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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Check Out Spark Notes And Then There Were None for $5.95

Spark Notes And Then There Were None Review



Summary: Ten people are lured to an island and then killed according to a macabre nursery rhyme posted in each of their rooms.

Thoughts: One of the best-known of Christie's many mysteries, I have also found this to be one of my favorites although with some qualms namely the killer's sense of justice. One character certainly deserved to die based on a callous disregard for the lives killed through a car accident while others I was less convinced. But it is brilliantly written; as I've done with many Christies, I question if the reader could have actually solved this. Also SPOILER the killer does not die or receive any punishment for killing these people. I think it's a bit like Dexter in that: latent psychopath kills other killers which is troubling to my morality END SPOILER. One difficulty at the start was sorting out all of the characters as they are introduced one right after the other. But then they start dying and that makes it a bit easier to sort them out.

But it is a very quick read and enjoyable. I liked trying to puzzle out how they were committed and how they would be committed although I knew I wouldn't be able to figure out who did it. I flew through it even with my mom's persistent interruptions.

Overall: 5/5 Despite my perceived flaws, obviously a standout and definitely recommended!




Spark Notes And Then There Were None Overview


The first ever unabridged audio edition of Agatha Christie's most successful novel. Ten strangers, apparently with little in common, are lured to an island mansion off the coast of Devon by the mysterious U.N.Owen. Over dinner, a record begins to play, and the voice of an unseen host accuses each person of hiding a guilty secret. That evening, former reckless driver Tony Marston is found murdered by a deadly dose of cyanide. The tension escalates as the survivors realise the killer is not only among them but is preparing to strike again...and again...


Spark Notes And Then There Were None Specifications


Considered the best mystery novel ever written by many readers, And Then There Were None is the story of 10 strangers, each lured to Indian Island by a mysterious host. Once his guests have arrived, the host accuses each person of murder. Unable to leave the island, the guests begin to share their darkest secrets--until they begin to die.

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Customer Reviews


One of my favorite mysteries - mathiou -
It's been about 15 years since I read this book, and I still remember it as one of my finest reads.



AMAZING! - -
This is by far the best mystery ive ever read. I couldnt put it down and finished it in 2 days!



This edition tries (and fails) to be "PC" - R. W. Otis -
I have long loved Agatha Christie's work and I've read "And Then There Were None" several times (I teach the novel in a high school). My only issue with this particular edition is that, in an attempt to be politically correct, the publishers chose to change the name of the island from Indian Island to Soldier Island. This would be alright except that they left in all of the anti-semitic rhetoric (with regards to Isaac Morris) and racist comments about African natives. If you're going to go PC, then do it completely or not at all. Or better yet, educate people about the changes in attitudes from one time period to another and read it in that context.



Four and a half stars - -
Didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Like most teens, I'm not really a fan of 'old' books. But, I've gotten more of a fan of mystery novels in the past year because of some mystery freebies from the Kindle store, so that helped.

For the first twenty pages or so, when they were introducing ALL ten main characters, I have to admit nearly put the book down. But glad I didn't, as as soon as the introductions were through, it sped up pretty quickly.

I predicted the ending, but then again, I often do. Overall wonderful book, and I'm glad it was on my summer reading list. (Will be a freshman in high school in the fall.)

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 04, 2010 15:21:09
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Great Price for

From Inquiry to Academic Writing: A Practical Guide Review



I like the product and how quickly it was delivered but the book is definitely more used than I thought it was going to be. The covers fold out a bit which is annoying and there is some odd highlighting on some pages, but overall I am content with my purchase.




From Inquiry to Academic Writing: A Practical Guide Overview


Beginning from the premise that all academic writing is conversational — a collegial exchange of ideas, undertaken in a spirit of collaboration in the pursuit of new knowledge — From Inquiry to Academic Writing demystifies cross-curricular thinking and writing by breaking it down into a series of comprehensible habits and skills (such as inquiry, critical analysis, argumentation, and research) that students can learn in order to enter and contribute to these conversations.



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From Inquiry to Academic Writing: A Practical Guide - Zofia Panszczyk -
The book arrived in perfect condition just like it said, and the shipping wasn't that long either.



EN106 Text - Thomas A. Locke - Newport News, Virginia
The speed that the vendor sent the purchased item was excellent. The book seemed to have a little more wear than I expected, but it was completely serviceable and satisfactory.



Never received the item - Credit issued by Amazon - D. Steenson -
I ordered this textbook, needing it in order to start class. I never received the book and ended up ordering another copy at considerable more expense plus next day shipping or I could have failed the class. When I contacted the seller, I was told there was nothing that could be done about it since they had mailed it and I was probably just trying not to get out of paying for the item. I don't appreciate the accusation and will never purchase from this seller again or recommend this seller to anyone else.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 04, 2010 11:00:07
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Check Out PLPR6:Remains of the Day, The RLA

PLPR6:Remains of the Day, The RLA Review



My first experience with Kazuo Ishiguro was with his novel `Never Let Me Go', which drew me in and blew me away. I have been a longstanding fan of the 1993 film adaptation of this particular novel, and so I have wanted to read it for some time. Truth be told, the idea of reading a novel about a butler's revelations didn't seem all that appealing. Some stories are better told on the big screen, for reading their plights can become rather monotonous and redundant. After reading `Never Let Me Go' though, I was so enamored with Ishiguro's magnificent writing technique that I became confident that this novel would please me.

It did, and then some.

I find it rather baffling to read some (very few thankfully) reviews that lambaste this novel for being boring or uninspired. Yes, to the untrained eye this may seem like a longwinded exercise (which I can't say I rally behind in the slightest since I was unable to put this engrossing piece of literature down and finished it rather rapidly) but quite frankly there is so much to be absorbed here.

The story tells that of an English butler named Mr. Stevens who takes a much deserved holiday to visit an old acquaintance and former co-worker, Miss Kenton. Over the course of this trip, Stevens recalls his life in segments that add layers of development over his own person and the people with whom he shared his company, namely Miss Kenton and his former employer, Lord Darlington. While it may be instantaneously ascertained that Stevens is quite oblivious to his former employers real life ambitions, the reader soon become privy to the fact that Stevens is searching for a meaning to his own existence that causes him to place unnecessary adoration on his late-employer. Stevens, a man so dedicated to his craft that he has made other people's mistakes, is stumbled by his own lack of `dignity', as he sees it. Feeling lost and inadequate, Stevens focuses his reflection on times when he felt most amenable, completely worthwhile and needed. This reflection, when recollected in like manner, paints a vivid picture of a man who is just beginning to grow outside of himself.

Some have balked that this story is far from the `romance' is it trying to be, but for me that anti-climactic finale only further bolsters the story's romantic subplot.

There is a passage near the beginning of the book where Stevens comments on the meaning of greatness, and when discerning the reason many consider the landscape in Britain to be `great' he states: "I would say that it is the very lack of obvious drama or spectacle that sets the beauty of our land apart." That is precisely how I feel about this beautiful novel. The `obvious' theatrics are stripped away to reveal a story that is pure and believable and relatable, no matter what your nobility.

I must also make a quick note in regards to Ishiguro's writing style. This man is a genius. I've only read two of his novels and yet I'm ready to pronounce him one of the greatest novelists I've ever had the privilege of reading. His ability to transport the reader into another world is unsurpassed. Comparing the style of this novel and `Never Let Me Go', it is outstanding to see how he was able to capture such completely contrasted personalities so effortlessly.

This novel breathes.





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Customer Reviews


looked sceond hand - joanna Matley - ASHTON UNDER LYNE, Lancs, GB
book arrived - expensive for a paperback but I didnt have time to go shopping elsewhere. When it arrived it looked distinctly second hand.






A fascinating, heart-rending masterpiece. - Lazar - OH
For readers who prefer fast-paced thrillers or the light beach-read, "The Remains of the Day" may be just the book to pull you into serious, contemplative literature. The story is presented in the form of a butler's diary, and the time alternates between his years of service to Lord Darlington (leading up to WWII) and the "present" day, in which Lord Darlington has died and Stevens is adjusting to both his new employer and his own advancing age. Deciding to seek out a former associate who now lives in Cornwall, Stevens borrows his new employer's car and takes a "motoring trip" across the English countryside, all the while contemplating his past thirty years of service and their greater significance.

Ishiguro is truly a master of the form. I've seldom read a book by an author who seems to understand, without reservation, what good fiction does and how it is written. There are no car chases, no shouting matches, no fistfights or dead bodies. But if you let Ishiguro work his magic, he will pull you under swiftly and see you to the conclusion of this beautiful work.

As for character portraits, the butler Stevens is perhaps one of the most compelling characters I have ever met in a novel. Many times I felt myself thinking of Stevens not as an interesting (or even life-like) character or as an ideological construct but as a real person with feelings, desires and passions. As you read the book, there are quiet moments that are utterly heartbreaking. Most of this is due to understatement or implication, and being able to sense the meanings behind Stevens' actions--and especially his non-actions. The Remains of the Day presents these repressed moments of sorrow with a precision I'm not sure I've found elsewhere--even in the works of the masters. I'm anxiously awaiting my next Ishiguro novel.



Eloquently written story of a English butler - Michael A. Farrell - San Diego
An eloquently written novel concerning an English butler named Stevens. This a well crafted novel that may serve as a diversion from more typical genre.

I had not idea what this book was about. I saw it on many "must read" lists. A novel about a very proper and stuffy English butler would seem be too prosaic to be interesting. Somehow Shiguro pulls it off.

Although the accolades for this piece of work seem overdone, a book lover with a broad palette, should enjoy this unique and well written novel.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 04, 2010 03:45:04
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Friday, September 3, 2010

Check Out The Official LSAT PrepTest 54 for $4.12

The Official LSAT PrepTest 54 Review



I took a prep course prior to taking my LSAT for the first time in December 2008 using mostly older LSATs as study/prep material. Big mistake. There seems to have been a major change to the test somewhere in the early to mid 2000's. The newer tests are much harder than the old tests, as if the old tests are sort of a mock up of what an LSAT would look like. By the time I got to the actual test, I was unprepared for the depth of the test material and also the nuances of the newer tests. As I prepared to retake the test in February - which was today, as a mater of fact, I ordered a bunch of the newer tests to use as study material. It made all the difference in getting me used to a more nuanced and intricate test. But if you order these, order them from LSAC - they don't charge shipping.

You will also need the Powerscore book - at least for the games. That book blows everything else I have seen out of the water.





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Don't Be Fooled by the Title... - Dmitri Ulinov - California, USA
Don't be fooled by the title; this is actually an awesome drinking game for those Friday nights when somebody forgot to bring the ping pong balls and cups.



A must buy for the LSAT - ClosetNerd - Atlanta, Georgia USA
This series are the newest released prep tests by LSAC. The Reading Comp Section of the test was recently changed and this is one of the few test books that addresses the change. This is an accurate rendering of what a REAL test felt like. The only difference is there is no ungraded section like in the real test. What I did was use two of the earlier test books and added a section to each of the newer tests. I would highly suggest purchasing as many of these as you can from the highest number first and then down. I also purchased the latest LSAT collection of ten books and found it similar to the current test.






PrepTest 54 - L. Boggs - Converse, TX USA
I recommend getting your hands on as many of the 50s series for the LSAT preparation. Test 55 was recently released by LSAC, but it had not been before I sat for the December 2008 LSAT. These tests can also be aquired on the LSAC site for a fee; however, I utilized Amazon.com in the crunch in that I needed some additional practice tests to continue doing timed tests prior to the real one. Frankly, I didn't think I could count on LSAC to get the tests to me in time and Amazon got them to me overnight (I had also ordered test 49 and 53). The real tests, in my view, are the best way to prepare for the LSAT. When I took the real exam nothing surprised me or caught me off guard. Note, I had also taken a preparation course that utilized the 10 tests of the 30 series as the class book. But I highly recommend getting these additional prep tests as they served me well and I received a high LSAT score.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 03, 2010 20:26:05
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Check Out Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes for $85.00

Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes Review



I am NOT really reviewing the content of this book, so please don't say this review wasn't helpful.

I just want to say that there are international versions of this textbook, which is the same, that can be bought on other websites (a certain auction website). I got mine for about (not a hardcover) with no shipping fee.

But in terms of the content of this book, it has been pretty straight forward and easy to understand so far (I haven't finished my organizational communications course).




Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes Overview


ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION: APPROACHES AND PROCESSES, 5th Edition presents organizational communication from both a communication and managerial perspective. Professor Miller's clear writing style and consistent use of examples and case studies result in a text that you'll find easy to understand.


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Slow response to customer contact. - tapper808 -
Received the book in good time, however, it was not the edition I was under the impression I was supposed to receive. I have contacted the seller several times, but have not gotten a response with my latest e-mail. I am very frustrated and am considering filing a claim with Amazon regarding this seller.



Could be better... - ama4889 - Chicago, IL
This book could do with some revising. The important terms are not bold, but italic. Headings only loosely describe what you are learning. There are no "key terms" type boxes, or review questions at the end except for some touchy-feely discussion questions.

If your professor is using the test bank for the book, be forewarned that you will have to dig for the key concepts in each chapter.

Earth to Katherine Miller, no one in their right mind is going to read your book cover-to-cover because they want to. Any study skills class will enlighten you to how students actually cover textbook material.






Nice buy - H. Zemmahi - Ames, Iowa
A good buy from Amazon. The book is in good shape yet has some highlighting inside that I sometimes find annoying.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 03, 2010 13:27:05
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Check Out Writing Matters: A Handbook for Writing and Research

Writing Matters: A Handbook for Writing and Research Review






Writing Matters: A Handbook for Writing and Research Overview


Writing Matters unites research, reasoning, documentation, grammar and style in a cohesive whole, helping students see the conventions of writing as a network of responsibilities writers have...

...to other writers. Writing Matters clarifies the responsibility writers have to one another--whether they are collaborating in an online peer review or drawing on digital and print sources in a research project--to treat information fairly and accurately and to craft writing that is fresh and original--their own!

...to the audience. Writing Matters stresses the importance of using conventions appropriate to the audience, to write clearly, and to provide readers with the information and interpretation they need to make sense of a topic.

...to the topic. Writing Matters emphasizes the writer's responsibility to explore a topic thoroughly and creatively, to assess sources carefully, and to provide reliable information at a depth that does the topic justice.

...to themselves. Writing Matters encourages writers to take their writing seriously and to approach writing tasks as an opportunity to learn about a topic and to expand their scope as writers. Students are more likely to learn about a topic and to expand their scope as writers. Students are more likely to write well when they think of themselves as writers rather than as error-makers. By explaining rules in the context of responsibility, Writing Matters addresses composition students respectfully as mature and capable fellow participants in the research and writing process.


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WARNING NOT the Real Text Book - Narim-married-Weir - Colorado Springs, CO
Warning this is not the Real text book required for English at Diablo Valley College and others schools.
The item sold here is a brochure with highlights from the real text book. It's a Marketing Brochure sent to Professors asking them to use the REAL text book in their classes.
Don't buy this Brochure!

The Return policy of HPB-Dallas sucks too. "If you pay to ship the Brochure back to them, they say they will credit your purchase price, less the shipping to you costs." So you get to pay to ship the brochure two ways.










*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 03, 2010 03:36:06
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Thursday, September 2, 2010

Check Out Life on the Mississippi for $11.98

Life on the Mississippi Review



Mark Twain is synonymous worldwide with the Mississippi River, mainly because of the Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn stories. However, Life on the Mississippi is just as important and, in a testament to Twain's greatness, nearly as readable despite being non-fiction. It details his history with the river and gives an overview of the river itself; this may sound boring, and almost certainly would be with anyone else, but I long ago decided that even Twain's laundry list would be worth reading, and this certainly is. The magic he seemed to bring to everything is in full force; one would be very hard-pressed to find another non-fiction book that is so entertaining, besides Twain's others of course, but it is also awesomely informative. In addition, Life is historically notable as the first book written on a typewriter, not Huck as is commonly thought; however, it made Twain able to finish Huck, which he had struggled with for some years and set aside. Huck fans and scholars will want to read Life for this alone, but it is more than worthy in itself.

Twain starts by giving some basic facts and history; this is the least interesting part but only lasts a few pages, and I urge anyone bored by it to continue. Much of the information is of course dated but remains historically valuable as a portrait of the river as it then stood. Far more interesting is Twain's unforgettable rundown of his years as a riverboat pilot - a central life experience that led to much of his writing. We get a fascinating glimpse of this long-vanquished trade, which was all but unthinkable even when Life was published. It is important to recall that Twain was a pilot before such boats had steam or even lights at night. He details piloting's extraordinary difficulties with engrossing detail and typical self-deprecating humor. We learn much along the way about the riverboat lifestyle, the river itself, and riverside towns. Anyone curious about what it was like to live in this era and/or how its inhabitants thought and acted will find a wealth of information; we learn as much here as in any history book, and it is of course infinitely better written. Life covers a crucial American history era and is an important primary source even for those not interested in Twain and certainly essential for anyone who is, as it gives substantial background about a crucial part of his life. The book is indeed in part a bildungsroman; Twain had always loved the river and began pilot training soon after first leaving home. He structures the narrative so that it reads much like a story, and we see him grow from naïveté and ignorance to an admirable experience and wisdom.

Twain then details a trip he made on the river many years later, noting what changed and what stayed the same. There is significant autobiographical material here also, but the crux is descriptive. Twain describes the river's whole length and everything having to do with it as he goes, making it all utterly absorbing. As always, there are many eminently readable tangents. Several are autobiographical - reminisces as well as then recent events. Particularly interesting is Twain's profoundly touching visit to his hometown after a long absence. However, a good part of Life has nothing to do with the river directly but is at least as engrossing as what does. Twain's many asides are full of wit and insight; few have ever probed so deeply into life and humanity, and we are lucky to have his wisdom, much of which is hilarious. Especially engaging are observations on North/South differences, notably including the Civil War. Twain's sociopolitical criticism is also as brilliant as ever, taking on everything from architecture to Walter Raleigh to speech. Finally, Life would be valuable even if lacking all this because it passes on an invaluable treasure of American folklore.

Life is quite simply required reading for anyone even remotely interested in American literature; it is essential Twain, which makes it simply essential. As for this edition, it is essentially bare bones. Anyone wanting supplemental material will need to look elsewhere, but this will do well for most, as the text stands very well on its own.




Life on the Mississippi Overview


The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Mississippi River; Mississippi River Valley; Pilots and pilotage; Mississippi river; Mississippi valley;


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Much too long and unfocused - Christian - Des Moines, WA, United States
Had Twain stopped after the first section, in which he describes riverboat piloting and his exploits therein, I would have come away with a positive impression of the book. His piloting writings were entertaining and interesting, even though not particularly relevant in today's world.

However the later chapters ruin the book. Twain documents his return to the Mississippi with a plethora of miscellaneous descriptions and loosely related anecdotes. These sections range from only mildly entertaining to just plain boring, as Twain doesn't even use his humor to save them.

In the end the disappointment of the second half outweighs the enjoyment of the first half.



Take a careful look at the Publisher before you buy "Life on the Mississippi" - Kiwi - Mississauga, Ontario Canada
When you do the "Look Inside" thing, you'll read "This view is of the Mass Market Paperback edition (1983) from Bantam Classics. The Paperback edition (2010) from General Books LLC that you originally viewed is the one you'll receive if you click the Add to Cart button at left." And that's correct. The General Books LLC version is a completely different book. To wit....

General Books LLC puts together books using an OCR automated scanning device which can miss complete pages. There are many many Typos and no table of contents. There books receive NO EDITING of any kind, also, the OCR scanning is done by a robot (which the publishers website outright says can miss pages). This is all stated on the publishers web site (google them and read for yourself to get all the details). Almost every review of books published by General Books LLC (around 500,000 of them from one imprint or another now listed on Amazon) by buyers is negative, many are extremely so.

As the General Books LLC version has reviews of other publishers versions associated with it, you need to be very careful to make sure you've bought a decent version. If you have bought the version from General Books LLC by mistake, you can return to Amazon within 30 days(but check Amazon's Return Policy for the details).






An Excellent Read - Sailor James - Texas
As a current pilot of towing vessels on the Mississippi River and the ICW, I thought this was an excellent book. Since I began working in the inland towing industry, I've often heard crew members mention a time when "the men were made of steel and the barges were made of wood". This explores that time. Even if you've never been on the Mississippi River, I'd still say this is an excellent and insightful read.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 02, 2010 23:09:05
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