.......2007-01-09
A great book and series. Well worth the read if your a fan of fantasy or just starting.
Not as good as Legend, but still Good..........2006-11-28
Ok, there was no Druss the Deathwalker, which is never a good start for a fantasy novel. However, Tenaka Khan is a pretty good substitute in a pinch, which is what is happening to the Drenai in this novel. Many of the same themes occur as they did in Legend, where one man makes the difference, and shows the farmers and the recruits how to fight. However, as a twist, Tenaka Khan is half Nadir, and therefore not to be trusted.
Plenty of action, and plenty of bodies in a good old fashioned adventure story. I would suggest reading this if you enjoyed legend, if only so you can continue with the Drenai tales until book 6 - the Legend of Deathwalker, which is one of the greatest books ever written. Seriously.
Anyhow, I am sad as I write this - as Gemmell has recently joined the ranks of Druss the Deathwalker in that castle in the sky. Gemmell was a giant of the high-fantasy genre, and he has certainly earned his place with The King Beyond the Gate.
Relic113
Second in the Drenai Series.......2006-11-23
Sadly David Gemmell died a short while ago and I find it difficult to review a book that I first read when David was very much alive and only just beginning his trade as a writer of fantasy novels. Admittedly his first offering were acceptable but not great, but he honed his skills and grew to be one of the greatest fantasy writers ever. If you have not read any of his books then now is the time to start, I am sure you will not be disappointed. The only sad thing is that David will not be around to write new books that would bring even more pleasure to his multitude of fans.
A hundred years have past since the defeat of Dros Delnoch. An heroic defeat, but a defeat nonetheless. Now the people of Drenai face a new enemy, an emperor, kept in power by the Joinings, beasts of awesome strength and power, plus the Dark Templars, warriors who are virtually unstoppable. Only one man can save the Drenai and defeat and destroy Tenaka Khan, the prince of Shadows.
Book Description
An unrivalled collection of images of one of the last unsullied wildernesses in the world: the vast, uninhabited spaces on northeast Greenland. These beautiful, majestic and poetic landscapes exist in one of the harshest environments on earth.
Roy traces the historical background with a brief outline of Greenland's early exploration. He documents the poignant traces of the Inuit tribe-their winter houses, summer tent circles, and graves and enigmatic stone mosaics-and the structures left by the European trappers who once plied their dog-sleds in the lonely fjords.
Iain Roy's first expedition to Greenland was in 1982. He has since made 10 further expeditions. He now lives in the north-west Highlands of Scotland.
Average customer rating:
- Mediocre
- thoughtful and well-written
- An interesting perspective
- Beautifully Written
- Poorly written but it was helpful
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Beyond the Narrow Gate
Leslie Chang
Manufacturer: Plume
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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel
ASIN: 0452277612 |
Amazon.com
The Chinese this century have endured traumas inconceivable to modern Western generations. Beyond the Narrow Gate is the story of four girls who fled extreme violence, privation, and the Communist Red Army in 1948. Author Leslie Chang hoped to uncover the family history that her mother, one of the girls, was unwilling to talk about and learn her own identity in the process. The gulf between their experiences is profound. As Chang says of her orphaned mother, "At thirteen, she had learned to expect only the worst from life; at thirteen, I thought the greatest tragedy was losing a contact lens." Chang's tale weaves together several themes: her mother's passage from Chinese student to American housewife; the varied experiences of three friends her mother made at an elite girls' school in Taiwan; the mother-daughter relationship; and growing up in an alien culture.
Chang brings great empathy, passion, and descriptive elegance to this important book about the contemporary immigrant experience, exploring territory opened up to us by Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club and Maxine Hong Kingston's The Woman Warrior. When the book ends with mother and daughter celebrating Chinese New Year in Taiwan, we share in the understanding that enables them to sit quietly with the ancient aunt who took advantage of the mother when she was a defenseless teenager. For the first time, Chinese celebrations hold meaning for Leslie Chang. --John Stevenson
Book Description
Beyond the Narrow Gate is the brave and moving story of four Chinese girls--Dolores, Suzanne, Margaret, and Mary--from their ultimate passage through the "narrow gate" in Communist China to America and their decades-long friendship. Leslie Chang, an American-born journalist and the daughter of Mary, lifts the veils of secrecy, shame, and loss that have for so long hung over the "bamboo generation." What Chang discovers is that the passage from one culture to another came at a great price, both to the women who had undergone it and to the children who were born into its legacy. Beyond the Narrow Gate weaves sagas of friendship and love, sacrifice and success, marriage and loss, as it illuminates one of America's least-documented immigrant experiences. At the same time, this is a deeply personal book: a daughter's discovery of her own history in her mother's past.
"An excellent history lesson . . . about surviving, even thriving, in the face of upheaval and almost unimaginable loss." --The New York Times Book Review
"With intelligence, pathos, and wit, Chang manages to infuse her historical and cultural exposition with the enchantment of the best sort of storytelling." --Rosemary Mahoney, author of The Early Arrival of Dreams: A Year in China and A Likely Story: One Summer with Lillian Hellman
Customer Reviews:
Mediocre.......2003-10-19
This is not a terrible book. But it's not a good one either--especially in a field that has so many extraordinarily well-written memoirs (like "Wild Swans").
"Beyond the Narrow Gate"'s lack of originality and style are its biggest problems. The author is telling a story that has been told many times before. Although Chang's women immigrants are better-off financially than the immigrants most memoirs are about, that fact actually makes "Narrow Gate" LESS interesting, because the women's hardships are less stark, more psychological than physical, and thus extremely difficult for Change to adequately convey.
Chang's writing style is unexceptional. Her words do not draw the reader in, and there is a lack of complementarity between the story Chang is trying to tell and the words she uses to tell it with. Her language could be much richer, her descriptions more textured (adjectival phrases are our friends!). Worse, this story, of which the personal impact for the author is constantly reiterated, is not told in an intimate manner or with any sense of humor whatsoever. The telling is extremely straightforward, with too few embellishments and too little intimacy, which is off-putting, to say the least.
There are also some smaller, but similarly irritating problems. First, this book touts itself as a record of four Chinese women's journey to America. In fact, that story is recounted as a background for excessive odes to Chang's mother that are not related to the story. There are frequent and redundant discussions of Chang's mother's exuberance in life, complete with unnecessary anecdotes that are neither contributory nor all that interesting.
Also, especially in the first half of the book, Chang goes into long tangents about poets, such as the rather obscure Wallace Stevens, or earlier American authors. She tries to weave their experiences into the story of the Chinese immigrants' experiences--to what end, I have no clue. The device merely irritated me.
Chang jumps between spaces, time, and characters in a wholly disconcerting manner. It's never made clear why certain characters, like Suzanne and Delores, feature heavily in some chapters and not others, since the book is not written in a consistent chronology. Chang also throws in a lot about herself as she was doing the research for the book--half of one chapter is devoted to a visit to an old priest in New York, who doesn't even remember Chang's mother. For a book that's supposed to be about the elder Chang's immigration experience, there is an excess of anecdotes about the author's research-related experiences.
Last, Chang's insistence on writing out the character's exact words, no matter how broken their English, is annoying. Most children of immigrants, while acknowledging that their parents' English is nonstandard, have grown up hearing that version of English and therefore it sounds natural to them, and not broken. Therefore, Chang could still be true to her subjects by recording their speech as standard English, because that's how their children actually understand them. The broken English is very hard to read and takes away from the seriousness both of Chang's subject and often of the conversations that are being recorded.
Overall, like I said, this isn't a TERRIBLE book. If it dealt with a topic that had fewer volumes already written on it--say, for example, the Thai or Hmong immigrant experience--I would actually give this book another star. But the Chinese immigrant experience is one that has already been recorded in some of the best tomes of this century, and so I don't think readers should waste their time with as mediocre a book as "Beyond the Narrow Gate."
thoughtful and well-written.......2003-01-01
Ever since the Joy Luck Club came out, it seems like "Asian heritage" books have been everywhere. I can't get into many of them - not entirely sure why - but this book is one of the exceptions.
This story rings very true for me. My mother went to the Taipei high school where the four main characters meet, and this is what first drew me to the book. It was like finding out about her life though I'd never been able to ask the right questions (a process described early in the narrative, too). And I can see parts of my growing up reflected in most of the second-generation characters.
But I like this book mainly for its wisdom, for the perspective Chang has gained through the process of writing these stories and how she shares that with the reader. It reminds me about the freedom we have here, to define our dreams however we want and do all we can to pursue them. (We're not forced to study biochemistry just because we're good students, and our culture helps give us the courage to change careers if we're not satisfied.) It's also interesting to see how the parents' experiences affect their children's lives in this area. Wei goes to New York to be a dancer, and Peter tries to pursue public policy instead of medical school. There's a line about a father who was so American that he encouraged his child "to go to Oberlin instead of Harvard" - perfectly characterized, I thought.
I thought this book was nicely written, other than the occasional awkward foreshadowing. The stories do jump around, but this is inevitable, and they are described clearly enough that they really aren't too hard to follow.
This is a relatively quick read, and definitely worth it - it paints an accurate picture of both generations' lives in the U.S. and throws in a nice China/Taiwan history lesson as well. It's definitely among my favorite "Chinese" books now, along with Mona in the Promised Land (Gish Jen) and Legacies (Bette Bao Lord).
An interesting perspective.......2001-05-01
A daughter researches the life of her mother through the eyes of her mothers friends.
Beautifully Written.......2000-11-22
A fascinating story of 3 generations of Chinese/Taiwanese women. Chen beautifully paints a contrast between the older generation and her young self on a personal journey to discover her roots. What makes this book so wonderful is that Chen not only tells of the difficult journey from Taiwan to America but also the battle of thoughts and emotions that take place in their hearts.
Poorly written but it was helpful.......2000-05-20
Unfortunately this book was written very poorly. Author swings from one end to another trying to catch a big fish. However she is a good observer and takes you into the complicated relations of four women with their families. She described well each woman during different time periods of their life in China, Taiwan, and USA. Unfortunately, this book consists of many small stories of each of them. There is no main story. However I found it helpful as well.
Product Description
This book redefines the story of Heaven's Gate told by the last insider. A well written, autobiographical, true-life account experienced by Rio DiAngelo. After turning forty, feeling grateful for a full creative life he prays to God for a way to give back. In 1994 he joins the Heaven's Gate celibate monastery for men & women to focus on God & self-improvement. Soon after finding that the group of people believed they were the Second Coming of Jesus and His present day Disciples. Includes Rios three years with the group and 39 personal pre-suicide statements from all members recorded days before their mass suicide in 1997.
Find out:
* The untold truth about the largest mass suicide in U.S. history.
* Why they did it.
* Why the news media did not report the whole story.
* How they knew it was the present day Jesus.
* How the members created a Soul to make the transition.
Book Description
Winsome gardens filled with gentle blossoms, babbling brooks, and latticed gazebos promise refreshment of spirit. Quotations from favorite authors such as Jane Austen and John Donne further entice readers to venture beyond the garden gate.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful.......2006-03-10
Enjoy the tranquil artwork of Thomas Kinkaid, coupled with soothing verse about the wonders of the garden from the likes of Helen Keller, Jane Eyre and others, in BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE. This smallish coffee table book will be thoroughly enjoyed by all who open it.
Calmness on paper.......2000-08-11
This book, as will all of Thomas Kinkade's work features homes and neighborhoods in small towns. Some feature the same home, and how it looks throughout the year as the seasons change.
I find Kinkade's work to have a calming effect on me. As I turn the pages and look at the beauty of the painting from the broadest viewpoint to the smallest detail; I find something new and wonderful each and everytime.
Average customer rating:
- A Great Book
- Freedom of Religion
- We Have to Give Him Credit for Trying
- Not too sure
- An Independent Book Reviewer from India writes.....
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Beyond the Broken Gate
Charles Graybar
Manufacturer: Serenity Hill Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Calm amid Chaos
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Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires
ASIN: 0974026522 |
Book Description
Charles Graybar had all of the trappings of a financially successful existence; literally, living the American dream. As he reached his late 30's he was stunned by the realization that his life felt incredibly empty and seemingly without purpose. While experimenting with a self-designed combination of meditation techniques that he used to escape the stresses of corporate life, he stumbled upon a perceptional gateway of sorts in 1993. Through this gateway Graybar learns that communication with three advanced souls is possible. Beyond the Broken Gate is a chronicle of Graybar's search to find meaning in his discovery and the very purpose of life.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Book.......2006-09-06
Religion and spiritual enlightnement are extremely personal. We each seek answers to the same questions; we differ in what answers we accept. Charles Graybar has some incredible insights that many of us can relate to, that we can incorporate into our own personal system of beliefs. His path to spirituality and understanding was an intersting one. He had everything that most Americans believe they want: wealth and material trappings. He also had power and prestige. When he found his answers, he abandoned the lifestyle that was inconsistant with his spirituality. A braver, more honest man you'll never find. His spiritual journey is shared in this easy to read, easy to understand book. He shares his insights and his discoveries with his readers with candor, honesty and generosity. No matter where you are in your own spiritual journey, no matter what your religious beliefs are, you can incorporate Mr. Grabar's messages into your life.
Freedom of Religion.......2006-03-03
That's why I am glad there is one here in America.Everyone is entitled do believe in what or who they choose.After getting as far as chapter 3 I am convinced you can be born again.And as a born again christian I plan to remain that way in Jesus.My reference is john 3:16 NIV
1john 5:11
We Have to Give Him Credit for Trying.......2005-11-30
This a painful read. I am not referring to the subject matter. It is Charles Graybar's (Chuck to his Spirit Guides)(the use of this nickname seems to take him by surprise more than once) laborious monolog. Very nearly every single sentence begins with using the given name of each member of the seemingly spontaneous group. "Chuck" Kalista frowned, "You must pay attention now, as this is very important" and "Kalista" came the answer, "I hear you and will listen" and "Ok, then, Chuck", she said. "Here it is in a nutshell." And, again, "Yes Kalista" "I am waiting breathlessly for the explanation." I am not kidding here. I mean he does this with probably 90% of the book. He is almost child-like in his enthusiasm for his newly awakened self, describing every little new idea and then the whole thought process while his guides look on with a "fond, but tolerant smile". I may be really sticking my neck out here, because basically you can't help but like the guy, and appreciate his honesty, but I think he found a long forgotten bag of something tucked under and taped to, the flap of his old college gym bag. His descriptions of reserving his week-ends from early Friday evening to late Sunday, just to be alone and meditate, then the mind-boggling over the top "beyond human description" trips in "Kalista's garden" were just... sad. I ended up actually feeling something very nearly like love for this guy. He apparently had had a horribly abusive childhood (his words)yet came out a winner for breaking the cycle. He deserves applause for that. But it gets pretty darn old rather quickly to go through his agonizingly over simplified concepts such as "the God-Source is in everything" and "the God-Source is everything". Ok, Chuck, we get it. Problem is, we got it already and there is nothing new or different about this book that I can enthusiastically pass on to another reader.
Not too sure.......2005-08-13
THe book was pretty far fetched but I did try to keep an open mind. I really hope that his experience was real and he isn't a phoney.
I guess experiencing it for ONESELF would be the ONLY way to truely believe.
The book did get my attention and it WAS a good read.
An Independent Book Reviewer from India writes............2004-08-30
From: "S.V.Swamy" <swamyreviews@y...>
Date: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:35 am
Subject: Beyond the Broken Gate - A review
Recently I had the pleasure of reading a beautiful Spiritual/New
Age/Self-Help book, "Beyond the Broken Gate" by Charles Graybar,
Chuck to his friends. I am giving below my review of the book.
Beyond the Broken Gate
by Charles Graybar Published by Serenity Hill Press
Category: Non-fiction / Self-help
360 pages; ISBN: 0974062522
Rating: 8/10
Reviewer: Swamy
Review
"Beyond the Broken Gate - An Ordinary Man's Extraordinary Journey In Learning Who We Are, Why We Live, And Where We're Going" by Charles Graybar is a Spiritual book. The author had questions which trouble many seekers, viz., what is the purpose of life, where are we going spiritually etc., and got answers from advanced spirit guides. In about 360 pages, Charles or Chuck as he is referred to in the book,shares with us his extraordinary journey into some advanced spiritual realms and the answers that he got. Obviously his spiritual encounters have affected his career and personal life very extensively, so that his prsent life is in better tune with the original purpose.
To many westerners, the ideas presented in the book may be new and may thus challenge their beliefs. To eastern believers, much of what Chuck describes is already known. The Upanishads, The Bhagavad Gita and of course Buddhist teachings (which Chuck is aware of slightly), present similar teachings. However, his attempt at explaining esoteric concepts is laudable and will appeal better to he 'rational' minds. Chauck comes through as an extraordinary man. In fact, since each individual is unique, no one is really ordinary.
There is an interesting perceptional block in Chuck's understanding. While agreeing that the life on earth plane is similar to a dream and thus all events that take place here, good or bad have no real significance in the higher planes, except for their value as educational lessons, Chuck is still distressed about the negative atmosphere prevailing on earth in his life time. Chuck seems to have missed one important spiritual lesson that life has several cycles and the world too goes through several cycles of war and peace. A great war always cleans up the atmosphere and love, peace etc. start
growing. But again as the decay keeps piling up, as the negativity keeps building, another war or earthquake, a flood or some other natural disaster comes up. In Hindu philosophy the Trinity of Creator, Preserver and Destroyer are three different aspects of the same Source. Much before the Crusades and the World Wars, two major wars were described in detail in Ramayana and Mahabharatha. But since Chuck's lessons to be learnt include compassion, empathy etc., his feelings are as per the programmed script.
The book has a fair number of editorial glitches, but thankfully the message comes through quite well. The book is strongly recommended to all spiritual seekers.
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Customer Reviews:
the sequel to The Ides of April.......2005-06-28
Description from Bethlehem Books:
"Palestine in the first century A.D. is as disturbed and divided as it is today. The Jews have revolted against Roman occupation and as they grow more restive, Rome clamps down harder. The ten Greek cities of Palestine-the Decapolis-want only to continue their peaceful trading existence, but they find themselves caught in the middle of the uprisings.
Apollodorus, a merchant of Philadelpia, takes a risk and rescues a man whom a Roman patrol has left to die in the desert. When Apollodorus is killed by robbers, his three sons are left almost penniless. Conan, Nicanor and Philo must each find a way for themselves. Philo, the youngest, is befriended by Xenos, the man saved from the desert, the man who has lost his memory. From him the boy learns the art of the scribe, and together they try to find their identity-one from the past, the other for the future. A serious story of an important time in history."
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