The goal of this project is to perform sentiment analysis on the reviews of Amazon’s Top 100 Bestselling Books: https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/anshtanwar/top-200-trending-books-with-reviews. By analyzing the sentiment expressed in these reviews, I aim to gain insights into customer preferences and opinions regarding bestselling books. This analysis will not only provide valuable information for book publishers and authors but also help potential readers in making informed decisions.
Understanding customer sentiments towards popular books is crucial for various stakeholders in the publishing industry. By deciphering the underlying sentiments expressed in reviews, publishers can identify strengths and weaknesses of their offerings, while authors can gain insights into reader preferences and areas for improvement.
The primary data source for this analysis will be the dataset available on Kaggle containing reviews of Amazon’s Top 100 Bestselling Books. Additionally, I might utilize web scraping techniques to gather supplementary data from other sources such as Goodreads or book review websites to enrich our analysis.
## ── Attaching core tidyverse packages ──────────────────────── tidyverse 2.0.0 ──
## ✔ dplyr 1.1.4 ✔ readr 2.1.5
## ✔ forcats 1.0.0 ✔ stringr 1.5.1
## ✔ ggplot2 3.4.4 ✔ tibble 3.2.1
## ✔ lubridate 1.9.3 ✔ tidyr 1.3.1
## ✔ purrr 1.0.2
## ── Conflicts ────────────────────────────────────────── tidyverse_conflicts() ──
## ✖ dplyr::filter() masks stats::filter()
## ✖ dplyr::lag() masks stats::lag()
## ℹ Use the conflicted package (<http://conflicted.r-lib.org/>) to force all conflicts to become errors## Loading required package: airports
## Loading required package: cherryblossom
## Loading required package: usdataurl <- "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/pujaroy280/DATA607FinalProject/main/customer%20reviews.csv"
amazon_reviews <- read.csv(url)
head(amazon_reviews)## Sno book.name
## 1 0 The Woman in Me
## 2 1 The Woman in Me
## 3 2 The Woman in Me
## 4 3 The Woman in Me
## 5 4 The Woman in Me
## 6 5 The Woman in Me
## review.title
## 1 Unbelievably impressive. Her torn life on paper.
## 2 What a heartbreaking story
## 3 Britney you are so invincible! You are an inspiration and helped motivate me to be strong like you.
## 4 Fast Read, Sad Story
## 5 Buy it, it’s worth the read!
## 6 A must-read for anyone who's seeking freedom or overcoming imposter syndrome
## reviewer reviewer.rating
## 1 Murderess Marbie 4
## 2 L J 5
## 3 Jamie 5
## 4 KMG 5
## 5 Stephanie Brown 5
## 6 Leanne S. 5
## review.description
## 1 I'm only a third way in. Shipped lightening fast.The print quality of the book is very good. I like the rose and the purple foil, they captured her taste here and will look bomb on my bookshelf.As for the writing it's good. Amazing, no. But they painted an incredible picture of her life. Much better writing than I thought to be honest. I was expecting more scattered blurbs throughout the book but the way it's presented does honor her experience, and sounds like her up to an extent. Now, I do think the ghost writer went verbose in some areas that were unnecessary which derailed her voice in my head but I imagine getting the whole picture would be difficult.I was hoping for a thicker book as she's been through a lot. So I am a bit disappointed at that but nevertheless it's an interesting read thus far.As for Britney's life story. I have to say they were smart in starting with her lineage and she didn't hold back keeping her family accountable from the gate. Good on her for having conviction.I suddenly found myself understanding little quirks, connecting the dots, certain things would suddenly click in my head. For example her British accent and her relationship with a lynchpin matriarch elder.Very cool build up. Laying the ground work for her future decisions by presenting us with complex childhood family dynamics really has me understanding her choices and quirks much better than I ever realized I needed to be deep in thought of.Sometimes we judge from a place of pity or outsider perspective instead of compassion. Now I see the soft gentle feminine side of her mindset that we knew when she was younger start to peek through the pages. It's that sweet part of her soul that she doesn't show much nowadays, for good reason of course as she's been deeply hurt and damaged by other's greed, but that delicate nature is part of why most of us were charmed by her. I hope she finds her way back one day.She's been through a lot and I found myself relating to things she'd been through, and feeling deeply saddened by her sense of insecurity in childhood. Her insights correlate along with many of my own life experiences and traumas. I was taken aback by her growth in reflection, as one would believe anger would be the easy way to portray her story, not the case here, it's her appreciation for her past that has earned my deep respect beyond what I thought I had possessed prior to reading.Her story with her brother was touching and softened my distain for his participation in the matter of handling her affairs. Although I hope he is held accountable someday. It shows how loving and innocent she was and how grave a loss she has suffered, for it is those who are selfless that don't speak up only to suffer the most.Such a contrast to the presentation of her character in the media. Thus far this book is an excellent read!------ To be Continued* I'm looking forward to reading through this book in it's entirety and will update when I'm done. One star for the writing not sounding like her in some places. I will change accordingly.
## 2 "There have been so many times when I was scared to speak up because I was afraid somebody would think I was crazy. But I've learned that lesson now, the hard way. You have to speak the thing that you're feeling, even if it scares you. You have to tell your story. You have to raise your voice."What a heartbreaking story. Whatever you feel about Britney this memoir makes you understand and have empathy for all the things that have made headlines in her life. It took me a little bit to get into it because though people believed this was going to be ghostwritten, I believe the editors tried to keep it raw and in her voice so it does jump around a little bit and the flow can be off, but it feels authentically Britney. I got to a point where I couldn't put it down...and then there were parts I had to put it down because it was very difficult to read what she went through.I don't think I will look at any of her past interviews or performances the same and I wish her the best.In speaking of when her family forced her into a mental health facility after refusing to do a second tour in Vegas and wanting to change up dance moves in a performance:"God must have been with me through that period of time. Three months into my confinement, I started to believe that my little heart, whatever made me Britney, was no longer inside my body anymore. Something bigger must have been carrying me through, because it was too much for me to bear alone. I look at the fact that I survived and I think, "that wasn't me; that was God."
## 3 The media could not be loaded. I personally have been in the same exact situations as some of these in Britney’s memoir. My son’s father illegally withheld my son from me for 72 days when I have primary physical custody and sole legal custody. The police won’t take a child from a parents care regardless of court order! The court system is a joke and didn’t help at all. I am an unemployed single mother, so I didn’t have a lawyer and no one in my family would help me because my parents don’t have that kind of money and my nana and pop passed away. (All I have) It wasn’t until I filed an emergency hearing after all my other petitions were denied, to finally be seen at court to get my son back. The father even then refused so eventually after educating myself online for 65 days and countless hours of research, I made a petition asking the judge for police to use force as necessary to ensure I get my son back this time. A little more than a week later the judge granted it. The pain, emotional turmoil, absolute defeat, despair, depression, anxiety, grief, guilt, helplessness, and being put down by everyone you thought was family and loved you. I didn’t do anything wrong either. I had my son 24/7 with NO help from anyone, his whole 5 years of life. Working side jobs taking care of an old woman and cleaning dirty toilets to provide what he needed. Those sleepless nights crying wondering why this happened, what your child is thinking or being told, if he thinks he was abandoned when you’re showing up with police escorts and every day fighting to get your child back, but your son doesn’t know that! In my situation, that whole petty situation was over my jealous sister trying to get me kicked out to take my room (master bedroom, my sons bedroom, and a master bathroom) I spent $7,000 renovating (old neglected house) and the father not wanting to pay child support, so they ganged up on us to be vindictive at the stake of my sons emotional and mental well-being. ($170 every two weeks only visits dad 6-8 days a month depending on how many weeks are in the month) People are CRUEL! You are only as good as you are giving. Once your hand closes, you will have NO ONE! My son is still struggling 5 months later with the emotional turmoil from the trauma they caused him. He’s having outbursts in school because of the trauma! I still am also traumatized every time his visitation at his father comes. I worry I’ll never see my child again, and yes sometimes it makes me want to hide him too! For anyone to judge you and your choices when you were literally helpless walking through the gates of hell and trembling with every step, taking every single low blow, and still not giving up. Doing it all alone, no help! Evil experiences almost always revolve around MONEY and EVIL PEOPLE! You are INVINCIBLE! No one will ever understand until they walk in those shoes. Don’t you ever underestimate your resilience and strength. You are strong, you are amazing, you are beautiful, you can do it! What those people did to you, that were supposed to love you but instead used you to profit off your hard work, prosperity, and dedication, I hope karma comes for them HARD. I can not imagine the trauma you have been through, especially living under a microscope with hundreds of dangerous paparazzi men hungry for money and seeing your grief and pain, profiting off your downfall when you were on top of the world, chasing you and your children around with such disrespect and disregard to how that would affect your children and your emotional and mental health, is disgusting. You were put in fight or flight mode, given ptsd, betrayed, and locked up like a prisoner. While everyone took all of your money you worked hard for, building your empire for the family you always dreamed of creating. Please stay strong, and keep fighting for your happiness. You deserve to live the life of your wildest dreams, you deserve to be the happy woman that got to enjoy doing what she loved! You deserve to do what you want when you want! You are worth it! You know who you are, what you’ve done, and what YOU ARE CAPABLE OF! Now pick up that crown 👑 QUEEN OF POP, scream you WON’T GIVE UP, and WIN!🤟🏻❤️🥳😘
## 4 I have been a fan of Britney's music since the '00s. She is just a couple years older than me. I didn't love how she dressed or how sexy she was on the TV screen, because I felt like I was expected to look and act just like her - at the time. She definitely influenced fashion and hair and young women's actions. However, that is not entirely her fault.The paparazzi was INSANE around her. There were so many tabloids and photos taken of her throughout the years that by the time I reached age 17 or 18, I refused to purchase or even PICK UP a magazine while standing at the store checkout- in solidarity with Britney. What they did to her was disgusting, invasive and abusive. It makes my skin crawl, just thinking about it.But, her music was fire. The mixture of dub step rhythms with her music was so fun and energetic. I still listen to it from time to time and dance.The book was written pretty simply. You can see that she has done some therapy and has gained some insight into her life, her history. She is trying to understand why she did the things she did and why she trusted those she trusted. The kinds of betrayals she has endured in the past two decades will need some serious CBT to re-write those neuropathways into a healthier train of thought.Our society is still learning what entails "abuse" and what does not. I've definitely felt my share of emotional and psychological abuse. It hangs inside of your thoughts long after you've stopped being around those people. You must be constantly diligent to stop those negative thoughts toward yourself and to re-write what your mind says to you. You hear what your mind tells you WAY more often than you hear negative words from others. You are with YOU 100% of the time. There's nowhere to run. So, you need to become your own best friend.I hope this book was written by her and that she is receiving the payments from purchases. I hope that she wrote it and it was done with her consent. I find the timing of the release of this book crucial- but, maybe if I was released from "prison", I would run to publish my side of the story, too. I would have probably been writing in journals the entire time.I hope she heals. She seems to be on her way. I hope she simplifies her life and stops letting outsiders inside of her mind. The book was easy to read, doesn't get TOO DEEP into her psyche. It is very surface level. She is TELLING her story. it's not super deep or introspective or thought provoking in any particular way. I am definitely confused as to why the conservatorship was done in the first place, and then held for 13 years- but I was already informed about that before the book. I read the book in 2 and 1/2 hours.Many times, I wished that she would tell more details of one story or other. But, so much of her life has been an invasion of privacy, that I understand maybe she doesn't want to allow more than just the surface level story out there. It's her choice.
## 5 Whether or not you’re a fan, it’s a great read. Britney takes you in her world and shares her perspective of how hateful the tabloid, tv hosts, and paparazzi was, and still is, to her. The vile, hateful, ignorant comments towards her that people got away with in the 2000’s is incomprehensible really. All the while she stood tall taking every blow and silently suffered through it. She was always perceived as dumb but I never thought that, she carried herself with dignity and gave everyone respect even if they didn’t reciprocate it. From what I’ve gathered by reading her words, she didn’t have a enough people in her corner looking out for her. The struggles she shared about motherhood I felt so connected to, it’s difficult enough experiencing it in the comfort of your own home with people who love you and care about you, but to experience that all while the world was watching and scrutinizing everything you do seems agonizing. Society still sets impossible standards for women and mothers. But men can do something as simple as take their kids to school and be sung as heroes. The judgment you feel amongst your own community of fellow parents is hard and can really make you second guess yourself as a parent, but on the scale of a celebrity, it seems impossible to do any good or anything right. I can’t ever imagine putting my kid through any of the horrible experiences her own family put her through. But not everyone is fit to be a parent, and from what I’ve read her parents fit that mold very well. Overall it is an exceptionally well written book and full of quirky humor that sheds a warm light on the Britney I grew up watching, loving, and admiring. Her strength and grit is unmatched. I hope this gives her solace and she thrives from this point on to find herself.
## 6 I had to finish the book in a week, because I needed breaks. Although it's a quick-read - it reads lyrical, like her music, very catchy and vivid, it's dark, like the color of the cover.If everything stated in the memoir is true, shouldn't her father and his posse be arrested, or at least sued for fraud or abuse?Is it just me or do her parents resemble Jefferey Epstein and Ghislane Maxwell who kept Britney as a "sex slave" for 13 years, just to use her body to create cash flow?Why is it when she's flying solo the families fell apart (parents divorced, sister tried to disown them), and when she's under conservatorship her family got reunited (parents got back together, watching Criminal Minds every night; and sister and father bonded).When she became an icon, she became a "thing" people would judge or vent on. She never had a life, and because of that, her growth, or womanhood, was stunted. She talked about what meant "everything" to her, music, family, sons..., It's saddening to learn that, in the end, the simple desires of having "everything" almost killed her. It became worse when she had no one to help. Or maybe people were just preoccupied with their own struggles, as always.Among her ordeal, she noted people she drew inspirations from, Madonna, J.Lo, Reese Witherspoon..., and the "woman" in her that had been suppressed for decades.That's what happened. Not fair and horrific. Her kind soul and eager for happiness eventually set her free from imprisonment. Hope she will make up and catch up with life.
## is_verified date timestamp
## 1 TRUE 26-10-2023 Reviewed in the United States October 26, 2023
## 2 TRUE 06-11-2023 Reviewed in the United States November 6, 2023
## 3 TRUE 01-11-2023 Reviewed in the United States November 1, 2023
## 4 TRUE 25-10-2023 Reviewed in the United States October 25, 2023
## 5 TRUE 01-11-2023 Reviewed in the United States November 1, 2023
## 6 TRUE 06-11-2023 Reviewed in the United States November 6, 2023
## ASIN
## 1 1668009048
## 2 1668009048
## 3 1668009048
## 4 1668009048
## 5 1668009048
## 6 1668009048## 'data.frame': 920 obs. of 10 variables:
## $ Sno : int 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ...
## $ book.name : chr "The Woman in Me" "The Woman in Me" "The Woman in Me" "The Woman in Me" ...
## $ review.title : chr "Unbelievably impressive. Her torn life on paper." "What a heartbreaking story" "Britney you are so invincible! You are an inspiration and helped motivate me to be strong like you." "Fast Read, Sad Story" ...
## $ reviewer : chr "Murderess Marbie" "L J" "Jamie" "KMG" ...
## $ reviewer.rating : int 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 ...
## $ review.description: chr "I'm only a third way in. Shipped lightening fast.The print quality of the book is very good. I like the rose an"| __truncated__ "\"There have been so many times when I was scared to speak up because I was afraid somebody would think I was c"| __truncated__ "The media could not be loaded. I personally have been in the same exact situations as some of these in Britney’"| __truncated__ "I have been a fan of Britney's music since the '00s. She is just a couple years older than me. I didn't love ho"| __truncated__ ...
## $ is_verified : logi TRUE TRUE TRUE TRUE TRUE TRUE ...
## $ date : chr "26-10-2023" "06-11-2023" "01-11-2023" "25-10-2023" ...
## $ timestamp : chr "Reviewed in the United States October 26, 2023" "Reviewed in the United States November 6, 2023" "Reviewed in the United States November 1, 2023" "Reviewed in the United States October 25, 2023" ...
## $ ASIN : chr "1668009048" "1668009048" "1668009048" "1668009048" ...## Sno book.name review.title reviewer
## Min. : 0.0 Length:920 Length:920 Length:920
## 1st Qu.:229.8 Class :character Class :character Class :character
## Median :459.5 Mode :character Mode :character Mode :character
## Mean :459.5
## 3rd Qu.:689.2
## Max. :919.0
## reviewer.rating review.description is_verified date
## Min. :2.000 Length:920 Mode :logical Length:920
## 1st Qu.:5.000 Class :character FALSE:3 Class :character
## Median :5.000 Mode :character TRUE :917 Mode :character
## Mean :4.826
## 3rd Qu.:5.000
## Max. :5.000
## timestamp ASIN
## Length:920 Length:920
## Class :character Class :character
## Mode :character Mode :character
##
##
## ## [1] 0# Count the number of missing values in each column
missing_values <- colSums(is.na(amazon_reviews))
missing_values## Sno book.name review.title reviewer
## 0 0 0 0
## reviewer.rating review.description is_verified date
## 0 0 0 0
## timestamp ASIN
## 0 0## [1] "Sno" "book.name" "review.title"
## [4] "reviewer" "reviewer.rating" "review.description"
## [7] "is_verified" "date" "timestamp"
## [10] "ASIN"num_duplicates <- sum(duplicated(amazon_reviews))
# Check for duplicates
duplicates <- amazon_reviews[duplicated(amazon_reviews), ]
print(duplicates)## [1] Sno book.name review.title reviewer
## [5] reviewer.rating review.description is_verified date
## [9] timestamp ASIN
## <0 rows> (or 0-length row.names)# Drop certain columns
amazon_reviews <- subset(amazon_reviews, select = -c(is_verified, ASIN))
print(amazon_reviews)## Sno
## 1 0
## 2 1
## 3 2
## 4 3
## 5 4
## 6 5
## 7 6
## 8 7
## 9 8
## 10 9
## 11 10
## 12 11
## 13 12
## 14 13
## 15 14
## 16 15
## 17 16
## 18 17
## 19 18
## 20 19
## 21 20
## 22 21
## 23 22
## 24 23
## 25 24
## 26 25
## 27 26
## 28 27
## 29 28
## 30 29
## 31 30
## 32 31
## 33 32
## 34 33
## 35 34
## 36 35
## 37 36
## 38 37
## 39 38
## 40 39
## 41 40
## 42 41
## 43 42
## 44 43
## 45 44
## 46 45
## 47 46
## 48 47
## 49 48
## 50 49
## 51 50
## 52 51
## 53 52
## 54 53
## 55 54
## 56 55
## 57 56
## 58 57
## 59 58
## 60 59
## 61 60
## 62 61
## 63 62
## 64 63
## 65 64
## 66 65
## 67 66
## 68 67
## 69 68
## 70 69
## 71 70
## 72 71
## 73 72
## 74 73
## 75 74
## 76 75
## 77 76
## 78 77
## 79 78
## 80 79
## 81 80
## 82 81
## 83 82
## 84 83
## 85 84
## 86 85
## 87 86
## 88 87
## 89 88
## 90 89
## 91 90
## 92 91
## 93 92
## 94 93
## 95 94
## 96 95
## 97 96
## 98 97
## 99 98
## 100 99
## 101 100
## 102 101
## 103 102
## 104 103
## 105 104
## 106 105
## 107 106
## 108 107
## 109 108
## 110 109
## 111 110
## 112 111
## 113 112
## 114 113
## 115 114
## 116 115
## 117 116
## 118 117
## 119 118
## 120 119
## 121 120
## 122 121
## 123 122
## 124 123
## 125 124
## 126 125
## 127 126
## 128 127
## 129 128
## 130 129
## 131 130
## 132 131
## 133 132
## 134 133
## 135 134
## 136 135
## 137 136
## 138 137
## 139 138
## 140 139
## 141 140
## 142 141
## 143 142
## 144 143
## 145 144
## 146 145
## 147 146
## 148 147
## 149 148
## 150 149
## 151 150
## 152 151
## 153 152
## 154 153
## 155 154
## 156 155
## 157 156
## 158 157
## 159 158
## 160 159
## 161 160
## 162 161
## 163 162
## 164 163
## 165 164
## 166 165
## 167 166
## 168 167
## 169 168
## 170 169
## 171 170
## 172 171
## 173 172
## 174 173
## 175 174
## 176 175
## 177 176
## 178 177
## 179 178
## 180 179
## 181 180
## 182 181
## 183 182
## 184 183
## 185 184
## 186 185
## 187 186
## 188 187
## 189 188
## 190 189
## 191 190
## 192 191
## 193 192
## 194 193
## 195 194
## 196 195
## 197 196
## 198 197
## 199 198
## 200 199
## 201 200
## 202 201
## 203 202
## 204 203
## 205 204
## 206 205
## 207 206
## 208 207
## 209 208
## 210 209
## 211 210
## 212 211
## 213 212
## 214 213
## 215 214
## 216 215
## 217 216
## 218 217
## 219 218
## 220 219
## 221 220
## 222 221
## 223 222
## 224 223
## 225 224
## 226 225
## 227 226
## 228 227
## 229 228
## 230 229
## 231 230
## 232 231
## 233 232
## 234 233
## 235 234
## 236 235
## 237 236
## 238 237
## 239 238
## 240 239
## 241 240
## 242 241
## 243 242
## 244 243
## 245 244
## 246 245
## 247 246
## 248 247
## 249 248
## 250 249
## 251 250
## 252 251
## 253 252
## 254 253
## 255 254
## 256 255
## 257 256
## 258 257
## 259 258
## 260 259
## 261 260
## 262 261
## 263 262
## 264 263
## 265 264
## 266 265
## 267 266
## 268 267
## 269 268
## 270 269
## 271 270
## 272 271
## 273 272
## 274 273
## 275 274
## 276 275
## 277 276
## 278 277
## 279 278
## 280 279
## 281 280
## 282 281
## 283 282
## 284 283
## 285 284
## 286 285
## 287 286
## 288 287
## 289 288
## 290 289
## 291 290
## 292 291
## 293 292
## 294 293
## 295 294
## 296 295
## 297 296
## 298 297
## 299 298
## 300 299
## 301 300
## 302 301
## 303 302
## 304 303
## 305 304
## 306 305
## 307 306
## 308 307
## 309 308
## 310 309
## 311 310
## 312 311
## 313 312
## 314 313
## 315 314
## 316 315
## 317 316
## 318 317
## 319 318
## 320 319
## 321 320
## 322 321
## 323 322
## 324 323
## 325 324
## 326 325
## 327 326
## 328 327
## 329 328
## 330 329
## 331 330
## 332 331
## 333 332
## 334 333
## 335 334
## 336 335
## 337 336
## 338 337
## 339 338
## 340 339
## 341 340
## 342 341
## 343 342
## 344 343
## 345 344
## 346 345
## 347 346
## 348 347
## 349 348
## 350 349
## 351 350
## 352 351
## 353 352
## 354 353
## 355 354
## 356 355
## 357 356
## 358 357
## 359 358
## 360 359
## 361 360
## 362 361
## 363 362
## 364 363
## 365 364
## 366 365
## 367 366
## 368 367
## 369 368
## 370 369
## 371 370
## 372 371
## 373 372
## 374 373
## 375 374
## 376 375
## 377 376
## 378 377
## 379 378
## 380 379
## 381 380
## 382 381
## 383 382
## 384 383
## 385 384
## 386 385
## 387 386
## 388 387
## 389 388
## 390 389
## 391 390
## 392 391
## 393 392
## 394 393
## 395 394
## 396 395
## 397 396
## 398 397
## 399 398
## 400 399
## 401 400
## 402 401
## 403 402
## 404 403
## 405 404
## 406 405
## 407 406
## 408 407
## 409 408
## 410 409
## 411 410
## 412 411
## 413 412
## 414 413
## 415 414
## 416 415
## 417 416
## 418 417
## 419 418
## 420 419
## 421 420
## 422 421
## 423 422
## 424 423
## 425 424
## 426 425
## 427 426
## 428 427
## 429 428
## 430 429
## 431 430
## 432 431
## 433 432
## 434 433
## 435 434
## 436 435
## 437 436
## 438 437
## 439 438
## 440 439
## 441 440
## 442 441
## 443 442
## 444 443
## 445 444
## 446 445
## 447 446
## 448 447
## 449 448
## 450 449
## 451 450
## 452 451
## 453 452
## 454 453
## 455 454
## 456 455
## 457 456
## 458 457
## 459 458
## 460 459
## 461 460
## 462 461
## 463 462
## 464 463
## 465 464
## 466 465
## 467 466
## 468 467
## 469 468
## 470 469
## 471 470
## 472 471
## 473 472
## 474 473
## 475 474
## 476 475
## 477 476
## 478 477
## 479 478
## 480 479
## 481 480
## 482 481
## 483 482
## 484 483
## 485 484
## 486 485
## 487 486
## 488 487
## 489 488
## 490 489
## 491 490
## 492 491
## 493 492
## 494 493
## 495 494
## 496 495
## 497 496
## 498 497
## 499 498
## 500 499
## 501 500
## 502 501
## 503 502
## 504 503
## 505 504
## 506 505
## 507 506
## 508 507
## 509 508
## 510 509
## 511 510
## 512 511
## 513 512
## 514 513
## 515 514
## 516 515
## 517 516
## 518 517
## 519 518
## 520 519
## 521 520
## 522 521
## 523 522
## 524 523
## 525 524
## 526 525
## 527 526
## 528 527
## 529 528
## 530 529
## 531 530
## 532 531
## 533 532
## 534 533
## 535 534
## 536 535
## 537 536
## 538 537
## 539 538
## 540 539
## 541 540
## 542 541
## 543 542
## 544 543
## 545 544
## 546 545
## 547 546
## 548 547
## 549 548
## 550 549
## 551 550
## 552 551
## 553 552
## 554 553
## 555 554
## 556 555
## 557 556
## 558 557
## 559 558
## 560 559
## 561 560
## 562 561
## 563 562
## 564 563
## 565 564
## 566 565
## 567 566
## 568 567
## 569 568
## 570 569
## 571 570
## 572 571
## 573 572
## 574 573
## 575 574
## 576 575
## 577 576
## 578 577
## 579 578
## 580 579
## 581 580
## 582 581
## 583 582
## 584 583
## 585 584
## 586 585
## 587 586
## 588 587
## 589 588
## 590 589
## 591 590
## 592 591
## 593 592
## 594 593
## 595 594
## 596 595
## 597 596
## 598 597
## 599 598
## 600 599
## 601 600
## 602 601
## 603 602
## 604 603
## 605 604
## 606 605
## 607 606
## 608 607
## 609 608
## 610 609
## 611 610
## 612 611
## 613 612
## 614 613
## 615 614
## 616 615
## 617 616
## 618 617
## 619 618
## 620 619
## 621 620
## 622 621
## 623 622
## 624 623
## 625 624
## 626 625
## 627 626
## 628 627
## 629 628
## 630 629
## 631 630
## 632 631
## 633 632
## 634 633
## 635 634
## 636 635
## 637 636
## 638 637
## 639 638
## 640 639
## 641 640
## 642 641
## 643 642
## 644 643
## 645 644
## 646 645
## 647 646
## 648 647
## 649 648
## 650 649
## 651 650
## 652 651
## 653 652
## 654 653
## 655 654
## 656 655
## 657 656
## 658 657
## 659 658
## 660 659
## 661 660
## 662 661
## 663 662
## 664 663
## 665 664
## 666 665
## 667 666
## 668 667
## 669 668
## 670 669
## 671 670
## 672 671
## 673 672
## 674 673
## 675 674
## 676 675
## 677 676
## 678 677
## 679 678
## 680 679
## 681 680
## 682 681
## 683 682
## 684 683
## 685 684
## 686 685
## 687 686
## 688 687
## 689 688
## 690 689
## 691 690
## 692 691
## 693 692
## 694 693
## 695 694
## 696 695
## 697 696
## 698 697
## 699 698
## 700 699
## 701 700
## 702 701
## 703 702
## 704 703
## 705 704
## 706 705
## 707 706
## 708 707
## 709 708
## 710 709
## 711 710
## 712 711
## 713 712
## 714 713
## 715 714
## 716 715
## 717 716
## 718 717
## 719 718
## 720 719
## 721 720
## 722 721
## 723 722
## 724 723
## 725 724
## 726 725
## 727 726
## 728 727
## 729 728
## 730 729
## 731 730
## 732 731
## 733 732
## 734 733
## 735 734
## 736 735
## 737 736
## 738 737
## 739 738
## 740 739
## 741 740
## 742 741
## 743 742
## 744 743
## 745 744
## 746 745
## 747 746
## 748 747
## 749 748
## 750 749
## 751 750
## 752 751
## 753 752
## 754 753
## 755 754
## 756 755
## 757 756
## 758 757
## 759 758
## 760 759
## 761 760
## 762 761
## 763 762
## 764 763
## 765 764
## 766 765
## 767 766
## 768 767
## 769 768
## 770 769
## 771 770
## 772 771
## 773 772
## 774 773
## 775 774
## 776 775
## 777 776
## 778 777
## 779 778
## 780 779
## 781 780
## 782 781
## 783 782
## 784 783
## 785 784
## 786 785
## 787 786
## 788 787
## 789 788
## 790 789
## 791 790
## 792 791
## 793 792
## 794 793
## 795 794
## 796 795
## 797 796
## 798 797
## 799 798
## 800 799
## 801 800
## 802 801
## 803 802
## 804 803
## 805 804
## 806 805
## 807 806
## 808 807
## 809 808
## 810 809
## 811 810
## 812 811
## 813 812
## 814 813
## 815 814
## 816 815
## 817 816
## 818 817
## 819 818
## 820 819
## 821 820
## 822 821
## 823 822
## 824 823
## 825 824
## 826 825
## 827 826
## 828 827
## 829 828
## 830 829
## 831 830
## 832 831
## 833 832
## 834 833
## 835 834
## 836 835
## 837 836
## 838 837
## 839 838
## 840 839
## 841 840
## 842 841
## 843 842
## 844 843
## 845 844
## 846 845
## 847 846
## 848 847
## 849 848
## 850 849
## 851 850
## 852 851
## 853 852
## 854 853
## 855 854
## 856 855
## 857 856
## 858 857
## 859 858
## 860 859
## 861 860
## 862 861
## 863 862
## 864 863
## 865 864
## 866 865
## 867 866
## 868 867
## 869 868
## 870 869
## 871 870
## 872 871
## 873 872
## 874 873
## 875 874
## 876 875
## 877 876
## 878 877
## 879 878
## 880 879
## 881 880
## 882 881
## 883 882
## 884 883
## 885 884
## 886 885
## 887 886
## 888 887
## 889 888
## 890 889
## 891 890
## 892 891
## 893 892
## 894 893
## 895 894
## 896 895
## 897 896
## 898 897
## 899 898
## 900 899
## 901 900
## 902 901
## 903 902
## 904 903
## 905 904
## 906 905
## 907 906
## 908 907
## 909 908
## 910 909
## 911 910
## 912 911
## 913 912
## 914 913
## 915 914
## 916 915
## 917 916
## 918 917
## 919 918
## 920 919
## book.name
## 1 The Woman in Me
## 2 The Woman in Me
## 3 The Woman in Me
## 4 The Woman in Me
## 5 The Woman in Me
## 6 The Woman in Me
## 7 The Woman in Me
## 8 The Woman in Me
## 9 The Woman in Me
## 10 The Woman in Me
## 11 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 12 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 13 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 14 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 15 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 16 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 17 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 18 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 19 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 20 Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
## 21 How to Catch a Turkey
## 22 How to Catch a Turkey
## 23 How to Catch a Turkey
## 24 How to Catch a Turkey
## 25 How to Catch a Turkey
## 26 How to Catch a Turkey
## 27 How to Catch a Turkey
## 28 How to Catch a Turkey
## 29 How to Catch a Turkey
## 30 How to Catch a Turkey
## 31 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 32 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 33 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 34 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 35 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 36 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 37 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 38 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 39 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 40 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
## 41 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 42 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 43 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 44 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 45 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 46 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 47 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 48 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 49 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 50 No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18)
## 51 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 52 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 53 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 54 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 55 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 56 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 57 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 58 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 59 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 60 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
## 61 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 62 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 63 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 64 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 65 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 66 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 67 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 68 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 69 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 70 All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
## 71 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 72 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 73 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 74 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 75 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 76 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 77 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 78 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 79 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 80 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 81 Night (Night)
## 82 Night (Night)
## 83 Night (Night)
## 84 Night (Night)
## 85 Night (Night)
## 86 Night (Night)
## 87 Night (Night)
## 88 Night (Night)
## 89 Night (Night)
## 90 Night (Night)
## 91 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 92 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 93 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 94 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 95 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 96 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 97 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 98 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 99 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 100 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
## 101 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 102 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 103 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 104 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 105 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 106 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 107 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 108 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 109 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 110 Stocking Stuffer Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
## 111 The 48 Laws of Power
## 112 The 48 Laws of Power
## 113 The 48 Laws of Power
## 114 The 48 Laws of Power
## 115 The 48 Laws of Power
## 116 The 48 Laws of Power
## 117 The 48 Laws of Power
## 118 The 48 Laws of Power
## 119 The 48 Laws of Power
## 120 The 48 Laws of Power
## 121 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 122 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 123 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 124 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 125 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 126 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 127 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 128 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 129 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 130 The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready
## 131 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 132 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 133 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 134 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 135 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 136 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 137 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 138 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 139 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 140 Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
## 141 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 142 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 143 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 144 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 145 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 146 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 147 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 148 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 149 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 150 The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series)
## 151 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 152 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 153 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 154 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 155 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 156 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 157 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 158 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 159 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 160 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography
## 161 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 162 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 163 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 164 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 165 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 166 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 167 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 168 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 169 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 170 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
## 171 Turkey Trouble
## 172 Turkey Trouble
## 173 Turkey Trouble
## 174 Turkey Trouble
## 175 Turkey Trouble
## 176 Turkey Trouble
## 177 Turkey Trouble
## 178 Turkey Trouble
## 179 Turkey Trouble
## 180 Turkey Trouble
## 181 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 182 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 183 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 184 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 185 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 186 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 187 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 188 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 189 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 190 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
## 191 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 192 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 193 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 194 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 195 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 196 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 197 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 198 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 199 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 200 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
## 201 A Little Life
## 202 A Little Life
## 203 A Little Life
## 204 A Little Life
## 205 A Little Life
## 206 A Little Life
## 207 A Little Life
## 208 A Little Life
## 209 A Little Life
## 210 A Little Life
## 211 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 212 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 213 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 214 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 215 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 216 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 217 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 218 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 219 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 220 World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
## 221 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 222 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 223 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 224 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 225 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 226 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 227 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 228 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 229 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 230 Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (Board Book for Toddlers, Children's Board Book)
## 231 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 232 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 233 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 234 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 235 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 236 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 237 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 238 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 239 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 240 The Leaf Thief: (The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers)
## 241 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 242 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 243 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 244 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 245 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 246 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 247 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 248 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 249 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 250 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
## 251 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 252 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 253 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 254 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 255 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 256 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 257 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 258 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 259 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 260 Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
## 261 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 262 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 263 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 264 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 265 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 266 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 267 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 268 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 269 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 270 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
## 271 The Housemaid
## 272 The Housemaid
## 273 The Housemaid
## 274 The Housemaid
## 275 The Housemaid
## 276 The Housemaid
## 277 The Housemaid
## 278 The Housemaid
## 279 The Housemaid
## 280 The Housemaid
## 281 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 282 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 283 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 284 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 285 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 286 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 287 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 288 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 289 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 290 How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
## 291 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 292 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 293 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 294 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 295 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 296 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 297 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 298 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 299 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 300 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
## 301 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 302 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 303 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 304 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 305 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 306 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 307 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 308 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 309 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 310 How to Catch a Reindeer
## 311 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 312 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 313 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 314 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 315 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 316 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 317 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 318 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 319 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 320 Pookie's Thanksgiving (Little Pookie)
## 321 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 322 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 323 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 324 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 325 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 326 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 327 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 328 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 329 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 330 The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
## 331 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 332 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 333 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 334 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 335 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 336 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 337 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 338 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 339 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 340 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
## 341 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 342 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 343 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 344 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 345 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 346 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 347 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 348 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 349 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 350 I Love You to the Moon and Back
## 351 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 352 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 353 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 354 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 355 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 356 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 357 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 358 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 359 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 360 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
## 361 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 362 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 363 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 364 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 365 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 366 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 367 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 368 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 369 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 370 Hundred Years' War on Palestine
## 371 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 372 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 373 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 374 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 375 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 376 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 377 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 378 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 379 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 380 Little Blue Truck's Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
## 381 Goodnight Moon
## 382 Goodnight Moon
## 383 Goodnight Moon
## 384 Goodnight Moon
## 385 Goodnight Moon
## 386 Goodnight Moon
## 387 Goodnight Moon
## 388 Goodnight Moon
## 389 Goodnight Moon
## 390 Goodnight Moon
## 391 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 392 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 393 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 394 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 395 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 396 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 397 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 398 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 399 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 400 I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids
## 401 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 402 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 403 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 404 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 405 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 406 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 407 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 408 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 409 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 410 A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
## 411 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 412 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 413 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 414 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 415 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 416 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 417 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 418 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 419 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 420 Where's Bluey?: A Search-and-Find Book
## 421 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 422 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 423 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 424 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 425 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 426 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 427 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 428 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 429 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 430 The Wonderful Things You Will Be
## 431 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 432 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 433 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 434 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 435 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 436 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 437 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 438 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 439 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 440 How to Catch a Dinosaur
## 441 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 442 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 443 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 444 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 445 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 446 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 447 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 448 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 449 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 450 Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
## 451 The Christmas Fix
## 452 The Christmas Fix
## 453 The Christmas Fix
## 454 The Christmas Fix
## 455 The Christmas Fix
## 456 The Christmas Fix
## 457 The Christmas Fix
## 458 The Christmas Fix
## 459 The Christmas Fix
## 460 The Christmas Fix
## 461 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 462 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 463 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 464 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 465 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 466 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 467 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 468 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 469 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 470 Flash Cards: Sight Words
## 471 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 472 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 473 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 474 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 475 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 476 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 477 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 478 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 479 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 480 I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Christmas (Punderland)
## 481 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 482 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 483 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 484 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 485 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 486 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 487 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 488 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 489 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 490 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
## 491 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 492 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 493 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 494 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 495 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 496 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 497 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 498 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 499 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 500 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) (Snoop Dog x Chronicle Books)
## 501 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 502 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 503 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 504 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 505 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 506 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 507 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 508 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 509 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 510 The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows
## 511 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 512 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 513 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 514 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 515 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 516 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 517 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 518 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 519 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 520 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture And Everything In Between
## 521 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 522 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 523 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 524 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 525 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 526 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 527 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 528 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 529 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 530 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
## 531 Elon Musk
## 532 Elon Musk
## 533 Elon Musk
## 534 Elon Musk
## 535 Elon Musk
## 536 Elon Musk
## 537 Elon Musk
## 538 Elon Musk
## 539 Elon Musk
## 540 Elon Musk
## 541 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 542 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 543 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 544 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 545 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 546 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 547 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 548 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 549 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 550 The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
## 551 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 552 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 553 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 554 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 555 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 556 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 557 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 558 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 559 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 560 Llama Llama Gives Thanks
## 561 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 562 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 563 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 564 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 565 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 566 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 567 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 568 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 569 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 570 Tom Lake: A Reese's Book Club Pick
## 571 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 572 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 573 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 574 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 575 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 576 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 577 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 578 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 579 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 580 The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)
## 581 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 582 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 583 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 584 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 585 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 586 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 587 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 588 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 589 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 590 Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)
## 591 How to Catch an Elf
## 592 How to Catch an Elf
## 593 How to Catch an Elf
## 594 How to Catch an Elf
## 595 How to Catch an Elf
## 596 How to Catch an Elf
## 597 How to Catch an Elf
## 598 How to Catch an Elf
## 599 How to Catch an Elf
## 600 How to Catch an Elf
## 601 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 602 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 603 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 604 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 605 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 606 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 607 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 608 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 609 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 610 School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More
## 611 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 612 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 613 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 614 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 615 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 616 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 617 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 618 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 619 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 620 Hello, Baby Animals: A Durable High-Contrast Black-and-White Board Book for Newborns and Babies (High-Contrast Books)
## 621 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 622 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 623 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 624 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 625 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 626 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 627 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 628 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 629 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 630 Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)
## 631 Verity
## 632 Verity
## 633 Verity
## 634 Verity
## 635 Verity
## 636 Verity
## 637 Verity
## 638 Verity
## 639 Verity
## 640 Verity
## 641 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 642 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 643 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 644 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 645 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 646 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 647 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 648 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 649 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 650 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)
## 651 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 652 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 653 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 654 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 655 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 656 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 657 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 658 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 659 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 660 The Creative Act: A Way of Being
## 661 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 662 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 663 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 664 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 665 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 666 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 667 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 668 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 669 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 670 My First Library : Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (My First Book of)
## 671 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 672 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 673 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 674 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 675 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 676 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 677 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 678 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 679 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 680 Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
## 681 Where's Spot?
## 682 Where's Spot?
## 683 Where's Spot?
## 684 Where's Spot?
## 685 Where's Spot?
## 686 Where's Spot?
## 687 Where's Spot?
## 688 Where's Spot?
## 689 Where's Spot?
## 690 Where's Spot?
## 691 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 692 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 693 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 694 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 695 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 696 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 697 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 698 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 699 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 700 Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner
## 701 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 702 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 703 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 704 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 705 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 706 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 707 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 708 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 709 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 710 Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth
## 711 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 712 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 713 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 714 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 715 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 716 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 717 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 718 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 719 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 720 Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
## 721 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 722 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 723 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 724 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 725 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 726 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 727 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 728 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 729 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 730 Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
## 731 Just Because
## 732 Just Because
## 733 Just Because
## 734 Just Because
## 735 Just Because
## 736 Just Because
## 737 Just Because
## 738 Just Because
## 739 Just Because
## 740 Just Because
## 741 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 742 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 743 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 744 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 745 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 746 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 747 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 748 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 749 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 750 If Animals Kissed Good Night
## 751 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 752 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 753 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 754 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 755 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 756 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 757 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 758 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 759 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 760 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout)
## 761 Five Silly Turkeys
## 762 Five Silly Turkeys
## 763 Five Silly Turkeys
## 764 Five Silly Turkeys
## 765 Five Silly Turkeys
## 766 Five Silly Turkeys
## 767 Five Silly Turkeys
## 768 Five Silly Turkeys
## 769 Five Silly Turkeys
## 770 Five Silly Turkeys
## 771 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 772 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 773 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 774 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 775 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 776 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 777 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 778 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 779 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 780 Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time! Includes Glitter Stickers
## 781 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 782 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 783 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 784 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 785 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 786 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 787 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 788 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 789 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 790 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
## 791 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 792 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 793 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 794 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 795 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 796 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 797 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 798 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 799 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 800 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)
## 801 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 802 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 803 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 804 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 805 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 806 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 807 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 808 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 809 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 810 The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: a Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows: The Essential Guidebook for Shadow Work
## 811 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 812 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 813 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 814 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 815 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 816 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 817 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 818 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 819 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 820 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (MinaLima Edition)
## 821 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 822 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 823 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 824 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 825 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 826 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 827 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 828 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 829 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 830 Moo, Baa, La La La!
## 831 The Coworker
## 832 The Coworker
## 833 The Coworker
## 834 The Coworker
## 835 The Coworker
## 836 The Coworker
## 837 The Coworker
## 838 The Coworker
## 839 The Coworker
## 840 The Coworker
## 841 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 842 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 843 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 844 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 845 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 846 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 847 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 848 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 849 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 850 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
## 851 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 852 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 853 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 854 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 855 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 856 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 857 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 858 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 859 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 860 Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
## 861 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 862 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 863 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 864 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 865 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 866 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 867 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 868 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 869 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 870 Paw Patrol Phonics: 12 Books in 1
## 871 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 872 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 873 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 874 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 875 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 876 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 877 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 878 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 879 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 880 First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
## 881 Hatchet
## 882 Hatchet
## 883 Hatchet
## 884 Hatchet
## 885 Hatchet
## 886 Hatchet
## 887 Hatchet
## 888 Hatchet
## 889 Hatchet
## 890 Hatchet
## 891 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 892 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 893 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 894 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 895 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 896 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 897 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 898 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 899 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 900 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
## 901 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 902 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 903 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 904 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 905 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 906 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 907 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 908 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 909 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 910 I'm Dead, Now What?: Important Information About My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes
## 911 The Wonky Donkey
## 912 The Wonky Donkey
## 913 The Wonky Donkey
## 914 The Wonky Donkey
## 915 The Wonky Donkey
## 916 The Wonky Donkey
## 917 The Wonky Donkey
## 918 The Wonky Donkey
## 919 The Wonky Donkey
## 920 The Wonky Donkey
## review.title
## 1 Unbelievably impressive. Her torn life on paper.
## 2 What a heartbreaking story
## 3 Britney you are so invincible! You are an inspiration and helped motivate me to be strong like you.
## 4 Fast Read, Sad Story
## 5 Buy it, it’s worth the read!
## 6 A must-read for anyone who's seeking freedom or overcoming imposter syndrome
## 7 Our Queen has spoken!
## 8 Beyond the Content, Lies the Conversation
## 9 In her words, heartbreaking and hopeful
## 10 Britney, do not stop being you!!!
## 11 Not Really a "Kiss and Tell" but Maybe a "Drug and Tell"
## 12 An Absolute Rollercoaster
## 13 I hope you read this book
## 14 Brutally honest
## 15 The One with the Double Review
## 16 Raw and Real
## 17 Wow!
## 18 A very sad read
## 19 I had no idea...
## 20 Bittersweet
## 21 Beeautiful
## 22 Cute read aloud
## 23 Arrived in perfect shape
## 24 Cute Book
## 25 How to catch a Turkey
## 26 Loved it!
## 27 Great gift
## 28 Cute book but arrived damaged
## 29 Fun book!
## 30 3 year old class loved !
## 31 4.5 Stars
## 32 Amazing
## 33 AMAZING, BEST BOOK OF 2023
## 34 I will be rereading this book my whole life I loved it so much!
## 35 Survival of the fittest on a whole other level
## 36 A certified page turner
## 37 I can’t believe I waited so long to read this epic book
## 38 "We can live as cowards or die as riders."
## 39 Welcome to the World of Navarre!
## 40 Lords of Discipline + Dragonriders of Pern + ...steamy romance? But it works!
## 41 Best Book Ever - from a 10 year old
## 42 Overall
## 43 Funny as usual
## 44 11 Year Old Son LOVED it
## 45 Great book series for kids
## 46 review from my daughter: good
## 47 My kids have loved for years
## 48 Explains the No Brainer title well
## 49 Awesome book
## 50 Great series
## 51 Shameful history, essential reading
## 52 Riveting Account of Murders of Osage Indians to Steal Their Money
## 53 Couldn't Put I Down
## 54 Highly Recommend!
## 55 Different but Important
## 56 Should be requested reading in history classes
## 57 The amount and scale of the research
## 58 What is most disquieting about the crimes in Killers of the Flower Moon is the awesome extent of corruption that is revealed in
## 59 An even deeper and more sinister layer
## 60 Another Largely Forgotten Piece of American History, Brought Back to Life
## 61 A Beautiful And Enlightening World War II Novel
## 62 It’s as if he sacrificed characters for beautiful prose.
## 63 Stunning
## 64 See the Light through Superb Writing with Profound Lessons
## 65 Brilliant Historical Fiction
## 66 An intimate retelling of a story you think you know!
## 67 Carried Away to Another World
## 68 One of my favorite reads this year!
## 69 Excellent
## 70 Brilliant
## 71 This is not a hero story
## 72 Ted Bundy, Coriolanus and The Joker
## 73 A fantastic villain origin story
## 74 An author's initial perspective on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
## 75 Quite the read...
## 76 If you love the hunger games Buy this Book!!!!
## 77 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
## 78 Great Addition to the Series
## 79 So Good!!!
## 80 Amazing!
## 81 should be required reading
## 82 hard to put down…
## 83 The gift of my personal holocost
## 84 mentioned that Mendes-France was suffering like Jesus, Elie Wiesel responded
## 85 Some Thoughts about NIGHT -- Today
## 86 Night
## 87 A must read
## 88 Matter of Fact Horrors
## 89 Witness to Unspeakable Horrors of the Holocaust
## 90 Haunting and powerfully tragic ...
## 91 Updated review after 100 days building small yet lasting habits.
## 92 Transforming Through Tiny Changes: A Deep Dive into 'Atomic Habits
## 93 Transform Your Life with "Atomic Habits
## 94 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ life changing read
## 95 Transformative and Insightful - A Must-Read Gem!
## 96 Lives up to the hype
## 97 Atomic Habits will change your life! 9 takeaways:
## 98 Huge toolkit of actionable, practical, organized strategies to build positive habits
## 99 Distilled and clear ideas made into a simple system of behavior change. Top notch!
## 100 Clear + Practical SelfHelp Book For Those Wanting to Improve Productivity
## 101 Funny
## 102 Fun Family gift
## 103 Perfect Stocking Stuffer!
## 104 Favorite family activity
## 105 Happy sis
## 106 90s flashback
## 107 So fun!
## 108 Fun game
## 109 Great
## 110 Fun game
## 111 A self defense weapon book that is NEEDED!
## 112 DANGER: read at your own risk
## 113 Uncomfortable but important read!
## 114 To sacrifice your well-being on the alter of getting ahead, this is the book for you!
## 115 Powerful Book
## 116 48 laws of power which don't make loads of sense at first so it has examples.
## 117 Do you want to feel like a baddie?
## 118 Solid
## 119 I hate reading
## 120 A MOST INTERESTING BOOK!
## 121 Rapture ready
## 122 Great Understanding
## 123 Great End Times source
## 124 Truth about the Word
## 125 Love it!
## 126 Excellent!
## 127 Living the Wordh
## 128 Fascinating Book
## 129 Good read
## 130 I needed this book!
## 131 Chemical Reaction Retraction
## 132 I LOVE THIS BOOK!! 😍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
## 133 Read the Book!
## 134 A Must Read
## 135 Best book I have read in 10+ years
## 136 This Book!!! Everyone Needs To Read It Immediately
## 137 Not a Bit Over-Hyped
## 138 Chemistry lessons and so much more!
## 139 as if this book needs more hyperbolic praise…
## 140 Brilliantly written!
## 141 A fresh, exciting sequel to The Firm
## 142 Sign me up for the threequel!
## 143 Exciting, scary, interesting, but I didn't like it
## 144 Liked the international flavor
## 145 Storyteller Extraordinaire - John Grisham
## 146 A different read
## 147 Pretty Good....
## 148 Good but not great followup to The Firm
## 149 Great follow up Grisham book!
## 150 Grisham disappoints,but worth a read
## 151 Lots of fun info for young Swifties
## 152 Adorable
## 153 Made the cutest bday gift
## 154 Perfect for any Swiftie!
## 155 So cute!
## 156 Golden Book
## 157 It’s such a cute book!
## 158 Such a cute book!
## 159 Cute little story
## 160 Nice
## 161 Fun for all ages and encourages kids to read!
## 162 A fun read
## 163 Another great book from Mo Willems
## 164 Fans of Mo Willems will love this one!
## 165 Mo Willems ... amazing author
## 166 Mo Willems Wins again
## 167 My grandson loves reading this book!
## 168 We LOVE the pigeon books!
## 169 Pigeon books
## 170 love this author and series
## 171 Very good
## 172 Great book
## 173 Funny 4th Grade Read Aloud
## 174 Great story for kids
## 175 Cute, but morbid.
## 176 Book in GREAT condition
## 177 kids love it
## 178 Great book!
## 179 Lovely story for my childrens school project
## 180 Funny lol
## 181 Buy this book!
## 182 Please buy this book and start loving your life
## 183 Great book
## 184 I'm So Glad I Read This Book!
## 185 Great Book on PTSD
## 186 Delivered not damaged
## 187 So Good
## 188 DO NOT READ THE EPILOGUE TO THIS BOOK. IT COMPLETELY RUINS THE BOOK!!!!
## 189 Excellent Read
## 190 I made so many connections
## 191 Bow Down to the Queen of YA Fantasy
## 192 Not a perfect book, but a good book 1.
## 193 A Captivating Journey into the Realm of Thorns and Roses
## 194 Beautiful Cover
## 195 Glad I finally started ACOTAR
## 196 Lives up to they hype!
## 197 ACOTAR is nothing more than erotica
## 198 ஐBeauty and the Beast meets Faerie ஐ
## 199 Detailed to an excessive degree, but plot is good.
## 200 Doesn’t deserve the hate
## 201 A tragic and memorable tale
## 202 “Lost to the World”
## 203 A little long
## 204 I would say that I do recommend this book, but absolutely NOT to everyone.
## 205 4.75-Stars: Excruciating and Diabolical, but Masterfully Written
## 206 Heartbreaking but beautiful
## 207 Beautiful and devastating.
## 208 STUNNING
## 209 This book should come with trigger warnings.
## 210 Hard read, heart breaking. Excellent book.
## 211 Kids Love Eric Carle!
## 212 What a fun book - Lovely sounds and Pictures
## 213 One of my autistic son's favorite books
## 214 Great product
## 215 Fun book
## 216 Toddler loves it! Not sturdy though
## 217 Book as expected
## 218 Animal Sound Book
## 219 Book
## 220 Great for Toddlers
## 221 Great book. Damaged during shipping
## 222 Cute story, very durable material!
## 223 Love it
## 224 Great Book for 3year old
## 225 Very cute book
## 226 Boys
## 227 So adorable
## 228 My sons favorite
## 229 Cute
## 230 Book
## 231 Seasons / fall book for young kids
## 232 Humorous read aloud
## 233 All good things!
## 234 Love it
## 235 Funny for All Ages
## 236 Definitely for 2-5 yo
## 237 What a Cute Story!!
## 238 Perfect children's book for fall
## 239 Love it
## 240 One of our favorite children’s fall themed books
## 241 My son love it! Crazy about it!
## 242 Classic
## 243 A perfect gift
## 244 Love
## 245 My daughter loves this book!
## 246 One of my favorite childhood books
## 247 Favorite childhood book
## 248 Children’s Book
## 249 My granddaughter's favorite!
## 250 Baby’s favorite book
## 251 Such a good book!
## 252 Beautiful book!
## 253 Book
## 254 Informative and entertaining
## 255 MARVELOUS BACKSTORY!
## 256 Educational
## 257 Great story
## 258 Great story
## 259 Love It!
## 260 Must have for Thanksgiving week!
## 261 A Trip Into Mysticism
## 262 This is not "new age" self help book! This book is based on modern linguistic theory and philosophical precepts.
## 263 Simple but deep philosophy with the grandest of aspirations
## 264 I found this enlightening
## 265 A Life-Changing Guide to Living Authentically
## 266 Several valuable insights from this book can be integrated into your daily routine
## 267 Changed my life!
## 268 Quick read
## 269 Yes, Yes and Yes
## 270 I love this author / I love this book
## 271 Freida you have done it again. MUST READ
## 272 Wow
## 273 I saw the twist coming
## 274 A true page-turner
## 275 I was hooked!
## 276 Left Me Spinning!
## 277 Kept me intrigued!
## 278 This is delicious
## 279 On the edge of my seat good!
## 280 Riveting read!!
## 281 An Important Book on an Important Topic Taking a Much Needed Skill Building Focus
## 282 Insightful
## 283 Revolutionary!
## 284 Thank you, David Brooks!
## 285 Amazing and Important Book on Getting to Know Other People
## 286 Growing
## 287 Must read!!
## 288 Phenomenal Feel Good Read
## 289 Mr. Brooks puts it all together so we’ll.
## 290 David's book is great. your shipping materials did not hold up in the rain
## 291 A Timeless Classic That Nourishes the Mind!
## 292 A Classic
## 293 Love this board book!
## 294 Books For Babies
## 295 Hungry
## 296 Cute
## 297 Cute classic
## 298 Hungry caterpillar
## 299 One of The best gifts for new baby.
## 300 Great book
## 301 Cute story
## 302 Cute book
## 303 Cool
## 304 Good quality for the price.
## 305 Seasonal picks
## 306 Fun seasonal book for all children, including adults!
## 307 Love
## 308 How to Catch..." books
## 309 Great concept, weird delivery
## 310 Great fun
## 311 Cute
## 312 Cute Story
## 313 Good story
## 314 Sweet and simple.
## 315 Cute pookie book but maybe not as cute as the others
## 316 Great Book!
## 317 Sandra Boynton never disappoints!
## 318 Boynton never misses
## 319 What is not to love?
## 320 Cute book
## 321 A Significant and Badly Needed Contribution to the Qualitative Part of our Financial Life.
## 322 Timeless nuggets of wisdom
## 323 Making cents of thing that don’t make sense
## 324 Best book on personal finance and investing I ever read
## 325 Financial freedom
## 326 Must Read
## 327 Informative
## 328 A Must Buy!!!!
## 329 Spend more time in pursuit of small, personally appealing adventures and interests
## 330 loved it
## 331 5/5 A True Masterpiece
## 332 THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO: Mason's Review
## 333 Loved it
## 334 Not what I was expecting
## 335 Finished in all in one day
## 336 Hollywood hasn't changed much
## 337 10/10, I LOVE THIS BOOK
## 338 my new favorite
## 339 A Lovely but Complex Tale of a (Fictional) Movie Star with Seven Husbands
## 340 I can’t express how much I Loved This.
## 341 Amazing
## 342 Heavenly book for baby!
## 343 gift
## 344 Beautifully illustrated
## 345 Special Book
## 346 So cute!
## 347 Wonderful story
## 348 My great-grandson is gonna love it!
## 349 Cute
## 350 Classic bedtime infant book.
## 351 Wonderful mix of facts, sound medical advice, anecdotes and opinions for living a long healthy life
## 352 The Owners Manual We Should Have Received At Birth
## 353 A Clear, Walkable Path to Longevity
## 354 Risky if you take much of it literally.
## 355 Hoping the rest of the info is more accurate than ch. 13
## 356 Best book on health!
## 357 Medicine 3.0 is coming and Peter Attia leads the charge
## 358 One of the most interesting books I've ever read
## 359 Attia does nothing half-way: amazing!
## 360 As a nurse I say this is a must read for EVERYONE
## 361 An Oasis in the Desert of Misinformation and Propaganda
## 362 The History is Important to Understanding Today
## 363 NOT a " 300 page rant" Careful, accessible, scholarship to provide context.
## 364 Must read in these times
## 365 Must read
## 366 Important history
## 367 The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine
## 368 A good, comprehensive summary
## 369 Was afraid of this…
## 370 A MUST READ....
## 371 We love this!
## 372 Little Blue Truck
## 373 Daughter loved it
## 374 Love it!
## 375 Little blue truck
## 376 :)
## 377 Gift
## 378 Love the Book Series
## 379 Great book
## 380 Updated: My Son Loves This Book, But it Seemed Defetive
## 381 Best book for my baby
## 382 Adorable Bedtime Story
## 383 Love this book
## 384 Great book!
## 385 Good Night Moon Board Book
## 386 Classic
## 387 Love this book
## 388 Favorite book!
## 389 What could be better than Goodnight Moon?
## 390 Great book
## 391 Sweet book; recommend for older kids
## 392 Fantastic
## 393 👏
## 394 Great for lessons in gratitude
## 395 Beautiful book
## 396 Good book
## 397 Cute book
## 398 Not recommended for younger kids.
## 399 Sweet book about having a grateful heart!
## 400 This is the best kids book I've ever read
## 401 Amazing books - horrible shipping :-(
## 402 Nesta, Nesta, Nesta…
## 403 Absolute must-read
## 404 Mixed reviews
## 405 Great Read
## 406 One of my favorite series ever
## 407 Worth every penny
## 408 Beautiful Set
## 409 This book series changed my whole personality!
## 410 Couldn't put them down
## 411 Great book!
## 412 Granddaughter loved it!
## 413 Bluey fans will love!
## 414 14 scenes of Bluey and Friends
## 415 Fun
## 416 Actually pretty difficult 😅
## 417 Cute book! Perfect for toddlers
## 418 Cute book
## 419 Bluey!!
## 420 Buy it! Such a cute little book
## 421 Imagination plus
## 422 Wonderful book
## 423 Great book
## 424 Such a cute book!
## 425 very cute book
## 426 Love this book
## 427 Sweet sentiment, beautiful pictures
## 428 Cute Book
## 429 Great book
## 430 The best children's book
## 431 Great hard back book. Speedy delivery and very reasonably priced
## 432 Book
## 433 Perfect!
## 434 super cute perfect as a gift
## 435 A Brilliant, Kids Story of Building Courage
## 436 Perfect for your Dino lovers
## 437 Nice
## 438 Entertaining
## 439 3 & 5 years old love
## 440 Cute book
## 441 I have potential!
## 442 An inspiring, Enjoyable, and Worthwhile Read
## 443 Believe in you!
## 444 Best book yet
## 445 Inspirational and Fascinating!
## 446 hidden potential
## 447 Just started reading this book!It’s POWERFUL!
## 448 Enthusiastically presented - carefully structured
## 449 A lot of our school system is set up one way which is to discourage failure
## 450 Embrace the Power of Being a Sponge
## 451 Heartfelt spicy Christmas story
## 452 Sweet and spicy Christmas romance
## 453 Christmas Story With a Twist
## 454 wow!
## 455 As always
## 456 The mamma jamma of all Christmas romances! Cat King is amazing!
## 457 You did it again!
## 458 Favorite Christmas book I re-read every year
## 459 Love some Lucy Score
## 460 4 1/2 Stars
## 461 Good learning tool
## 462 Learning tools
## 463 Never too early to start!
## 464 Learning
## 465 Amazing for struggling readers
## 466 Perfect
## 467 ENSEÑA PALABRAS OBJETOS ANIMALES
## 468 Good cards to start you little once off
## 469 Good quality. Every 5-6 year old should have these to master sight words.
## 470 Good fit.
## 471 Baby Shower Gift
## 472 Great for little ones!
## 473 Great book
## 474 Baby favorite 🤩
## 475 Cute!
## 476 Perfect!
## 477 Great
## 478 The books are sturdy for toddlers who don't know how to be gentle yet.
## 479 Good quality children book.
## 480 Really sweet!
## 481 One of my favorites
## 482 Learning the alphabet in a fun way
## 483 Great book
## 484 Fun Book
## 485 A Classic!
## 486 Favorite
## 487 Birthday gift
## 488 such a classic
## 489 Great Book
## 490 Great book!
## 491 Hilarious but Good Cookbook
## 492 I think I want to buy this cookbook to have it around
## 493 White Elephant Gift
## 494 The DOGG can cook!
## 495 So good
## 496 Dirty Santa
## 497 Loved it
## 498 Love it!
## 499 LOVE!
## 500 gift
## 501 A Transformative Journey Within: The Shadow-Work Journal
## 502 Glad to see it and read it, but came a little dirty
## 503 Amazing journal!
## 504 So happy I gave in to the hype!!
## 505 I’m crying
## 506 Release your childhood trauma.
## 507 Be prepared
## 508 Excited
## 509 Shadow Journaling
## 510 Take your time as you read it. Dont rush
## 511 Great book
## 512 Excellent!
## 513 Great book for curious young minds
## 514 Fabulous book
## 515 Great value for the family
## 516 great book!!!!
## 517 Great Gift
## 518 Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind-Blowing Facts About History
## 519 Funny, and scary!
## 520 Great Gift
## 521 Cute book
## 522 Enjoyable Read
## 523 Cute
## 524 Perfect for a teacher at Thanksgiving time
## 525 This wasnt enjoyed by the kids
## 526 Funny book
## 527 Kids like these books and it’s easy reading
## 528 Class fav
## 529 Love it
## 530 Great book
## 531 If you want to grow an Elon Musk personality, skip standard life advice
## 532 Rocket Man
## 533 Isaacson's best - a tour de force on three dimensions
## 534 An Expedition into the Genius of Elon Musk: A Review of Walter Isaacson’s Portrayal
## 535 A Great Man of History
## 536 Approach this book Fearlessly
## 537 As complex as the man himself, but well told for the rest of us
## 538 Most interesting book I have ever read.
## 539 Illuminating story behind the entrepreneur and his endeavors
## 540 One word… Inspiring
## 541 Mostly good info - for kids of all ages - with reservations as noted! 🤔
## 542 The perfect guide for young (and old) chefs! Exactly what I was looking for!
## 543 Excellent Fundamentals
## 544 Great for kids
## 545 Rather busy layout. Almost overwhelming, in fact.
## 546 Great little book
## 547 GREAT COOKBOOK
## 548 High School Student Loves This Book
## 549 A hit for a preteen
## 550 My girls love it
## 551 Great thanksgiving book for kids
## 552 Expected a bit more from the story
## 553 Llama Llama
## 554 Short, good for bedtime
## 555 Simple and Sweet Thanksgiving Book with Llama Llama
## 556 Cute Holiday Fun
## 557 Returned
## 558 It is good for toddlers as it is a board book and ...
## 559 Another great Llama Llama board book.
## 560 Fun book addressing being thankful.
## 561 A Buddhist blend of Grovers Corners and northern Michigan
## 562 Thornton Wilder Redux
## 563 A Book to Savor and Reflect On
## 564 The Play Our Town Revisited
## 565 A sleeper hit :)
## 566 Read Them All
## 567 A fabulous story from one of America's great novelists
## 568 it’s slow and idyllic
## 569 I absolutely loved this book!
## 570 WOW
## 571 Long and dense, but ultimately a beautiful tour de force
## 572 A Monumental and Original Family Saga That Packs an Emotional Wallop
## 573 Two Verghese books in a week - I must be nuts!
## 574 Stunning!
## 575 A Masterpience
## 576 Beautiful book!
## 577 Incredible story
## 578 775 pages wasn't enough!
## 579 Brilliant storytelling
## 580 An absorbing gem
## 581 Finally, some movement!
## 582 Never Disappoints!
## 583 Terrific Stephanie Plum Caper
## 584 Another Masterpiece
## 585 Enjoying myself thoroughly
## 586 Heads and Tails
## 587 Never disappoints!
## 588 Dirty Thirty
## 589 Cliffhanger extraordinaire!!
## 590 What an ending!
## 591 Kids book
## 592 Christmas book
## 593 A cute Christmas book for STEM
## 594 Children's book
## 595 Beautiful Book
## 596 Cute book
## 597 Cute book
## 598 How to Catch..
## 599 Christmas book
## 600 So cute
## 601 Okay Review
## 602 Great cards
## 603 Work as intended
## 604 Great learning tool!
## 605 Simple, great value
## 606 Great buy for my 6th and 7th grader 👍🏾
## 607 A perfect tool for learning!
## 608 Great time table math cards!
## 609 Exactly what we needed
## 610 Multiplication flashcards
## 611 Love
## 612 My grandbaby loved the book
## 613 Perfect 1st baby book!
## 614 Such a cute book!
## 615 Cute and great for babies
## 616 So cute..
## 617 Entertaining
## 618 My child loves this book!
## 619 Cute book
## 620 Favorite book
## 621 The Wattpad and AO3 girlies get it
## 622 Help, I've fallen in love with a stalker
## 623 Teen review: dark
## 624 this book remade my moral compass
## 625 better than I expected . and soooo spicy!!
## 626 Was on the edge of my seat the entire way.
## 627 4.5 stars TiTok made me and I'm so glad I listened
## 628 I'm a complete mess right now.
## 629 Solid 4/5
## 630 It's disturbingly good
## 631 Dark, Twisted, & Shocking -- Lives up to the Hype!
## 632 Great Idea, Perfect First Hoover Read
## 633 A Riveting Tale of Love, Loss, and Redemption - "Regretting You" by Colleen Hoover
## 634 I COULD NOT PUT THIS ONE DOWN
## 635 Holy Cow!!
## 636 Definitely a page turner
## 637 "Fun" story, too much language
## 638 Oh my wow!
## 639 Deep and Dark
## 640 Colleen Hoover does it again
## 641 Love the world…Dislike Feyre.
## 642 Mesmerizing and Phenomenal Second Book
## 643 Feyre is healing from Under the Mountain, but is she really? (SPOILERS)
## 644 All hail High Lord Rhys
## 645 The ending was stunning, as always, but I had character issues.
## 646 I was a survivor, and I was strong. I would not be weak, or helpless again.
## 647 “Hello, Feyre darling,” he purred.
## 648 Loved it!
## 649 I devoured this book in less than 2 days!!!!
## 650 Rhysand + You = Hurry up and read this book!
## 651 “If inspiration does not come to lead the way, we show up anyway.”
## 652 Helpful advice from a trusted "source"
## 653 Stupid logical. Great reminder. Effectively motivational.
## 654 This book is something very special and here is why.
## 655 If you are an artist, a book not to be missed
## 656 Deserves to be on the book shelf of artists and writers for sure
## 657 You won't be disappointed!
## 658 The most important question it asks is: Why make art? The answer: To connect.
## 659 Lifesava
## 660 He loves it
## 661 Great purchase!
## 662 Good little book set
## 663 My busy 2 year old grandson will slow down to look at these books with me
## 664 Small but nice
## 665 Wonderful first books!
## 666 Great Gift that is fun and educational...
## 667 Nice books but small
## 668 Cute & tiny for baby hands
## 669 A good variety of learning subjects for a toddler.
## 670 Reading does the brain good
## 671 Bringing together the science and making health possible at any age
## 672 Never quit, muscle strength in everything
## 673 A must read for anyone who wants to age with vitality
## 674 Informative
## 675 This book isn't just about looking better; it's about living stronger, healthier lives.
## 676 This will be my change
## 677 This Changes Everything We Used to Think
## 678 A comprehensive guide to achieving healthy longevity
## 679 ARE YOU READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE?
## 680 The book we need!!
## 681 Our favorite classic!
## 682 love this book
## 683 Great book for toddlers
## 684 Book
## 685 she loves it
## 686 Great for babies!
## 687 Great
## 688 Nice quality
## 689 Perfect
## 690 Book
## 691 I Found Myself Challenged, and Yes, Strangely Blessed
## 692 A deeply truthful fiction
## 693 More than a Dickens rewrite
## 694 Heartbreaking story
## 695 Powerful, thought provoking ~
## 696 Fantastic read
## 697 Resilience in humans- overcoming loss and fears
## 698 stunningly perfect
## 699 Give yourself a gift
## 700 A Rough Ride of a Story
## 701 Israel 101 by an Israeli actress - not a dull history book
## 702 Helpful guide
## 703 An easy and fun to read history of ISRAEL
## 704 Great Personel Story of Israel
## 705 A must read
## 706 excellent overview
## 707 A must read
## 708 Must read
## 709 Absolutely amazing
## 710 Time to revisit this book...
## 711 An Octagonal Delight That Showcases Love, Loss, and Learning from Animals
## 712 A Wonderful Start!
## 713 A Great Read
## 714 Best of the Year
## 715 remarkably excellent!
## 716 Super Sweet Story
## 717 Skeptical about a book featuring a giant octopus
## 718 Wonderful story!
## 719 a happy read
## 720 Wow
## 721 An Important Part of My Childhood, Which I Still Love Over 15 Years Later
## 722 Great series, seems to be random what covers you get
## 723 Fantastic books that EVERYONE should read
## 724 Loved the stories, but now I'm suffering Potter withdrawal.
## 725 Great Value for Price
## 726 Such great value
## 727 Beautiful Quality
## 728 Great set
## 729 Was as described.
## 730 Nice
## 731 Uplifting
## 732 "Real" How to value yourself and others.
## 733 Good advice for kids over 12.
## 734 Cute book
## 735 Beautifully written
## 736 Purchased for mu grandchildren
## 737 Beautiful book!
## 738 AMAZING BOOK
## 739 A great gift to live by
## 740 Awesome
## 741 Our bedtime routine
## 742 Great children's story
## 743 great gift
## 744 Nice little book
## 745 Cute!
## 746 Toddler loves it, parents do not
## 747 Sweet story
## 748 Lttle kids book
## 749 A really cute book!
## 750 Love ❤️
## 751 Wow – Knox & Naomi’s Riotous Romance Will Have You In Stitches, But Don’t Forget The Tissues! ...
## 752 Grumpy ML, Strong female lead, romance, heartfelt & more!
## 753 Sweet small town romance
## 754 I didn’t like Knox
## 755 Really great book about trauma and choosing love over fear! Book is too long though
## 756 Hot, Emotional Rollercoaster
## 757 Fantastic
## 758 Love Story and Crime to Solve
## 759 My first romance book was incredible
## 760 this one has mixed opinions... but i loved it!
## 761 Colorful book but not what I expected
## 762 Fun!
## 763 Easy reading
## 764 Wonderful Board Book for Young Children
## 765 My baby’s favorite book!!
## 766 Cute for toddlers!
## 767 Cute book!
## 768 Not a thanksgiving book!
## 769 The book has soft feel and scrun
## 770 Short & sweet
## 771 My kids love these!
## 772 so fun!
## 773 Great book
## 774 Love these books
## 775 takes lots of time
## 776 not too hard - not too easy
## 777 Great gift
## 778 Incomplete graphics
## 779 Niece loves em
## 780 Very cute, but came bent.
## 781 This is not a hero story
## 782 Ted Bundy, Coriolanus and The Joker
## 783 A fantastic villain origin story
## 784 An author's initial perspective on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
## 785 Quite the read...
## 786 If you love the hunger games Buy this Book!!!!
## 787 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
## 788 Great Addition to the Series
## 789 So Good!!!
## 790 Amazing!
## 791 Three books review and a little spoilers
## 792 Spoilers!
## 793 The war has come, who will survive and who will lose everything? (SPOILERS)
## 794 I will try my best to make this spoiler-free because SO MUCH happens
## 795 Best Read of 2017!
## 796 ”For a heartbeat, I weighed who I had been with who I was now supposed to be.”
## 797 Soooo Sooooo, but not worth the hype for me
## 798 Keeps getting better!
## 799 Fast paced and addictive
## 800 The Story and Writing Are Superb
## 801 Shadow-Busting Sorcery with Keila Shaheen’s Enchanted Parchment!
## 802 THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
## 803 Good aid, but work with a therapist
## 804 Need to buy this book
## 805 helping undo trauma
## 806 Third Purchase!
## 807 If you aren’t ready to go deep don’t buy it because you aren’t ready to change toxic habits
## 808 Get to know yourself
## 809 Great self work
## 810 Journaling
## 811 LOVEEEEEE!
## 812 Exquisite edition!
## 813 Absolutely STUNNING
## 814 Beautiful piece of work (I’d argue, piece of history)
## 815 BEAUTIFUL Book
## 816 Beautiful art
## 817 Delicate pull outs but wonderful!
## 818 Always love these books!
## 819 This 3rd installment did not disappoint!
## 820 The most gorgeous editions!
## 821 Cute book!
## 822 Perfect
## 823 Love Boynton books!
## 824 One of my favorite children’s books
## 825 Great books
## 826 SO FUN TO READ
## 827 So cute!
## 828 Favorite Author
## 829 Love!!
## 830 Lovely book!
## 831 A great twisty psychological thriller!
## 832 Devious and Deadly Drama
## 833 Slow burn 🔥 but worth it!
## 834 If this was an AITA post on Reddit… it would be ESH
## 835 What a spin!
## 836 2 Unreliable FMC Make A Right?
## 837 YES! Read it!! ….. (Autistic Character, FYI…)
## 838 Gripping
## 839 WOW
## 840 Riveting story
## 841 Empowering Financial Wisdom - "Rich Dad Poor Dad" is a Must-Read!
## 842 Perfection personified.
## 843 This book changed my life
## 844 Paradigm shifting knowledge
## 845 MUST READ!!
## 846 Great read
## 847 YOU WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AFTER THIS BOOK!
## 848 Interesting, accurate and insightful book I recommend for everyone to read it
## 849 Been wanting for awhile!
## 850 Most important book you'll ever read!!
## 851 a good reminder
## 852 childhood throwback
## 853 fonts???
## 854 Nostalgia and a nice warm Olympian blanket
## 855 Welcome back to the world of Percy Jackson!
## 856 Low stakes adventure!
## 857 Loved it!
## 858 Blast from the past!!
## 859 The Quest for College
## 860 Perfect for old AND new fans!
## 861 Not super easy to read
## 862 Phonics is the golden way to teach kids to read.
## 863 Small and flimsy
## 864 Cute stories, but lower quality
## 865 Pal paltrol
## 866 Helped encourage our 5-year-old to read
## 867 Great value and cute
## 868 Decent books
## 869 You get alot if books
## 870 4 and 6 year old both like the books.
## 871 These have been perfect for my 3 1/2-year-old grandson!!
## 872 Excelente para que los niños se entregan y al mismo tiempo aprendan.
## 873 Wonderful books lost in the mail.
## 874 Worth it
## 875 My Kindergarteners Love to Read
## 876 Helpful
## 877 GREAT BOOKS FOR A GREAT PRICE
## 878 Good!
## 879 Excellent books for beginning readers!
## 880 Nice set
## 881 Wonderful Story for Adolescence
## 882 Urgent and realistic survival novel
## 883 Resilience of a 13 year old
## 884 Good product
## 885 Great
## 886 Great book
## 887 LOVE this book!
## 888 Wisdom in the wilderness
## 889 Great Read
## 890 Compelling
## 891 An Extraordinary Tale.
## 892 David Grann Wrote A BigDog Book!
## 893 Grann's Gift as a Story-Teller on Full Display
## 894 Astonishing tale of castaways battling the elements, starvation, and ultimately each other.
## 895 Thrilling account of a real voyage that reads like a novel
## 896 A comment on the "notes" in the Kindle version
## 897 Masterful
## 898 Amazing Story Deftly Written
## 899 A 1700s Sailing Tale About Survival
## 900 Very Good Narrative Nonfiction
## 901 Good resource
## 902 GREAT ORGANIZING TOOL
## 903 Peace of mind
## 904 Be prepared!
## 905 Have a plan
## 906 Great product!
## 907 You needed this...
## 908 Do this for those you love
## 909 Guidebook for those we leave behind.
## 910 Trying to plan ahead
## 911 Donkey Listen and Laugh Along - The Wonky Donkey!
## 912 Great book! Highly Recommend
## 913 Hilarious play on words and rhymes.
## 914 Great toddler/ 1st reader book
## 915 Quality & price.
## 916 The best child/grandmother book ever written
## 917 Great book
## 918 Fun book, makes you laugh
## 919 Cutest beck ever!!
## 920 Awesome Book
## reviewer
## 1 Murderess Marbie
## 2 L J
## 3 Jamie
## 4 KMG
## 5 Stephanie Brown
## 6 Leanne S.
## 7 Kayce
## 8 Thomas Ward
## 9 katereviews
## 10 C
## 11 California Dreaming
## 12 Cindy R.
## 13 P. Huffman
## 14 John S
## 15 mandylouplus3
## 16 HEather Wilson
## 17 Jessica Madden
## 18 Veronica R Ewing
## 19 TeriH
## 20 Gina
## 21 Lynley Kozinski
## 22 Carol Mccoy
## 23 patsy
## 24 Amazon Customer
## 25 One bottle was broken and leaked all over box
## 26 SooZeeBee
## 27 Melissa Customer
## 28 Amazon Customer
## 29 tim moulin
## 30 Ryann
## 31 Sandy Farmer
## 32 Ryan Harris
## 33 Madison
## 34 Jeraca
## 35 Scottishwolfdemon
## 36 Basil Argyros
## 37 Heidi Dischler
## 38 Reading with FeFe
## 39 Diandra Huffman
## 40 Greg Barlin
## 41 KMG
## 42 Danielle R
## 43 Awesome Guy
## 44 L.A. Wook
## 45 JoAnn Jonin
## 46 Zehui Zhong
## 47 Bonnie Dalrymple
## 48 Kevin Roman
## 49 Kendyll Madison
## 50 lludra
## 51 jhbandcats
## 52 Linda
## 53 Janice H. Kasten
## 54 Avonna
## 55 Pat
## 56 FLOYDH3MVI
## 57 Aline Bertelsen
## 58 Gary Carden
## 59 Lars H
## 60 Bryan Carey
## 61 Tigerlily64
## 62 Denise Baer
## 63 James Parnassus
## 64 Booksalottle
## 65 Debbie
## 66 MomLovesYA
## 67 Sharelle Moranville
## 68 Lee
## 69 Mamamac
## 70 Soleil
## 71 Anne Pruitt
## 72 MJ
## 73 Holly
## 74 L.V. Fucanan
## 75 Mama2one
## 76 Robert
## 77 Bookgirl13
## 78 Dalton O
## 79 Kindle Customer
## 80 Lisa Schwartz
## 81 Chris kuhlman
## 82 Mike Tynes
## 83 Steve Atit Marmer
## 84 Claudia Moscovici
## 85 Arlene Sanders
## 86 jill
## 87 Floyd E. Bucher
## 88 Gary F. Taylor
## 89 Book Club Member
## 90 DACHokie
## 91 Haical Sajovic Haddad
## 92 Amazonlover
## 93 Laura Mujica
## 94 Kayleigh
## 95 Adam Nelson
## 96 Ty Miller
## 97 Mike Pritchard
## 98 Tom Venuto, Author of Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle
## 99 Andreas Aristidou
## 100 Chauntel
## 101 Ashbaby3000
## 102 melissa cuellar
## 103 Melody
## 104 Pirate Mom
## 105 Ashley
## 106 Greta L. Peterson
## 107 Happy mamma lady
## 108 RG
## 109 Ken
## 110 AudraThompson
## 111 Jax Price
## 112 J.S. Bach
## 113 Tsel Zagd
## 114 Robert Buelteman
## 115 Amantha Long
## 116 Arie
## 117 Cassie Braswell
## 118 Aidan Longueville
## 119 Landon Hughes
## 120 Amazon Dreamer
## 121 JF10
## 122 Kim
## 123 Kindle Customer
## 124 Becky Lamos
## 125 Amazon Customer
## 126 Gena S
## 127 Sunrise / Sunset / Mystery
## 128 RC
## 129 Amazon Customer
## 130 Kingcatman
## 131 Crafty Consumer
## 132 Sonia
## 133 Mozzarella
## 134 Steve B
## 135 theenglishmajor
## 136 Marie12192009
## 137 Elizabeth du Fresne
## 138 Cindy Adair
## 139 Rad Ryder
## 140 Carolyn Clay
## 141 Kelley Ridings
## 142 John Smith 1950
## 143 Jason W
## 144 R. Meckley
## 145 Roselady
## 146 Heyweb
## 147 Kindle Customer
## 148 Kindle Customer
## 149 Darren O
## 150 David D
## 151 Maureen Ann OMalley
## 152 Kate
## 153 T. Gal
## 154 Alicia E. Mitchell
## 155 Sarahshops
## 156 Brenda Saunier
## 157 SayHelloCarissa
## 158 candice
## 159 Elizabeth
## 160 N c
## 161 TwinMommy
## 162 littlebear
## 163 Tracy M Heberlig
## 164 M. Arnold
## 165 liz henning
## 166 Kat Maerz
## 167 Marcie Bakker
## 168 Lily Queen of Everything
## 169 MortsMom
## 170 Jenny Davis
## 171 tammy jay
## 172 Juliana Rodriguez
## 173 Boston
## 174 Amazon Customer
## 175 Rachel Striker
## 176 JAC in Colorado
## 177 Ria
## 178 Brianna Wilcox
## 179 Tesha
## 180 CindyLou
## 181 Tom Cloyd, MS MA
## 182 monsterpixel
## 183 JSimpson
## 184 Monica
## 185 Wolf
## 186 Janet
## 187 Alycea Ruhlen
## 188 Amazon Customer
## 189 Tina Wichman
## 190 Kevin O'Connor
## 191 Teisha @ Girl Writes Reviews
## 192 Kindle Customer
## 193 Yami's Bookshelf
## 194 Ohlookabunny
## 195 BooksAreMyTherapy
## 196 NickiZ
## 197 Anne Pruitt
## 198 Robin Snyder
## 199 Adrea Crosby
## 200 Shay
## 201 borderzkai
## 202 Eclectic Reader
## 203 switterbug/Betsey Van Horn
## 204 Kayleigh Brown
## 205 Booksalottle
## 206 Amazon Customer
## 207 Christopher
## 208 Erin D
## 209 melissa waters
## 210 Sadie Lankford
## 211 Maria O.
## 212 Donna
## 213 Hedgecom22
## 214 Amazon Customer
## 215 Amazon Customer
## 216 A. K. P.
## 217 Kalesha
## 218 john shalack
## 219 vicki casone-bertok
## 220 Rogerio
## 221 A.B.318
## 222 Amazon Customer
## 223 Maggie
## 224 Denise M. Broussard
## 225 RC
## 226 katrina
## 227 Andrea Kay
## 228 Caitlin
## 229 KENDYLLYNN
## 230 Margaret Zahalka
## 231 StarryB
## 232 Annamarie
## 233 Michelle
## 234 Loue
## 235 LKR
## 236 LS
## 237 FreedomLifeSolutions2016
## 238 booklover
## 239 Josephine Jones
## 240 Brittany Durichek
## 241 Grace
## 242 PJM
## 243 peg
## 244 MrsQ
## 245 Julia Jen
## 246 Alicia harris
## 247 Chasity
## 248 Myra
## 249 Steve
## 250 Katie Wallace
## 251 pamela
## 252 L _CarterMama
## 253 Abby Dye
## 254 Kelsey Hilton
## 255 ML Daniels
## 256 Kindle Customer
## 257 Shannon
## 258 K
## 259 Amazon Customer
## 260 Amy
## 261 J. M. Alexander
## 262 I'm Me Me
## 263 Emily
## 264 Les
## 265 K. Benjamin
## 266 Daina Escamilla
## 267 MIC D
## 268 CMBRussell
## 269 MB
## 270 Bunny
## 271 Bella s.
## 272 Veronica
## 273 S.Williams
## 274 LeeTalLavi
## 275 Danielle L
## 276 JH
## 277 Jnapie2
## 278 Country Roads
## 279 MamaBr
## 280 CRoberts
## 281 J.M. Ryan
## 282 Sue Hopper
## 283 Amazon Customer
## 284 Linda
## 285 Steve Woit
## 286 DavidJ
## 287 Mark
## 288 Jody Gorran
## 289 Joe Collector
## 290 patricia lowery
## 291 Pretty
## 292 JerseyGirl 164334
## 293 K. A. D.
## 294 Abigail
## 295 Cheryl
## 296 Gina
## 297 JM
## 298 Loved this book as a child and bought the book for my kids!!! Forever a classic !!
## 299 Erik B. Anderson
## 300 Sheri Mulcock
## 301 Tara
## 302 MistyLou
## 303 Barbara Clark
## 304 Cheryl Monk
## 305 Jen
## 306 Marilynda Boyer
## 307 JAMIE
## 308 Amazon Customer
## 309 Taylor Chapman
## 310 MomofAutisticLittleHandsome
## 311 Nonni Rose
## 312 Ashley
## 313 Deborah
## 314 My Favorite Things
## 315 Caitlin
## 316 Vanessa Sawade
## 317 Courtney
## 318 Serena Raheja
## 319 aquagirl
## 320 a_bennett
## 321 Stephen S
## 322 Larry Frank
## 323 Shopgirl17
## 324 T. Torrey
## 325 Eduardo Fernandes
## 326 Ricky W.
## 327 PharoRaHeruKuhuti
## 328 Amazon Customer
## 329 Fascinated explorer
## 330 collin
## 331 melanie (meltotheany / jtotheimin)
## 332 Madison
## 333 Lane
## 334 The Hungry Housewives
## 335 Renae Wallace
## 336 Chelscey
## 337 Patricia
## 338 robin bansemer
## 339 Elizabeth du Fresne
## 340 Stephanie Monea
## 341 Colorado Princess
## 342 Babette's momma
## 343 Ginnie Bazo
## 344 Jeremy
## 345 Jean Clark
## 346 Ember Valdez
## 347 N c
## 348 G Wilson
## 349 cory
## 350 Erik B. Anderson
## 351 G. C. Carter
## 352 DES
## 353 Lucas
## 354 T. French
## 355 BIGFOOT of the AMZN
## 356 Beguiled By Books
## 357 Thomas Kelso
## 358 Jody
## 359 Latif Hamed
## 360 Liz
## 361 Mrs. M
## 362 Ralph Lehman
## 363 Adam the book reader
## 364 Tina
## 365 Akshay
## 366 Amazon Customer
## 367 melkassem
## 368 A H Kobayashi
## 369 Michelle
## 370 Neill Brownstein
## 371 cory casini
## 372 Emma Hamill
## 373 Sherise-Charity Wingate
## 374 Michelle
## 375 sharon
## 376 Stephanie Osborn
## 377 Sandy Robinson
## 378 Alyssa Charron
## 379 Mary
## 380 Summer Pomander
## 381 Sunny Y.
## 382 Robin M.
## 383 Suzy
## 384 Amazon Customer
## 385 Marcia Wheeler
## 386 Amazon Customer
## 387 carol bild
## 388 Kindle Customer
## 389 Maxine S
## 390 amy larrow
## 391 Karen B.
## 392 Sarah C
## 393 Ms. Hancock
## 394 Leticia Lolita
## 395 Reens
## 396 Amazon Customer
## 397 Shannon
## 398 Cheyrle
## 399 Sir Walter Raleigh
## 400 Heather R
## 401 Hazel
## 402 Jullie MacKenna
## 403 M.B.
## 404 Customer23456
## 405 Michila L.
## 406 Andrei
## 407 April Reese
## 408 Taylor McCormick
## 409 Star Samson
## 410 Jessica
## 411 Alfonso Avila
## 412 George H.
## 413 Amazon Customer
## 414 Marie Sembar
## 415 Aimee
## 416 Squirl
## 417 Just my opinion
## 418 Mele , Thank you , so soft nice material great fit 🤗
## 419 xpensivechris420
## 420 McKenna Phillips
## 421 SharonSuds
## 422 Kiana l W
## 423 SUSAN ARBUTHNOT
## 424 kris
## 425 Jane Heying
## 426 Brandon
## 427 Becky
## 428 Katie Vickery
## 429 Leisle Vidaurri
## 430 Kelly
## 431 Jean McConville
## 432 Debra Dury
## 433 Alexis
## 434 jordan
## 435 JoeSanch
## 436 Kayla
## 437 Diane E Danks
## 438 April Hawkes
## 439 Penelope Witt
## 440 Nancy C
## 441 Menopausal woman
## 442 Kevin Stecyk
## 443 DavidJ
## 444 Amazon Customer
## 445 mazarems
## 446 Stu Schlackman
## 447 ND
## 448 Dave Nat
## 449 Caroline L.
## 450 Noreen Wise
## 451 The Romantic Rush Blog
## 452 Sadie Brink
## 453 Lorna Collins
## 454 Irene Lowery
## 455 Annemarie
## 456 NovelMomma
## 457 grannygritsinsc
## 458 Bookstagrambrielle
## 459 Kim
## 460 MC kindle
## 461 Shirley Schmaltz
## 462 I ordered a size up because it was plus size. It stated wide width but it wasn't. It was tight. I wasn't comfortable at all. I won't be purchasing another pair.
## 463 Ashley Johnson
## 464 jesse padilla
## 465 Ryan Williams
## 466 Liz
## 467 Lina g.
## 468 Kerrine E
## 469 Marla Leung
## 470 PSB
## 471 Tori E
## 472 Jeanette F. Reeder
## 473 Shayla
## 474 Jennifer Gaudet
## 475 D. M. Peparata
## 476 Thelma Otto
## 477 Great book loved giving as a card
## 478 R.J.
## 479 Mimi Tran, Fairfax, VA
## 480 Kindle Customer
## 481 Lynn Crofton
## 482 Nahomi
## 483 monica
## 484 Emma Rosencrans
## 485 MW
## 486 Tizzy
## 487 Amazon Customer
## 488 aiden
## 489 TD
## 490 amy larrow
## 491 Jen Rosario
## 492 Karen Shrock-Jones
## 493 Dbaker17
## 494 Richard Hull
## 495 Jessica Macaluso
## 496 Ramona
## 497 Emily Oliver
## 498 Abigail
## 499 Mishelle Hall
## 500 Karli
## 501 Amazon Customer
## 502 Khu Xiong
## 503 Melissa
## 504 Emma
## 505 Tina P
## 506 Meanmaggie
## 507 Roishi
## 508 Mo Mamii
## 509 Anissa Gaskin
## 510 Tracy Carter
## 511 Piotr
## 512 Mandi
## 513 Dawn McEwen
## 514 Sarah Gailey
## 515 Carla
## 516 Amazon Customer
## 517 Denise50
## 518 Sharon
## 519 Jann A Gargiulo
## 520 Nikki
## 521 Christina Clark
## 522 Amazon Customer
## 523 Lorin
## 524 Keri Bechtel
## 525 Frances
## 526 g
## 527 Ski
## 528 T.K:)
## 529 Krissy
## 530 LUELLA STRASSER
## 531 Ethan
## 532 David Shulman
## 533 Nilendu Misra
## 534 *AT
## 535 Mark R. Whittington
## 536 G.R.Egoville
## 537 Craig W.
## 538 wylabird
## 539 Joel Zigler
## 540 G. lederman
## 541 JANET
## 542 EyesofLight
## 543 Critical Eye
## 544 Ray Rickstrew
## 545 jcbme
## 546 Kimberly Sheppard
## 547 Nana
## 548 Joyce R.
## 549 Kathie Jamison
## 550 Marsha Ellis
## 551 Amazon Member
## 552 Megan
## 553 Danielle
## 554 Amazon Customer
## 555 BelleBookWorm
## 556 Shan Kay
## 557 Johnie
## 558 A Reviewer
## 559 Katie
## 560 Kathy OH
## 561 switterbug/Betsey Van Horn
## 562 Carollyn A. James
## 563 Bonnie Brody
## 564 E. Neal
## 565 Mamabotanica
## 566 Leigh Ann Williams
## 567 Bway Jack
## 568 G. Wallace
## 569 Kindle Customer
## 570 Cassandra Martin
## 571 Greg Barlin
## 572 Cathryn Conroy
## 573 Elizabeth L. Boyer
## 574 A.S.
## 575 Jeanne Carter
## 576 Tasha
## 577 Kindle Customer
## 578 Princess
## 579 Romfan
## 580 M. Roden
## 581 AngelosGal
## 582 Andrea Just
## 583 Lois Fisher
## 584 Benefits Babe
## 585 Elizabeth Ervin
## 586 Elsie
## 587 Amazon Customer
## 588 Stacey Smith
## 589 J. A. Bacon
## 590 Kathryn Bowe
## 591 Martha Polus
## 592 Kyle Horton
## 593 Carol Mccoy
## 594 Kathy Short
## 595 mbland
## 596 ShiAnne Lombard
## 597 HEATHER ASHER
## 598 Jourdan Watts
## 599 Happy Gammy
## 600 Meghan
## 601 Shariah
## 602 Jax
## 603 Emily
## 604 Libby Miller
## 605 jesse
## 606 carlwana brown
## 607 Rachael
## 608 JNix
## 609 Tiffany Chatham
## 610 Jay
## 611 WWafa
## 612 melissa Lewis
## 613 Loren Kirklin
## 614 Katherine Jimenez
## 615 Barb
## 616 Latrice
## 617 Evelyn
## 618 CJ
## 619 Barbette Quigley
## 620 Alice Chan
## 621 Gen Backes
## 622 readwithevelane
## 623 Ashley
## 624 Nat
## 625 Jennifer Perz
## 626 Jenna Clark
## 627 Jennifer
## 628 Chelsea
## 629 Ashlee Preece
## 630 K
## 631 JHSiess
## 632 Adam Manning
## 633 LW
## 634 Victoria Givens
## 635 major.book.lover
## 636 Ohioperson
## 637 JoVoNsTeR
## 638 Vx2Kent
## 639 Tess
## 640 Irish 11
## 641 Diandra Huffman
## 642 Yami's Bookshelf
## 643 Alyshia
## 644 Bailee Williams
## 645 Brittany
## 646 Mikee Andrea Quiambao
## 647 Melynda Wangsness
## 648 Christin
## 649 Erin J
## 650 Amazon Customer
## 651 Jason Landry
## 652 Mr. Richard Compton
## 653 Pauline Martin
## 654 Chelley & Terry
## 655 EdithC
## 656 C. D. Johnson
## 657 TJ Genay
## 658 Cody Allen
## 659 Sahan Deb
## 660 Auntie LoLo
## 661 Theresa
## 662 Alicia
## 663 Jodie Elaine Wicker
## 664 Kimberly Langlois
## 665 butch russell
## 666 JT
## 667 kristen Nicole fino
## 668 Dalz
## 669 GB
## 670 Steven Cannon
## 671 Lisa
## 672 CAM
## 673 Teresa
## 674 Rav3nsj3w3l
## 675 Heather Jacoby
## 676 Annette Wright
## 677 ELutz
## 678 Peter
## 679 LINDA Mueller
## 680 jjnmama
## 681 Gao
## 682 Pamela Shelley
## 683 Jen
## 684 Scarlett
## 685 Elaine Stone
## 686 Shachi M.
## 687 Amazon Customer
## 688 CS08205
## 689 L Doc
## 690 Great quality
## 691 Stephanie McCall
## 692 Dan'l Danehy-Oakes
## 693 Jay Ruud
## 694 Linda S Moore
## 695 Michael McClintock
## 696 jelaine lombardi
## 697 Terrence J. Witt
## 698 Pajamama
## 699 ronald hansen
## 700 Amazon Customer
## 701 a reader
## 702 AVIshelley
## 703 WALTER P. LESER
## 704 Amazon Customer
## 705 Adam
## 706 hrd
## 707 ts
## 708 Janna
## 709 Yael
## 710 E. Ribeiro
## 711 Alise Cortez
## 712 Whitney Moore
## 713 Susan S.
## 714 Anthony Conty
## 715 Rebeca M.
## 716 Jamie and Heather Hejduk
## 717 Allison Calca
## 718 Two G's
## 719 Mz Pip
## 720 Lorna
## 721 Lewis D. Medeiros
## 722 CrystalPrime
## 723 Tim B.
## 724 Honest Reviewer
## 725 Grace Endress
## 726 c paahana
## 727 Marcie
## 728 Wes
## 729 Mat H
## 730 Biggerstaff
## 731 The Golden Bear
## 732 Gretchen M. Ashton, Editor, FitDiver Magazine and Fitness Editor, CA Diver Magazine, Author of Heart of the Yucatan
## 733 Gracie99
## 734 Christie alfonso
## 735 SuperMama4
## 736 Margie Dean
## 737 Seano
## 738 BrookLynn Mobley
## 739 A. Slater
## 740 Daniel Whitehorse
## 741 Emily Traynor
## 742 Rebecca Martinsen
## 743 Kelly
## 744 Diane
## 745 Penguin
## 746 Solenopsis
## 747 Jean
## 748 William Kinney
## 749 Lynn Shaw
## 750 Elizabeth Humphrey
## 751 B. Roscoe
## 752 Briana Bailon
## 753 Samantha
## 754 Ash
## 755 NCR
## 756 Sheila
## 757 Mattie Mercer
## 758 Melissa Mary
## 759 Anndrea
## 760 Elad
## 761 Lelya S.
## 762 Feli05
## 763 MARY ZYDEL
## 764 Debs
## 765 Stina
## 766 lexieanne
## 767 LP
## 768 Lauren Hickox
## 769 Rhonda
## 770 Shopper R
## 771 Carlos
## 772 Gina
## 773 Noname
## 774 Amy
## 775 Julie
## 776 Lynn Huntoon
## 777 Recent Customer
## 778 austenfan442
## 779 Jackson A
## 780 KC
## 781 Anne Pruitt
## 782 MJ
## 783 Holly
## 784 L.V. Fucanan
## 785 Mama2one
## 786 Robert
## 787 Bookgirl13
## 788 Dalton O
## 789 Kindle Customer
## 790 Lisa Schwartz
## 791 jhfreeborn
## 792 Ryan Harris
## 793 Alyshia
## 794 Velarisreads
## 795 Amazon Customer
## 796 Melynda Wangsness
## 797 JJ
## 798 kathy g
## 799 Melissa Mitchell
## 800 Alexandria Woods
## 801 Brantler
## 802 Amazon Customer
## 803 Chasity
## 804 Chris Fuentes
## 805 Elizabeth
## 806 Anne
## 807 I brought the wrong size
## 808 Solarpowered_jess
## 809 Leigh W.
## 810 Ricardo Rios
## 811 Custeemade
## 812 Maddy G.
## 813 Mom's opinion
## 814 Christina H
## 815 KLCorbin
## 816 R Ray
## 817 Placeholder
## 818 Sara L
## 819 cDub
## 820 Cassie Jones
## 821 Alexandra L
## 822 LAL
## 823 Chris
## 824 Ethan
## 825 Zina
## 826 Kitty D
## 827 Kristin H
## 828 Dana
## 829 D P
## 830 Maya
## 831 Sharon
## 832 Susan M. Baumann
## 833 Xavier F. Martinez
## 834 C. Barnes
## 835 M P
## 836 Backwoods Bibliophile
## 837 Rachael Ashak-Benson
## 838 Angie C
## 839 Busyblondebookworm
## 840 Agnes Shapiro
## 841 Online Gourmet
## 842 Christopher
## 843 sherritha
## 844 Mr Raks
## 845 Amazon Customer
## 846 Cindopup
## 847 AB1213
## 848 Itay
## 849 Charles
## 850 James
## 851 Courtney Egan
## 852 Luz J
## 853 Andrew Thomas
## 854 Akys
## 855 Amazon Customer
## 856 Ann
## 857 MHK
## 858 Levi Smith
## 859 acpatrick
## 860 Luiza
## 861 Mayranavarrete
## 862 Jangries11
## 863 Emily Krasco
## 864 SME
## 865 Stacy
## 866 Jeff
## 867 Rfinch
## 868 MumShoppingRight
## 869 brooke
## 870 Amazon Customer
## 871 Karla Winston
## 872 Cheila
## 873 Dave
## 874 Cortinéy
## 875 Amazon Customer
## 876 Taylor Scalf
## 877 Anthony
## 878 Nathaly
## 879 Theresa King
## 880 Amazon Customer
## 881 Brian & Sue
## 882 Kari G.
## 883 Maria Manges
## 884 Elddys
## 885 Kruella Cakez
## 886 Amazon Customer
## 887 Windy Archer
## 888 LA in Dallas
## 889 sandra
## 890 avid reader
## 891 Tom Weikert
## 892 Cramedog
## 893 Charles Salmans
## 894 Colonel D
## 895 LindaL
## 896 Scout
## 897 Burns
## 898 Cranky Yankee
## 899 Rick Spell
## 900 bayrider
## 901 Toni Martin
## 902 Wildcat4ever
## 903 Kindle Customer
## 904 Diana
## 905 Kelley G
## 906 Dee
## 907 Vivian Busse
## 908 CUSTOMER
## 909 Michelle
## 910 R. Yablin
## 911 Family Man
## 912 Shellie Rouse
## 913 Kindle Customer
## 914 K. Lehigh
## 915 Amazon Customer
## 916 Marilyn Kreienkamp
## 917 Amazon Customer
## 918 Jennifer Tinucci
## 919 Janice Easter
## 920 MC
## reviewer.rating
## 1 4
## 2 5
## 3 5
## 4 5
## 5 5
## 6 5
## 7 5
## 8 5
## 9 5
## 10 5
## 11 4
## 12 4
## 13 5
## 14 4
## 15 3
## 16 5
## 17 5
## 18 4
## 19 5
## 20 5
## 21 5
## 22 5
## 23 5
## 24 5
## 25 4
## 26 5
## 27 5
## 28 4
## 29 5
## 30 5
## 31 4
## 32 5
## 33 5
## 34 5
## 35 5
## 36 5
## 37 5
## 38 5
## 39 5
## 40 5
## 41 5
## 42 5
## 43 5
## 44 5
## 45 5
## 46 5
## 47 5
## 48 5
## 49 5
## 50 5
## 51 5
## 52 4
## 53 5
## 54 5
## 55 5
## 56 5
## 57 5
## 58 5
## 59 4
## 60 5
## 61 5
## 62 2
## 63 5
## 64 5
## 65 5
## 66 5
## 67 5
## 68 5
## 69 5
## 70 5
## 71 5
## 72 5
## 73 5
## 74 5
## 75 5
## 76 5
## 77 5
## 78 4
## 79 5
## 80 5
## 81 5
## 82 5
## 83 5
## 84 5
## 85 5
## 86 5
## 87 4
## 88 5
## 89 5
## 90 5
## 91 5
## 92 5
## 93 5
## 94 5
## 95 5
## 96 5
## 97 5
## 98 5
## 99 5
## 100 5
## 101 5
## 102 5
## 103 4
## 104 5
## 105 5
## 106 5
## 107 5
## 108 5
## 109 5
## 110 5
## 111 5
## 112 4
## 113 5
## 114 5
## 115 5
## 116 5
## 117 5
## 118 5
## 119 5
## 120 5
## 121 5
## 122 5
## 123 5
## 124 5
## 125 5
## 126 5
## 127 5
## 128 5
## 129 5
## 130 5
## 131 4
## 132 5
## 133 5
## 134 5
## 135 5
## 136 5
## 137 5
## 138 5
## 139 5
## 140 5
## 141 5
## 142 4
## 143 5
## 144 4
## 145 5
## 146 4
## 147 4
## 148 4
## 149 4
## 150 4
## 151 5
## 152 5
## 153 5
## 154 5
## 155 5
## 156 5
## 157 5
## 158 5
## 159 5
## 160 5
## 161 5
## 162 5
## 163 5
## 164 5
## 165 5
## 166 5
## 167 5
## 168 5
## 169 5
## 170 5
## 171 5
## 172 5
## 173 5
## 174 5
## 175 4
## 176 5
## 177 5
## 178 5
## 179 5
## 180 5
## 181 5
## 182 5
## 183 5
## 184 4
## 185 5
## 186 5
## 187 5
## 188 4
## 189 5
## 190 4
## 191 5
## 192 5
## 193 5
## 194 4
## 195 5
## 196 5
## 197 2
## 198 3
## 199 4
## 200 5
## 201 4
## 202 5
## 203 4
## 204 4
## 205 5
## 206 5
## 207 5
## 208 5
## 209 5
## 210 5
## 211 5
## 212 5
## 213 5
## 214 5
## 215 5
## 216 4
## 217 5
## 218 5
## 219 5
## 220 5
## 221 5
## 222 5
## 223 5
## 224 5
## 225 5
## 226 5
## 227 5
## 228 5
## 229 5
## 230 5
## 231 5
## 232 4
## 233 5
## 234 5
## 235 5
## 236 5
## 237 5
## 238 5
## 239 5
## 240 5
## 241 5
## 242 5
## 243 5
## 244 5
## 245 5
## 246 5
## 247 5
## 248 5
## 249 5
## 250 5
## 251 5
## 252 5
## 253 5
## 254 5
## 255 5
## 256 5
## 257 5
## 258 5
## 259 5
## 260 5
## 261 4
## 262 5
## 263 4
## 264 5
## 265 5
## 266 5
## 267 5
## 268 5
## 269 5
## 270 5
## 271 5
## 272 4
## 273 4
## 274 5
## 275 5
## 276 5
## 277 4
## 278 5
## 279 5
## 280 5
## 281 5
## 282 4
## 283 5
## 284 5
## 285 5
## 286 5
## 287 5
## 288 5
## 289 5
## 290 5
## 291 5
## 292 5
## 293 5
## 294 5
## 295 5
## 296 5
## 297 4
## 298 5
## 299 5
## 300 5
## 301 5
## 302 5
## 303 5
## 304 5
## 305 5
## 306 4
## 307 5
## 308 5
## 309 3
## 310 5
## 311 5
## 312 5
## 313 5
## 314 5
## 315 4
## 316 5
## 317 5
## 318 5
## 319 5
## 320 5
## 321 4
## 322 5
## 323 5
## 324 5
## 325 5
## 326 5
## 327 5
## 328 5
## 329 4
## 330 5
## 331 5
## 332 4
## 333 5
## 334 5
## 335 5
## 336 5
## 337 5
## 338 5
## 339 4
## 340 5
## 341 5
## 342 5
## 343 5
## 344 5
## 345 5
## 346 5
## 347 5
## 348 5
## 349 5
## 350 5
## 351 5
## 352 4
## 353 5
## 354 4
## 355 4
## 356 5
## 357 5
## 358 5
## 359 5
## 360 5
## 361 5
## 362 5
## 363 5
## 364 5
## 365 5
## 366 5
## 367 5
## 368 3
## 369 2
## 370 5
## 371 5
## 372 5
## 373 5
## 374 5
## 375 4
## 376 5
## 377 5
## 378 5
## 379 5
## 380 4
## 381 5
## 382 5
## 383 5
## 384 5
## 385 5
## 386 5
## 387 5
## 388 5
## 389 5
## 390 5
## 391 4
## 392 5
## 393 5
## 394 5
## 395 5
## 396 5
## 397 5
## 398 3
## 399 5
## 400 5
## 401 5
## 402 5
## 403 5
## 404 4
## 405 5
## 406 5
## 407 5
## 408 5
## 409 5
## 410 5
## 411 5
## 412 5
## 413 5
## 414 5
## 415 5
## 416 4
## 417 5
## 418 5
## 419 4
## 420 5
## 421 5
## 422 5
## 423 5
## 424 5
## 425 5
## 426 5
## 427 5
## 428 4
## 429 5
## 430 5
## 431 5
## 432 5
## 433 5
## 434 5
## 435 5
## 436 5
## 437 5
## 438 5
## 439 5
## 440 5
## 441 5
## 442 5
## 443 5
## 444 5
## 445 5
## 446 5
## 447 5
## 448 4
## 449 4
## 450 5
## 451 5
## 452 4
## 453 4
## 454 5
## 455 5
## 456 5
## 457 5
## 458 5
## 459 5
## 460 4
## 461 5
## 462 5
## 463 5
## 464 5
## 465 5
## 466 5
## 467 5
## 468 5
## 469 5
## 470 5
## 471 5
## 472 5
## 473 5
## 474 5
## 475 5
## 476 5
## 477 5
## 478 5
## 479 5
## 480 5
## 481 5
## 482 5
## 483 5
## 484 5
## 485 5
## 486 5
## 487 5
## 488 5
## 489 5
## 490 5
## 491 5
## 492 5
## 493 5
## 494 5
## 495 5
## 496 5
## 497 5
## 498 5
## 499 5
## 500 5
## 501 5
## 502 4
## 503 5
## 504 5
## 505 5
## 506 5
## 507 5
## 508 5
## 509 5
## 510 4
## 511 5
## 512 5
## 513 5
## 514 5
## 515 5
## 516 5
## 517 5
## 518 5
## 519 5
## 520 5
## 521 4
## 522 5
## 523 4
## 524 5
## 525 3
## 526 5
## 527 5
## 528 5
## 529 5
## 530 4
## 531 5
## 532 5
## 533 5
## 534 5
## 535 5
## 536 5
## 537 5
## 538 5
## 539 5
## 540 5
## 541 4
## 542 5
## 543 4
## 544 5
## 545 4
## 546 5
## 547 5
## 548 5
## 549 5
## 550 5
## 551 5
## 552 4
## 553 5
## 554 5
## 555 4
## 556 5
## 557 3
## 558 4
## 559 5
## 560 5
## 561 5
## 562 4
## 563 5
## 564 4
## 565 5
## 566 4
## 567 5
## 568 4
## 569 5
## 570 5
## 571 5
## 572 5
## 573 5
## 574 5
## 575 5
## 576 5
## 577 5
## 578 5
## 579 5
## 580 5
## 581 4
## 582 5
## 583 5
## 584 5
## 585 5
## 586 5
## 587 5
## 588 5
## 589 5
## 590 5
## 591 5
## 592 5
## 593 5
## 594 5
## 595 5
## 596 5
## 597 5
## 598 5
## 599 5
## 600 5
## 601 4
## 602 5
## 603 5
## 604 5
## 605 5
## 606 5
## 607 5
## 608 5
## 609 5
## 610 5
## 611 5
## 612 5
## 613 5
## 614 5
## 615 5
## 616 5
## 617 5
## 618 5
## 619 5
## 620 5
## 621 4
## 622 5
## 623 4
## 624 5
## 625 4
## 626 5
## 627 4
## 628 5
## 629 4
## 630 5
## 631 4
## 632 4
## 633 5
## 634 5
## 635 5
## 636 4
## 637 4
## 638 5
## 639 5
## 640 5
## 641 4
## 642 5
## 643 5
## 644 4
## 645 4
## 646 5
## 647 5
## 648 5
## 649 5
## 650 5
## 651 5
## 652 4
## 653 5
## 654 5
## 655 5
## 656 4
## 657 5
## 658 5
## 659 5
## 660 5
## 661 5
## 662 5
## 663 5
## 664 4
## 665 5
## 666 5
## 667 4
## 668 4
## 669 5
## 670 5
## 671 5
## 672 5
## 673 5
## 674 5
## 675 5
## 676 5
## 677 5
## 678 5
## 679 5
## 680 5
## 681 5
## 682 5
## 683 5
## 684 5
## 685 5
## 686 5
## 687 5
## 688 5
## 689 5
## 690 5
## 691 4
## 692 5
## 693 5
## 694 5
## 695 4
## 696 5
## 697 5
## 698 5
## 699 5
## 700 5
## 701 5
## 702 4
## 703 5
## 704 4
## 705 5
## 706 5
## 707 5
## 708 5
## 709 5
## 710 5
## 711 5
## 712 4
## 713 5
## 714 5
## 715 5
## 716 5
## 717 5
## 718 5
## 719 5
## 720 5
## 721 5
## 722 5
## 723 5
## 724 5
## 725 5
## 726 5
## 727 5
## 728 5
## 729 5
## 730 5
## 731 5
## 732 5
## 733 4
## 734 5
## 735 5
## 736 5
## 737 5
## 738 5
## 739 5
## 740 5
## 741 5
## 742 5
## 743 5
## 744 5
## 745 5
## 746 4
## 747 5
## 748 5
## 749 5
## 750 5
## 751 5
## 752 5
## 753 5
## 754 4
## 755 4
## 756 5
## 757 5
## 758 5
## 759 5
## 760 4
## 761 4
## 762 5
## 763 5
## 764 5
## 765 4
## 766 4
## 767 5
## 768 2
## 769 5
## 770 5
## 771 5
## 772 5
## 773 5
## 774 5
## 775 4
## 776 5
## 777 5
## 778 4
## 779 4
## 780 4
## 781 5
## 782 5
## 783 5
## 784 5
## 785 5
## 786 5
## 787 5
## 788 4
## 789 5
## 790 5
## 791 5
## 792 5
## 793 5
## 794 5
## 795 5
## 796 5
## 797 3
## 798 5
## 799 5
## 800 5
## 801 5
## 802 5
## 803 4
## 804 5
## 805 5
## 806 5
## 807 5
## 808 5
## 809 5
## 810 5
## 811 5
## 812 5
## 813 5
## 814 5
## 815 5
## 816 5
## 817 5
## 818 5
## 819 5
## 820 5
## 821 5
## 822 5
## 823 5
## 824 5
## 825 5
## 826 5
## 827 5
## 828 5
## 829 5
## 830 5
## 831 4
## 832 4
## 833 4
## 834 4
## 835 5
## 836 4
## 837 5
## 838 4
## 839 4
## 840 5
## 841 5
## 842 5
## 843 5
## 844 5
## 845 5
## 846 5
## 847 5
## 848 5
## 849 5
## 850 5
## 851 5
## 852 5
## 853 5
## 854 5
## 855 5
## 856 5
## 857 5
## 858 5
## 859 4
## 860 5
## 861 4
## 862 5
## 863 4
## 864 4
## 865 5
## 866 5
## 867 5
## 868 4
## 869 4
## 870 5
## 871 5
## 872 5
## 873 5
## 874 5
## 875 5
## 876 5
## 877 5
## 878 5
## 879 5
## 880 5
## 881 5
## 882 5
## 883 5
## 884 5
## 885 5
## 886 5
## 887 5
## 888 5
## 889 5
## 890 5
## 891 5
## 892 5
## 893 5
## 894 4
## 895 4
## 896 5
## 897 5
## 898 5
## 899 5
## 900 4
## 901 4
## 902 5
## 903 5
## 904 5
## 905 5
## 906 5
## 907 5
## 908 5
## 909 5
## 910 4
## 911 5
## 912 5
## 913 5
## 914 5
## 915 5
## 916 5
## 917 5
## 918 5
## 919 5
## 920 5
## review.description
## 1 I'm only a third way in. Shipped lightening fast.The print quality of the book is very good. I like the rose and the purple foil, they captured her taste here and will look bomb on my bookshelf.As for the writing it's good. Amazing, no. But they painted an incredible picture of her life. Much better writing than I thought to be honest. I was expecting more scattered blurbs throughout the book but the way it's presented does honor her experience, and sounds like her up to an extent. Now, I do think the ghost writer went verbose in some areas that were unnecessary which derailed her voice in my head but I imagine getting the whole picture would be difficult.I was hoping for a thicker book as she's been through a lot. So I am a bit disappointed at that but nevertheless it's an interesting read thus far.As for Britney's life story. I have to say they were smart in starting with her lineage and she didn't hold back keeping her family accountable from the gate. Good on her for having conviction.I suddenly found myself understanding little quirks, connecting the dots, certain things would suddenly click in my head. For example her British accent and her relationship with a lynchpin matriarch elder.Very cool build up. Laying the ground work for her future decisions by presenting us with complex childhood family dynamics really has me understanding her choices and quirks much better than I ever realized I needed to be deep in thought of.Sometimes we judge from a place of pity or outsider perspective instead of compassion. Now I see the soft gentle feminine side of her mindset that we knew when she was younger start to peek through the pages. It's that sweet part of her soul that she doesn't show much nowadays, for good reason of course as she's been deeply hurt and damaged by other's greed, but that delicate nature is part of why most of us were charmed by her. I hope she finds her way back one day.She's been through a lot and I found myself relating to things she'd been through, and feeling deeply saddened by her sense of insecurity in childhood. Her insights correlate along with many of my own life experiences and traumas. I was taken aback by her growth in reflection, as one would believe anger would be the easy way to portray her story, not the case here, it's her appreciation for her past that has earned my deep respect beyond what I thought I had possessed prior to reading.Her story with her brother was touching and softened my distain for his participation in the matter of handling her affairs. Although I hope he is held accountable someday. It shows how loving and innocent she was and how grave a loss she has suffered, for it is those who are selfless that don't speak up only to suffer the most.Such a contrast to the presentation of her character in the media. Thus far this book is an excellent read!------ To be Continued* I'm looking forward to reading through this book in it's entirety and will update when I'm done. One star for the writing not sounding like her in some places. I will change accordingly.
## 2 "There have been so many times when I was scared to speak up because I was afraid somebody would think I was crazy. But I've learned that lesson now, the hard way. You have to speak the thing that you're feeling, even if it scares you. You have to tell your story. You have to raise your voice."What a heartbreaking story. Whatever you feel about Britney this memoir makes you understand and have empathy for all the things that have made headlines in her life. It took me a little bit to get into it because though people believed this was going to be ghostwritten, I believe the editors tried to keep it raw and in her voice so it does jump around a little bit and the flow can be off, but it feels authentically Britney. I got to a point where I couldn't put it down...and then there were parts I had to put it down because it was very difficult to read what she went through.I don't think I will look at any of her past interviews or performances the same and I wish her the best.In speaking of when her family forced her into a mental health facility after refusing to do a second tour in Vegas and wanting to change up dance moves in a performance:"God must have been with me through that period of time. Three months into my confinement, I started to believe that my little heart, whatever made me Britney, was no longer inside my body anymore. Something bigger must have been carrying me through, because it was too much for me to bear alone. I look at the fact that I survived and I think, "that wasn't me; that was God."
## 3 The media could not be loaded. I personally have been in the same exact situations as some of these in Britney’s memoir. My son’s father illegally withheld my son from me for 72 days when I have primary physical custody and sole legal custody. The police won’t take a child from a parents care regardless of court order! The court system is a joke and didn’t help at all. I am an unemployed single mother, so I didn’t have a lawyer and no one in my family would help me because my parents don’t have that kind of money and my nana and pop passed away. (All I have) It wasn’t until I filed an emergency hearing after all my other petitions were denied, to finally be seen at court to get my son back. The father even then refused so eventually after educating myself online for 65 days and countless hours of research, I made a petition asking the judge for police to use force as necessary to ensure I get my son back this time. A little more than a week later the judge granted it. The pain, emotional turmoil, absolute defeat, despair, depression, anxiety, grief, guilt, helplessness, and being put down by everyone you thought was family and loved you. I didn’t do anything wrong either. I had my son 24/7 with NO help from anyone, his whole 5 years of life. Working side jobs taking care of an old woman and cleaning dirty toilets to provide what he needed. Those sleepless nights crying wondering why this happened, what your child is thinking or being told, if he thinks he was abandoned when you’re showing up with police escorts and every day fighting to get your child back, but your son doesn’t know that! In my situation, that whole petty situation was over my jealous sister trying to get me kicked out to take my room (master bedroom, my sons bedroom, and a master bathroom) I spent $7,000 renovating (old neglected house) and the father not wanting to pay child support, so they ganged up on us to be vindictive at the stake of my sons emotional and mental well-being. ($170 every two weeks only visits dad 6-8 days a month depending on how many weeks are in the month) People are CRUEL! You are only as good as you are giving. Once your hand closes, you will have NO ONE! My son is still struggling 5 months later with the emotional turmoil from the trauma they caused him. He’s having outbursts in school because of the trauma! I still am also traumatized every time his visitation at his father comes. I worry I’ll never see my child again, and yes sometimes it makes me want to hide him too! For anyone to judge you and your choices when you were literally helpless walking through the gates of hell and trembling with every step, taking every single low blow, and still not giving up. Doing it all alone, no help! Evil experiences almost always revolve around MONEY and EVIL PEOPLE! You are INVINCIBLE! No one will ever understand until they walk in those shoes. Don’t you ever underestimate your resilience and strength. You are strong, you are amazing, you are beautiful, you can do it! What those people did to you, that were supposed to love you but instead used you to profit off your hard work, prosperity, and dedication, I hope karma comes for them HARD. I can not imagine the trauma you have been through, especially living under a microscope with hundreds of dangerous paparazzi men hungry for money and seeing your grief and pain, profiting off your downfall when you were on top of the world, chasing you and your children around with such disrespect and disregard to how that would affect your children and your emotional and mental health, is disgusting. You were put in fight or flight mode, given ptsd, betrayed, and locked up like a prisoner. While everyone took all of your money you worked hard for, building your empire for the family you always dreamed of creating. Please stay strong, and keep fighting for your happiness. You deserve to live the life of your wildest dreams, you deserve to be the happy woman that got to enjoy doing what she loved! You deserve to do what you want when you want! You are worth it! You know who you are, what you’ve done, and what YOU ARE CAPABLE OF! Now pick up that crown 👑 QUEEN OF POP, scream you WON’T GIVE UP, and WIN!🤟🏻❤️🥳😘
## 4 I have been a fan of Britney's music since the '00s. She is just a couple years older than me. I didn't love how she dressed or how sexy she was on the TV screen, because I felt like I was expected to look and act just like her - at the time. She definitely influenced fashion and hair and young women's actions. However, that is not entirely her fault.The paparazzi was INSANE around her. There were so many tabloids and photos taken of her throughout the years that by the time I reached age 17 or 18, I refused to purchase or even PICK UP a magazine while standing at the store checkout- in solidarity with Britney. What they did to her was disgusting, invasive and abusive. It makes my skin crawl, just thinking about it.But, her music was fire. The mixture of dub step rhythms with her music was so fun and energetic. I still listen to it from time to time and dance.The book was written pretty simply. You can see that she has done some therapy and has gained some insight into her life, her history. She is trying to understand why she did the things she did and why she trusted those she trusted. The kinds of betrayals she has endured in the past two decades will need some serious CBT to re-write those neuropathways into a healthier train of thought.Our society is still learning what entails "abuse" and what does not. I've definitely felt my share of emotional and psychological abuse. It hangs inside of your thoughts long after you've stopped being around those people. You must be constantly diligent to stop those negative thoughts toward yourself and to re-write what your mind says to you. You hear what your mind tells you WAY more often than you hear negative words from others. You are with YOU 100% of the time. There's nowhere to run. So, you need to become your own best friend.I hope this book was written by her and that she is receiving the payments from purchases. I hope that she wrote it and it was done with her consent. I find the timing of the release of this book crucial- but, maybe if I was released from "prison", I would run to publish my side of the story, too. I would have probably been writing in journals the entire time.I hope she heals. She seems to be on her way. I hope she simplifies her life and stops letting outsiders inside of her mind. The book was easy to read, doesn't get TOO DEEP into her psyche. It is very surface level. She is TELLING her story. it's not super deep or introspective or thought provoking in any particular way. I am definitely confused as to why the conservatorship was done in the first place, and then held for 13 years- but I was already informed about that before the book. I read the book in 2 and 1/2 hours.Many times, I wished that she would tell more details of one story or other. But, so much of her life has been an invasion of privacy, that I understand maybe she doesn't want to allow more than just the surface level story out there. It's her choice.
## 5 Whether or not you’re a fan, it’s a great read. Britney takes you in her world and shares her perspective of how hateful the tabloid, tv hosts, and paparazzi was, and still is, to her. The vile, hateful, ignorant comments towards her that people got away with in the 2000’s is incomprehensible really. All the while she stood tall taking every blow and silently suffered through it. She was always perceived as dumb but I never thought that, she carried herself with dignity and gave everyone respect even if they didn’t reciprocate it. From what I’ve gathered by reading her words, she didn’t have a enough people in her corner looking out for her. The struggles she shared about motherhood I felt so connected to, it’s difficult enough experiencing it in the comfort of your own home with people who love you and care about you, but to experience that all while the world was watching and scrutinizing everything you do seems agonizing. Society still sets impossible standards for women and mothers. But men can do something as simple as take their kids to school and be sung as heroes. The judgment you feel amongst your own community of fellow parents is hard and can really make you second guess yourself as a parent, but on the scale of a celebrity, it seems impossible to do any good or anything right. I can’t ever imagine putting my kid through any of the horrible experiences her own family put her through. But not everyone is fit to be a parent, and from what I’ve read her parents fit that mold very well. Overall it is an exceptionally well written book and full of quirky humor that sheds a warm light on the Britney I grew up watching, loving, and admiring. Her strength and grit is unmatched. I hope this gives her solace and she thrives from this point on to find herself.
## 6 I had to finish the book in a week, because I needed breaks. Although it's a quick-read - it reads lyrical, like her music, very catchy and vivid, it's dark, like the color of the cover.If everything stated in the memoir is true, shouldn't her father and his posse be arrested, or at least sued for fraud or abuse?Is it just me or do her parents resemble Jefferey Epstein and Ghislane Maxwell who kept Britney as a "sex slave" for 13 years, just to use her body to create cash flow?Why is it when she's flying solo the families fell apart (parents divorced, sister tried to disown them), and when she's under conservatorship her family got reunited (parents got back together, watching Criminal Minds every night; and sister and father bonded).When she became an icon, she became a "thing" people would judge or vent on. She never had a life, and because of that, her growth, or womanhood, was stunted. She talked about what meant "everything" to her, music, family, sons..., It's saddening to learn that, in the end, the simple desires of having "everything" almost killed her. It became worse when she had no one to help. Or maybe people were just preoccupied with their own struggles, as always.Among her ordeal, she noted people she drew inspirations from, Madonna, J.Lo, Reese Witherspoon..., and the "woman" in her that had been suppressed for decades.That's what happened. Not fair and horrific. Her kind soul and eager for happiness eventually set her free from imprisonment. Hope she will make up and catch up with life.
## 7 The world has had access to Britney Spears' memoir for one week and bookstagram is flooded with opinions and reviews. But since this is the latest KAYCE 5 STAR I have to tell you why and leave you MY full review:I've been a Britney fan since day one and have seen the relentless paparazzi coverage of her for 20 years. Everyone has an opinion on Britney, judge her and think they know everything based on what they've seen in magazines and online. Finally speaking for herself, this memoir tells us about all those stories we think we knew but from HER perspective.While the memes and reels about Justin are pretty funny since this came out, Britney went through a very traumatic experience with him (you know the one) and our girl held that in for TWENTY YEARS. And why wouldn't she? That's an incredibly personal decision and all the while, the media villainized her and praised him. I really don't care what Justin thinks about Britney's revelations. He made his choices then and she's making her choices now. Never once does she victimize herself but simply tells us how she felt through all the ups and downs. Personally and professionally.You get fun stories too about her favorite album, favorite performances, celebs she admires and more. Britney admits she is not good at fame (girl, we know and none of us would be either). If Britney never gets on another stage for the rest of her life I wouldn't blame her for one second. But given how healing music is for her, I wouldn't be surprised if we got more music one day. And if it's on her terms I bet it will be the best she's ever released.Since THE WOMAN IN ME is just 275 pages I thought it would feel short and unfinished but she did a great job recapping up to present day. She's so brave and stronger than she realizes and her love for her sons is on every page. Cheers to Britney, may she continue to heal and surround herself with people who love her and don't want to use or exploit her. She still has her beautiful heart despite everything and I think that's a huge testament to her strength.Highly recommend my bestie's memoir. 5 stars!
## 8 I absolutely adored every minute of this audiobook! While the stories are heart-wrenching and even somewhat uncomfortable to hear, you have to admire the sheer amount of bravery and fortitude it took for Britney to finally sit down and tell her side of the story. Is it the, as a court would say, "the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" We'll never know, because we are the outside spectators to these stories, many of which we're only hearing for the first time. Many of the stories that are contained within these pages are so steeped in lore and speculation that discerning the actual truth would be about as likely as proving the existence of God or coming up with a satisfactory solution to the abortion issue. What is true about this book, however, is that its existence will allow for a bigger conversation to take place, not just around the issues of mental health, but of the sensationalization of media coverage, the brutal realities of being a "wind-up doll" for public consumption, and the ethics of a mental health conservatorship. I applaud Britney, as well as Michelle Williams, for both bringing this book, and these stories, to both light and life. I recommend that anyone who has ever been curious about Britney's life, or any of the other concepts I've mentioned, read this book immediately and often!
## 9 Her life and story told in her words. Britney Spears has had an expansive career and her face has been splattered on many covers of magazines accompanied by stories that photos and showed whatever it took to make those people rich. They were never telling her story.Britney tells the story of her life with raw honesty. She speaks of happiness, joy, sadness, trauma, love, rejection, rumors, heartache, and being used by so many people around her. People who should have loved, protected, and guided her. Her early days when she truly felt joy in the music and dance. How that became an escape for her. She talks about her love life, setting records straight. There is no finger-pointing or blame. Just the truth about who she loved, how she loved, and her dreams for life.She talks about her boys. In a way that all mothers can relate to. Her desperation to just be able to see them, to be able to be with them. How they were used as a weapon. Used to get her to perform. Her experiences with the paparazzi how relentless and cruel they were. As a mother, I can't imagine what I would have done. Especially with newborns and having PPD.She speaks about the conservatorship. She shares the horrible things her father put her through. The fear. She asks over and over again. Why am I under this conservatorship, yet I am still working. Making money, supporting people. Why was she? A woman who wasn't able to make the simplest of choices for herself, for her body.This memoir is a quick read. It isn't Hollywood gossip. It is a story of a woman who is moving on in her faith, a survivor.I pray she finds the peace that she truly seeks.
## 10 I bought the book thinking it would arrive before I left for vacation. It didn’t, so I bought the audiobook as well.I listened to the audiobook non-stop. I felt every little bit of feeling listening to Michelle Williams read Britney’s memoir. Britney’s life is poignant, utterly devastating, and full of love and hope all at the same time. I’ve been a Britney fan since Baby One More Time. Her music brings about feelings of nostalgia from my youth, and she reminds me of everything good from that time in the early 2000’s. I saw and read in the media back then how Britney was portrayed, and how relentlessly the paps chased her, like Britney said, like she wasn’t “human.” It was a daily thing, and I felt so devastated for Britney. People criticized her, destroyed her image, all that. Ahhh, I cried listening to this memoir. I have nothing but respect and love for Britney. She is one strong woman for coming out in one piece after what her father and the rest of her family did to her. You can feel how much Britney loves her boys, and as a parent myself, I would do anything for my kids, just as she. Britney, you are an inspiration for strength, resilience, love and hope. Girl, do not stop being you. I love you, and I will, and the rest of your loyal fans will have your back no matter what!!!❤️❤️❤️
## 11 I'll admit, I rarely watched "Friends" when episodes first aired. My wife started binge watching it a couple years ago or so, probably during the pandemic, and so I started watching it with her. I do think that I was a little too hard on the show though as I always thought that it was a bit of a "Seinfeld" "rip-off." In reality there are enough differences in the shows that now, after watching the entire series of each, I've relaxed my criticism. A bit.And I rarely read autobiographies, or what people usually call "memoirs" nowadays. I usually am reading true-crime books, in particular those about serial killers. I did read "C'mon, Get Happy: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus" (CGH) from David Cassidy in 2021 and I actually liked Mr. Cassidy LESS after reading his memoir. I kind of wish I wouldn't have read CGH and just remembered him instead from his time on the show. It's just that I found Mr. Cassidy to be a bit of a braggart while reading and while I finished CGH I was struggling to even care towards the end. I'm guessing that Susan Dey felt the same. Ahem.Now, rarely does Matthew Perry "brag" during "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir" (FLB) about himself. He does discuss how much money he made during filming of "Friends," and I don't have a problem with that, mostly because he discusses how David Schwimmer actually was instrumental in negotiating a great deal for the entire cast and not just for Mr. Schwimmer. In reality Mr. Perry is far more self-deprecating in FLB than Mr. Cassidy is in CGH. Mr. Perry doesn't seem to hide much when it comes to his struggles with addiction and if he does underplay it, well, he must be REALLY bad. Mr. Perry discusses how he was taking up to 55 pain killers a day and that is extreme. For those who don't know, pain killers tend to dry you out and slow down digestion so I have no idea how someone could take that many for any length of time and survive.Well, Mr. Perry almost didn't survive.Mr. Perry was rushed by a friend from one of his many stints in rehab to the hospital and the people running the rehab facility tried to stop him. If they had been successful Mr. Perry surely would've died. Heck, he still should've died in the hospital even though he had probably the best care that money could buy. From memory he said that only "two percent of people survive on the machine required to keep him alive," and I think he also called it a "Hail Mary."Overall I really liked FLB and I actually read it in one day. As a matter of fact I couldn't sleep last night and kept picking up my Kindle device and would continue reading. Usually readers might say, "I couldn't put it down!" but I might say, "I couldn't leave it down." Over and over I picked up my device, opened the Kindle app, and continued from my last bookmark. Luckily for me Kindle apps save the bookmark for me and that's only one of the reasons I tend to almost only read digital. I will buy a paperback or a hardcover version but only if I MUST read a book and there is no digital version.But still FLB is not a "perfect book," far from it. Towards the end I think that Mr. Perry starts to repeat himself and I got the feeling that he was on a tight deadline and just hammered out the last few chapters. I don't know if he first created an outline -- I think that all authors should do so at an early phase in writing -- but I think a good outline would've really helped create a more polished effort. It's also the case that Mr. Perry has a tendency to use too many parentheticals and that becomes a bit of a distraction for the reader.Not that it bothers me but it might bother some readers: Mr. Perry does discuss religion, or at least God, quite a bit towards the end. If religion is a turnoff, I think that FLB may not be for you. Mr. Perry does seem to think that God helped keep him alive, maybe even helped him break some addictions, and that is fine by me. I can't prove it either way, and it is Mr. Perry's memoir, so he has a right to think and write whatever he chooses. Personally, I appreciate his honesty.Mr. Perry does admit going into open houses and swiping pain meds from home sellers and that reminded me a lot of Ryan Leaf. I think that Mr. Leaf used to do the same thing and it got that ex-NFL player quite a few years in prison for it. From a legal standpoint if I were Mr. Perry, and I were writing a memoir, I think I might not have disclosed this. I am not a lawyer and I don't know what legal troubles it could cause him now.There has been quite a bit of noise about how Mr. Perry tends to "kiss and tell" and I think that's overblown a bit. He does discuss how he and Valerie Bertinelli made out within just a few feet of Eddie Van Halen, after Mr. Van Halen had passed out from drinking too much wine. Hey, I guess I've been there myself so I won't judge. Um, from Mr. Van Halen's perspective and not necessarily from Mr. Perry's. But Mr. Perry doesn't really dwell on it too much. I can understand how Ms. Bertinelli feels about the disclosure although of course Mr. Van Halen is no longer with us. If Mr. Van Halen were still alive I believe that Mr. Perry probably wouldn't even bring it up. Just a guess.Well, if you're a fan of "Friends" and Matthew Perry, and you like to read memoirs, I'll give a fairly strong recommendation for "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing." If you don't fit that criteria perhaps you might want to read something else. But if you're a fan of David Cassidy from "The Partridge Family" I'll recommend you pass on his memoir. Sometimes it's better to only remember the good things about your heroes, after all.
## 12 I purchased Matthew Perry's book last year when it was published and have had it on my list of books to read. I finally read it yesterday in one sitting. Wow! I have never written a book review on Amazon, but after I finished reading, I felt compelled to leave a review. I knew he had a serious drug habit, but had no idea the extent of his addiction. It was difficult to read parts of the book, but I could not put it down. I have watched Friends for years and still watch the reruns, and it was always obvious to me how much his physical appearance was affected by his drug and alcohol use (having family members with this disease). I found the book actually exhausting to read - just when I thought it could not get worse, it did. I think it is so sad that he had such a tormented life, right from the beginning, and he was never truly able to enjoy his success. I was so sad to hear of his passing at such a relatively young age, but not really surprised (even though his cause of death has not yet been determined). After reading this brutally honest memoir, I find it surprising that he lived as long as he did - I was shocked to learn the extent of abuse his body endured. It's not the same watching Friends now, knowing he's gone and knowing what he went through while on the show. Rest in Peace Matthew - thanks for all the laughs.
## 13 I just finished Mathew's book. I did not realize until I was almost done with his story that it could have been my father's story accept, my father died after getting septic from colon cancer surgery. He too had a fistula and they gave him liquids which spilled out and killed him. Dad drank, smoked, and took all the same drugs Mathew did. My Dad rejected AA because of step two. My Dad had an irrational fear of "insanity". My father saw shrinks and they gave him drugs to treat the fear and anxiety. My Dad had seven children with four different woman and many woman on the side. Mathew, my Dad and myself were abandoned at a critical time when we were vulnerable children. I think my Dad, Mathew and I were and are driven by the desire to have that feeling of safety and comfort we lost early in life if it ever really existed. Maybe we are trying to find that feeling of safety and comfort we imagine only exists for others. I also believe that that 'feeling' in the gut of anxiety and fear can be about a screwed up digestive track made worse by relationships, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Relationships, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes cause and treat the discomfort of fear and anxiety. These substances and behaviors seem to bring relief but only for a moment and then they make it worse. I think the absence of depression and anxiety can be from the absence of an irritable bowel and peace of mind. Mathew was born with colic his stomach was a problem from the start.This is a list of some of the substances he used.Constant crying from colic Mathew was drugged withphenobarbital so his parents could sleep.DilaudidSuboxoneValiumXanax.At one point he was addicted to six milligrams of Ativan a day.boozeOxy is what blew up Mathew's colon. The warm honey feeling he describes from the oxy paralyzes the gut bringing on depression and anxiety. At one point Mathew did sixty pills a day. My Dad suffered from Oxy. I experienced it too.All this stuff impacts mood. Depression, fear, anxiety. Fear of depression, anxiety and fear. The same feelings of abandonment, fear and anxiety a small child feels [I felt] when I became aware I was abandoned. These feelings are alive and well in Mathew's and my body and they can be triggered by 'something happening good or bad' I don't like to leave my house because just pulling out of my driveway is stressful.After reading the book I can better understand myself and my Dad. I was not present for my life and I mistreated the people I love while seeking relief from my addiction/discomfort. I even became co-dependent in recovery by trying to replace the substances with gurus. I too had the spiritual experience that made me feel completely loved and free from my insanity. It lasted until I tried to talk about it with other people who did not "get it". I was distracted by their lack of appreciation for what I was saying.After reading this book I feel like I have been in rehab for a week. I see my disease better. Mathew Perry lived the unbelievable nightmare of mental illness and lived to tell about it. We focus on the substance when that substance is really just an attempt to treat the real problem. Is self-awareness of the core issue enough to free oneself from the intolerable agony of having paralyzing feelings of being discarded and fearing it will happen again and again. Even if only just by the president of the PTA. Isolation is the only way I knew to protect myself from fulfilling the prophecy my sister made to me. She said I would never have any friends. I was eight years old. She was nine. I believed her. I was all alone on Rancho Drive. I had no friends not even my sister. Just the word "friends" can trigger my discomfort. No matter how many people I call friend I can not dispel that belief. The big secret I carry is I believe I have no value. When people treat me as though I have no value I want to die. Mathew said it annihilated him to be left. Annihilated describes the feeling I want to avoid the most. Until now I could not think of a word strong enough to convey my discomfort. Annihilation feels right. Sadly, whenever I risked talking about this belief, I was told to "get over it". That would be fine accept it is who I think I am. Can I just get over it?What or how would I know if I were over it?"I want God to always be there for me now, whenever I clear my channel to feel his awesomeness."I hope you read the book.
## 14 I was a fan of Matthew Perry from the beginning of Friends. He truly had such great comedic timing and he brought such life to every part he played. I had always known he had suffered from addiction and had been in rehab several times but I never realized just how horrible his addiction was and for how many years he fought it.I was so saddened to hear of his death earlier this week. I hope he continued to be sober and enjoy life as he stated he was at the end of this book. It's so sad that someone that had seemingly all their dreams come true, starred in a once in a lifetime show, and was so accomplished was also so miserable during all of it that he never enjoyed it. He was a great talent and will be missed.
## 15 So, I will review this as two people: A writer and masters of writing student and as a fan of Matthew Perry:Hey Matthew,So, we know you can write. At least I knew you did, after I had read interviews on Mr. Sunshine a bunch of years back. You wrote a sitcom, so I knew you could probably put words together. I am glad I read this as someone who is currently reading for a degree. We have been taught to analyze, something I just do now no matter what I read, and this one was interesting. It began well enough, and your words were put together nicely. I usually like it when we move back in forth time, but in this instance, it was little too much, especially considering we changed places so often: California, to New Mexico, to Switzerland, to New York. It was time AND place jumping, which in writing, you have to do very carefully. What bothers me, is editors should have picked this up. There should have been better breaks between time/place changes and or labels (you could have been very creative here, like using the "Friends" way of labeling, 'The One where My Colon Explodes' or 'The one where I tried to get sober in Switzerland'.) I wish I could have been an editor on this book. It would have made a little more sense. You're supposed to write with the audience in mind, and I don't know if this is what happened. Seemed like it was more of a therapy assignment for you. But what do I know? I once got into a fight without taking my hoops out. Sometimes I don't know jack.The thing with memoirs is, that you can't write this in a way that constitutes a running thought because we're getting real facts with dates. As it turns out, the two most important things in the book (And why we wanted to read about your life) were a little too muddy to always keep straight. If you have to re-read to understand something multiple times, it becomes less and less fun to read. Running thoughts are great when you talk about the hook ups and minute details, but the structure was missing for the meat and potatoes (ya dig?) I write fiction, but we can also use the same ideology that we do use there: that there are rules, even within non-fiction writing, that things can be said too much and all at once. We want to know how 'Matty' (can I call you that?) talks about addiction. The horrors of addiction are real and true, and any addict knows this, but there should have been (editing? paging an editor...) a little more of an even grading downwards. Jumping off preverbal non-fiction cliffs is never fun. It's like jumping from the snow to the hot tub.I'm not sure why people are shocked that you talk about sex either. You're a nice-looking guy on TV with boatloads of cash. Of course, you got laid. Of course, women throw themselves at you and OF COURSE you were emotionally unavailable. If I have learned anything from this book, was that you weren't lying when you said, in fact, that you WERE Chandler. But I get peoples points. I mean, we got the assignment that you were a horny TV star. And then we just kept on getting it. (7,7,7,7) Redundancy. She's a *****. we want to get a point across, but then, what's too much?As a fan of yours (comedy in general), I don't think it's ever a good idea to read too much about people you admire from afar. I will never know you, and you will never talk to me in my life, so this book is all I have to go by. Yes, you were selfish (you call yourself that several times), but one thing that surprised me most, is when you spoke on how you would trade the money and the fame with your friend living in the rent-controlled apartment living with Diabetes. Considering how much you spent on treatments, and literally paying people to help you get clean, you had resources most addicts will ever see a 1/8th of. While you say you're grateful in the book, and I know you're trying to get the point across that "fame doesn't fix you", there are millions of people that would give their left um, thing, to be in your shoes, with access to Switzerland, hot nurses and new teeth (I can't even afford one implant). There is a reality missing from this that doesn't quite touch the rent-controlled tenant. This is coming more from the side of over-celebrity that most of us will never even remotely see. That chasm is large, and your perspectives after thirty years of fame are so far on the side of Hollywood, that not having money seems better. (It's not. Money won't fix everything, but it eases burdens. Ask me what my husband and I argue most about.)The title of this book should be, "The One Where the Grass is Always Greener."Matthew. Write another book. I would love to see a comedic novel from you based loosely on your life. You would get to use the words "based on a true story". You CAN write, I saw that. And while you have spent your life chasing other people's opinions, and mine shouldn't matter, consider it. There is so much untapped creativity there that it makes me crazy. Be grateful you have the platform you do and you're not a mom stuck in the burbs like me. Oh, and call Craig, and maybe pay for his Diabetes medication.That's all I have. I thank you for opening yourself up and spilling the ugly out. That's never easy. Sorry for the honestly, but then, no one care what I think anyways.Be well, Bing-a-ling.P.S- Does Yemen have a nice view?
## 16 It is no secret that I am a huge Friends fan. So when Matthew Perry died last week, I decided to open up his book. I have had it since it came out just have not read it. I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch an episode of Friends since his death. Friends is an escape for me, and it’s not easy to escape when there’s such a great sadness right now. This book is raw. What he went through with drugs and alcohol was so incredibly difficult. But the other thing that really took me by surprise was how raw he is about his relationship with God. I so appreciate that he included that in his book. I get so used to reading books by Christian authors where everything is just “wonderful”. But his rawness about his struggles has really helped me to find a peace with his death. Definitely a reread.
## 17 I wasn't going to read this book, having seen previous reviews which mentioned it was heavy and dark. Not really my thing. But then Perry passed away and I couldn't not pick up this book. And I think, previous to his passing, I wouldn't have found this book to be too heavy or dark. I think it shines light and hope on a tough topic. It made me really see something I had no idea was there. It was riveting and interesting. And it ended with such hope. Hope which has been crushed with this most recent news. And with that comes crushing sadness. Instead of hope, I just feel bad for him. All those hopes and dreams he had for himself, all that fighting, and for what? I have no doubt he has helped, and will continue to help, many people with his comedy, his words, his story. I just feel deep sadness that he didn't get the chance to find his own HEA.
## 18 What a shock to lose such a talented and funny actor so young. I know when this memoir first came out, a lot of people had a lot of not very nice things to say about Matthew Perry, but I think they didn’t get it. This man had severe childhood trauma and abandonment issues that he never processed, and he was a drug addict. He really bares his soul here in this book. I have always loved Matthew Perry and I was still love him, even after reading his memoir. I’m so sad that he never was able to permanently beat his demons. He was a talented and funny actor, and not just in Friends.I hope he is resting peacefully now. After 50 years of no sleep, here is hoping the eternal one also comes with an amazing view where he can see how much the world really did love him.
## 19 I am not a celebrity memoir reading type person. I happened to watch an interview he did last year with a canadian station [maybe BBC] and truly had no idea that Matthew Perry was an alcoholic or drug addict. I decided to get the book and finished it in 1 sitting. It is well written and an easy read. I think people forget that "celebrities" are human too. It was a rough ride for Matthew Perry, but I am glad he was able to face his demons, become clean and sober before his untimely passing. RIP Matthew Perry!
## 20 I’m so glad I read this or I would never have known the multi-layered life of Matthew Perry. I learned so much about drug and alcohol addiction and how it affects one’s body, mind, soul and spirit. I wish he’d never entered the world of horrors and wish he’d been able to experience true peace and joy sooner. I will always love and miss Matty and am sad to have lost him so young. He never married or had children and he would have been such a fantastic father if he had beat his addictions long ago. RIP Matty!
## 21 Great
## 22 Definitely a cute Thanksgiving type book as a read aloud to get kids actively involved in creating a ‘trap’ for a STWAM project in the classroom, which is how I used the book with third grade.
## 23 For my daughter. She's a school teacher. She loved it. She loves reading to her kids as well
## 24 This story is a hoot for the students. They really enjoyed following this turkey around the school, and it really helped me target WH questions with them. The turkey travels to various places throughout the school, making the students guess where he will end up next! Cute book, I will read it every year with them.
## 25 This book is ok. Not as good as I was expecting. Does address fear and is a lesson. But reminds me of an action movie that goes on to long.
## 26 I bought this for my three-year-old grandson and decided to down load the Kindle version for myself. The illustrations are great. The storyline is exciting and I like the way it ties in with T-Day sports. I work with young children almost on a daily basis. I'm pretty sure they will love this book!
## 27 Sent this book to my step granddaughter and she loved it so much that I’m sending her the whole series
## 28 Love the book. We have the Elf version as well. Sad it arrived damaged.
## 29 Got this for my kids to read around thanksgiving. They loved it. Great book for teachers and libraries.
## 30 They thought it was the funniest book ever! It was requested everyday before thanksgiving
## 31 One Sunday, I was visiting blogs, which I don't get to do very often, and stumbled upon one that caught my eye. I can't remember the exact wording, but the blogger stated they didn't enjoy a book that was getting a ton of buzz and love. However she worded her comments piqued my interest, so I looked up the book on Goodreads and decided almost instantly that it sounded like something I would like. I added it to my wish list, and Husband bought it for me for my birthday. I still put off reading it for a while because I needed to focus on review books first. I finally found time to pick it up, and I have to say that I didn't want to put Fourth Wing down. We never have lazy days where we just let the kids watch TV all day, but Husband wasn't feeling well, it was 101 degrees outside, and I was enthralled. So I read every chance I got that first day and read about 80% by midnight. I needed to sleep because I knew that was too much to finish at a reasonable time for me. And I finished the other 20% the next day.Fourth Wing has everything you could want from the first release in a new fantasy series. You have a flawed leading character--Violet is fragile. Her bones break easily, her joints and ligaments are weak as well. She is short. And generally not physically strong. She is, however, brilliantly intelligent. She spent her entire life training to go to the scribe quadrant. But her mother, one of the nation's top military leaders, decrees that Violet will enter the dragon rider's quadrant instead.The rider's quadrant is a vicious school of tests and challenges that will end with more cadets dead than alive. Often times the tests kill the cadets. Just as often, the other cadets will do the killing. And what deaths remain are likely from the dragons themselves! Unique schools like this are why series like Harry Potter, Vampire Academy, Divergent, Red Rising, and even Throne of Glass have been wildly popular and universally loved.And I mean dragons! The appeal of these mythological creatures is fascinating. Perhaps because they're imaginary, we love the different iterations of dragons throughout various literature and media. Fourth Wing's dragons are some of the best I've come across, from the varieties and their discerning qualities to their ability and willingness to bond to humans. Plus, the bond enables a psychic connection with their riders. These dragons are so well done. I applaud Rebecca Yarros for her imagination and vivid depictions in bringing them all to life.The friends are an interesting variety as well. There are friendships that form almost instantly, those that have spanned entire lifetimes, those that form unexpectedly, and even ones that form begrudgingly. The personalities differ as much as the dragons and the abilities they bestow upon their riders. Violet's older sister, Mira, warns her against forming friendships in the rider's quadrant. Allies are important, but friendship can often be a liability. Plus, when cadets are dying more frequently than surviving, forming friendships means saying goodbye to people who have shared pieces of their hearts with you and vice versa. But Violet doesn't survive the rider's quadrant by following the path others have established. She must survive by her own instincts and her own journey through the tests and trials.Speaking of abilities, Rebecca Yarros also did an excellent job creating a wide range of abilities since there are so many different characters. None of the signets were too similar to each other. And I loved the intrigue of wondering what new talent would be gifted to the next cadet. She even forms opposite sides of a coin without it appearing to be mirror talents.The enemies were fierce. We start off with Violet being warned by her sister Mira to steer clear of Xaden Riorson because he will kill her as soon as he gets the chance as revenge for what her mother did to his father in executing the king's justice for his father's rebellion. Violet meets him almost immediately. Nearly the same time, a brutal new cadet sets his sights on her as an easy target to weed out the weak links. Only Violet embarrasses the new cadet, and he swears revenge that he will kill her. And he's not the only person she ticks off during her first year. Xaden is hard to read. He forces Violet into his wing since he's a wingleader. He bounces back and forth between giving her advice that will help her survive, ignoring her completely, and sending others to her in ways that could be construed either for or against her.Of course, the driving questions are about whether Violet will survive each challenge she's faced with. If she does, will a dragon want to bond with her? At least until you get to a point where you have answers to these questions, and then you want to know what will happen next. I can't reveal those questions to you as they'd be spoilers.Favorite quotes:-"They choose for reasons they don't see fit to share with us." He pushes off his desk. "And not all strength is physical, Violet."-You are not attracted to toxic men, I remind myself...I had to laugh at that one.-"One does not live a century without being well aware of the space one takes up."-"Justice is not always merciful."-"I know you just want to keep me safe,...,"I whisper. "But keeping me safe is also keeping me from growing, too."-"I will hate you for this." "Yeah." He nods, a flash of pure regret crossing his face as he draws away. "I can live with that."-"Andarna is my favorite."-"You can ride me when the flesh rots off my bones, wingleader."-"Whatever you feel is natural. Allow yourself to feel it, but then let it go."-"...if we let fear kill whatever this is between us, then we don't deserve it."-"One generation to change the text. One generation to choose to teach that text. The next grows, and the lie becomes history."I was so disheartened when I finished Fourth Wing and went to go purchase Iron Flame only to find that it wasn't released yet. The unique school setting where the cadets die more often than survive. The friends. The enemies. The romance. The DRAGONS. All of it was exactly what I look for in a series. Now, I will say that once the characters leave the setting of the school and undoubtedly have to face the corrupt government, things have the potential to go south like series such as Divergent and The Hunger Games. We shall see if The Empyrean series can survive the traps that other series before it fell into or will it thrive similar to series like Red Rising and Throne of Glass. That being said, Fourth Wing gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Fourth Wing? What did you think? Let me know!
## 32 ** Spoilers **Oh, my goodness this book is captivating! It had me hooked from the beginning!Let's get into it!Violet - Love her! She is super smart and figures things out quickly. She is witty and spunky. She loves and protects so many people. She makes so many friends along her journey and protects them ever chance she needs to. She finds friends from her past, Dain. (Which I'm sorry if you do like him, I didn't like him from the very beginning.) Then she finds, Rhiannon, Ridoc, Liam, Sawyer and more. Even with Jack, he was a total ass to her, crazy trying to kill her and she still felt bad that she killed him to protect her friend. She stays in her own lane and works hard to prove that she can be a rider. To prove to her mother and everyone else that she can and will. So, she conquers all of these challenges. She becomes a rider! Not only does she pair with one dragon but two! Tarin and Andarna! To add Tarin is mated to a dragon Sgaely which is Xaden's dragon! Connect Violet and Xaden even more than the automatic connection they already have. Let's talk about that! The one person she is told to stay away from is the ONE GUY she falls for!! Of course, kind of an enemies to lovers going on. Yay! I instantly love Xaden and Violet together. Even when she kept thinking he was going to kill her. I thought no way they're going to end up together or connected one way or another.Xaden - Total bad-boy vibes, of course. But hides his true feelings for Violet. Also, the fact that he took over the full responsibility of all the rebel children and had them in scripted into Basgiath to either prove loyalty becoming riders and fight for Navarre or die trying. Better than all of them being killer because their parent were rebels. He is a complete protector, he protected Violet every chance he was given but also hid it very well. I am annoyed that he had to be hiding some kind of secret! Why couldn't he just tell her everything?? I mean truly I get why he didn't but why? lol. Then this whole time he was hiding his true feelings from her. But then it comes out at the very end when he thinks she is going to die.Other side notes:Back to Dain for a bit. I don't like him. He is annoying and is always try to "protect" Violet but in a way that is whiny and trying to bring her down. His power is to see someone's memory. He secretly uses it on her to see what she knows about Xaden. Then he tattletales on them to his dad. Ugh. I. Don't. Like. Him.So, Violet gets two dragons. Andarna and Tarin is mated to Xaden's dragon Sgaely. That also makes it so Xaden and Violet can mind speak to each other. and Violet can also communicate with Sgaely. Then with both their signet powers they are one badass couple. Xaden (shadows), Violet (lightening). Also, how their dragons cannot be away from each other for more than 3 days. I am excited to see where this goes.Liam! I am so sad that we lost Liam. I cried so much when all of that happened. I was hoping so way that Violet could freeze time like she could with Adarna but I never did. Not only did she lose a great friend, but Xaden also lost a brother. It was so sad. I'm definitely going to miss his character.So, Xaden and some of the other rebels and dragon were working with gryphons and their fliers. Enemies of Navarre. They are giving them weapons to help fight the venin and wyvern. Violet is completely in the dark about this until the end of the book. These people she thought were a complete fantasy. Her father told her stories from a book, he leaves her a hidden letter in the book basically telling her that these people and creatures are real, and their government is hiding the truth from their people. Then at the very end of this book someone believed to be dead is actually ALIVE! He is part of the rebellion! I knew something happened at the end due to other people's reactions, but I never thought that, that would be it! definitely a good twist!I cannot wait for November when the 2nd book comes out!
## 33 5/5⭐️4/5🌶️i have nothing but good things to say about this book, buckle up.i’m honestly not even sure that i will be able to gather my thoughts and form a coherent review to adequate explain how much i adored this book but i’m going to try. let’s start by saying that i am obsessed with this book.this was outstanding and amazing in every single way. i cried, i laughed, i giggled, i gasped, i did ALL THE THINGS. i have not felt so many things while reading a book since my last SJM read. fourth wing absolutely deserves all the hype and more. if the hunger games, divergent, harry potter, and game of thrones had a baby, this would be it.this book was the perfect mixture of romance and high stakes and the vibes were so spot on. fourth wing is fast paced from beginning to end and will absolutely hook you from the very first chapter. the world building was perfection and so seamless that it never felt awkward and i was never confused about the fantasy world. this is a world i would absolutely love to live in!i have heard that a lot of people found this book predictable, but i’m personally HORRIBLE at predicting endings so i may have forseen one or two things but i definitely could not have predicted the entire ending for this book and that made it that much more enjoyable.i LOVED violet’s character so much. her bond with her sister and her friends was so genuine. she is tough and strong willed and is unstoppable, despite her disadvantage (which yarrow displayed SO SO well). i loved her journey and how much she grew throughout this whole book.XADEN!!!! rhysand has been my #1 book boyfriend since i devoured ACOTAR last year and no one has lived up to the hype since. xaden freaking riorson has officially take my #1 book boyfriend spot with rhysand as a very close second. how can you not love this man?? he is an ABSOLUTE SIMP from violet even from the start despite his grumpy exterior. men who show their love through actions >>>this man had me literally gasping and giggling like a little kid because of some of the things he did. he was exactly what violet needed. i loved their tension but also how he always believe in her. and the nicknames?? 🤭the romance was perfection. usually i get really impatient with slow burns, but the fantasy aspect of this book was done SO WELL that i was such as obsessed with the story as i was with the romance. and enemies to lovers??? sign me tf up. 😮💨 violet and xaden had the perfect build up between them. and the SPICE?? puh-lease. absolutely amazing!!tairn and andarna were hands down, the best part of this book. yarros did SO GOOD with described all of the details of the dragons and giving them so much personality. the interactions between the dragons and their riders were so much fun. i loved tairn’s grumpy exterior, his sassy comments, and how protective he was of violet. andarna is so freaking cute and i love her to death.i could honestly rave about every single aspect of this book but i feel like this really sums up some of my biggest feelings. this is definitely a book that deserved ALL the hype and definitely a book that you need to read, even if you aren’t a fantasy lover.this book was not perfect by any means. like anything else, this book had flaws but it was perfect to me. i am obsessed. it had everything i wanted from a fantasy book AND DRAGONS!!🐉 i cannot wait to get my hands on iron flame!! this is definitely a book that i will be rereading before book 2 comes out! i know for a fact that this will be the best book that i read for this year.(peep my 73 kindle highlights from this book because it had the BEST QUOTES and xaden says the BEST THINGS -> may have some spoilers so read at your own risk)“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.”“So then why are you here, Xaden?” “Because I can’t seem to stay away.”“There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”
## 34 I saw the hype for this book everywhere and I saw MANY of my all time, auto buy authors RAVING about this story. So my expectations were set at an all time high.I was 1,000% not disappointed!! I legit read this book in 12 hours. In one day I started and finished this book, and while I consumed it, I knew I was going to be devastated when I finished. Well, here I am devastated but also extremely happy.Also? THERE WILL BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW. For once I didn't read an early copy so I can say whatever I want and I'm oh so going to lol.Violet. VIOLET! I need to be her friend. She is fantastic person. So super smart, I love that she wanted to be a scribe and be surrounded by books. And her ability to retain information is amazing! Makes her the dangerous student in her school. And her the brilliant plan she came up with for each of her sparring sessions made me jump up and down with joy.Xaden. I loved him the second he learned Violets name and threatened her life. The tension between them was instantaneous and it was always sizzling between them with every encounter. For them to have waited so long to cave in to their attraction was agonizing but so worth it. Though he's really put himself into a deep hole by the end of this book. I'm really really going to enjoy seeing him pull out all the bells and whistles to gain Violets trust again. I know it's going to be even more intense I bet.I honestly despise her mother. I cannot believe she is willing to risk another child, especially considering Violet had only been training for 6 months. All because of their name and image. I would have had a few choice words for her. And then later when Violet proved herself to her mother's standards? AND HER MOTHER IGNORED HER??? Hell no. No. No. No.Another person I hate? Dain. That spineless weasel, I can't stand him. I need to be Violets friend so I can punch him and break his nose, I swear. He's only out for himself. One minute he's lecturing Violet, telling her what to do, acting like she's not 20 years old, the next he's celebrating the exact thing he was scolding her about and acting like he was responsible for it. Just because he realized that he can be associated with her and her some fame from it or something. And his "the rules say...." oh just shove it, Dain.The amount of people after Violet in this book is insane and that girl has so much luck on her side.Also? I loved how many people died in this book. Do not get attached to many of these characters because they drop like flies.The dragons. THE DRAGONS!!! I freaking love them. Every single second a dragon is on these pages I'm in love. Especially Tarin - he's hilarious and I love his and Violets banter!The revolution happening is going to get crazy in the upcoming books. I'm not the biggest fan of those but I'll suffer through it to continue loving these characters.Now, the biggest spoiler because I need to remember for book 2. So, you know, don't read of you don't want spoilers...I CAN'T BELIEVE BRENNAN IS STILL ALIVE!!!!!!! How did he fake his death with his mother?? Does she know? Is her mother in the dark? How mad is Violet going to be?? Her father died from his death basically and Violet loved her father. Also? This is not going to go well with Xaden keeping this from her and HE BETTER TELL HER EVERY FREAKING SECRET IN HIS LIFE!!!!! If he messed up what they have forever and she moves on to someone else I'll never forgive him.So suffice to say, this book has me obsessed and I'm about to own 4 copies - at least! The hype is worth it. I'm telling everyone to read it. And I can't wait for more!
## 35 I am a reck after reading this book but in the best of ways. I cannot remember the last time I have been left this way after finishing a book to where I am not sure what to do next whether it is to pick up another book or soak in what I have just finished. I usually go with the former but this time I am probably going to do the later for a day or so. Rebecca Yarros has successfully put me in a temporary book coma. The world that Yarros builds is absolutely stunning and the structure of government and military is solid and makes sense. The characters she has created for this story…. Gah I feel like I could wright an essay on quite a few of them easily and that’s not just counting the main character Violet. But I do connect to her the most on a pretty deep level.That connection being having a sever disadvantage in a field that doesn’t do well with having just one. But she doesn’t let that stop her if anything it fuels her to prove everyone wrong. I have had to do that myself and really through this book I realized I kind of forgotten to do that here recently and was reminded of that part of my self. So I really admire Violet's tenacity, determination, and adaptably in every challenge she faces. But our main character is not the only one I have strong feelings for. Yarros has this spectacular ability to get you to almost feel something for most of these characters in this book no matter how long they are in the book, and boy will you feel some feelings while reading this. So for warning feelings will be had!As for the romance and spice I have to say yet again it has been a while since I have been on edge for a relationship development in a story, but again in the best of ways. I would say slow burn is not even an adequate description for them. While yes it takes a minute for our love interests to admit their feelings with each other, the build up to that point wasn’t a slow burn it was already an inferno really. Don’t know how many times I sat there fanning myself and it wasn’t even over a spicy scene. But another thing I have to appreciate is that the romance does not over take the main story that is being told. While the romance is to die for, other relationships that are built or building in this story also captivate you as well.Another thing about this book that I have to commemorate the author for as a critique is how she is able to get you to feel about movements and the structure of this world as well. You will feel wonder and awe along with sorrow, horror, and anger very easily as this world is developed and certain structures and systems are played out. She has artfully and skillfully found that perfect balance in getting the reader to feel for pretty much the whole entire story and every aspect of it. This is what I believe is what makes this such a great book to read. It is the fact that she does not get you to just feel for the characters in the story but she gets you to feel for everything in this story. I hope she is able to carry this through for the rest of the series because if she can then she has created something special for us and we better prepare to be recked some more for what is to come next.
## 36 Rebecca Yarros has 'it' -- the gift of writing certifiable page-turners. I'm an old hand at fantasy literature, and I'm embarrassed to confess how often I robbed myself of sleep by reading 'one more chapter' in Fourth Wing past my usual bedtime. If she continues in this vein, her new series will be a commercial blockbuster. Kudos. It also qualifies as a crossover adult/YA series (more on this, later in the review).To step back and give it a critical evaluation -- for any fantasy novel or series, the first criteria is whether the world the author builds is interesting, and believable. The geography in Fourth Wing is pedestrian, but serviceable. The society adheres to the usual fantasy requirement of technological stagnation over a period of centuries. The culture in Fourth Wing, with its high level of literacy and the absence of plate armor, resembles Rome more than the usual 'medieval' setting, which is rather refreshing. Magic furnishes some quasi-modern amenities (e.g., 'mage lights' that illuminate interior rooms).The society is interesting. If Rebecca were toiling in the Star Trek novel fields, her 'Riders Quadrant' would make a nice analogue of Starfleet Academy -- in the Mirror Universe. Martial arts training is all full-contact, edged weapons included. Cadets in this elite institution routinely kill each other, with few repercussions.The human-dragon relationship is symbiotic. A human to whom a dragon chooses to bond will acquire special abilities, fueled by the dragon's magical nature. To use another Star Trek analogy, human and dragon are like Trill and symbiont -- while a dragon can survive the loss of its rider, a human, once bonded, cannot survive the death of its dragon.The aspect of the society that I most appreciated is the obvious 'secret' that the established ruling elites are ruthless bastards who carefully control the prevailing narratives to keep the masses in line and patriotic, while themselves are completely amoral. This is where Rebecca's fantasy world shines, with this resemblance to our contemporary world.The heroine, Violet, is an analogue of Rebecca herself. No fault there -- authors re-imagining themselves in their fiction has a long, and often successful, history. What makes Violet interesting is that Rebecca has replicated her own, very difficult medical challenges in her heroine. (This is surely the first work of fiction in which forms of the word 'subluxation' occur repeatedly.) I give her credit for this, for it makes Violet more interesting (I can't help but be reminded of Moorcook's Elric, whose physical weakness from his albinism is compensated for only by drugs, or the possession of Stormbringer).I have a few literary criticisms, none of which will detract from (indeed, they'll probable add to) the series' appeal. For example, applicants to the death factory that is the Riders Quadrant are almost puppy-dog eager to get in -- seemingly unoppressed by the reality that three-quarters of them (if I remember correctly) will die during training. They also look and talk like contemporary Zoomers. This is part of the YA appeal of the books, but it's a bit of a stretch to imagine contemporary Zoomers cheerfully signing up for such a place! The sex scenes are painstakingly detailed, with truly anatomic precision. For a YA audience, I suppose this might be useful information, but for an adult reader, they become tedious rather quickly.Congratulations, Rebecca. I look forward to receiving my pre-order of Flame Wing . . . :)
## 37 Guys. I’m not lying here: 2023 is MY YEAR for reading. I cannot tell you how many books I’ve read that have been so astonishingly beautiful and amazing and overall top tier. This novel is no exception.Coming into this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The only other book I’ve read by Rebecca Yarros is The Things We Leave Unfinished. Also amazing, but if you’ve read it you know it’s on a completely different playing field than this book. I mean, Fourth Wing is on a different world and isn’t a historical romance novel. It is epic, though, and I’m not using that word lightly.Fourth Wing is a fantasy novel set in the world of Navarre where dragons, griffins, and magic are real. If you’ve followed a majority of my reviews on my blog, you know that I hardly ever review fantasy novels. I honestly think the only other fantasy novel I’ve reviewed was The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, which honestly was a real world fantasy, so wasn’t that far outside of my realm. With that being said, this book is outside of my typical comfort zone but holy hell did I love it. Now I’m thinking I’ve been missing out on all of these amazing fantasy novels and I might just go on a binge.So, what exactly did I like about this novel? Everything. But to break it down: the world building that went into writing this is absolutely insane and makes it an amazing read in itself; the characters that don’t necessarily make you think “oh this again” with the main heroine; the unbeatable plot; and the beautiful, comical writing style that Rebecca Yarros demonstrates.The world building speaks for itself, but the characters that don’t follow typical patterns particularly made me like this novel. For instance, our main heroine, Violet, is way weaker than other riders. She doesn’t fit the mould. While this is typical for our main character, what follows isn’t. Instead of her beating all odds and becoming the strongest rider of all, she basically just… adjusts. She has to do things differently and doesn’t just become a natural born rider. It’s amazing and you’ll know what I’m talking about if you’ve read the book.The plot is just like what I said: unbeatable. You have foreshadowing, a romantic subplot, tension and high stakes throughout the entire novel, and man is it satisfying. I’m not sure how long this series is going to be, but I am here for it.Lastly, Rebecca Yarros’ writing style in this novel is nothing short of spectacular. You get epic battle scenes, romantic moments that play with your heart, and comical snips that make you laugh out loud. It really does have everything and I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entire novel.Overall, this review is huge but I had a lot to say. I honestly can’t even point to something that I disliked about this novel, which just goes to show you how much I loved it and how great I think it is. If you enjoy fantasy novels, you’ll fall in love with this book. If you don’t enjoy fantasy novels? You’ll still fall in love with this book. I’ve already recommended it to my book club, my mom, and my brother. Y’all are welcome.Favorite quote: “And when others are quick to stand in front of me, Xaden always stands at my side, trusting me to hold my own.”
## 38 1st person/single pov (with end chapter from alternate pov)Spice: 3.5/5Welp - I get it now. All the hype surrounding this book had me not only excited to read it but nervous as well because I know from experience that some books have a big following but they don't always live up to my expectations once I read them. Yeah, not a single doubt about this one now. In fact, it surpassed what expectations I had before opening it. My husband even read it (and he doesn't read stuff like this at all lol) and loved every minute of it! He finished and ran straight to audible to preorder the second book before I could myself! 😂This is the first I've read from this author and I liked how the world-building was written to give you enough to completely picture their environment but not so much that it became boring or felt like it was added just to fill a chapter. The character development was phenomenal and drawn out at a pace that felt natural, never forced or rushed in order to get them where they needed to be for the end of the book. (Speaking of the end of the book - I'll definitely be coming back to that one later!) And there is spice... I don't know why but I wasn't expecting the spice that I got from it. Then I got to it and hellooooooo Shadow Daddy!!! 🤤 I assumed there would be some flirting and some fade to black stuff but nope - Rebecca gave us a full-on adult fantasy complete with tension, steam, and chemistry. Plus, it was the perfect amount. Not too much and not too little. 🤌🏻My favorite thing though, besides the killer storyline going on here, is the little moments of humor and found family sprinkled throughout. I love it when I can laugh with the characters in a book even if chaos and/or danger is surrounding them. Humor and sarcasm are coping mechanisms for me so this not only had me engrossed in the story but it left me feeling like these characters were more alive than just words on a page.As for the ending... let me just say that I never saw it coming. I usually can spot the twists a mile away and I did in fact spot one of them but that wasn't the biggest one. It wasn't the bombshell dropped at the last possible minute that made waiting for the next book torture even though it will be here in like a week or so lol. I don't know how all of these people who read this when it came out haven't gone mad with the wait because it's only been days for me and I'm still trying not to scream over it anymore!So if you're about to jump into this one just buckle up. It's full of action, laughs, drama, secrets, suspense, passion, and so much more. Once you get to the last 20ish percent or so don't make any plans that will cause you to put this book down because you will wish you hadn't. I'm telling you I could not function like a normal adult until I finished it. I was angry, I was shocked, I bawled my eyes out (I mean why Rebecca? Just WHY?!), I swooned all over the place, and then my head exploded with six little words... 🤯Enjoy!!!
## 39 "𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚔𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗. 𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚎."Title: Fourth WingAuthor: Rebecca YarrosRating: ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️Release: May 2nd, 2023Genre: High Fantasy, Romance, New AdultFormat: Physical 📖Length: 528 pagesStart: September 28th, 2023Finish: October 2nd, 2023Series: The Emperyean, Book #1Favorite character: VioletWould I read again: YesThoughts:This is the first time I didn’t rush to make a review because I really wanted to get my thoughts in line. Everyone is so quick to finish this book and say ‘“It’s amazing!” and “This is the best thing I have read in a long time.” Well, I’m here to tell you that Fourth Wing was amazing and it is probably one of the best things I have ever read. Yea, I said it. Yea, I totally mean it!We follow Violet, a woman with chronic illness, and her journey in war college where everyone is a target. There isn’t enough dragons for the amount of cadets accepted and there isn’t a rule against “voting people off the island”. We watch Violet grow from former scribe student to full on dragon riding badass with a group of close knit cadets and a love interest that either wants to kill her for past actions or help her become the warrior she is.I literally can not stop talking about this book. I am a sucker for great writing style and in depth description and Fourth Wing had it. This book is very much a love story, but if felt like a book about Navarre, its history, its laws, its war and there HAPPENS to be this influential love story of the most powerful riders of all time going on at the same time. I LOVED that! This book is so rich with this country’s history, dragon laws, and lore, you feel like a citizen of this fictional place.My favorite character was most definitely Violet. It’s been a hot minute since I read a true, from the get-go strong female character. She came out on the first few chapters holding a middle finger in the air to anyone who underestimated her. She didn’t stand her ground with just words, she acted upon it in multiple badass moments. We watch her grow stronger, work through her weaknesses, make her sacrifices, but also never lose her empathy. That empathy helped her find a group of friends that became her allies and helped her soar.Yarros’ writing is absolutely stunning. She was able to keep a medium pace story going while also telling us about multiple locations and their people, dragons and their descriptions, battles, etc. It practically played cinematically in my mind. Yarros’ words transport you to Basgiath War College and made you a side character that observed the life changing and world altering story of Violet Sorrengail. And that cliffhanger!! I can not wait for the next book coming out in November 2023.
## 40 I first came across Fourth Wing when I noticed it in the #1 position on Amazon's Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2023 So Far. But beyond that selection, I looked at how the reviews were trending. At the time, there were more than 21,000 reviews (it's now about to crest 40,000), and the average was a whopping 4.8 stars. It has to be good for that many people to love it, right? In need of a palate cleanser after the difficult read that was The Whispers, I decided I'd limit the likelihood of another clunker and see what all the hype is about. And I'm happy to say that I get why so many people love this book: it's pretty great.Fourth Wing is set at Basgiath War College in the mythical land of Navarre. It opens on Conscription Day, where thousands of twenty-year-olds assemble to take their place among the healers, scribes, or infantry. The most elite of them try to join the most selective branch and become dragon riders.Our heroine is Violet Sorrengail. Bookish and smart, yet frail, she always imagined a future as a scribe, just as her father had been. But her mother is a rider and a general in the army, and she has other ideas. Against Violet's wishes, her mother insists she attempt to be a rider as well. But this isn't an idle push in a different direction. The stakes are the highest possible for those trying to become riders: from the opening conscription challenge through bonding with a dragon, there are dozens of opportunities to fail, and any failure when attempting to become a rider equals death.In addition to the general peril of the tasks at hand, there is also a ruthlessness among the members of the War College. Fewer classmates means better opportunities to bond a dragon, and so the murder of fellow classmates, while perhaps not encouraged, is certainly allowed, making every waking moment one filled with potential death. Yarros creates an interesting caste within the college of students who carry "rebellion relics". They are the children of adults involved in a rebellious uprising six years prior. All of the adults were executed, and the children were only spared execution as well by being forced into conscription as riders. As a result, they all tend to possess a brooding darkness -- you could think of them as the "Slytherin" of Basgiath. To further complicate things for Violet, those children of the rebels all intensely hate her because Violet's mother was responsible for ordering their parents' execution.The novel is packed with a ton of genre-bending elements. There is the basic plot -- Violet's unlikely journey through her first year at Basgiath War College -- which stirred up memories of one of my all-time favorite books, Pat Conroy's The Lords of Discipline, based on Conroy's first year at The Citadel military college. There are dragons and dragon riders, which of course evokes memories of plenty of fantasy novels, with Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series top of mind. And then there's some romance, and a potential love triangle, which starts out feeling like something from a YA novel, but ends up a lot more R-rated and steamy, and more akin to what you might find in a novel with Fabio on the cover. Add to this a nuanced backstory and some misdirection on who the reader should trust and believe, and Fourth Wing truly has something for everyone.There is depth to the story and characters, which elevates the story and I'm sure plays a big role in the stellar reviews. Yarros handles relationships well, whether it's the strained relationship between Violet and her mother, the love between Violet and her sister, or the friendships Violet forges with her classmates. The romance is the romance; honestly I could have done without it, and while it was almost humorous at times, it works for what it is meant to be. Yarros also does a standout job of presenting how her characters handle loss. Whether it's grieving the loss of family members or their classmates, there is an undercurrent of sadness and longing that affects many of the characters and hardens them to the task at hand. Despite the intensity of their training, Yarros does a pretty good job reminding us that they're only in their early twenties and still figuring out a lot of life.I suspect a lot of the hype and enjoyment of the book is related to how Yarros turns a straightforward "year 1 as a student story" into something more. I can't help but compare that to the Harry Potter books (except, of course, Harry never had hot magical sex with Ginny Weasley -- at least not within the pages of any of the books!). Those novels changed significantly for me with the third book in the series, The Prisoner of Azkaban. Where books 1 and 2 were decent and straightforward YA novels, The Prisoner of Azkaban took the story to a more nuanced and mature level. Yarros does the same thing here, but all within the pages of a single book. I get why people are so drawn to the story.Overall, it's a winner. It's fun, and while it feels derivative of several other novels, it also combines those stories and plots in its own unique way. Book 2, Iron Flame, is already set for release this November (I've already ordered my copy!), and so if you fall in love with the characters, you'll have the opportunity to spend more time with them before long (well, at least with those who survive Fourth Wing). It's a compelling read and like the other 40,000+ readers who have this trending at almost 5 stars, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
## 41 I was very excited for this new book to come out. I am a HUGE fan of this series and have been reading it for years. I just finished reading it a few minutes ago (it came in mail yesterday afternoon) and I already am waiting to see what happens to Greg next. I have every single book in the whole series and I care about these characters a lot. I have read most of the books at least five times each.I like the series because Greg is funny and it's sort of funny how no matter what happens, he just rolls with his life. I don't really like that poor Greg never really has a "happy" ending. My mom says it's because the story is told from his perspective.In this book, the school is losing money because the kids are not getting good grades. This sounds crazy, but it can really happen! So, the school decided to give rewards to kids who got higher grades. The robot cleaner in the book reminded me of the grocery store robot in my town. It's cute with its big, googly eyes.Mom Says:Reading has always been a focus in our home. We believe in reading and education and being able to research things on our own. We are teaching this foundation to our children. I spent a couple hours each DAY reading to my kids when they were little. We read the entire Harry Potter series aloud to them in 2021, before bedtime for an hour each night.Reading has always been important. My daughter was not a confident reader six years ago, when she was four and five years old. I got the Wimpy Kid books for her, hoping it would be entertaining enough, and easy enough, to keep her motivated to finish books.Since she read the first few books at age 5 or 6 years old, she has become a VORACIOUS reader. She reads one or two books a day now. She reads chapter books, 200-page books with no pictures in them. She is an excellent reader and I find books all over the house now, in places where she was sequestered away, enjoying a story- and it started with the Wimpy kid series.I've even sat down to read several of the Wimpy books myself. I can finish the books in 30 minutes with my morning coffee and I find myself oftentimes laughing out loud to them. I hope he keeps them light and silly- and we will keep reading them.
## 42 I pre-ordered this book for my son. He was counting the days for the book’s arrival. He loves and has all books of the collection. The hardcover is so nice and the reading of this graphic novel is a perfect fit for my son, who has ADD and Asperger’s Syndrome, and he won’t read books that aren’t graphic novels.
## 43 The plot of this book is Greg's school has the lowest test scores in the state and their funding was cut. The school was falling apart, and they had to cut corners everywhere they could. Alot of the gags had me laughing out loud. A few parts are contrived but it was still super funny. Keep em coming Mr. Kinney
## 44 My 11-year-old son is slightly obsessed with this series. He waited months for "No Brainer" to come out. We preordered back in August and received it as soon as it was released in October. My son said this was the best Diary of a Wimpy Kid book yet!
## 45 My 10 year old loves this book series. He is collecting all of them and was so excited to read this one as soon as it came out. It was a very easy read for him and loves the funny story line.
## 46 the book is so nice! I finished the book in one night. It was about greg going to a different school in Slacksville. His school such bad grades so their school got closed.but in Slacksville, he met Larry Mack Junior.He spent lots of money to reopen the school.
## 47 My son was so excited to hear a new one came out. I got this and he was finished reading in a day, told me it was so good I should read it. I've never seen him so excited over a package.
## 48 I am glad the movies got me used to the art style as it is very minimalist, but well written. The scene in the pics made me laugh to imagine multitasking by leaving your brain somewhere while you have mindless fun elsewhere.
## 49 This was an amazing book and honestly great series. So funny and relatable. Jeff Kinney is such a talented writer and really enjoyed reading this hilarious book 😊
## 50 Glad I can buy these books right on Amazon and get them on the day they come out. My son cannot wait for them to arrive.
## 51 David Grann is one of our greatest nonfiction authors alive. Every topic he chooses is brought to life no matter how many years have passed since the events took place. His writing is smooth and unobtrusive, describing the past in a matter-of-fact, approachable way. If history books had been like this in high school, we’d all have gone on to be scholars.Killers of the Flower Moon is an especially difficult book to read, not because of the writing but because the subject is so painful. Grann documents how literally hundreds of Osage were murdered for riches in the early 20th C. As American Indians, their lives were worth less than that of dogs. An entire corrupt and venal society was arrayed against them. Well aware they were systematically being murdered, they had no recourse. The authorities, both political and legal, were complicit in the murders. No one would help save them from systematic eradication.This is an excellent telling of a dark and shameful time in our history. If only this much attention had been paid a hundred years ago some of the Osage who were murdered might have lived.
## 52 Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann is a well documented tale of the murders of 20 plus Osage Indians to steal their money. It took place in the early 1920’s and became known as the Reign of Terror. The land the Osage Indians were forced to live on was some of the richest oil reserves in the country. The Osage sold off some of the land but retained the mineral rights, thus they owned the oil. At one time they were the richest per capita people in the world.The Federal Government determined the Indian was incompetent and created a guardianship situation where a white man was appointed to oversee the expenditures of the funds. In order to spend their own money for groceries or medicine or anything, the Indian had to meet with their guardian and get permission. When the killings began, two individuals were shot and their bodies left where they fell. The sheriff didn’t have any luck finding the killer. When a house blew up killing an Osage woman, her white husband, and a white maid, a group of Osage went to D.C. and appealed to the President to do something. The FBI was created to address the situation.It is a gripping story. I was reading until 3 a.m. to get to ‘who done it.’ It has been made into an excellent movie by Martin Scorsese but the book provides more background.
## 53 Killers of the Flower Moon is the true story of the numerous murders of members of the Osage Native American tribe during the early 1920s. It was referred to as the Reign of Terror. The Osage community was incredibly wealthy because the supposedly worthless land in Oklahoma to which they had been confined since 1870 was found to contain some of the largest oil reserves in the United States. People flocked there to strip them of their wealth by any means possible including murder. The situation was exacerbated by the government policy that claimed the Osage were not competent enough to manage their money and thus White guardians were assigned to each Osage native for that purpose. This of course resulted in the guardians stealing from and murdering their clients.The deaths began with several members of the Osage community wasting away. The local doctors attributed this to illness. It was not until two members of the Osage were shot and killed that it was acknowledged that there was a plot against the Osage community, but little was done to solve those murders. When the bombing of an Osage home resulted in the deaths of three people, a new investigative group under the Federal Government’s Justice Department was asked to look into the murders. That department had a new director, J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover assigned Tom White to the investigation. White was successful in finding the murderers and having them prosecuted.The book also discusses the life of Tom White who truly was an amazing man. The author is very critical of Hoover. Admittedly, Hoover was a man of massive ego but he did create an agency that developed the technical expertise and methods that allowed the solving of murders previously deemed unsolvable.I rated this book 5 stars for several reasons. It is an extremely compelling story; I could barely put it down. It was very well written; the author’s research into this Reign of Terror was immense. Nor did he did limit his investigation to this time frame. He also dug deep into the archives of Osage history to find unsolved or mysterious deaths that occurred both before and after the Reign of Terror. They were numerous. He estimated that the murders began in 1910 and continued through the early 1930’s. Lastly, it gave me an appreciation of the times in which I live. I am often very distressed about the changes occurring in society but when I compare it to that era’s rampant corruption and violence which was present throughout the whole of society, not just the Osage community, I cannot help but believe that we as a nation have become a more just and empathetic society.
## 54 KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann is an enthralling true story of the murder, greed, and fear that permeated the Osage Indian tribe for years in 1920’s Oklahoma. This is an extensively researched look at the oil rich Osage and the prejudice which allowed white guardians to exploit the system to steal, embezzle, and murder their charges for their shares of oil rights and the newly formed FBI men who took on this murder investigation.Molly Burkhart watched as one by one her Osage family and friends were killed. Some by gunshot, some by poisoning, and others never designated with a method of death since the tribe became the richest people in the U.S. due to the oil under their land. In the 1920’s, the Osage were considered unable to handle their wealth and the Federal government decided that they should be appointed white guardians. When anyone questioned the deaths, they would mysteriously end up dead.The murder rate exceeded the national average when the government decided to send in men from the newly formed FBI under J. Edgar Hoover. At first, they did no better than the corrupt local law enforcement until Hoover sent in Tom White. He put together a team of his choosing who all entered the region undercover and soon began to piece together a conspiracy tied to the most influential rancher in the area.This book is intricately plotted not only making the characters come to life for the reader, but to show the Osage were set up to be exploited (hopefully) unintentionally by the Federal government’s decision that put the Osage under guardianship. The local white population took advantage of this system to follow the money and kill off family lines until the white guardians inherited the Osage money and oil rights. While this book focuses on the one conspiracy of criminals publicized in that time that were brought to trial after the FBI’s investigation, the author discusses many other murders that were never investigated. I was outraged by the prejudice, heartsick by the killing, and that is what I hope to feel and more when reading a book about a historical atrocity. The descendants of the Osage are still looking for justice and closure which will never come.I highly recommend this compelling historical true crime mystery.
## 55 No spoilers here... We saw the movie (Killers of the Flower Moon) before we read the book. Both the movie and the book are excellent in that they tell an extremely important (and heretofore rather hidden) story in our "Manifest Destiny" duplicitous and murderous gaining of land to create this country. The movie tells the story through the life events of an Anglo man married to an Osage woman. The book tells the same story through the eyes of the FBI's unravelling of the deceit and murders that interlopers used to gain access to the money the Osage were due for the oil rights on their land. Usually I read a book before I see the related movie, but I'm glad I saw this movie first...for me, it helped to 'know' the characters while reading the book.
## 56 Thank you, David Grann, for this history lesson. The more I learn of what the "white man" did to the indigenous peoples of the North American continent, the more ashamed I am . It is information and history we need to learn and remember so that we do not repeat it. Money and greed and power are truly crimes of their own and humanity must teach the young to care for each other. We can learn from history and be better in our leaning. Thank you for a thoughtful telling of a very dark time. I wonder, now, if anything similar happened to other tribes in Oklahoma and other states. The Miami tribe, and most others, were robbed of their ancestral homes in the 1800s. The Miamis and neighboring tribes, had mining in northeast Oklahoma. It would be interesting to know if there were murders similar to the Osage in that region. Thank you, for this research and for sharing it with the world.
## 57 I just finished this book a couple of days ago. My intent was to finish the book before I saw the movie. Now, I’m not sure I want to see the movie because there is so much going on in the book that really can’t be conveyed on the screen. Reading all terrible things that were done to the Osage by whites in the guise of doing what is best for them was beyond my comprehension. Sadly, nothing has really changed. We gave them the crappiest land we could find for the Osage thinking that they would not survive. And then they did and we tried to take that from them too. How do whites atone for these crimes? How do we apologize for committing genocide on native peoples and then turning our backs in them?
## 58 Killers of the Flower Moon by David GrannNew York: Doubleday$28.95 - 339 pages“The whites have bunched us up down here in the backwoods,the roughest part of the United States, thinking ‘we will drive theseIndians down to where there is a big pile of rock and put them therein that corner.’” Now that pile of rock has turned out to be worth millionsof dollars; now everybody wants to get in here and get some of the money.” --Osage Chief Bacon Rind.Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon is the fact that despite the author’s painstaking research, and his marvelous use of period photographs and documents, this factual account of historic events attending “The Osage Murders” contains the atmospheric suspense and tension that is normally associated with a classic murder mystery. In fact, Grann has written a murder mystery - One that asks who methodically killed hundreds of Osage Indians during a four-year reign of terror (1920-24). Osage history reveals the tragic details of how and why. Forced to move from Kansas to Oklahoma, the Osage tribe seemed to be destined to lives of abject poverty when they suddenly found itself catapulted into a world of excessive wealth. Oil is discovered on tribal land. Suddenly, every member of the tribe is potentially wealthy. In an attempt to control the chaos that ensued, the federal government created a document called a “headright” which gave each Osage household legal rights to the oil on their land. After a period of uncontrolled spending in which members of the Osage tribe acquired mansions and fleets of automobiles, the government attempted to control the excessive spending by establishing a “guardian system” which assigned a “legal guardian” to each Osage family. This “guardian” (usually a white banker, businessmen or “civic-minded citizen” was given the power to approve or deny all expenditures for the Osage tribal member (who had been judged to be “incompetent”) by the government. The system was badly flawed, and many of the guardians used their position to embezzle huge sums of money. In time, the guardian documents became bargaining chips in investing in business ventures. Hundreds of guardians used their position as a means of acting as a “middle-man” who would purchase items on behalf of Osage tribal members. The guardian would then sell the item to the Osage for an inflated price. For example, guardians could purchase automobiles on behalf of the Osage tribal member for $250 and then sell them to the Osage member that they represented for $2,500. As the wealth of the Osage grew, so did the schemes for exploiting the tribe. Hundreds of criminals were drawn to the region with schemes designed to acquire a portion of Osage wealth. Many of these new arrivals openly stated that they had come to Oklahoma “to marry an Osage squaw.”It was a method that frequently succeeded. However, some of these opportunists sought a more direct method: murder. Author Grann’s research discovers one individual, William Hale who had arranged for the murder of 24 members of the Osage tribe. By soliciting the help of associates, Hale became one of the wealthiest men in Oklahoma. The astonishing catalogue of slaughter is carried out by men willing to resort to any means to accomplish Hale’s goal. Dozens of victims were poisoned with tainted moonshine and corrupt medical personnel performed autopsies that listed “acute alcoholism” as the cause of death. Others were dispatched with a bullet to the back of the head or between the eyes and the victim’s body was found in his new car on a remote road. One family was killed by a dynamite blast that demolished their home. Often, Hale simply paid an assassin to kill a designated victim. Then, Hale would frequently hire a second assassin to kill the first. In those instances in which murderers were apprehended, Hale bribed juries and law officials and if all else failed, he simply paid another killer. Time and time again, government agents are assigned to investigate and in some instances, just as they uncover significant evidence, they are murdered and the evidence destroyed. One dedicated investigator called the FBI headquarters to report that he was on his way back with conclusive evidence against Hale. The next day his mutilated body is found near a railroad track. He had been murdered and thrown from the train. Another investigator’s body was found in another state, hundreds of miles away. What is most disquieting about the crimes in Killers of the Flower Moon is the awesome extent of corruption that is revealed in the book. State and government officials, medical personnel and lawyers - all are contaminated with the vice of greed. The corruption is so pervasive, the few moral and courageous individuals seem helplessly outnumbered. However, there are two remarkable people in this gruesome tale. One is Molly Burkhart, and Osage who survived the systematic murder of her family...murders in which her husband was implicated. Molly was diagnosed as a diabetic by two doctors who poisoned her insulin injections, in an attempt to slowly kill her. Molly survived and divorced her husband. The second remarkable character is Tom White, the FBI agent that pursued Hale until he brought him to justice. Much of the credit of for this amazing piece of investigative work went to the Director of the newly-created FBI agency, Hubert Hoover who turned out to be a man dedicated to his own self-interest. Through much of the investigation conducted by Tom White, Hoover managed to take credit for White’s courageous work. Jealous of any publicity directed toward agents other than himself, Hoover invariably succeeded in manipulating the factual data to his advantage. This is a remarkable work. Most noteworthy is Grann’s comprehensive account of the primitive nature of investigations in a time before forensics emerged. As a consequence, much of Tom White’s heroic pursuit of a villain who seemed to have the protection of most of Oklahoma’s judges, lawyers and public officials. However, Grann’s greatest achievement is the fact that he uncovers evidence that the total number of victims in the Osage murders exceeded the original 24 and possibly exceeded over 200.
## 59 There is an even deeper layer of murderous intent and execution than is covered by the book. One that involves the destruction of millions of persons of color and non-american whites. Ever since 1801, just a few years after the founding of the Terrible United States of America its Army and Marines have been abroad everywhere destroying other ppl for their money, land and commodities. Already in 1805 the US Marines were trying to wrestle power from the legitimate rulers of Libya. See "the Battle of Derna".American politicians and their military power have for 222 years destroyed millions of non-american whites, brown and black "incompetents". These full-blooded white American "guardians" have been subduing, robbing, impoverishing and finally destroying us, not just in their own country, but all over the planet. God Help us!
## 60 American history is loaded with episodes of shame. A large percentage of our less memorable moments, as a nation, have been swept under the rug, kept out of classrooms, and largely forgotten as time progresses. But these events are real and all it takes is a skilled author to bring the lost history back to life. Such is the case with Killers of the Flower Moon.I did not know anything about these murders against the Osage until I read this book, so this was a definite eye- opener for me. I had heard of the Osage tribe, yes, but I did not know they fell into tremendous oil wealth and, subsequently, saw their members slowly dying off, either through gunfire or poisoning, as greedy individuals tried to get their hands on some easy cash. The book details several of the known killings and the cold, callous, calculated murders are chilling and puzzling. Chilling, because of the gruesomeness of the murders; puzzling, because of the nonchalant behavior of those who plotted the killings. Even when confronted with the murders, most of the guilty individuals seem to have no remorse at all. They don’t even perceive what they did as immoral in any way.This book reads like a mystery thriller, however it isn’t a page- turner, like some mystery genre books. You do start to make guesses as to who is responsible, but rather than get wound up in the who- done- it, the book grips you more for its educational aspects. You learn all sorts of things about the Oklahoma region that the Osage called home. You learn about the newly formed FBI and its role in solving the mystery. You learn about the problems of racism and the feelings of superiority that people felt against Indians. And you learn just how evil people can be when vast amounts of wealth are at stake.There are several surprises in this book, and one is the book’s final section. The book leads you to believe that the mystery has been solved and it sounds like everything is coming to a close. Then suddenly, the book continues for dozens more pages as the author tries to solve more of the mystery on his own, with the aid of local Osage tribe members. No one will ever know exactly how many people were killed during this reign of terror but I like how the author took it on himself to investigate and try to answer more questions.This book is another solid, educational wakeup call on the prevalence of racism and superiority that pervaded society in the past and is rearing its ugly head once again today. I like how the book includes pictures so that you can get to know the many characters involved. With so many names and so many people involved, it’s easy to lose track of who is who. The pictures help you put a face with the name. But the most important part of this book is its educational value. It’s another sad, shameful episode from America’s past and one that we all need to know about and, hopefully, learn from.
## 61 If I could give “All The Light We Cannot See” more than five stars, I would. I read this amazing book on Kindle and listened to it on Audible, as well. BTW the narrator on Audible, Zach Appelman, is really excellent. His ability to pronounce the French and German names, his articulation and his pregnant pauses really added to the reading of this book.Anthony Doerr’s book is simply stunning. Dazzling is a good word for it. I have reviewed many other books and have sometimes said this or that writer writes fluidly and well. I have given five stars to quite a few writers. “All The Light We Cannot See” is a higher level of excellence that not many authors achieve. No wonder Anthony Doerr won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for fiction with this book!The chapters are short and beautifully written. I could say “beautifully and elegantly painted”; they remind me of a painting. This book is poetic, creative, imaginative and historically enlightening as well. Science and technology, it’s fascination and the power to help or harm, is explored along with the characters’ thoughts and feelings; we learn about their courage or lack of and why they make their individual decisions during the rise of Hitler and on into World War II. The descriptions are incredibly sensitive and vivid. Objects are palpable; I could see and feel them. The book pulled me in so much that I was part of each scene. The poignant images remained with me and made the characters come alive.The author skillfully writes using a juxtaposition of events in the life of a blind French girl, Marie-Laure LeBlanc, and that of a German boy, Werner Pfennig. Towards the end of the book their lives meet.Marie-Laure, the blind French girl, lives with her father in Paris. She became blind at 6 years old due to congenital cataracts. She has developed her other senses, namely, hearing, touch and smell to compensate for her loss of sight. In her imagination, she can see colors when she uses her other senses to explore her world. Her father carves wooden replicas of all the buildings in Paris for her to learn to find her way home by herself. He is a very devoted and loving father and teaches her independence but promises her he will always be there for her and will never leave her. He is the master locksmith at the Museum of Natural History. Marie-Laure, who is a curious and bright child, goes with him to work and studies paleontology, archeology, geology and other branches of science with Dr. Gefford, while her father works.The boy, Werner, lives in an orphanage, “Children’s House” in Zollverein, Germany. The children in the orphanage are very close to starving. A good deal of the population is very poor and not getting enough to eat. When Hitler comes to power, the economy improves dramatically. People are getting more food (meat even) and new appliances. The German population is inundated with radio propaganda. Only state supported German radio channels are allowed. The German population is brainwashed. The people think Hitler is helping them climb out of poverty, build a better society and take pride in their Country again.Yet the future looks bleak to Werner. Nazi officials tell the boys in the orphanage that they will all have to work in the coalmines when they turn 15 years of age. Werner’s father had died in the coal mines, and Werner is not happy with the prospect of being underground in the dark pit of the mines. After finding a broken radio in the city trash, Werner gets it working. His fascination with radios and his skill in fixing them gives him a chance to escape the coal mines and go to paramilitary school. He has a chance to pursue his interest in radio technology and contribute to the new Germany. He visualizes a glorious future. In the attic at the orphanage, Werner and his sister Jutta had listened to foreign radio stations that were illegal under Nazi rule. A French radio station with science lectures fascinated them. How magical it was to hear a voice from afar, transmitted through the air! Jutta liked a program on magnets. Werner liked the program on light. “What do we call visible light? We call it color. But the electromagnetic spectrum runs to zero in one direction and infinity in the other, so really children, mathematically, all of light is invisible.” The radio was a symbol of freedom for them both, the freedom to learn and dream.Before he leaves for school, however, Werner smashes the radio. He does not want anything to interfere with his chance for what he thinks will be a better life. Listening to foreign radio stations is illegal and dangerous. Jutta, a free spirit with a strong moral compass, feels betrayed. She thinks her brother is turning into a cold, brutal Nazi like Hans and Herribert, two older boys in the orphanage who have joined the brown-shirted Hitler Youth. She insists that the broadcasts from the foreign radio stations say the Germans are committing atrocities, just the opposite of what they hear on the state-owned German stations.Werner gets caught up with his study of radios and blocks out the brutality around him at school. Despite his lack of courage to go against the dictates of his German superiors, the reader can see his conflict and the goodness in him that he wants to embrace. His friend, Frederick, a bird-lover and dreamer, is called the “weakest” by the field commander but shows his courage by refusing to participate in the brutal death of a prisoner. Frederick pays for it by being beaten so badly that he becomes no more than a living vegetable.With the invasion of Paris in 1940, Marie-Laure and her father escape to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast and find refuge with Marie-Laure’s great uncle, Etienne. Again her father observes and measures the buildings of this new city and carves a wooden replica of all 865 buildings. Unfortunately, his efforts cause suspicion, and he is arrested on his way back to Paris on an errand for the Museum of Natural History. He is convicted of “theft and conspiracy” and sent to a prison in Germany. Feeling abandoned but gathering her inner strength, Marie-Laure continues to live with her great uncle, Etienne, and his housekeeper Madame Manec. Madame Manec starts working for the French Resistance and Marie-Laure takes over some of her activities when the housekeeper becomes ill. Upon Madame Manec’s death from pneumonia, Etienne gets his courage up and joins the French Resistance.Werner finds himself caught up in the brutality with no way to escape. His skill in detecting enemy radio transmissions results in many deaths, some of them innocent civilians. He is haunted by the deaths, especially that of one little girl in Vienna who reminded him of his sister, Jutta. Werner is sent to Saint-Malo to find the source of the radio transmissions of the French Resistance. He finds Marie-Laure’s broadcasts, but does not expose her. He recognizes the radio programs that had inspired him so much as a child. When he hears her voice saying that someone is in her house and is going to kill her, he vows to save her if he can reach her in time. Werner finds her and saves her life. The Americans are bombing the town, but during a lull, he helps her escape Saint-Malo.Intertwined with the lives of our two main characters, Marie-Laure and Werner, fairytale and reality collide. The legend of the “Sea of Flames”, a 133 carat diamond said to be the intended gift of the Goddess of the Earth to the God of the Sea, parallels the calamities the characters experience in their lives. It was said that the person who had the diamond would live forever, but those he loved around him would die. If the stone were returned to the sea, the curse would be lifted. Especially during the bombing of Saint-Malo, Marie-Laure and Werner both draw parallels to their own predicaments and Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”. Trapped in the basement of the Hotel of Bees in Saint-Malo, Werner listens to Marie-Laure’s broadcasts of the science programs and music that had been recorded by her deceased grandfather. He thinks of Captain Nemo being trapped under the sea in the Nautilus. Werner and his fellow German soldier, Volkheimer, have run out of food and water and have very little air. “Who could possibly calculate the minimum time required for us to get out? Might we not be asphyxiated before the Nautilus could surface?” Are more monsters awaiting them when they do surface?Marie-Laure is trapped in her uncle Etienne’s secret attic room where he had broadcast codes for the French Resistance. Down below is an intruder, the Nazi Sergeant Major von Rumpel. He is there to find the “Sea of Flames” diamond, which her father hid in the wooden house replica of her great uncle’s house. Instead of giving it to the Reich for Hitler’s dream museum in Linz, Austria, he wants to have the enchanted diamond to cure his cancerous tumor. He is dying, and he believes the diamond will save his life. Marie-Laure has not had food for two days and has had no water for one and a half days. She starts to think maybe this Nazi will spare her life if she gives him the diamond. Maybe the curse would end and her father would come back. Not trusting her safety, however, she has a knife handy. She thinks of Captain Nemo when he said to Ned Land, the Canadian harpooner, “But let me tell you that if we’re caught, I’m going to defend myself, even if I die doing it”.There are many levels to this book and much to think about. The reader can get many insights into the human condition and why someone like Hitler could take over Germany and spread his sickness into so many other countries. The book is well researched and taught me a good deal about how it was to grow up in Germany when Hitler came to power. Additionally, I could understand more concretely how it was for the French when France was invaded by Hitler's armies. Good historical fiction brings all these events to life. Anthony Doerr brings a powerful humanism to the events in World War II. He made the characters come alive for me. This is a book to ponder, reread and treasure. The author brings an incredible immediacy to his writing that will draw you in and stay with you, perhaps, forever.
## 62 Anthony Doerr’s descriptions are like no others. He molds landscapes, wars with words until my heart thumped from the vision he created for me. They’re unique. I’d like to share a few of the descriptions that I enjoyed.“To the bombardiers, the walled city on its granite headland, drawing ever closer, looks like an unholy tooth, something black and dangerous, a final abscess to be lanced away.”“The appetite for oxygen is such that objects heavier than housecats are dragged into the flames.”“His breath smells like crushed insects.”“As though a weary tide stirs stones in the old woman’s lungs.”The way he guides the reader’s vision of a place, destruction, appearance, made me wish I had a pinky size of his talent. I’m a reader who loves and underlines phrases and sentences that stand out. That I haven’t read before. Strands of words, like a string of pearls, fitted together to catapult me into another world. Who let me become friends or enemies with the characters. Some writers know how to bring me into their worlds where I get to exercise all senses and emotions.There will be spoilers in this review, so if you plan on reading the book, don’t read this review. I do want to mention that I’m not a fan of some of the classics. A reader needs patience to trudge through pages of description. I’ve tried The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Maybe I’m just not that intelligent to appreciate and distinguish fine prose. Whatever the reason, this may give you an idea as to whether or not you want to continue reading.That said I feel like Doerr’s novel falls into a classics category—full of description. I really wanted to love this book. It’s safe to say I wasn’t the audience he had in mind when writing it, and I'm in the minority of disliking it. As much as I adore his descriptions, I equally dislike his writing style. It’s as if he sacrificed characters for beautiful prose. The amount of descriptions, tangents, lists, and short chapters swallow up the characters. If I can’t connect with them, there’s no way I’m going to like the book. This book is roughly 530 pages long. It really should have been half its length.Point of ViewFirst, the book is told in third person omniscient, meaning the narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of the characters. The narrator isn’t a character nor does the narration come from a character’s perspective. It’s some unknown person telling me all about the thoughts and feelings of the personas. I can’t recall reading a book with this POV, but I don’t like it. Eleven percent into the book, my frustration got the best of me. The POV and descriptions muddled my experience. There were passages where I couldn’t figure out if it was the character’s thoughts or feelings or the narrator’s.“Block out giant Frank Volkheimer with his mammoth boots and cinder-block jaw. Block out the little aristocratic professor pacing in front of the hearth and the late hour and the dogs and the shelves brimming with interesting things. There is only this.” When reading this passage, it sounded as if Werner was talking to himself. But he couldn’t be since it’s in third person.“The first policeman snaps flesh off his apple with his teeth. Are they looking at her?” Uh, she’s blind. The narrator is telling me what the police are doing, and then jumps into Marie-Laure’s head. At first, I thought Marie-Laure was describing the policeman and then wondering if they were looking at her. This wouldn’t work either, because if she doesn’t know if they’re looking at her, she wouldn’t know what the policeman is doing.ProseThere were images in the book where I couldn’t picture it. Maybe I’m dense, but it just didn’t sound right. This might seem nitpicky, however Doerr is praised for his prose—prose that took ten-years to write. I’ll share a few examples with you.“…and she thinks she can smell threads of dust cascading from the ceiling.” Two issues with this description, 1) how does one smell threads of dust? And 2) how does a girl who goes blind at the age of six ‘think’ she smells threads of dust?“In the gloaming to the east, he can make out a gray line of traffic herded between the edges of the road.” Gloaming? I had to look that up, which means twilight, dusk. Okay, it’s not his fault my vocabulary is limited, but it made me think if gloam has more power than twilight. Gloam is something I can see in a poem. Why not just say, “The twilight in the east revealed a gray line of traffic herded between the edges of the road.”?“The eggs taste like clouds. Like spun gold.” Huh? This is such a weird comparison. How do clouds taste, and if I’ve ever tasted them, they sure as heck wouldn’t taste like eggs. Or spun gold, which I would never eat unless someone wanted to steal it from me.ListsDoerr’s writing also consists of lists throughout the book. I call the separate words or phrases placed one after the other as lists. He’s a natural born list maker, which drove me nuts and came off as page fillers.“Light, electricity, ether. Space, time, mass. Heinrich Hertz’s Principles of Mechanics. Heissmeyers famous schools. Code breaking, rocket propulsion, all the latest.”“Marie-Laure wakes to church bells: two three four five.” He does this too much in the book that it lost its flair. “Wind: immediate, bright, sweet, briny, luminous.”Along with the lists, Doerr also counts. “She wakes to Madame Manec’s blocky pumps climbing to the third floor the fourth the fifth.” No punctuation, and continues the counting. “Her heart beats two four six eight.” Counting doesn’t build intrigue, so why have it?“Static static static static static. In his functioning ear, in the radio, in the air.” GAH!!!TangentsThen there are tangents. Many times the narrator tells us the characters are recalling memories when Doerr should have put more time into the moment. He’ll start a chapter about a character, the character starts thinking about the past, and then the chapter ends.CharactersDoerr spent plenty of time giving me a visualization of the places, yet he fell short of showing me the characters. Also, the abundance of small chapters create long gaps between characters. For instance, Chapter 79 talks about Von Rumple’s diagnosis, and if I'm not mistaken, the next mention of him is Chapter 92.To top it off, in regards to Marie-Laure, the narrator tells me “she thinks” or “she feels” instead of showing me what she thought, or what she felt, and sometimes it being impossible. When talking about Marie-Laure, the author should have applied the senses using his beautiful prose. She’s blind, so use her touch, smell, taste to understand where she is or how she came to an assumption. Instead, Doerr uses the narrator. Below are a few I’ve chosen:“At the top, she stands; she has the sense of a long slope-walled space pressed beneath the gable of the roof.” How does she “sense” this without touch? The author describes so many things indepth and then just states how she senses it. She has needed her father to make a replica of the town, which she memorized over the years, yet she can “sense” this area.“…but Marie-Laure is certain that when they stopped to greet a woman on the way here, Madame dropped off one envelope and picked up another.” The girl is blind. Did she hear the rustling of paper? A handshake? “…Marie-Laure heard the rustling of paper when they stopped to greet a woman on the way here, a slight snigger escaped their lips before they moved on.”“Insects drone: wasps, hoverlies, a passing dragonfly—Etienne has taught Marie-Laure to distinguish each by its sound.” Etienne hasn’t been out of the house in about twenty-years and Marie only goes to certain places. How is it that he taught her how to distinguish between these sounds.These additional descriptions are some issues I had with other characters.“Your problem, Werner,” says Frederick, “is that you still believe you own your life.” This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Werner never acted as if he owned his life. Frederick did. Frederick continued to be himself. He stood up and refused to pour cold water on a prisoner. The women in town who transferred information to one another had more guts than Werner.In the chapter, Diagnosis, the author throws in a little bit about the medical exam while the rest of the chapter is about finding jewels. Doerr has the characters reflect on other things instead of describing the moment.There’s a passage where Werner sneaks away to see Frederick in the infirmary. He’s talking to a nurse, and then out of the blue comes, “Each time he blinks, he sees the men of his childhood, laid-off miners drifting through back alleys, men with hooks for fingers and vacuums for eyes; he sees Bastian standing over a smoking river, snow falling all around him.” Again, the author takes us into a reflection without really describing the moment. I also couldn’t make the connection between the conversation and his thoughts of the past.The past thoughts with the short chapters and flip-flopping from one character to another, prevented me from having an emotional connection. I didn’t care about them except for Frederick. When Werner died, I didn’t feel sorry for him or cry, which shocked me since I cry just watching a Hallmark movie.Due to all of these issues, I gave this book a 2 star rating.
## 63 "Daddy, are you crying? Why are you crying?" That was my daughter when she came downstairs the morning I finished this book to find me sitting on the couch clutching it on my lap. I can't remember the last time I read something that affected me in this powerful a way.The spiral construction of the plot reminded me of a symphony, with stories that initially seem disparate but then you start to recognize patterns and see how the parts fit together and long before the end you are marveling at the brilliance of how the author can have conceived of it all. And just as impactful was the exquisite, poetic language and how Doerr describes the most ordinary details of life in a way that makes you realize how beautiful those things you normally don't even notice are.I think what made me cry when I finished it was something that happened near the end which I won't go into so as not to spoil it for anyone, the way characters in the story retain their decency and humanity in the midst of the horrors of war, and most of all the fact that it was over and I wouldn't be able to keep reading it any more.
## 64 Being the recipient of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, my expectations for 'All the Light we Cannot See' were extremely high. With all things considered, I feel confident in saying that the critical acclaim was warranted and deserved in this case. Despite two minor annoyances, which I cover at the end, 'All the Light we Cannot See' is a phenomenally written, percipient, and remarkable example of sound literature.Author Anthony Doerr tells the story of how 18 years old Werner, a geeky, crafty, and thoughtful engineering prodigy in Germany, meets 16 years old Marie-Laure, a sweet, astute, and affable blind French girl during the siege of Saint-Malo in 1944. WWII, with all its stentorian and fervid trappings of war is the backdrop to Werner and Marie-Laure's fateful encounter. Written in short but vividly described, intricately woven chapters, the backstory of how they are brought together is told over the course of ten years starting in 1944 and flashing back as far as 1934. Through alternating timelines from both their perspectives, they meet and thereafter, the aftermath and implications of the encounter is written about up until the year 2014.Several pages into the novel, I knew I had a special literary piece in my hands. Werner and Marie-Laure are easy to fall in love with as Doerr writes them in a way that is honest and open. They are both multi-faceted in their strengths and their vulnerabilities, without either one playing a victim. Or at least, I never saw either one as a victim. I also appreciated that foibles, frailty, and other unsavory personality traits are depicted for both, allowing them to be alive with authenticity. I never want to read about characters who are too perfect and give the sun, the moon, and the stars all of the time. In the case of this novel, the two main protagonists are realistic for their time and for the circumstances they find themselves in. Joining Werner and Marie-Laure is a dynamic, and at times unfortunate mix of supporting characters who collectively illuminate the radiance and light of when humanity is good and kind. Juxtaposed, others in the mix depict the ugly darkness of when humanity resorts to selfishness and evil. Though they are fictional, we should all be so lucky as to encounter characters like Frederick, Madame Manec, Frau Elena, and Dr. Geffard, and hope the world breeds less of Dr. Hauptmann, Bastian, and Reinhold von Rumpel.'All the Light we Cannot See' has many lessons to impart on the reader, with one of the most profound being the titular Light that we must all see. The novel soundly shows us how those who are blind in the literal sense, can see more than those who have the ability to gaze as far as their eyes will carry. Additionally, the novel allows the reader to see for themselves how people whose visions are symbolically foggy, can still find goodness of heart and lightness of mind in unlikely places, and in the unlikeliest of people. Thought-provokingly, Doerr weaves for the reader how darkness creeps and consumes those who choose to be figuratively blind and who later become disillusioned by their own rancor, malevolence, and enmity. In the heart of strong-willed characters, we see how love, patience, understanding and empathy become the key that open and illuminate the path into light.I very much enjoyed this read, and surprisingly, the short chapters were not an annoyance as can sometimes be when the author is not skilled enough to execute them. Doerr is skilled and in the case of 'All the Light we Cannot See,' he, in what was in many instances only a page and a half, or even only half a page, has written cohesive chapters that are richly dense, brimming with cerebral atmosphere that envelopes the reader at the turn of every page. In this regard, I could see Marie-Laure's loneliness, and Werner's moral conflict. I felt the fear and uncertainty in Jutta, Daniel LeBlanc, and Etienne's reticence. I could taste the saltiness in the breeze that wafted over Saint-Malo, while also I could smell the acrid, grey, and gritty skies of Zollverein. Each time a character was famished due to scant war rations, I tasted the sweetness of the cool water they drank and I could taste the crust and crumb of the loaf of bread they tore apart. These are not things easy to achieve in books. Doerr however has done so fantastically.It goes without saying that there is plenty beauty and radiance to be found in 'All the Light we Cannot See.' Some of it emanates directly from the characters, while other times, it comes from the reader's own willingness to be open-minded. Taking that into mind, there were only two minor concerns I had with the novel. First being that when the author went into descriptive details of radio repair and engineering principles, my eyes would on occasion glaze over a bit since neither subject matter are strengths of mine. Nevertheless, as a curious reader, I know that it was necessary for me and other readers to know Werner's technical acumen when the author painstakingly described the workings of transmitters, transceivers, and the intricacies of repairing electronics.The second minor concern I had with the novel was the very last chapter, which covered the year 2014. So that I don't inadvertently give spoilers, I will simply say that I would have liked this chapter better if it was written differently. I loved the significance of it and the observations made, but I would have liked it better minus the game playing grandson. Also, I would have preferred the scene take place during a final visit to Saint-Malo rather than where the scene is depicted. Even better would have been if this very last chapter had been cut altogether. Ending the novel on the previous chapter labeled "Frederick," would have had a better impact in my view.Despite the minor misstep in the last chapter, 'All the Light we Cannot See' is superb all around and I absolutely recommend it. I also want to point out that unlike some readers, the back and forth narrative depicting differing timelines and differing character perspectives did NOT bother me one bit. This is a technique that I appreciate and think it is one of the reasons why this novel is so special. Readers who complain about this non-linear technique must challenge their ability (or lack of it) to retain multiple levels of story details as the plot progresses. For serious readers who like their books to have weighty, loaded implications, and for readers who appreciate intelligent writing that give literary gifts every turn of the page, 'All the Light we Cannot See' is for you. Read carefully and "open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever." 5 Stars!
## 65 All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr has been discussed so many times on social media, I'm not sure I can add or say anything more that hasn't already been said. I thought the book was different and exceptional, and I can fully understand how it won a Pulitzer Prize. From the story itself, to the characters contained within, I thought it was brilliant. I know several readers did not like the constant change in time-line, but for me, it left me in suspense and turning the pages. For those who haven't read it, it's the story of a 16 year old blind girl named Marie-Laure and Werner, a young German boy and their perspectives and experiences in France during WWII. I have read a lot of wonderful fiction centering around WWII, but this book is unique in its storytelling and writing. I have to say for several days I found myself unable to begin another book. I just didn't want to let go of the characters. I can't say I was completely happy with the ending, but such is life. All I did was bend my spouse's ear for days about the book. I think he was happy when I finally moved on. To care about a book that much says a lot about the writing.
## 66 Right away we meet “The Girl”- 16 year old Marie-Laure LeBlanc who grew up in Paris and lost her sight at the age of 6. She is the only daughter of a widowed father, Daniel LeBlanc who works at the Museum of Natural History as the locksmith prior to the German occupation of Paris. And we meet “The Boy”- 18 year old German Private Werner Pfennig who grew up in Zollverein, a coal mining town 300 miles northeast of Paris. We are alongside adolescent Werner and his younger sister, Jutta, when they find a crude radio which he begins to dissemble and assemble because “nothing he’s encountered before has made so much sense”. The Reich learns of his aptitude with electronics and invites him, at 14, to attend Jungmanner, a military training camp for the best and brightest where he is instructed to “. . . eat country and breathe nation.” He is described as “this snowy haired dreamer plucked out of the soot”.The author uses alternating chapters to reveal the back story of each character and to bring each character eventually to the walled city of Saint-Malo. In one story, the Germans occupy Paris so Marie-Laure journeys with her father as a last resort, to stay with her great uncle Etienne in a house, Number 4 rue Vauborel, which is also richly detailed. In our parallel story, the boy, Werner is currently stationed at the Hotel of Bees, Saint-Malo, as an electronics expert monitoring the airwaves listening for planes.Present day in this novel is two months after D-Day with half of western France free from German occupation. Saint-Malo however is the last citadel for the Germans and residents fear there may be a thousand or more Germans ready to die for their cause. Four years of occupation and now, a real sense of urgency. The author describes leaflets dropped by planes to warn residents to find shelter or leave before an impending airstrike. Marie-Laure's father is being held somewhere though and she decides to wait for his return. The bombers plan to cross the channel at midnight. Those chapters describing the present, ratchet the growing concern of the citizens of Saint-Malo as the reader meets many of the neighbors and townspeople who become real citizens of action. We learn of past broadcasts from the radio tower with its ingenious cabling as we listen in on present day broadcasts- the reading of Jules Verne's “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”.Werner waits in the basement of Hotel Bees monitoring the radio. Marie-Laure waits for her father’s return in her third floor bedroom with two tin buckets filled to the brim with water and the bathtub on the floor below filled as well (in recent months there have been instances of water shortages).There is also a rare, 133 carat blue, priceless diamond, “The Sea of Flames” and a perfectly scaled model of each structure and street on Saint-Malo.The NY Times review had this to say about Werner. “As the words of his teachers fight the power of his memories, an inner voice tells him, 'Open your eyes and see what you can see with them before they close forever.” This resonates so strongly with the reader because in our parallel story, Marie-Laure navigates by touch and then by memory.Throughout the story powerful images resonate- night-time readings over the radio, John James Audubon sketches, canned peaches, barnacles, a boiling frog. How does it happen that Werner “when he opens his hand, there is a little iron key in his palm.”?So, who should read this book?This book is perfect for readers who love Geography. The place itself is fascinating; the reader can see in pictures of the walled city of Saint-Malo a natural isolation brought on by the tides. This was “the brightest jewel of the emerald coast of Brittany, France” prior to the German occupation and it's easy to see why they continue to hold on to it.This book is perfect for readers who love Historical fiction. The pivotal event of the story is well documented. The book provides an insider perspective to the events of the day, eyes on the ground so to speak through the observations and movements of Werner combined with those of the Whelk and the Blade. The book has been criticized for glossing over the hardships of war. I’m not sure I agree; the wartime hardships here are intimate, personal.This book is perfect for readers who love familiar literature drawing parallels or individual observations about “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” and the fate of Captain Nemo.This book is also for readers who like to read aloud; some of the chapters are short like diary entries and the novel is presented in an extremely readable format.What does the title mean?The first thing that comes to my mind when I think “All the Light We Cannot See” is Marie-Laure’s inherent hope and optimism. She waits for her father, she ventures out, she takes action, she lives her life in spite of her handicap. She encourages this feeling in those close to her. For me, this light expands beyond Marie-Laure to include the good in her uncle, neighbors, friends, Werner, Jutta. We read of small and large acts of courage, of defiance, of hope.The light in the title is also a topic Werner hears discussed on a late 1930s radio broadcast about the brain’s power to create light in darkness (coal mines, blackouts, blindness). The phrase “open your eyes and see” pops up in several different places in the novel. Conversely the author writes, “to shut your eyes is to guess nothing of blindness”.And if “light” is truth, there are many examples where we are confronted by lies- the letter from Marie-Laure’s father, the letter from Werner to Jutta, and where characters decide to hide the real truth or not to interpret it correctly.Notable Quotes:“Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever” (pages 48-49).“There are, he assures her, no such thing as curses. There is luck, maybe, bad or good. A slight inclination of each day towards success or failure. But no curses.”“Is it right to do something only because everyone else is doing it?”, Jutta.“There must be order. . . The entropy of a closed system never decreases. Every process must by law decay.” (page 240).“Don’t you want to be alive before you die?”, Madame Manac (page 270).“Offering a loom on which to spin his dreams.” (page 389).“I wake up and live my life”, Marie-Laure (page 468).
## 67 (Warning: contains spoilers)Anthony Doerr’s 2014 novel All the Light We Cannot See is a story of survival, courage, sacrifice, suffering, family, friendship, love, hope, and survival. It’s set in France and Germany during WW II.How many thousands of novels does that thumbnail description fit? (Jaded publishers and others in the business are starting to think of such novels as just another WW II book, which might account for some of the tepid reviews the novel got before it circulated through the wider reading community.)All the Light We Cannot See is one of the richest, most readable, discussable, and likeable WW II novels ever. Yes. Likeable. A narrative of war and suffering and death becomes a hopeful hymn about family, kindness, potential, magic, love, and mystery.Doerr brilliantly shows us the specifics in the general: the character so unique and real that the reader can become the character. And thus we can truly cloak ourselves in the potential for individual goodness in the storm of a world gone mad. We learn and are comforted by how we might behave in a similar situation.In the final analysis, the story belongs to Marie-Laure, the little blind girl with the father who keeps thousands of keys for the National Museum of Natural History and is a gifted woodcarver. In both Paris and Saint-Malo he carves tiny, clever models of their neighborhoods, which Marie-Laure must memorize with her fingertips. Then by counting grates, benches, streets, and tapping her other senses for cues, she must show him she can navigate their neighborhood. He also teaches her to use her cleverness to unlock tiny objects to find the treasures inside. To this reviewer, those incredible miniatures, made in such a rush by a father for his vulnerable six-year old girl as the Germans draw near, are the most unforgettable takeaways of the novel. And as her world is going up in conflagration, Marie-Laure’s fingertips race across the braille dots to open another world, the world of Twenty Thousand Leagues Beneath the Sea, which she broadcasts as the bombs fall. Marie-Laure, with her blindness, has a huge capacity for the world and human experience.Then there is Werner, a German boy, whose snowy white hair is almost as much a character marker as Marie-Laure’s blindness. He is an undersized orphan trying to look after his sister and others in the industrial area of Zollverein, Germany. Werner has a preternatural gift for mathematics and radios and, as a result, is spared going into the mines, but is scooped up into the German army where he becomes a radio operator.Marie-Laure and Werner cross paths when the Allies begin bombing the holdout of Saint-Malo in early August, 1944. During the most intense part of the circular, reiterative narrative, Werner is trapped in the basement of the Hotel of Bees because of a bomb hit. Marie-Laure is trapped not far away in the attic of her uncle’s house with the cursed jewel, The Sea of Flames, in her possession. A mad, dying Nazi stalks the downstairs desperate to get at the jewel, which he believes will save his life.Thankfully, Doerr lets a long, comforting resolution play out as we see what happens to the survivors of the bombing of Saint-Malo. We see the survivors intermittently as they go about life-after-the-war until 2014 (the novels pub date). So vicariously was I participating in this novel, if I should go to Paris this year (fat chance), I would keep an eye out for an elderly blind lady who seems to know where she is going. And I do believe some evil potential, buffeted and stained to look like ordinary sea rock, is always being swished around on the ocean floor waiting to be found and polished.Doerr expands the literal plot line (this-happens-then-this-happens-then-this-happens) with a richness of inversions, paradoxes, oxymorons, juxtapositions, repetitions, symbols, and motifs that invite the reader to go beyond the storyline. For example:• Clearly, a mollusk is not just a mollusk. And what’s with all those birds?• Before two of the most heart-breaking events of the narrative (the rape and Werner’s death), why are there quasi-Eucharistic events?• Why is the fabulous diamond, The Sea of Flames, given such an oxymoronic name?• How can we not see light?• Why is Twenty Thousand Leagues Beneath the Sea the message of comfort to all who hear Marie-Laure’s last broadcast? (On the surface, it would seem to be an inversion of the usual message of hope.)• Why can the story be read pretty effectively backwards?Doerr’s story has become an earwig. Certain images, characters, events, and themes will always remain in my head. More than any novel I’ve read in years, I felt that I was buried with Werner below the Hotel of Bees. I was in the cold orphanage attic with him when, as a boy, he listened to a faraway voice talking about the nature of light on the radio. I was as hungry as Marie-Laure contemplating opening the last unlabeled can of food in the attic.As an adult who has read a gazillion novels, I’ve largely lost my childhood ability to be carried away into another world by a story. So thank you, Anthony Doerr, for letting me do that again.
## 68 I find this review a bit difficult to write because honestly, I don’t know where to start! All the Light We Cannot See is like no other book that I’ve read before. On its surface, this book is about a young German boy with a talent for fixing radios and a blind French girl who possesses a curiosity and courage way beyond her years – both thrown helplessly into a world torn apart by war and devastation and the impact this has on their lives. But this book is so much more than that! It is about survival, love, courage, family, friendship, etc but on a deeper level, it is also a "study" on human nature and what it means to "do what is expected" versus "do what is right."The author Anthony Doerr has a masterful way with words – the richness in detail with which he describes every character / event / scene in the book paints a vivid picture of what life was like in the midst of war, yet he does so in a manner that does not take away from the story itself. He does not bog the story down with long, tedious paragraphs or pages and pages of detailed description that make readers like me want to just skip ahead to the actual story and not bother with the details. Instead, he uses brevity as a powerful tool – in just a few words, short phrases, sometimes not even complete sentences, he is able to bring to life not only his characters and the situations they encounter, but also draw the reader into their world to experience it for ourselves. As I was reading, I actually felt like I was being transported back to that time period (mid 1930s to 1940s), walking alongside the characters, seeing what they were seeing, feeling what they were feeling. The atrocities of war described in the book were very harsh and very real, despite this being a work of fiction. I actually winced during some of the parts where an atrocity was being described and had to set the book aside for a few minutes to calm myself. I’ve read other books in the past about his time period, about World War II and the atrocities of war, but none of those books had the impact this one did. Thinking about it now, I realize why: those books either use WWII merely as a backdrop without going into much detail or if they do, the events are portrayed in a way that makes it feel like a story or a recounting of history – as a reader, you are told what happened during that time period but don’t really feel a connection to it. This book, in its uniqueness, actually makes you LIVE that history rather than just read about it.The other unique aspect to this book was the storyline involving the cursed stone, which brought an unexpected element of suspense that still blended in perfectly with the rest of the story. In the hands of a less capable author, incorporating this part of the story might ruin the book entirely, but with Doerr, this is definitely not the case – he is consistent with the details as well as the storytelling and incorporates this arc seamlessly throughout the book. I found myself at the edge of my seat at certain points wanting to find out what happens next -- whether the stone would be found, whether certain characters would get caught, etc. I enjoyed this part of the book immensely!My only “complaint” about this book would be in its structure, as the story is told in different timeframes and switches back and forth after every couple chapters. This interrupted the flow a bit and did slow me down at times when reading, since I had to go back and re-read certain parts in order to remember where the previous timeframe left off. It also caused a little bit of confusion for me initially with some of the characters who were already part of the story when the book opens but then are introduced for the first time when things switch back to the earlier timeframe, then it picks up with what happens to that character from the later timeframe when it switches again. Not a show-stopper by any means of course, but I think the book would’ve been easier to get through if it didn’t switch back and forth. I'm pretty sure there was significance to structuring the book this way but unfortunately it was lost on me.Despite this long review that I just wrote, I actually don’t feel like I did this book any justice. In fact, no review can do this book much justice because it is a book that can’t just be “described” -- you basically have to read and experience it for yourself. For me personally, I loved this book and I know this is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come. I can totally see why this book won a Pulitzer Prize – absolutely well-deserved!(Read in January 2017)
## 69 Hoping the show is as good as the book! One of the best books I've read in years! The sympathetic views of the Germans may not be so popular but the book shows the humanity of both groups of individuals.
## 70 I did not read this book, I inhaled it. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. There is a reason it won the Pulitzer. Actually, there are many.
## 71 4.5 starsAmazon delivered my copy early, so I'm going to do a spoiler free review and then a spoilery one. Pardon if this winds up sounding like an English paper. I have thought so much on the morals and questions in this book that I feel like I should have read this in school.Note: I'm writing this review with the express belief that you, reader, have at least read the book description. Otherwise why are you reading this review?I want to start this off by saying two things. One, this is not a hero story. Snow is never once, in my opinion, shown to be a hero in this in what we modern folks would call a hero. He's no Luke Skywalker or redeemed villain. This isn't some sob backstory to explain "why the bad guy is bad." This is yet another set of layers to the onion that is Snow.Second, this book is dark. It's been a minute since I read the original trilogy, but I swear it wasn't quite as graphic as this book was. Cannibalism is mentioned, and it's shown/talked about that someone sawed the leg off a dead woman and ran off with it. One character is killed then hung on a hook and paraded. Another is also gruesomely displayed after their death. Several characters are dragged through processions to "prove a point," another character is hung from two large poles and left to basically die in the sun. Multiple accounts of vomiting/poison throughout, and a general unpleasantness at the lack of regard for human life.Non-spoilery review:This book makes you think. A lot. It makes you question things, and wonder if maybe Snow is right (he's not), but it's written in such a way that he's not a villain. Donald Sutherland in an interview made a great point in saying that Snow isn't a villain, he's just a ruthless man doing what he thinks is right to keep his home and country in one piece."He does it so well. And he doesn't think he's a bad person. He thinks it's the only way society can survive. And whether you think he's right or wrong, he doesn't think he's bad. He likes himself."This should be the mantra for this book. Snow is a conflicting, flawed human. In our society, he's evil, a sociopath or a psychopath. He's a murderer and a killer. He's a bad guy. In his world, he's one of the masses. He simply lives as he's been raised to, with a mentality that has been ingrained in him since the war between the Districts and the Capitol. He's simply more ruthless then most and has the guts to make what he considers the "hard decisions."Regardless of the other characters in this, they're all props to his story--which fits well with the Snow we know from The Hunger Games. Everyone is second stage to Snow and his life. This is his evolution from being a child to a man, to becoming the Snow we know and love/hate.I definitely don't think this book is for everyone. I'm sitting here with my mom breathing down my neck because she can't wait to read it, and I don't think she'll like it at all, and she's a diehard THG trilogy fan. Why? Because not everyone likes to read depressing books. There's no redemption in this. There's no saving someone from themselves. This is the fall, stumble, plummet into being a not great person and embracing it fully.So take that as you will. Full spoilers below about everything.P.s. This is a standalone.SPOILERS BELOWOkay, so, I was worried about this book when I read the first chapter sample and it got announced that Snow would be training the District 12 girl. I thought, oh crap, it's gonna be a cliche YA. It's gonna have a stupid romance that undercuts the whole plot and makes him a sap. And yeah, it did that, and up until the last 50 pages I was teetering on a 3-3.5 stars. And then oh boy, the end.Lucy Grey was a sweet girl, but she felt off since the beginning. I still can't fully put my finger on it, but her and Snow's relationship felt so <i>wrong</i> the entirety of the book. The red flags went up repeatedly every time he made comments about how she was his, and even so far as to say she was his property, and that's all kinds of wrong. And even though their romance was cute and fluffy, it felt bad, tainted. You knew something was going to happen. It always does in these villain backstories. Usually the whole reason the villain is bad is because the love interest gets brutally killed and then they're like whelp, guess I'll just be evil.Not in this book.Snow constantly struggles with morality and right and wrong throughout this. Should he turn in his friend to the Capitol because they're colluding with rebels and could tear down the (flawed) infrastructure? Or should he turn a blind eye and let his friend do his own thing? Is the Hunger Games wrong or good? Is it wrong to view the District people as second class humans? And so on. This book broaches the topic of racism in very broad terms with the whole District/Capitol thing. You've always known there was a divide between them, but in this, you really see how much the Capitol looks down on the Districts, and you can easily see how that morphs into such a hatred and distaste by the time Katniss first enters the Hunger Games.But I digress. Snow struggles with morality, but he's flawed and very, very imperfect. He rationalizes every death he takes as self-defense or some other reason when really he's just murdered someone because it's inconvenient for him. He kills (or at least removes her from the picture; it's ambiguous) Lucy Grey in the end because she's a loose end and too free. He does it. Not someone else, not some freak accident. He chooses to do it and, by the time it happens, you already know what direction he's headed in so it's not quite another nail in the coffin. It fully feels like him tying up loose ends so he can go do whatever he wants.All the nods to THG characters and names was cool. You also had a lot of The Great Gatsby vibes in the Old Money versus New Money mentality that a lot of the Capitol had with District people who gained a fortune and bought their way into the Capitol life. They're looked down upon by the old families and viewed as trash.You saw a lot of the evolution in the Hunger Games, and you can see how it begins to change and grow into what Katniss and Peeta suffered through. You see how it begins to change from a simple punishment to a sport and a holiday, with the growing encouragement that it should be a normal and good thing.You also see a side of the Capitol you most definitely did not see in the trilogy--suffering. A lot of the book shows Snow struggling with having been a small child living through the Dark Days and the war. He was 8 when the Capitol won, and even then it was hard. You learn about the hell the Capitol lived through as they were besieged by the Districts' army and forced to ration, starvation, and cannibalism. It's a hard picture, and it's so blatantly told. Collins didn't hold back any punches in this. I never felt like what was done was for shock and awe for the reader, but it was definitely that for the story, and it made sense. Regardless of the Capitol not being at war with the Districts anymore, the tensions were still so high that it makes sense for the Capitol to overreact in their retaliation of events. So when one mentor gets killed by her tribute, they shoot the tribute and parade her body around on a hook at the mentor's funeral. It's disgusting, debasing, and shows how much the Capitol views the Districts as nothing more than rodents or livestock.Anyway, I'll stop talking. Go read it yourself. It's a hard read, a heavy read, but it was very, very enjoyable.
## 72 The Ballad of Songbirds and SnakesAs most readers already know, this prequel explores Coriolanus's life when he was a teenager. The opening chapters reveal that he was also chosen to be a mentor for Lucy Gray who was from the despised district 12.But what she lacks in fighting skills she makes up for being a charismatic performer. Lucy Gray learned how to work a situation to her advantage.In the beginning the tributes did not enjoy Capitol luxuries but were kept in cages and barely fed. It’s a stark contrast to the future hunger games when tributes were met with an extravagant welcome and dined on rich foods.The problem was that watching too much brutality turned the Capitol away from the Games. Snow's addition to the Hunger Games of costumes, interviews, and the underdog tributes made the propaganda go down easy. This should be a cautionary tale.A lot of readers are not getting the point the author is trying to make. In the opening of this book there's a quote by Hobbes:“Hereby it is manifest, that during the time men live without a common Power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called Warre; and such a warre, as is of every man, against every man.” — Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, 1651Coriolanus's first "lesson" to be molded into the future oppressor was during the Hunger Games; when he was forced to go in the arena to get out Sejanus, one of the mentors, who was not supposed to be in there. While at the hospital getting stitches, the head gamekeeper, Dr. Gaul, asked if Coriolanus understood what he was supposed to learn.“Without the threat of death, it wouldn’t have been much of a lesson,” said Dr. Gaul. “What happened in the arena? That’s humanity undressed. The tributes. And you, too. How quickly civilization disappears. All your fine manners, education, family background, everything you pride yourself on, stripped away in the blink of an eye, revealing everything you actually are. A boy with a club who beats another boy to death. That’s mankind in its natural state.”“I think I wouldn’t have beaten anyone to death if you hadn’t stuck me in that arena!” he retorted.“You can blame it on the circumstances, the environment, but you made the choices you made, no one else. It’s a lot to take in all at once, but it’s essential that you make an effort to answer that question. Who are human beings? Because who we are determines the type of governing we need. Later on, I hope you can reflect and be honest with yourself about what you learned tonight.”A very similar thought process was also stated by the Joker in The Dark Night:“To them, you’re just a freak, like me! They need you right now, but when they don’t, they’ll cast you out, like a leper! You see, their morals, their code, it’s a bad joke. Dropped at the first sign of trouble. They’re only as good as the world allows them to be. I’ll show you. When the chips are down, these… these civilized people, they’ll eat each other. See, I’m not a monster. I’m just ahead of the curve.”Both the Joker and Dr. Gaul has distorted thinking. It's one thing to make a choice freely and it's quite another thing to be forced into one.Human nature is such that coercive enforcement of rules is indispensable to protect the rights of all but there is a fine line between government rule and government oppression.Later, as Coriolanus's feelings toward Lucy Gray grew, he helped her to survive the games only to get caught and was sent to train with the peacekeepers in her district. Sejanus joined him there soon after.Sejanus was never one who was comfortable with the Capital and its way of life. He got a plan to help the districts by providing the rebels with guns for their flight up north, out of Panem.Coriolanus found out about Sejanus’ plot. Mayfair threatens to tell her father [the Mayor] everything, which would implicate Coriolanus and Lucy Gray despite them being only bystanders; he shot her.Sejanus is charged with treason and hanged. And Lucy Gray Baird is the main suspect in Billy Taupe [her ex rebel boyfriend] and Mayfair’s deaths, as he left her for the mayor’s daughter.In desperation, Lucy Gray decides to join the rebels up north and Coriolanus decides to go with her, thinking there's nothing left of his life once the murder weapons were found.But as they prepare to flee district 12, Snow gets paranoid that Lucy Gray is betraying him. When they stop at a house near district 12’s lake, he discovers the rebels’ store of the weapons. When Lucy Gray takes a long time to cut up some katniss plants, he convinces himself that she has abandoned him and went to turn him in."What if they interrogated or even tortured her? The story would come out. She hadn't killed anyone. He had. His word against hers".But even though Snow searches for her, Lucy Gray was nowhere to be found.The three killings that Snow did throughout the book contributed to his downward spiral and PTSD. Coriolanus clubbed to death a tribute, Bobbin, in the Hunger Games arena. He also shoots the mayor's daughter and also turns in his best friend, Sejanus, for treason, resulting in his execution.Lucy Gray was the last straw for his sanity. Back at the Capital the reader sees Snow's change to "the dark side"."Sometimes he would remember a moment of sweetness and almost wish things had ended differently. But it would never have worked out between them, even if he’d stayed. They were simply too different. And he didn’t like love, the way it had made him feel stupid and vulnerable. If he ever married, he’d choose someone incapable of swaying his heart. Someone he hated, even, so they could never manipulate him the way Lucy Gray had. Never make him feel jealous. Or weak. Livia Cardew would be perfect. He imagined the two of them, the president and his first lady, presiding over the Hunger Games a few years from now. He’d continue the Games, of course, when he ruled Panem. People would call him a tyrant, ironfisted and cruel. But at least he would ensure survival for survival’s sake, giving them a chance to evolve. What else could humanity hope for? Really, it should thank him."This happened to Ted Bundy as I believe one of the main reasons he became a serial killer was because his first love dumped him. If you were to get all his victims lined up together you would think they were all sisters and you will notice that they all look like his first girlfriend.Rejection is a powerful force in a person's life if they are not stable. Dr. Gaul planted the seeds for that rejection to take root and grow.
## 73 I adored the Hunger Games series. Dystopian YA is not a normal genre for me, but this series is awesome and this prequel? A fantastic villain origin story.Coriolanus Snow is an ambitious 18-year-old student whose wealthy family barely survived the war. He is all about image and pretense, which often vie against his normal, human feelings. His parents are dead and he lives in a rundown apartment with his grandmother and cousin Tigris.But, the 10th Hunger Games is to be the first one with mentors and Coriolanus has been chosen to mentor the female tribute from District 12. While at first humiliated at not being given a more highly rated district, he quickly realizes that Lucy Gray is someone who could win and it's up to him to figure out how to help her do that. Along the way, Coriolanus learns about love and the dangers it can bring.As he works his way through the Games, he also discovers who wields the power in the Capitol, who controls the games and what he needs to do to rise up above the masses.The student mentors also have a say in how the games are run, and in a somewhat twisted sort of way, their professor gives assignments and in Coriolanus' essays, we see how future Games come about and evolve. As the mentors talk about the games and what is happening, we also see how they are not all unfeeling or unkind. They view their tributes as people and they can see how unfair the Games really are. At the same time we see that those in the Capitol are only concerned about their well being and that their losses are because of the rebels.The Hunger Games series is vibrant and colorful in its imagery. This book, however, was almost more black and gray in its imagery, what with the rubble of the arena and the Capitol still trying to rebuild from the war. That made the contrast of Lucy Gray's colorful skirt and the snakes all the more striking.As with the rest of the series, we see the government oppression, we see the results of war and rebellion. We see society broken, but fighting and we see that even with survival, life isn't grand and colorful. But we also see that the human spirit is strong.No one likes who President Snow becomes and I think writing about his story so that he gains the reader's sympathy is brilliant. The story isn't fast-paced, but it drew me in and kept me enthralled.
## 74 As a YA Dystopian author, I wanted to learn from the best so I purchased this book on my birthday, just a day after I published my own dystopian book.The Hunger Games series sparked my passion for writing, so this book holds a special place in my heart. But I knew I had to let go of that bias because this is an entirely new thing. I need to read this not as a reader, but as an author. So I approached this book with a careful eye, just like any other character who approaches a jabberjay in the series.The perspective of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes isn't new to me simply because it's from the villain's voice. It's "new" in a way as it explores the coming of age tale of Coriolanus Snow's cleverly paranoid overthinking mind.I knew what will happen to Coriolanus Snow, so I gripped my seat as I approved 80% in my Kindle Oasis. It was simply impossible. I don't see anything bad from happening. I asked myself, "How will Suzanne Collins end this?"And she did.And I couldn't believe it.It was so captivating that I couldn't put it down. I will not put any spoilers here, but I just want to say... Inevitable as the sunrise, betrayals leave behind a trail of destruction for the snake. Snow will always fall.
## 75 I have such mixed emotions after finishing this book, but first of all - this book is absolutely incredible. I honestly think it might be my favorite book of the HG series (!) and Ms. Collins absolutely does not disappoint with her writing and content. Getting to read about Panem, and thus the beginning of the HG was so gratifying and the way this story flowed into, and matched up with, the trilogy was absolutely flawless. Truly, it is excellent!Now - it's kind of rare to read a book when the protagonist is the villain. We all clearly know from the HG trilogy that President Snow is a pretty terrible person, yet reading this book, from his point of view, it's easy to forget that; but it's also fascinating to see how he thinks of himself and sees his own actions. Along that same thought - Snow is very charismatic and definitely knows how to work the people around him to get what he wants or to present himself in a way that will clearly benefit himself, often at the cost of someone else.~~Minor spoiler ~~The other part of Snow's life that I do find incredibly sad - while he definitely has poor character traits to begin with, he was also very manipulated by several people around him, which I think added *considerably* to how he turned out as an adult and VERY much shaped his viewpoint, and his creation of the games.So definitely worth the read (and re-read). This book is very thought-provoking, even from outside the dystopian viewpoint. There are a lot of reflections on who WE are - as humans; as groups & societies; on the roles of government and the rights of its citizens.For the many pages, it reads quickly! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
## 76 OK I was skeptical on getting this book. But I have to say after reading it I absolutely love it. I always wanted to know about Snow and how he came to be the way he was in the books. This book explains it all. I am one of those that read the hunger games at least once a year. I’m telling you right now this is going to be in the lineup. It’ll probably be the first book that I read. I love learning about his cousin and then remembering that she ended up in the hunger games as well. The names of the kids that went to school with him. i’m just saying it is a good read. It is one of those that you don’t want to put it down. Enjoy the book have fun. And may the odds be ever in your favor
## 77 I was skeptical about this book keeping my interest. It is a prequel, which *usually* at least gives a few kernels that make "the original trilogy" a deeper experience.I was wrong. Like, really wrong. Collins always delivers and this book is a testament to her talent. There are more than a few kernels to be mined here. The title itself is quite clever, as this is Lucy Gray's story, too.I can't say more, nor list any topic specifically without spoilers. I can say we watch the evolution of a Capitol-born citizen trying for a better life to the man who would become president of Panem.-ncv
## 78 "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" by Suzanne Collins is a captivating and original addition to the Hunger Games series. This prequel takes readers on a journey to understand the origins of the Hunger Games and explores the complex character of Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes President Snow, giving him a lot more nuance than previously afforded. The story delves into the darker and more morally complex aspects of the Hunger Games world, offering a fresh perspective on the events that led to the dystopian society depicted in the original trilogy. While it may not have the same level of action and intensity as the earlier books, it compensates with its rich character development and thought-provoking themes and the lack of 'action' makes sense given the setting and novelty of the Hunger Games at that point. This novel is a must-read for fans of the Hunger Games series, as it adds depth and complexity to a world we thought we knew so well, making it an enthralling and thought-provoking experience from start to finish. Though the open-ending was a little confusing to me.
## 79 If you loved the Hunger Games, you have to read this. I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about it; the characters, the storyline, and the storytelling. This book was a great addition to the Hunger Games series. I am now going to re-read the other books. This book offered insight and background for the books. I can't wait to see the movie. I am so excited!!!
## 80 Amazing! Another great story in the Hunger Games saga. An interesting look at how Snow progressed from scared boy into what he eventually became as President of Panem. Loved all the tie ins to the original story line and how their origin could have influenced his hatred of Katnis in the original series. Nicely written. Hoping for more in the future!!
## 81 This book needs to be read by everyone; Especially in light of what is happening at the present. I read this book several years ago but see its relevance at this critical time. We have forgotten and need to be reminded, and those who are ignorant of the great atrocities that humankind did to the Jews need to be informed. May our young people read and use their critical thinking skills to understand.
## 82 I liked the descriptiveness of this book. It was so personal and detailed, making it hard to put down. I recommend for adult audience, as details are strong to digest. You can feel the sadness and pain throughout the pages. I gave 5 stars for the good read and details of such a tragedy that occurred in the world.
## 83 This book of Elie's was the most impactful piece of literature since I read " Uncle Tom's Cabin" as a twelve year old child many years ago. I am now 81 years of age and living in a retirement community in West Seattle. I was totally absorbed in Elie Weasel's account of his horrific experience in several concentration camps as a sixteen year old adolescent as if I were experiencing the same dynamic in my old age, stripped of most of my self defining gifts and abilities as I live with post polio syndrome and the effects of a a stroke 30 years ago. I am so blessed with a life that gifts me loving friends and family and abundant provision for all my basic needs and then some. I will be listening for my calling to provide solace to this suffering world.
## 84 Elie Wiesel’s Night: Shedding Light upon the DarknessElie Wiesel’s Holocaust memoir, Night (New York, Hill and Wang, 2006, translated by Marion Wiesel), is one of the best-known and most highly acclaimed work about the Holocaust. The New York Times called the 2006 edition “a slim volume of terrifying power,” yet its power wasn’t immediately appreciated. In fact, the book may have never been written had Wiesel not approached his friend, the novelist Francois Mauriac, for an introduction to the French Prime Minister Pierre Mendes-France, whom he wanted to interview. When Mauriac, a devoted Catholic, mentioned that Mendes-France was suffering like Jesus, Elie Wiesel responded, in the heat of the moment, that ten years earlier he had seen hundreds of Jewish children suffer more than Jesus did on the cross, yet nobody spoke about their suffering. Mauriac appeared moved and suggested that Wiesel himself write about it. The young man took his friend’s advice. He began writing in Yiddish an 862-page manuscript about his experiences of the Holocaust. The Central Union of Polish Jews in Argentina published in Yiddish an abbreviated version of this book, under the title And the World Remained Silent. Wiesel later translated the text into French. He called it, more simply and symbolically, Night (La Nuit), and sent it to Mauriac, who helped Wiesel find a publisher (the literary and small publishing house Les Editions de Minuit) and wrote its Preface. The English version, published in 1960 by Arthur Wang of Hill and Wang, received strong critical acclaim despite initially modest sales. Elie Wiesel’s eloquent and informed interviews helped bring the difficult subject of the Holocaust to the center of public attention. By 2006, Oprah Winfrey selected Night for her high-profile book club, further augmenting its exposure.This work is definitely autobiographical—an eloquent memoir documenting Wiesel’s family sufferings during the Holocaust—yet, due to its literary qualities, the text has been also read as a novel or fictionalized autobiography. The brevity, poignant dialogue, almost lyrical descriptions of human degradation and suffering, and historical accuracy of this multifaceted work render Night one of the most powerful Holocaust narratives ever written.Elie (Eliezer) Wiesel was only 15 years old when the Nazis entered Sighet in March of 1944, a small Romanian town in Northern Transylvania which had been annexed to Hungary in 1940. At the directives of Adolf Eichmann, who took it upon himself to “cleanse” Hungary of its Jews, the situation deteriorated very quickly for the Jewish population of Sighet and other provincial towns. Within a few months, between May and July 1944, approximately 440,000 Hungarian Jews, mostly those living outside of Budapest, were deported to Auschwitz aboard 147 trains.Wiesel’s entire family—his father Chlomo, his mother Sarah, and his sisters Tzipora, Hilda and Beatrice—suffered this fate. Among them, only Elie and two of his sisters, Hilda and Beatrice, managed to survive the Holocaust. However, since the women and the men were separated at Auschwitz upon arrival, Elie lost track of what happened to his sisters until they reunited after the war. In the concentration camps, father and son clung to each other. Night recounts their horrific experiences, which included starvation, forced labor, and a death march to Buchenwald. Being older and weaker, Chlomo becomes the target of punishment and humiliation: he’s beaten by SS officers and by other prisoners who want to steal his food. Weakened by starvation and fatigue, he dies after a savage beating in January 1945, sadly, only a few weeks before the Americans liberated the concentration camp. Throughout their tribulations, the son oscillates between a paternal sense of responsibility towards his increasingly debilitated father and regarding his father as a burden that might cost him his own life. Elie doesn’t dare intervene when the SS officer beats Chlomo, fearing that he himself will become the next victim if he tries to help his father. In the darkness and despair of Night, the instinct of self-preservation from moment to moment counteracts a lifetime of familial love. Even when Elie discovers the death of his father in the morning, he experiences through a sense of absence: not only his father’s absence, as his bunk is now occupied by another inmate, but also the lack of his own human response: “I did not weep, and it pained me that I could not weep. But I was out of tears. And deep inside me, if I could have searched the recesses of my feeble conscience, I might have found something like: Free at last!...” (112)Night is offers a stark psychological account the process of human and moral degradation in inhumane conditions. Even the relatively few and fortunate survivors of the Nazi atrocities, such as Elie, became doubly victimized: the victims of everything they suffered at the hands of their oppressors and the victims of everything they witnessed others suffer and were unable or, perhaps more sadly, unwilling to help. Although Night focuses on the loss of humanity in the Nazi concentration camps, the author’s life would become a quest for regaining it again, in far better conditions, if at least one condition is met: caring about the suffering of others. As Wiesel explains to his audience on December 10, 1986 during his acceptance speech of the Nobel Prize in Oslo, his message to his son--and his message to the world at large—is about the empathy required to keep the Holocaust memory alive. He reminds us all, “that I have tried to keep memory alive, that I have tried to fight those who would forget. Because if we forget, we are guilty, we are accomplices. … We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented” (118).Claudia Moscovici, Holocaust Memory
## 85 The risk inherent in writing about the Holocaust is that today's readers have a hard time believing it. Those of us who did not experience the horrors of living in a Nazi death camp cannot begin to understand what it was like. Battered women and severely abused children living today, trapped in circumstances they cannot escape, may come close.But most of us have no frame of reference. Nothing in our experience even remotely compares.This "I can't believe it" mentality was also common among non-Jewish civilians who lived in Germany during the Third Reich--when Adolf Hitler was in power (1933-1945).Even as "night" descended on Wiesel's little town--Sighet, Transylvania (Hungary)--the Jewish people could not believe what was happening. Moishe the Beadle was "deported" by the Hungarian police, crammed into a cattle car and taken to a forest in Poland to be executed with other Jews. Incredibly, Moishe escaped and returned to Sighet with his story:"The train had stopped. The Jews were ordered to get off and onto waiting trucks. The trucks headed toward a forest. There everybody was ordered to get out. They were forced to dig huge trenches. When they had finished their work, the men from the Gestapo began theirs. Without passion or haste, they shot their prisoners, who were forced to approach the trench one by one and offer their necks. . . ."Moishe's escape was a miracle. He was wounded in the leg and left for dead. In Sighet, he went from house to house, telling his story, but the people refused to listen. Even the young Elie Wiesel did not believe him.The denial continued. In Jewish families about to be transported to Auschwitz, "the women were boiling eggs, roasting meat, preparing cakes, sewing backpacks."Wiesel does not challenge us to comprehend the gas chamber deaths of his mother and little sister Tzipora. Instead, he writes what we can grasp: "Tzipora was holding Mother's hand. I saw them walking farther and farther away; Mother was stroking my sister's blond hair as if to protect her. And I walked on with my father, with the men. I didn't know that this was the moment in time and the place where I was leaving my mother and Tzipora forever."Wiesel describes with remarkable restraint a vicious beating he receives from a Kapo: I felt the sweat running down my back. "A-7713!" I stepped forward. "A crate!" he ordered. They brought a crate. "Lie down on it! On your belly!" I obeyed. I no longer felt anything except the lashes of the whip. "One!. . . Two!. . ." he was counting. He took his time between lashes. Only the first really hurt. I heard him count. "Ten. . .eleven!. . ." His voice was calm and reached me as through a thick wall. "Twenty-three. . ." Two more, I thought, half unconscious. The Kapo was waiting. "Twenty-four. . .twenty five!" It was over. . . . "Listen to me, you son of a swine!" said Idek coldly. "So much for your curiosity. You shall receive five times more if you dare tell anyone what you saw! Understood?" I nodded, once, ten times, endlessly. As if my head had decided to say yes for all eternity.Elie Wiesel's magnificent NIGHT bridges that enormous gulf between "I can't believe it" and the mind-numbing, horrific sinking in of the realization of "Oh, dear God, this really happened." His account is straightforward, almost matter-of-fact, with a minimum of frenzy, inordinate dwelling on flames of infernos, prolonged death throes, or metaphysical discourses about evil.He does talk about his relationship with God throughout the ordeal. And of course about his father, who was with him in Auschwitz and Buchenwald.Why did Wiesel write this book? He tells us:"There are those who tell me that I survived in order to write this text. I am not convinced. I don't know how I survived; I was weak, rather shy; I did nothing to save myself. A miracle? Certainly not. If heaven could or would perform a miracle for me, why not for others more deserving than myself? It was nothing more than chance. However, having survived, I needed to give some meaning to my survival. . . ."In retrospect I must confess that I do not know, or no longer know, what I wanted to achieve with my words. I only know that without this testimony, my life as a writer--or my life, period--would not have become what it is: that of a witness who believes he has a moral obligation to try to prevent the enemy from enjoying one last victory by allowing his crimes to be erased from human memory. . . ."I am grateful for this book and for Marion Wiesel's excellent and sensitive translation of her husband's memoir. Some great literature has come out of the Holocaust. In my opinion, Elie Wiesel's NIGHT is the best book, and certainly one of the most deeply moving among these works.Arlene Sanders
## 86 We should never forget. I reread this book every handful of years so that I don’t forget. The world should never forget.
## 87 This book should be read by every free person on earth. He will give a glimpse into what man is capable of. Freedom is not free.
## 88 NIGHT was among the first widely read accounts of a Holocaust concentration camp survivor. It was originally over eight hundred pages in Yiddish. Weisel worked with the material, re-writing and editing it, first into a two hundred forty five page version published in Argenitina, then into a one hundred seventy page version published in France. NIGHT reached its final form with its one hundred sixteen page publication in 1960 in English in the United States. Wiesel declares that every word of the work is true and he describes NIGHT as his "testimony." Critics tend to feel that the basis for the work is factual, but that Wiesel's long and meticulous re-write and editing has transformed what would have been simple fact into a work of art open to a variety of understandings. Whatever the case, the English-language publication was among the first widely read personal accounts of the Holocaust, and it continues to draw both readers and praise to the present day.The book is written in an unexpectedly matter of fact tone and lacks any trace of self-pity. As such it has an quality that is very difficult to define, one in which most human emotion seems to have been burned away by the experiences the writer endured. Elie Wiesel was born in 1928 in Sighet, a fairly large town first claimed by Romania and later by Hungary. Wiesel writes that he was a studious boy, deeply religious, and the son of respected people. They had heard rumors of how Jews were treated by Germans, but the war seemed very far away, and the stories were incredible to them--even when they were told by a man well known to the Jewish community. The process was fairly slow, with Jews forced to wear the Star of David, prohibited from this and that, and finally forced to live in two "ghettos" in the city. Then, in May 1944, the Jews of Sighet were deported to Auschwitz. Wiesel was sixteen at the time. He would spend about year in various camps before arriving at Buchenwald, where he was liberated by Allied Forces in 1945. When he saw himself in a mirror for the first time since his incarceration, he was horrified by the reflection, which seemed to be that of a living corpse.The book has an abrupt and episodic nature, but most of it focuses on Wiesel's relationship with his father Schlomo Wiesel, and how the two men successfully stayed together during their time in the camps, and how the two men less successfully attempted to care for each other. Although NIGHT is filled with horrors, the ultimate one occurs when the grinding hell of the camp system causes Wiesel to reject feeling for his father as a hinderance to his own survival. Wiesel is also prompted to question God, and whether God exists, and if so how God can accept the Nazi's systematic destruction of the Jews. As one individual cynically comments to Wiesel in NIGHT, he believes in Hitler--because Hitler has kept every promise he ever made to the Jews.There are moments of light scattered in the work--stars in the darkness--a Frenchwoman who risks herself to encourage Wiesel, a friend whose dying act is a gift of music--but for the most part NIGHT is night indeed, and there is no escape. For all its brevity, it is painful to read, difficult to grasp, and incredibly frightening in the ordinary tone in which it is told. The book is published with a preface by Wiesel, a forward by Francois Mauriac, and the text of Wiesel's 1986 speech in acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize. Strongly recommended.GFT, Amazon Reviewer
## 89 This moving memoir is a raw firsthand account of the horrors of the holocaust. Covering a time period of 1941-1945, Elie Wiesel first recounts his life as a young Jewish boy living in a small town in Hungary. Despite the aggression of the Nazis, Elie's family felt themselves to be relatively safe because of the distance from the other German- occupied areas and because they were sure that the war would be over before any harm could come to them. Had they been able to foresee the future, they would have taken advantage of an opportunity they had to emigrate to Palestine. But by 1944, the unthinkable happened, gradually at first. In a series of escalating indignities, Jews lost their rights to conduct business, to own jewels, and were forced to wear yellow stars while living in Ghettos. All the while, Elie's family remained hopeful that the war would be over soon. Not until the transport out of town was announced did they realize the precariousness of their situation. But even then and in the cattle cars, they could not have anticipated the sheer terror of the concentration camps and crematoria. Once they arrived in Auschwitz, Elie's memories are focused on his father and himself, because he never saw his mother or sister again after they got off the train. Elie witnessed unspeakable atrocities, such as hundreds of people forced to dig their own graves before being shot and babies being tossed alive into fires in trenches. Elie and his father were sentenced to hard labor and endured strenuous marches from camp to camp, while trying to survive on one or two rations of soup and bread a day. Eventually, Elie's father succumbed to malnutrition and dysentery. In the midst of such misery, Elie pondered why he should even care to continue living. After liberation by the Americans, Elie happened to pass by a mirror for the first time in years. He was stunned to see what he thought was a corpse staring back at him. The whole book is quite disturbing but should be required reading so that the past mistakes of singling out a section of society by race, color, or creed to be the scapegoats for all evils must not be repeated.
## 90 After reading "Night", I realized that it is the first book I've read that was authored by a Holocaust survivor. I was so absorbed by Elie Weisel's tale of absolute misery and despair that it only took me a little over an hour to read the entire book ... and I've found myself thinking about it's contents ever since. It is also the first book I've read that actually made me feel the authors pain.The books starts with the feeling that Germany's defeat was imminent, Weisel conveys a sense of complacency in that it appeared he and his family would be spared the worse with the Red Army's rapid westward advance to Germany. Even when Germany invades Hungary in the spring of 1944, Weisel and his family appeared content to wait for the Russians. This proved to be a grave miscalculation as the Nazis begin deporting Jews from the ghetto to labor camps in Poland ... at this point, Weisel and his father are separated from his mother and younger sister. The remainder of the book is about survival based on ingenuity, fate and others' misfortunes. As he and his father trudge through the hell of Auschwitz; it isn't until later that Weisel begins to assume the fate of his sister and mother.Throughout the book, death is both random and a frequent sight, with the lines of people plodding to the chimneys that endlessly spew the ashes of thousands upon thousands ... a constant reminder of his inevitable fate. Weisel frequently contemplates his faith in God, because there is no way, he believes, that God would allow such inhumanity on such a grand scale. When the thundering artillery of the approaching Red Army are actually being felt, the Nazis crudely force the inmates of Auschwitz on a death march to Germany that only the strong could possibly survive. At this point Weisel sees and feels how the bonds of family become unglued when starvation becomes extreme and how the endless dead are unceremoniously disposed. Buchenwald is the final destination of the death march and it is there where Weisel experiences his ultimate loss and eventual liberation by the Americans.At 120 pages (including a transcript of the author's Nobel Prize speech), Weisel didn't need many words to bring forth the pain, suffering and loss he experienced and witnessed. I found myself constantly putting myself in Weisel's shoes, often wondering how he had the will, at sixteen years of age, to endure such horrific circumstances. I intended to be critical of this book in that it left me with so many questions, mainly follow-up questions, like Weisel's thoughts looking back. But, with the book still making me think several days after I read it, I accepted and appreciated "Night" for what it was ... a nightmare that became reality for a teenager ... a capsule of that particular moment in time, no more, no less.
## 91 I previously wrote this review right after reading the book. Today, February 15th, after applying James’s system for 100 days on a few tiny habits, I feel compelled to share updates with you because they have sincerely worked.I will divide the review into 5 parts. The first part is a summary of the book with short excerpts highlighted while taking notes. Next, I hope to share pieces of advice that have motivated me while building new habits. Following that, I will share how I implemented the first 3 habits throughout these months. Then, some thoughts to whom I would recommend reading the book. Last, there are 4 complementary readings.SUMMARY[Introduction] James starts by sharing personal strategies he implemented to recover from a serious accident in high school. That event forced him to improve the quality of his routine to get his life in order, coming to the conclusion that “we all deal with setbacks, but in the long run, the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits. With the same habits, you will end up with the same results. But with better habits, anything is possible.”[Section I : The Fundamentals][Chapter 1] Here we learn the power of compounding effect: changes that seem small and unimportant at any given day will compound into remarkable results if we are willing to stick with them for months and years. James explains that “breakthrough moments are often the result of many previous actions, which build up the potential required to unleash a major change.” Comparing to habits, he shows that bamboo can barely be seen during the first couple of years while the roots grow underground before exploding for almost 100 feet into the air in a few weeks. From that perspective, we come to understand the best outcomes are generally delayed.[Chapter 2] Based on a 3-layer concentric circle behavior change model—divided into outcome change, process change, and identity change—James explains that we should pay attention to our inner identity by focusing on beliefs, assumptions, and values. “Many people begin the process of changing their habits by focusing on what they want to achieve. This leads us to outcome-based habits. The alternative is to build identity-based habits. With this approach, we start by focusing on who we wish to become.” The strongest changes, then, happen from inside out, starting from our identity, passing through the process, and ultimately changing the outcome.[Chapter 3] In this chapter we are introduced to a 4-step framework, which is composed of cue, craving, response, and reward. James calls it 'The 4 Laws of Behavior Change'. He then explains that we can think of each law as a lever that influences our behavior—when the levers are in the right positions, they create good habits effortless whereas when they are in the wrong position, it is nearly impossible. Through examples, he explains that “the cue triggers a craving, which motivates a response, which provides a reward, which satisfies the craving and, ultimately, becomes associated with the cue.” Together they create a habit loop that, when repeated many times, habits become automatic.[Section II : Make It Obvious][Chapter 4] A primer on how cues play a crucial role in predicting habit formation without consciously thinking about the outcomes. Once our habits become so common, the cues associated with them become essentially invisible because they are deeply encoded. If we want to create better habits, a good idea is to be aware of the cues. James finishes up by sharing a strategy called 'Habits Scorecard'—a simple exercise to become more aware of our behavior on a daily basis. We first write down a chronological list of our daily habits and, once we have a full list, we score each habit as an effective, ineffective, or neutral habit. Besides noticing what is actually going on, we can notice if certain behaviors help us become the type of person we wish to be.[Chapter 5] The cues that can trigger a habit come in a wide range of forms, and the 2 most common cues are time and location. When we make a specific plan for when and where we will perform a new habit, we are more likely to follow through. Stacking our habits by pairing a new habit with a current habit is a form to connect our behavior to our own advantage. An example when building a daily journaling habit would be: “after I pour my cup of coffee each morning, I will journal for 5 minutes.”[Chapter 6] This chapter shows how our environment plays a crucial role in defining habit behaviors. “Given that we are more dependent on vision than any other sense, it should come as no surprise that visual cues are the greatest catalyst of our behavior.” To build good habits, then, we should either make desirable cues obvious in our environment or build new habits in a new environment to avoid fighting against old ones.[Chapter 7] One of the most practical ways to break a bad habit is to reduce exposure to the cue that causes it. As James points out, “it is easier to avoid temptation than resist it.”[Section III : Make It Attractive][Chapter 8] James explains how the modern food industry has created products that are more attractive and addictive to consumers, and by doing so he shows that the more attractive an opportunity is, the more likely it is to become habit-forming. Every behavior that is highly habit-forming tends to be associated with higher levels of dopamine. It is the anticipation of a reward that motivates us to take action. “Temptation bundling is one way to make your habits more attractive. The strategy is to pair an action you want to do with an action you need to do.”[Chapter 9] “We tend to adopt habits that are praised and approved of by our culture because we have a strong desire to fit in and belong to the tribe.” That said, it is common to pick up habits and behaviors from our parents, peers, and colleagues. There is also a tremendous internal pressure to comply with the norms of the tribe. And, finally, we try to copy the behavior of successful people because we desire success ourselves. One of the best strategies to build better habits is to join a culture where the desired behavior is the normal behavior.[Chapter 10] To avoid unnecessary and detrimental cravings, we should highlight the benefits of avoiding a bad habit by making it seem unattractive. “Habits are unattractive when we associate them with negative feelings.”[Section IV : Make It Easy][Chapter 11] “All habits follow a similar trajectory from effortful practice to automatic behavior, a process known as automaticity. Automaticity is the ability to perform a behavior without thinking about each step, which occurs when the nonconscious mind takes over.” The key component is to pay close attention to the frequency we perform a habit, not much for how long we have been practicing it.[Chapter 12] Since every action requires a certain amount of energy, we are motivated to do what is easy. By contrast, the more energy required, the less likely it is to occur. “You don't actually want the habit itself. What you really want is the outcome the habit delivers. The greater the obstacle, the more friction there is between you and your desired end state.” That is why we should reduce the friction associated with our habits by creating a prosperous environment to make future actions easier.[Chapter 13] There are decisive moments that deliver an outsized impact every single day. As James puts, these decisive moments are a fork in the road, sending us in the direction of a productive path or an unproductive one. To avoid procrastination, the skill of 'Showing Up' says that we should start a new habit by taking baby steps, making it as easy as possible to take action. “A new habit should not feel like a challenge. The actions that follow can be challenging, but the first 2 minutes should be easy. What you want is a gateway habit that naturally leads you down a more productive path.” He calls it the 'Two-Minute Rule', meaning that new habits should take less than 2 minutes to do in the beginning. Once the habit is established we can improve and master the finer details.[Chapter 14] In order to keep bad habits away is to make them difficult in the first place. There are 2 interesting strategies to improve our future behavior. [1] Make good choices in advance before we can fall victim to temptation in the future. James gives a personal example by sharing that whenever he is looking to cut calories he will ask the waiter to split his meal and box half of it to go before the meal is served. If, however, he waits for the meal to be served and tries to eat just half, that would never happen. [2] Make onetime actions that can automate our future habits and deliver increasing returns over time such as buying a good water filter, unsubscribing from unwanted emails, moving to a friendlier neighborhood, buying a standing desk, or setting up automatic bill pay.[Section V : Make It Satisfying][Chapter 15] We should make sure to feel immediately satisfied after performing a new habit to increase the odds that the behavior will be repeated next time. “The human brain has evolved to prioritize immediate rewards over delayed rewards.” For that, we can add a little bit of immediate pleasure to the habits that pay off in the long-run.[Chapter 16] Here we learn how to measure our progress by tracking our habits. The immediate satisfaction it delivers—as mentioned earlier in Chapter 15—is one of the many benefits that standout. Besides that, James says, “when we get a signal that we are moving forward, we become more motivated to continue down that path.” The most basic format to track our habits is to get a calendar and mark an X each time we stick with our routine. One of the most important passages of the entire book is as follows: “If you miss one day, try to get back into it as quickly as possible. The first mistake is never the one that ruins you. It is the spiral of repeated mistakes that follows. Missing once is an accident. Missing twice is the start of a new habit. This is a distinguishing feature between winners and losers. Anyone can have a bad performance, a bad workout, or a bad day at work. But when successful people fail, they rebound quickly.”[Chapter 17] In order to prevent bad habits and/or eliminate unhealthy behaviors, James says that we could either add an instant cost to the action or make it painful. A habit contract is also another strategy to hold our accountability: “It is a verbal or written agreement in which you state your commitment to a particular habit and the punishment that will occur if you don't follow through. Then you find one to two people to act as your accountability partners and sign off on the contract with you.”[Section VI : Advanced Techniques][Chapter 18] We learn how to distinguish habits when genes may or may not influence our performance especially for competitive activities. “One of the best ways to ensure your habits remain satisfying over the long-run is to pick behaviors that align with your personality and skills.” James proposes us to set some time apart to explore new activities in the beginning, before shifting our focus to exploit them thoroughly.[Chapter 19] When we find the sweet spot of our ability we tend to learn best and fastest. The ‘Goldilocks Rule’ states that "humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of their current abilities. Not too hard. Not too easy. Just right.”[Chapter 20] One downside of certain habits, James explains, is that we may stop paying attention to the little details and errors. To counterbalance that we should review and reflect on the process over time to remain conscious of our own performance. Using a simple chart to convey his message, we learn that “the process of mastery requires that you progressively layer improvements on top of one another, each habit building upon the last until a new level of performance has been reached and a higher range of skills has been internalized.”PERSONAL THOUGHTSReading the book twice helped me take better notes and capture details. In the meantime, I thought about 3 simple strategies that could improve our adherence to new habits. Let me share these strategies here with you, and in the following section, I will describe how I managed to cultivate the first 3 new habits upon reading the book—following the system proposed by James together with these 3 strategies.[1] The first strategy is about determining a 'commitment time frame' to avoid excuses during this initial trial period. A 1-month time frame is a fair commitment, choosing to start on the first day of the month to practice it every single day for a full month. Just at the end of the period, I will take the time to reflect and evaluate the pros and cons.[2] The next one is to choose only 1 new habit each month. In doing so we become familiar with the practice intentionally while we develop a sense of purpose.[3] Last, during the first month of any new habit, I noticed that if I spend time exploring the details and the benefits, my motivation stays high. It doesn't only help us create better practices, but it is also inspiring to learn from others who have succeeded previously by adding the same habit into their lives. Podcasts, articles, videos, books, online courses, tutorials, and blog posts are all good sources.IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW HABITS[Nov 1, 2018] I had been wanting to journal on a daily basis for many years but that had never happened. Although I have carried a notebook with me for quite a while, it has never worked as a real journal—a daily routine, when we sit down and write personal thoughts, intentions, and reflections at around the same time. Instead, it has been mostly used to take notes during meetings, to write down ideas and thoughts, to express travel memories, and to doodle. Today, after 3+ months, I haven't looked back once, and still can't believe it took me that long to start this daily habit. During the first month, I read blog posts, watched videos, and even read a short and inexpensive book to foster my creativity.[Dec 1, 2018] I have been impressed by the physical capabilities we can develop through body movement. Although yoga has been a special part of my life since I was 18, I hadn't given proper attention to handstands. But now, after 2+ months practicing it every day, it is rewarding to see improvements on a weekly basis. Again, I definitely recommend watching videos and reading tutorials to find your favorite method. This is the perfect habit to stack at the end or in the middle of any physical movement practice you may enjoy.[Jan 1, 2019] By now we know the benefits of cold showers—ranging from healthier skin appearance all the way to a more resilient perspective of the world. I had previously taken cold showers for 3 months in 2017, but it was a “goal” mindset instead of a “habit” mindset. After that trial I set aside and, although I have kept taking cold showers once or twice a week since then, I wished cold showers was the default mode. Now, after 1+ month, I can't see myself taking warm showers. After all, it is about intention. Again, we can learn uncountable benefits of cold showers by reading success stories. One of my inspirations was Wim Hof. It isn't comfortable in the beginning of any chosen day, but after 3-4 minutes, both my breath and thoughts calm down.Putting them together, these 3 habits don't take more than 30 minutes of my day. While I spend about 10 minutes journaling and 10 more minutes practicing handstands, I save 5 minutes taking cold showers because I won't stay any longer than necessary.RECOMMENDATION[1] First, if you have watched videos, listened to podcasts, read articles and books on habit formation and, after all that, you feel satisfied, then, please, save your money and time.[2] However, if you are like me, that even after reading a few books on building habits and having successfully added good habits to your life, feel that there is still room for improvement, this book can be a terrific addition.[3] Last, if you haven't spent much time and energy discovering a good system to build lasting habits while breaking bad ones, please, read this book.COMPLEMENTARY READINGS[1] Game Changers, by Dave Asprey, exposed me to a wealth array of ideas/habits/tools that have helped me decide which new habit to build next. The book is divided into 46 laws.[2] Essentialism, by Greg McKeown, helped me focus on less but more important tasks, giving clarity to what matters most. This is especially interesting to break bad habits.[3] The Talent Code, by Daniel Coyle, brought more motivation when learning new skills based on the assumptions that we develop new talents through deep practices, finding our ignition identity, and having the right coach to guide us genuinely. I read it many years ago, then, a few years back, I read his following book called The Little Book of Talent—which is perhaps even more to the point.[4] The Systems View of Life, by Fritjof Capra, enlightened my perspectives on how nature and living beings are systematically integrated. It is a profound and slightly academic book that can complement Atomic Habits especially to tie together the 4-step framework into the feedback loop system.I sincerely hope you, too, have fun while building new habits.Take care,Haical
## 92 My journey with "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" has not just been enlightening, but it has been an absolute game-changer for my personal development. I began this exploration with a hint of skepticism and concluded with an undeniable realization of its potential. "Atomic Habits" is not just another self-help book; it's a guide, a mentor, and a blueprint that ignited my drive for growth in ways I never foresaw.While it's nearly impeccable in its approach, there are a few nuances that could resonate differently with readers. Eager to provide an objective viewpoint, I'll dive into my thorough experience with this book, offering an insider's perspective on its profound layers. This review is packed with my praises, yet it also touches on areas where the content could be slightly refined for broader appeal.🖥️📚 **Detailed Strategy Over Mere Concepts**: A refreshing twist in self-help literature: At first read, it's evident that "Atomic Habits" isn’t just about abstract concepts. Instead, it offers actionable strategies, a pivot from the norm that significantly influenced my approach to habit formation. Its emphasis on the power of compound growth resonates deeply, bridging the gap between mere knowledge and its practical application.💡🌙 **Micro Changes, Macro Impacts**: Illuminating the potential of the minuscule: One of the standout features of the book is its emphasis on small changes leading to profound impacts over time. This concept is relatable, especially for those who've faced the daunting task of overhauling their lifestyles overnight. It’s these minor tweaks, consistently applied, that can shape destiny, a theme consistently echoed throughout the book.📚🎒 **Science Meets Anecdote**: A Blend of Research and Real-Life Stories: James Clear masterfully intertwines scientific research with personal anecdotes, painting a comprehensive picture of habit formation. This duality provides both a theoretical foundation and relatable stories, enhancing the book's credibility and readability.🕶️🖐️ **Crisp Presentation Coupled with Engaging Narration**: A Treat for Avid Readers: The coherent structure and lucid style of "Atomic Habits" are commendable. But the true gem is its captivating narrative, which ensures readers are glued from start to finish. It feels less like a study of habits and more like an enlightening conversation with a trusted friend.🔋⏱️ **Sustained Motivation as the Central Theme**: The Powerhouse of Habitual Evolution: The recurring theme of maintaining motivation is a testament to the book's holistic approach. By focusing on systems over goals, it provides readers with a blueprint for long-term success, making transient motivation bursts a thing of the past.However, in the spirit of a well-rounded review, I'd like to touch upon a minor observation:⚖️🤔 **Overemphasis on Certain Concepts**: Repetition for Reinforcement, or Redundancy?: While the recurring themes reinforce the book's core concepts, there are instances where certain ideas felt slightly overemphasized. While some readers might find this repetition helpful, others might see it as a tad redundant.Considering everything, "Atomic Habits" overwhelmingly earns its 5-star rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Any minor repetitiveness pales in comparison to the goldmine of insights this book offers. The meticulous research, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies make it a must-read.To all individuals eager for personal growth and those on the fence about diving into the realm of habits, I wholeheartedly endorse "Atomic Habits". It promises transformative insights and practical tools to craft a better version of oneself. After all, don't we all seek a life of improvement, one habit at a time?I extend my deepest thanks to you for investing your time in this comprehensive review. I trust it aids in your decision-making journey, drawing you a step closer to finding your perfect self-improvement guide. To a future enriched with continuous growth, one habit at a time. Dive in, evolve, and thrive! 📚💫🌍
## 93 James Clear's "Atomic Habits" is a game-changer! If you're looking to make positive, lasting changes in your life, this book is an absolute must-read.Clear's writing is not only engaging but also backed by scientific research and practical insights. He breaks down the complex process of habit formation into simple, actionable steps. What sets this book apart is the concept of "atomic habits" - the idea that small changes, made consistently, can lead to remarkable transformations.One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on understanding the psychology behind habits. Clear explains why habits exist, how they are formed, and why they can be so challenging to change. Armed with this knowledge, readers are better equipped to identify and modify their own habits effectively.The real-world examples and success stories shared in the book are inspiring. Clear shows how individuals from various backgrounds have used his principles to achieve significant improvements in their health, productivity, and overall well-being. These stories serve as a source of motivation and demonstrate the universal applicability of the book's concepts.I particularly appreciated the actionable strategies provided throughout the book. Clear offers practical tips for habit formation, breaking bad habits, and maintaining consistency. The "Four Laws of Behavior Change" framework is a game plan that anyone can follow to make meaningful changes in their life."Atomic Habits" isn't just a theoretical guide; it's a manual for personal growth. The book provides readers with the tools and mindset needed to build habits that align with their goals. It's not about quick fixes or temporary changes but about establishing a system for continuous improvement.In summary, "Atomic Habits" is a transformative book that has the potential to change your life for the better. Whether you want to enhance your career, become healthier, or simply lead a more fulfilling life, this book offers the roadmap to get there. I can't recommend it enough – it's a powerful, insightful, and practical guide to mastering the art of habit formation. Don't hesitate; grab a copy and start your journey towards a better you!
## 94 Atomic Habits was a genuinely life-changing read for me. i know that my seem extreme, but i was living a life without good habits— unhealthy foods, no real routines, no exercise, etc. right before starting this book i decided i was going to start a little challenge to make some life changes, and i don’t think i could have done it had i not started reading Atomic Habits.i loved the writing style— it was educated but still very easy and interesting to read unlike many self-development books i’ve come across. the methods for change were very helpful, and hearing some of the reasonings behind our thinking was impactful. some of the most impactful parts of the book were just little phrases or ways he said things that really made me look at things differently.i really can’t recommend this book enough. i think James offers a fresh perspective and it really have changed my life. i’ve spoken high praise of the book and have recommended it to more than one person. you’re missing out if you don’t read this book RIGHT NOW. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
## 95 "Atomic Habits" is an absolute masterpiece in the realm of self-help literature. This book has not only provided me with an incredible wealth of knowledge but has also empowered me to make tangible changes in my life that have led to remarkable improvements.From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by James Clear's insightful approach to habits and personal development. His writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply. Clear's ability to break down the science behind habits and explain their impact on our lives is truly eye-opening.What truly sets "Atomic Habits" apart is its practicality. The book doesn't just offer vague theories; it provides a clear roadmap for cultivating positive habits and eliminating negative ones. The strategies and techniques shared in the book are actionable and can be implemented in real life with ease. Whether it's the idea of focusing on tiny, incremental changes or building a system that supports your desired outcomes, each chapter is filled with gems of wisdom that you can immediately put into practice.One of the most empowering aspects of the book is its emphasis on the power of consistency. Clear masterfully illustrates how small habits compounded over time can lead to monumental transformations. This perspective has completely shifted my mindset, enabling me to view personal growth as a series of small, manageable steps rather than an overwhelming endeavor.I can confidently say that "Atomic Habits" has helped me to be more mindful of my choices, habits, and daily routines. It has enabled me to identify and address the behaviors that were holding me back and replace them with habits that align with my goals. The impact has been significant – I've experienced improvements in productivity, health, and overall well-being.In conclusion, "Atomic Habits" is an indispensable addition to anyone's reading list, regardless of where they are on their personal development journey. It's a book that offers practical wisdom, backed by scientific research, and delivers actionable strategies for positive change. If you're seeking a roadmap to transform your habits and improve your life, this book is an absolute must-read. It has certainly left an indelible mark on my journey towards becoming the best version of myself.
## 96 I got this a little late in the game, as it has been out and in the zeitgeist for years before I broke down and got my own copy.In terms of overall condition and value of the book itself, I was very pleased. Arrived on time, great condition (like new) and no complaints. As for the content of the book; like many self improvement manuals, I think this one will give you back, exactly the amount of effort that you put into it. If you read it and don't apply the concepts, you have wasted your money. But if you are serious about self improvement, this definitely provides tools in an accessible and straightforward manner, that can be applied simply and yield results. It's a monster best seller for a reason.
## 97 Atomic Habits by James Clear is one of those rare books that I immediately read twice in a row. It is filled with dozens of science-backed and actionable nuggets of wisdom. Do you want to improve any habits in your life? I heartily recommend Atomic Habits to you! We are all driven by our habits - many of which are unconscious. Below are 9 quotes and takeaways from this life-changing book:1. "Getting 1 percent better every day counts for a lot in the long-run." Atomic Habits explains why the little things you do every day matters. Your little habits matter. It may not seem like a big deal to skip a workout or to be kind, but it is a big deal. Imagine if you improved your habits by only 1% every day. You'd be dramatically a different person in a year. Then imagine if you let your habits decline by 1% every day. You'd be in a much worse spot in life overall a year from now. Your little habits - atomic habits - count for a lot in the long run. What little habits are you improving upon (or neglecting...) today?2. "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." This is such an important point in the book. Oftentimes we focus on goals in our life, while neglecting to focus on the systems that help us achieve goals. As an example, I had a friend who had the goal to complete a triathlon. He achieved this goal! And then he quit working out for the next year and got out of shape... He was so focused on achieving a goal that he neglected his underlying systems of being healthy. Goal achievement can actually set us back if we don't get set up sustainable systems. Get the systems right and then we'll indeed also achieve our goals. Systems > Goals.3. "Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity." I love this quote from the book. Every action - every habit - you take casts a vote for the type of person you want to become. Do you want to be a more organized person? When you develop habits and systems that organize your life, you are casting votes for thinking of yourself as an organized person. You think to yourself, "hey, I'm an organized person." And then you reinforce that belief with your habits and actions - a virtuous cycle! The flip side of this can be true too. What if you often show up late to meetings? You're casting votes that may make you think "well, I'm just a person that is always late." An un-virtuous cycle. Be careful to make sure that your habits and ultimately your beliefs cast votes for the type of person you want to become and, indeed, who you truly are.4. "How long does it actually take to form a new habit? You just need to get your reps in." Atomic Habits answers the question of "how much time does it take to form a new habit" with a better answer of : X number of actions. Meaning, you may need to simply complete a new habit 100 times for it to stick, which could be done in 3 days or 3 weeks or 3 months, depending on the new habit. It is better to think of forming new habits in terms of consistently taking action, versus trying to stick to a habit for just X number of days. Get your reps in.5. "Reduce friction. Decrease the number of steps between you and your good habits." The inverse of this is also true - increase friction between you and your bad habits! I think about this a lot when it comes to eating healthy. I need to reduce friction by having healthy food in the house and healthy snacks at work. And I need to increase friction by not having candy in the house or in my office! Out of sight, out of mind. In sight, and I eat it. :) (which of course reminds me of the Dad joke I often tell my girls: "I'm on a seafood diet. I see food and I eat it...)6. "Use temptation bundling. Pair an action you want to do with an action you need to do." This is a powerful concept. I put this in practice by only "watching TV" when I'm on the treadmill. I am able to run at a 6 MPH pace and watch TV or videos on the iPad when I'm on a treadmill. So, I generally only watch sporting events or movies or 80s music videos on YouTube when I'm running on the treadmill. This approach actually allows me to run longer if I want to watch a full half of a game, for example. And 80s music videos will often give me the energy to run that extra mile. :) Think about a new habit you want to start and how you can bundle it with an action you're already taking. Stack them together - i.e. habit stacking.7. "Use a habit tracker. Keep track of your habit streak and 'don't break the chain.'" Atomic Habits does a nice job of explaining the importance of tracking your habits for success. What gets measured gets managed. One of my favorite habit trackers is a FitBit/Apple Watch, which tracks steps, heart rate, sleep, weight and can even track food intake/calories, if you input this data. My behavior definitely changes thanks to these habit trackers. Atomic Habits gives you additional habit tracker resources.8. "Never miss twice. When you forget to do a habit, make sure you get back on track immediately." We all will have days where we fall off the bandwagon and our habits go in reverse. Well, that's okay for one day. Don't let it happen twice. Get back on track as soon as possible. (And, yes, sometimes we miss a habit two days in row. Just don't let it become three days...)9. Author James Clear gets to the point quickly in Atomic Habits and with actionable advice. James has been blogging about habits, health, happiness, creativity and productivity since 2012. Check out a sampling of his writing at his website. James is also fun to follow on Twitter. Atomic Habits has 20 relatively short chapters that open with compelling stories and end with helpful chapter summaries. If you listen to books on Audible, I highly recommend the audio book as James reads this book very passionately.
## 98 I've read a lot of books on changing behavior and building habits and James Clear's Atomic Habits is my new favorite. This book is different from others in the way it covers an enormous amount of ground in the larger area of self-improvement while seamlessly tying all these ideas back into the central theme of habits.One of the core concepts in Atomic Habits is to focus on the small improvement. The impact a 1% improvement per day can make may appear negligible at first, but Clear makes a compelling argument that in the case of habits, thinking small produces the biggest results over time. "Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement," explains Clear.Over the months and years, the accumulated effect of small habitual daily behaviors is staggering. Early in the book we are also warned that this compounding works both ways, so we'd better make sure we're making it work in the positive direction, not for the negative.This is a concept I was introduced to years ago under a different name - Kaizen - the Japanese term for continuous incremental improvement. What's different and new in this book is how the concept is applied specifically to building habits.I found the information introduced in chapter two about behavior change at the identity level to be spot-on. You're also given a simple two-step process for changing your identity and this one idea alone is incredibly powerful.In chapter three, we are introduced to the habit loop - cue, craving, response, reward - and we learn how to build good habits in 4 simple steps and break bad habits in 4 simple steps.One of those steps to habit formation, which goes hand in hand with the 1% concept, is how to make it not only small, but easy. In the chapters that follow, this is exactly what you find out.Other ideas of great value that stood out included, habit stacking (the best way to form a new habit), habit tracking, habit shaping and how to design your environment - physical and social - for habit building success. You learn the truth about self-control, how to stop procrastinating and how to use implementation intentions, temptation bundling and motivational rituals. The book is simply packed with actionable ideas, tactics and strategies.Virtually every idea in the book is useful and resonated with me. While I may not agree that we should "forget about goals," I agree with one of Clear's core principles in the book - that we must develop systems for change. If we only focus on goals and don't develop systems and a focus on the process, we risk falling into a number of goal-related traps which ultimately lead to stagnation. With the right systems, we're rewarded with continuous improvement on a lifelong journey of success.Another difference between Atomic Habits and other books in this genre is that while it's based on science it doesn't bog you down with unnecessary details of the research. Clear's book is intensely practical, giving you a huge toolkit of organized and named strategies you can apply immediately to create and strengthen positive habits and stop the negative ones.The book is conversational, and includes many interesting stories, making it easy to read - and hard to put down (I read it cover to cover in one day).It's possible this might become your most highlighted personal improvement book because every page is so chocked full of memorable and quotable gems of advice.
## 99 I began reading this book with very high expectations and it did not disappoint. I, myself, am a big believer of the power of habits and have done a lot of research on the topic. Yet I learned a lot, especially the clarity with which the author presents his ideas. Big parts of the book were, in some sense, confirmation that I was doing things the right way, since I was oftentimes thinking "oh yeah, that's similar to what I'm doing". Still, parts of the book and strategies proposed were new to me and really helped add habit strategies to my toolbox. As mentioned though, the best thing about this book is the clarity with which the ideas are presented and the way they blend together.This quote from the last chapter summarizes the "Four Laws of Behavior Change" (that the book is about) well: " (1) Sometimes a habit will be hard to remember and you'll need to make it obvious. (2) Other times you won't feel like starting and you'll need to make it attractive. (3) In many cases, you may find that a habit will be too difficult and you'll need to make it easy. (4) And sometimes, you won't feel like sticking with it and you'll need to make it satisfying."Here's some of the notes I made while reading the book:- Habits are like compound interest in self-improvement.- Outcomes are a lagging measure of habits.- The "Valley of Disappointment" is the period where you are putting in the hard work but still seeing no results. --> but remember, your work is not being wasted, it is being stored.- You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.- Your habits shape your identity and your identity shapes your habit. It's a feedback loop. (reverse causation for the nerds here)- Make clear plans - Use the "Implementation Intention": When X happens, then I will do Y OR if Z happens, then I will do W.- Use "Habit Stacking": After behavior X, I will immediately perform behavior Y OR If Z happens, I will immediately perform behavior W. (i.e. As soon as I begin boiling water for tea, I will do 10 burpees). Also, be very clear. (i.e. I will do the burpees next to the fridge in the kitchen, or whatever, you get the idea. As long as it works, it's good!)- People with high self-control are the ones who structure their environments in such a way to minimize exposure to tempting situations.- Use "Temptation Bundling" + "Habit Stacking": After X, i will Y. Right after Y, I will immediately Z,where X - habit I already do, Y - habit I need to do, Z - habit I want to do. (The anticipation of a reward is what gives us the most motivation - and not the reward itself.)- Do something you enjoy before a difficult habit.- Planning can sometimes be a form of procrastination because it can make you feel like you are making progress (while you are not).- Make your habits as easy as possible to start (i.e. do one set of abs, read one page of my book) - This is called a "Gateway Habit". and it helps to reinforce your identity of who you are which will itself help motivate you to keep going.- Prime your environment for future use - "resetting your environment" (i.e. Take out your coffee and mug the night before, make your bed perfectly, to remove the sense of sleep / bedroom if you'll be working from your bedroom)- Use pre-commitment devices to make it harder/ impossible to deviate from good habits.- Even one minute of a bad habit (i.e. checking instagram) can manifest into a lot (i.e. getting lost in time browsing instagram).- Put some immediate reward into good habits / immediate punishment to bad habits.- Create a habit tracker / calendar to provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation.- Rule: Never miss a habit twice! (life gets in the way, but don't let it derail you off your path)- Finding what you are naturally gifted in will make good habits easier. To do that ask the following questions. (1) What feels like fun to me but work to others? (2) What makes me lose track of time? (3) Where do I get greater returns than the average person? (4) What comes naturally to me?- You can also win by being different, by rewriting the rules (i.e. by combining your unique set of skills)- Periodic reflection and review can enable the long-term improvement of all habits - identity building.Finally, some quotes I liked:- "Really successful people feel the same lack of motivation as everyone else. The difference is that they find a way to show up despite the feelings of boredom."- "The greatest threat to success is not failure, but boredom."- "You have to fall in love with boredom."- "Improvement is not just about learning habits, it's also about fine-tuning them."- "Success is not a goal to reach or a finish line to cross. It is a system to improve, an endless process to refine."And my favorite:- "It is remarkable what you can build if you just don't stop."
## 100 Atomic Habits, the brainchild of James Clear, is a powerful self-help book that promises to unlock your hidden potential and pave the way for transformative habits. If you're someone who, like me, could do with a few less "gym, fitness, weights, and sports" references, fear not – this book still has plenty of gems to offer.James Clear's writing style is undeniably unique, sprinkled with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of humility, but perhaps a touch too many "humble" brags for my taste. However, I'll give credit where it's due: this candor and authenticity may very well be a reflection of the book's original target audience and the author's personality.What sets Atomic Habits apart is the in-depth research that backs up every piece of advice. Clear has done his homework, and it shows. The book is a treasure trove of scientific evidence, making it hard to dismiss the ideas he presents. From understanding the habit loop to the power of tiny changes, every concept is backed by solid data, which makes the book both convincing and compelling.The real strength of Atomic Habits lies in its clear directives. Unlike other self-help books that leave you scratching your head, this one provides actionable steps that are simple to understand and implement. Clear's practical approach ensures that you won't be left wondering how to put these ideas into practice.What impressed me the most was the plethora of real-life examples scattered throughout the book. These stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary results are inspiring and make the principles feel achievable. From the success of Olympic champions to the stories of regular folks, every anecdote brings the concepts to life.While the fitness-heavy focus might not resonate with everyone, it's essential to acknowledge that it remains true to the author's vision and persona. For fitness enthusiasts, this book will be a home run.In conclusion, Atomic Habits offers a refreshing take on cultivating life-changing habits. James Clear's wit and candor might not be for everyone, but the book's well-researched content, practical advice, and relatable examples make it a compelling read for anyone looking to improve themselves and their lives. Embrace your quirks, dive into the research, and get ready to unleash your atomic potential!
## 101 Got for my daughter and she is having lots of fun doing these
## 102 bought this for my family to play on christmas! We had so much fun and laughed so much! Great thing for the whole family to play together
## 103 Perfect Stocking Stuffer! Good quality, would buy again.
## 104 We pull this out when all three generations of our family are together, because everyone - ages 5 to 80 - enjoys it! Mad Libs are a classic, and holiday Mad Libs are great for real-life and virtual family gatherings.
## 105 My sister loved her Christmas present.
## 106 Great for slumber parties and car rides. Remembrance of my kids childhood.
## 107 This is so fun. We use it for brain breaks during homeschool, and we usually laugh so hard our cheeks are hurting! I’m going to pack this away with our Christmas movies, so we can finish it next year.
## 108 Great for grandson he loved it:)
## 109 These are so much fun :)
## 110 Great for road trips or rainy days
## 111 The 48 Laws Of Power. Not sure where to really begin, but for people that say it is an "evil" book, you are taking it the wrong way. It is a powerful, self defense book NEEDED, because it literally teaches you how to deal with people out there in the world that are negative, toxic, liars, flatterers, fake, angry, suspicious, murderers and many more. To go into in depth detail of the book, here is how it is mainly summed up.You come across a Law. It says what it is. You then read a Transgression or Observance of the Law. Which these are real, historical stories that you will be reading. Some of these stories are cruel, fascinating, and overall jaw dropping. You'll find some of the worlds most recognized leaders and influencers in these stories.After you read these stories or the story, the Author gives you an Interpretation. Which is basically the breakdown or meaning of what the law was taking place in the story. After reading the interpretation once, I highly recommend going back to read the story again. This way, you'll gain an even more deeper understanding of the law.Lastly, the Author leaves you with an image, an authority (which this is a quote by someone) and a reversal. The reversal is basically the conclusion and tells you why you should follow the law.After you read a law, have a highlighter with you and go back to highlight some of the most important words or quotes. Trust me, A LOT of things will really stick out to you. Really reflect on your own past, personal experiences or situations you've been in with others. You want to do this, because it'll help make you stronger, wiser and more prepared than ever before when you come across any situation or person in the future, because YOU WILL. WE ALL WILL. And I strongly feel that this is why Robert Greene wrote The 48 Laws Of Power. Not just so you can be powerful or controlling over everyone, but mainly how you gain or use power against those who are very dangerous and want to purposely put you down into the ground.This book is NOT a toy. And don't just think that after you are done with the book, you can immediately just go out and start practicing all the 48 Laws. That is not how it works. It is your responsibility to know what situation you are in and to know what Law will be your bodyguard. Nevertheless, you should always be extremely careful of your own actions and the words that you are going to say. Power should never be underestimated. You must learn to handle it with care. If not handled carefully, its like letting loose a tiger out of its cage and its killing everyone in sight.Read at your own risk, but most importantly, LEARN....
## 112 there seems to be a lot of love and hate surrounding this book, so if you are curious but unsure, this review should help you decide whether or not to buy the book, and how it will impact youFirst, to understand the 48 laws of power, you must know two key ideas1. you CAN NOT escape the power game. thinking you can "not participate" is as foolish as thinking that you could somehow escape gravity or make the sun stand still. Robert Greene explains why in the intro with some excellent examples2. the 48 laws of power are neither good nor evil; they are just LAWS. If someone pushed a man off a cliff would you blame gravity for for his demise? This is the mindset you must adopt in order to learn a lot from this book.Things I Liked- NEW PARADIGMafter reading the 48 laws, you will never see the world the same way again. once you understand some of these laws you will see many underlying currents and motives you did not see before.- INCREASES POWERone of the main reasons to buy the book. you wil become exponentially more powerfull by knowing and understanding these laws-CRYSTAL CLEARevery law is clearly outlined with "transgression" of the law, "observance" of the law, keys to power, and a "reversal"-GREAT STORIESthe 48 laws are packed with mindblowing and sometimes humorous stories of people in history practicing these laws. this is helpful as some of the concepts are quite abstract.What I didn't like-RISKYan old proverb says " A man who plays with snakes will eventually be bitten". If you begin to use the 48 Laws improperly, you could get yourself in some dangerous situations, lose friends, piss off a lot a people, and destroy relationships- REQUIRES DISCERNMENTif you you are looking for a highly concrete book that the says "do xyz and you will accomplish vyx" look elsewhere. the Laws require good judgement and and and prospecting nature to practice and apply-NOT FOR EVERYONE If you are aghast at the idea of manipulation and deceit then read with caution.OVERALL: If you want to have more power or a better understanding of why different situations turn out the the way they do, you should definitely read the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. If you want to be naive, easily manipulated, weak, you should ignore this book and go watch some netfilx.Thanks for reading
## 113 I've heard about this book here and there but I haven't gotten around to check it out until 3 months ago. I was most intrigued when I heard that this book is/was allegedly banned in prisons due to its very powerful insights and tactics. So I pulled the trigger and purchased the book.With that being said, I think this is an essential read for every adult. Was it a pleasant read? Not necessarily. It explores the dark aspects of our human nature and how power is at play in every social interaction. A lot of the laws in this book didn't sit right with my personal values and it even made me uncomfortable at some points, but that is not the point of this book. Because it equips you with the knowledge to protect yourself from subtle manipulations, jealousy, greed and other dangerous influences of those who surround you.Highly recommend.
## 114 If you want a step-by-step guide to everything that is wrong with your fellow human beings, this is it. The book treats all of life as adversarial, as in, for me to win, you must lose. The fact that it is successful tells the whole story: why there is such disparity between the haves and have-nots, why we treat planet as a bottomless toilet, and why religion, an obvious fraud, has such a hold on humanity. If you want to sacrifice your well-being and relationships on the alter of getting ahead, this is the book for you!
## 115 The 48 Laws of Power is a thought-provoking and insight book that delves into dynamics of power and how it can be effectively wielded. Each law is presented with historical examples and anecdote, making it an engaging read, However, it is important to approach this book with caution, as some of the tactics described may seen as manipulative oe unethical. Overall The 48 Law of Power offers valuable lessons on human behavior and power dynamics, but it is up to the reader to decide how to apply them ethically in their own lives.
## 116 I read all the laws and some of them don't really make immediate sense, so it gives you a lot of historical and some more contemporary examples to help demystify some of the less straight forward ones. It's pretty easy to read, and not really what I would refer to as complicated language, more of probably early university level writing. I wouldn't necessarily agree with all of the laws, but some make a lot of sense.
## 117 Reading this book has truly been a game-changer for me. Before diving into its pages, I felt like my life was out of control, with challenges and setbacks lurking around every corner. However, this book has inspired me to take a new approach to life - to view my obstacles and enemies not as barriers, but as opportunities for growth and success.One of the most impactful takeaways for me was learning how to harness the power of my enemies. The author teaches us that having enemies isn't necessarily a bad thing - in fact, it can be quite beneficial. Our enemies can challenge us to be better, to work harder, and to reach higher. They can inspire us to be our best selves, even when we feel like giving up.Through real-life examples and powerful storytelling, this book illustrates the ways in which we can turn our enemies into allies. It provides practical tips and strategies for identifying and managing our enemies, as well as shifting our mindset to view them in a positive light.Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to take control of their life and conquer their challenges. It's a powerful and inspiring read that will leave you feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Thank you to the author for sharing such an impactful message with the world.
## 118 I like reading books involving psychology and this book is great with that. Touches on a lot of interesting ways people can interact with one another to get desired outcomes.
## 119 Back in school, I absolutely hated reading. They provided 0 value to me and books were mostly fiction.This book was recommended to me by my sales coach. He said "it was banned in prisons"...I got curious.I haven't even finished it yet. I'm about to start the 4th law.This book is straight up gold. Every single page, there is something I didn't know. Most books have 3-5 pages of information to take away. Every page I have read thus far is incredibly eye-opening.I use the first 4 laws in my day-to-day life right now; I'm sure I'll be using more as I continue reading it.I'm using these laws for good. It's great for:- Dealing with toxic people- Family Disputes- Arrogant people- People who don't like change- People who are interviewing for new jobs- People who are asking for raises- People who are selling- Getting a girlfriend/boyfriendIn the wrong hands this book is bad for people with ill intentions. Please proceed to read this book with caution. You have been warned.I will update my review once I'm finished with it!
## 120 This book is PACKED with interesting information. It's like the author can't give enough interesting information, so he jams more and more into his book. This is surely the most interesting book I have read this year.
## 121 As usual excellent book. I really do start my day withLord, will the rapture be today? I started to pass on this book since I just finished Beyond the Rapture. After praying about it i felt it was good to read this book. I can see why as The Great Disappearance was spiritually uplifting and informative from a Biblical view. I definitely recommend reading this book.
## 122 Love Dr. Jeremiah and his vast knowledge of God. For any Christian that wants to get a better understanding of how The Great Disappearance is going to happen this is the book. It is an easy read and takes about 6-7 minutes per chapter. It is explained in a way that you are very clear on how the process will happen.
## 123 Having read Dr. Jeremiah many times, I was not disappointed at all. His concise organization made many points much more clear. Thanks for your efforts.
## 124 This is a great book. Captivating. Dr Jeremiah does a great job explaining everything as usual. We'll worth the purchase.
## 125 The Biblical subject of the rapture always is dear to my heart!! I cannot wait for my Lord and Savior to return and take me Home!!
## 126 Easy to read and understand. Follows scripture teachings. Highly recommended for anyone wondering what will happen and how it will happen.
## 127 Dr. Jeremiah writes in language the average person can understand and relate to. The words of salvation are clearly defined.
## 128 Clear, concise teaching. All supported by Scripture. Dr. Jeremiah is a well respected Pastor and teacher.
## 129 This is a good read and words of wisdom from a great teacher.
## 130 After the loss of my wife I found myself looking for answers. I couldn’t put it down, I’m not a great reader but found peace in these pages.
## 131 Much has been said about Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry. So when my sister chose it for our book club, I was curious, albeit cautiously.Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant and beautiful chemist in mid-century California. She seems to have everything going for her, but "seems" is the operative word. Because the men she works with are awful. What's more, Elizabeth isn't like other women, or even people. Unflinchingly driven and uncompromising, she refuses to perform for anyone, to smile on demand or at all. She tells the truth, even when it's ugly -- and it often is --making her seem uncooperative, unlikeable, and cold to everyone but Nobel Prize-nominated fellow odd duck Calvin Evans. Yet at her core, Elizabeth is purely kind. Despite having suffered loss, violence, and the most egregious sexual discrimination imaginable, she believes that everyone deserves to be treated fairly. And it is this humanity that she brings to her cooking show, Supper at Six.Now, if you're wondering how a no-nonsense chemist became a TV star, then I'm right there with you. Suffice it to say that unjust events in Elizabeth's life resulted in this most unlikely of developments. And although she's less than thrilled to be working with bowls instead of beakers, she makes the show her own, taking every opportunity to educate her female audience about not just cooking but chemistry and, ultimately, change. Subversive and surprisingly entertaining, Supper at Six is a syndicated smash. To me, this is where Elizabeth blossoms, her paradoxically off-putting personality, passion for science and food, and insatiable hunger for justice commingling to enable her to connect with other women. It's exciting and inspiring and all of the things. But this is still Lessons in Chemistry, not an uplifting romp about a reluctant but charismatic performer. Because as I said in the beginning, Elizabeth Zott does not perform.There's trouble brewing at the TV station, just as there was at the lab, only worse. So some things happen, and then some more things, culminating in an ending that feels like a drop off a cliff. And although I can see how it would be satisfying for most, to me it's anticlimactic. Still, this isn't my story; it's Elizabeth Zott's. She's a scientist first and in the end, she gets what she wants and needs.Maybe understanding -- and respecting -- that is a lesson that this very unscientific but very feminist reader needed to learn.
## 132 Oh, my God!! I LOVE THIS BOOK SO, SO, SO MUCH!! 😍 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, DEFINITELY 👍🏻!! I don’t care what other reviewers say; I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I read it for my book 📚 club & I’m SO glad I did!! I mean, yes, I agree with what some reviewers say: it IS, sadly, a fantasy. The sad truth is that Elizabeth Zott, the FMC, would probably NOT have even been ALLOWED to work in a scientific lab 🧪 in the 50’s, let alone be on T.V. talking ABOUT chemistry … & yes, it wasn’t as laugh-out-loud as I thought it was gonna be, particularly at the beginning with the r*pe scene & the sexism throughout the book that made me (as a woman in my 30’s now) VERY angry … And yes, I DO think it SHOULD have trigger warnings because of this … And it didn’t have as much romance as the AppleTV trailer made it seems (yes, I watched the trailer BEFORE reading the book, sue me; BUT I DIDN’T see the actual show yet!) … But it DID make me “laugh-out-loud” in the middle & had me smiling widely by the end of it!! 😃 It also has a very nice twist at the end! 😊 (I’m not gonna tell you what the twist was because that would be a MAJOR spoiler! 😉) But anyway, now I’m very much looking forward to seeing the AppleTV show & comparing it with the book!! 😊 I would 1,000% recommend!! 😍👍🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
## 133 Whatever you do if you are thinking of watching the television series, do yourself a favor and read the book first!This is a marvelously written accounting of the stereotypical men's world women had to endure in the 50's and 60s' . The content is brilliantly presented so that even someone who knows nothing about chemistry can easily follow along and become enamored by the science, and the explanations that inspire you to learn more and wish there were women like Elizabeth around when you were learning these topics. Be aware the story does have it's dark sides and there are some triggering scenes early on. The writing is presented well enough that you know what's coming so you can prepare yourself for the content. The television series hads taken some liberties, so if you want to know the magnitude of devotion and who Elizabeth and Calvin truly are ,READ the BOOK First! Overall I loved it and can't wait for what I hope will be future installments.
## 134 I read this book when it first came out and liked it. Knowing that a show based on the book was going to be streaming, I re-read the book today in one long sitting. I literally couldn’t put it down. Ms Garmus is eloquent in illustrating how male dominant society is and how women have been marginalized. This was especially so in the 1960s and 1970s, the time frame for the story. Elizabeth Zott, the protagonist in the story, is a brilliant chemist who’d unfairly been kicked out of graduate school, had her scientific work stolen and plagiarized, then fired from the research institute where she’d worked a a lab technician—the institute wouldn’t deem to allow her to function as a research chemist. She became a lover with a scientist at the institute who was killed in an accident before their daughter was born. But she persevered; hence the chemistry lessons disguised as a tv cooking program. I just finished my 2nd reading.
## 135 Boy. In someways, I’m really angry that I read some of the reviews for this book. Some were ranting anbiut how negative it was about men. Some screaming feminist BS. Neither of those is true by the way I But then I was talking to someone when I was getting my haircut who was talking about this book and how much she enjoyed it and why and I thought what the heck I’ll try it. I listen to the book on Audible by the way. Fabulous.This is really unlike anything I’ve read in the last 10 or 20 years. I loved this book. I loved everything about it. I loved all the characters, men and women, and especially the dog. It was such a joy to read and I really hope that the author can come up with another book, even half as good as this one is. I have recommended this book to anyone who would listen for five minutes and bought one and sent it to my son. If you only read one book this year, let this be the one.
## 136 I purchased this science period book yesterday, which is not normally in my reading alerts due to a YouTube video on the up coming show. By the first chapter I could not put it down!! Because never judge a book by its cover for one, but two the resilience of Elizabeth.This wonderful work shows that what many should know, women are capable of ANYTHING!!! Especially in the 1950s.Elizabeth Zolt is someone many can relate to, not only for her love of science but for the question "When will someone take me seriously?" This wonderful work will leave you on the edge of what happens next? I'm not going to give anything other away other than what I've already wrote. I just wish there was a second book to go with this, because wowwwww!!!!! I love this book.
## 137 So often when you finally get around to reading a best seller that topped all the lists for almost a year, you can't quite say what it lacked but it just doesn't live up to all the accolades. This was definitely not one of those times. Bonnie Garcia has written a book full of people you Cate about grappling with the most interesting issues. There are a few villains to be sure the issues are right at the forefront of the story. Elizabeth Zott and Calvin Evans - to say nothing of Mad, Harriet, Walter, Wallet and MS Franz will stay with you long after you leave them behind the cover of this well thought out novel.
## 138 Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. This story tackles some big issues of the early 1960s in a male dominated workforce - sexism, sexual abuse, and operating outside “the norm”. Two social outcasts meet and a strong bond develops between them. But they have to face the judgment and abuse of society.I loved the characters in this book. They were well developed and full of unique personalities. This group of misfits captured my heart - an obsessed and brilliant scientist, an unwed mother, an unhappy housewife, a precocious child, a minister with an open mind, a struggling single dad, and an amazing dog.Through everything, the story reminds us of the bonds we form and that we never know what someone is or has gone through. This book could have been such a downer, but thanks to the characters, it was full of humor and hope. This is a must-read!
## 139 ::::insert hyperbole here:::: This book deserves every single gushing review that’s accumulated. I loved it. As a 61 year old mother, I was a child on the tail end of the dying throes of the conformist 50’s and I remember what it was even as late as the 70’s. To challenge the status quo was like belching. Everyone did it but it was never done in polite company. This book takes the reader through the fight, and fighting is painful.This book enraged me, frustrated me, made me laugh out loud in many places, especially when Harriet first enters the story, and it made me tear up in painful sorrow, in sympathy, and finally in happiness. And it accomplished all this without angst.Get this book. It’s worth every penny and you owe it to yourself to know that the events described in this book were fairly common back in the day. Make your daughters read this and make your sons learn this.
## 140 This book captured me from the first sentence. Extraordinary character development with a refreshingly different story line. The main character’s singularly-scientific focus came across almost as Asperger’s sometimes, which contributed even more to the story line. While I did not like her Atheistic viewpoint and criticism of God, faith, and religion (I am a Christian), I compartmentalized it as a typical character trait for someone with a highly scientific mind. I did not take it personally as some reviewers of this book have done. After all — it’s fiction! I highly recommend it. A great read!
## 141 Just a couple of weeks ago, I found out by chance that John Grisham had written a sequel to his first massive best seller, The Firm. I have read many of his books, with The Firm being my favorite. I just re-read it last year in fact. So becoming reacquainted with Mitch and Abbey McDeere again in The Exchange was incredibly unexpected and exciting.I used to be a huge Grisham fan and have read many of his books. But then I began to find his books had become stale and somewhat formulaic so I had stopped reading them. But in the last few years I did read one of his more recent ones (which was ok … not brilliant but ok), and I reread my two favorites of his (The Pelican Brief and The Firm). So, I was really pleasantly surprised that The Exchange was out.While I was cautious that it might be a letdown, it was absolutely not that. I was thoroughly engrossed in the story, much like I was with many of Grisham’s earlier books. He knows how to write a page-turner like no other writer I know. This book gets to a point where it’s hard to put down leaving the reader almost breathless while reaching the height of the story — something he has done brilliantly time and again throughout his career. But this isn’t just a walk down the memory lane of the Grisham-of-old. He has updated the McDeeres into their early 40s (in 2006 so alas I am sure he is planning a third installment). So the McDeeres are not fresh young adults any longer. But John Grisham is not a fresh young writer any longer either. Instead he has matured his writing-style to make his legal thriller style even better.I am now a reinvigorated, eager fan of John Grisham again. It feels like I have reconciled with an old friend after a long absence. Good to see you again, friend. Welcome back!
## 142 The plot is set in the past, around 2006, otherwise the McDeeres would be pushing 60. (The Firm was first published in 1991). The idea of the sequel works well - throughout the book I was picturing a youthful Tom Cruise dashing around the world with Jeanne Tripplehorn, the supportive wife, holding down the fort at home. Could not really get the images out of my head. A sequel is a great marketing idea also because all of us who enjoyed the first book avidly buy the second. Thankfully it built on the past rather than continually rehashing The Firm. The book is pretty good. It does take a while to get going and does not start out as a page turner - the chapter endings are not cliff hangers, but by midway I was hooked and reading voraciously. Sign me up for the threequel.
## 143 I didn't really like this book, but for very selfish reasons that don't warrant a lower rating. I read lots of books from plenty of genres, but I love coming back to the familiar settings and writing style of the annual John Grisham release. This sequel to The Firm, which I enjoyed re-reading in preparation (remembered none of it because I read that book as teenager), goes way way waaaaay out of the comfort zone. It was very international and very New York Upper-East side, with just a taste of the Memphis setting with what I thought would be a sub-plot that connected somehow, but it never panned out. It was still very good, very evocative, and I did enjoy it. It was my fault that I bought it with barely a glance at the synopsis, and I will do the same thing next year, without a doubt. I might dig up another old Grisham book from the 90's that I can't remember and enjoy it to console myself.
## 144 This new book follows the story of Mitch McDeere from THE FIRM, 15 years after he and wife Abby escaped from the Chicago mob with their lives. They now live in NYC with 2 boys, with Mitch a lawyer in a worldwide law firm that requires lots of travel. Very little about his earlier life spills into this book until the end. The story involves the abduction of one of Mitch's colleagues in Europe by a Middle East group of seeming terrorists. Mitch flies all over trying to negotiate and gather ransom money. Abby is also pulled into the fray. I'm not sure a sequel to THE FIRM was needed, but this story is interesting and different, with its international flavor.
## 145 They're back ...... Mitch and Abby McDeere from "The Firm" return in this new tale by Grisham.The McDeeres are no longer naive new college grad's facing an uncertain future. They are now parents and seasoned world travelers who are now comfortably settled down in excellent jobs. Life is good, they are living the life they had always dreamt for themselves until.....Mitch is asked for assistance on a case by his good friend. What ensues can only be described as a living nightmare perpetrated by truly sick, insane people. Mitch and Abbys well ordered, comfortable life comes to a screeching halt, as do many others who survive the ordeal.Known for his legal battle books, this one took a twist that reads like a political, espionage/spy thriller. It was unexpected. Parts of the descriptive parts of this book gave me almost overwhelming feelings of nausea .... all to reminiscent of how I felt when I used to watch the news in the late 80's, 90's and early 2000's.....truly sick of what mankind does to each other in their respective searches for domination, greed, prestige and fame.That said, I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting because it certainly kept some of the when, where and how questions unanswered until the very end and because it was a book by John Grisham, a excellent writer and world class story teller.
## 146 This is not your typical John Grisham book. There’s a lot to read through in some moments of good excitement. But virtually all of the book is lawyers maneuvering back-and-forth to deal with a problem. The ending is somewhat satisfactory although there’s a part of me that would like to see some sense of justice established. However, it’s kind of fun to read about Mitch and Abby again. So if you enjoyed the firm, I think you’ll enjoy this book.
## 147 Good job on this "after The Firm" book. I enjoyed the short trip down memory lane from The Firm, the vivid descriptions of places and the gruesome action but I believe you might have cut this short without revealing WHO did it and WHY?Does thus mean the next book will provide all the details and possibly the back story for those violet individuals seeking a $100 million dollar pay day...?
## 148 Its hard to call a book set 15 years after the first book a continuation of the McDeere story. Its a good read. But I have a problem with the whole story being based on saving a hostage by paying terrorists. Yes every life is important but giving millions to terrorists will cost many more lives and sets a terrible precedent. However in that context, Grisham does weave an exciting tale with many exotic locations and the book is good if you are a Grisham fan.
## 149 Really enjoyed this book. The first few chapters I loved- great way to connect The Firm to The Exchange.There are some plot twists I didn't see coming, and the story was riveting, especially with the war in Isreal and Gaza.The reason for 4 stars instead of 5- I felt the last third or maybe quarter was a little drawn out unnecessarily.Grisham doesn't always wrap his books up like you'd expect, but the ending felt right.Great read overall.
## 150 I was disappointed that this was not vintage Grisham.The Exchange was a follow up to The Firm from" 15 years earlier."This book was not as exciting and was anachronistic regarding current technology in a setting in Libya before M.Ghafaffi was toppled.Hopefully, if Hollywood picks up the rights,a good screenwriter can spice it up enough to entice Mr.Cruise to lead as Mitch McConnell Deere again.Good Luck!
## 151 I enjoyed reading this book with my youngest “Swifties.” I was originally looking for something geared toward a slightly higher age range, but I knew the quality of Little Golden Books and figured this would be easy to read but still enjoyable. There was some easily digestible info in this book for kids and it made them more interested in learning about Taylor Swift. Though I sometimes feel like I am dragging some of them to reading, this book made them want to seek out more information on their own. They actually asked for more advanced information so they could continue to learn. Though I think of the Little Golden Books as too young, this may be a good way to entice them to read.
## 152 Adorable book! I bought this for my toddler and she loves it. I, myself, am a Swifty so I enjoyed reading the book as well. It begins to tell about Taylor’s childhood then goes into detail up to when she wrote her 1989 album. (If only they waited to write the book until now- during the Eras Tour.) It is written in a language that is easy for kiddos to understand (I would say 6 years old+) and has pretty colors.
## 153 This book is super cute and worked perfect for a Taylor Swift movie bday party we attended. I paired it with a pink Stanley cup and I thought it was the cutest gift. I gifted it to an 8 year old but I think any Swiftie would love this book, no matter the age.
## 154 Love learning how Taylor Swift grew up to be the major music star she is today. The art is wonderful and this is a perfect addition to any Swiftie collection!
## 155 Can’t wait to give to my daughter. How cool of A Little Golden Book to make something for older kids something from their past.
## 156 Adorable Golden Book for the Taylor Swift fan. My granddaughter is 5 and loves Taylor Swift. I bought this as a stocking stuffer for her for Christmas.
## 157 This type of book is so nostalgic! I remember having a collection of Little Golden Book storybooks when I was a kid. It’s a simple and easy to read biography of Taylor Swift. Illustrations are cute too. 💜
## 158 My girls love taylor swift! This book is so cute! If you have kids who live taylor, buy this book!
## 159 We are Swifties over here so when I saw this book of course I had to grab it! Cute story for kids about following your dreams. And bonus it’s about Taylor Swift! If you are a fan this book is a perfect little collectors item!
## 160 Wow
## 161 My daughters (7 year old twins and 3 year old) and I are obsessed with Mo Willems' books. My twins started memorizing his books when they were 2 years old, so of course we were very excited for a new Pigeon book!That persuasive pigeon is always up to something! I love the story. It's like the others, but unpredictable, so it was so much fun to read and I'm looking forward to reading it many more times. There's also a little "Easter egg" hidden on the page with the fireplace, and my daughters noticed it right away! I just saw stockings at first, but they knew! I don't want to spoil it for Mo Willems fans, so that's all I'll say. ;)And the ending really made me hopeful for another Pigeon book. I sure hope he'll write more, because we love them!It's another cute book, but what I love most about Mo Willems' books is that they're enjoyable no matter how old you are and they're educational. Toddlers love the silly characters and their lines, which they quickly memorize, and then that encourages them to read.One of my twins was reluctant to practice reading sometimes, but she was always in the mood for Pigeon or Elephant and Piggie books. They really helped with her confidence. Both of them started reading chapter books last year, but we'll always enjoy Mo Willems' books. Of course I got "Be the Bus," which is targeted towards adults, too.I definitely recommend this book for any age and it would make a wonderful Christmas gift! We just couldn't wait until then and had to read it now. :)
## 162 My granddaughter is a fan of Mo Williems books and "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" is one of her favorites. I knew this one would be along the same lines and would be just as cute. Mo Williems never disappoints. This is a fun addition to our Christmas library and makes a great Christmas gift or a book to read to little ones for the holidays.
## 163 I’ve been a fan of the author for a really long time. If I counted correctly, this will be the 11th book we have (including Be the Bus).Even though my children are teenagers, they do not want to give them away (especially my youngest). When they were little, they loved telling the pigeon NO! Now, they get to carry on this tradition and help Santa.Highly recommend!
## 164 Darling story with the Christmas twist! We love the Pigeon and Elephant and Piggy books! My kids read over and over.
## 165 Purchased several books!Copyright 2023 !!Gifted one to a kindergarten teacher and a second grade teacher and nephews !It's an engaging book for young readers !
## 166 Mo Willems is my favorite author of all time. I adore this book and any book about the Pigeon. His adventure on the sleigh brings the joy of the pigeon and his naughty side with the love of Winter.
## 167 The laughter this book caused was wonderful. We are familiar with the series and this one is a great addition.(He is in second grade.)
## 168 We love these books. So funny for adults as well as children..These are some of our favorite books!
## 169 Great books
## 170 Very cute and typical of the Don't let the Pigeon series. I have enjoyed all of this series and this was a great addition.
## 171 Excellant story. Perfect for the holiday season. I read it with my kids and we laughed alot. Read this book. It's worth the time.
## 172 Bought this book for a Turkey in Disguise activity and the students loved it!
## 173 The kids enjoyed this funny story. Lots of laughs in our 4th grade classroom.
## 174 The main character tries and tries again to come up with a satisfying solution to his problem.
## 175 My son was reading this at school so I ordered a copy for home. Although I enjoy the story, I'm not sure if I love it for my preschooler. But Thanksgiving ending with pizza always sounds like a good plan.
## 176 Funny story. Very good price & service. Secure packaging.Thank you Vendor!
## 177 I babysit kids 3 & nearly 5 years and they think this book is funny. I'm a little nervous that they won't want to eat the turkey on Thanksgiving though... Ha!
## 178 I’m a preschool teacher and the kids in my class loved this book! We did a disguise the turkey activity along with it and it was perfect. Definite read for thanksgiving!
## 179 Both of my boys came home with a paper turkey to decorate in disguise for thanksgiving to make him less noticeable! This is the perfect book to help with imaginative ideas. Thanks for the fun read!
## 180 Funny book for thanksgiving. Great deal, It was really cheap for kindle and you can read it on ipad or laptop - if your Kids know how to use it. Would recommend
## 181 Psychiatrist, professor, world-class researcher, and traumatologist Bessel van der Kolk MD requires no introduction to trauma psychotherapists. My enduring impressions of him over many years is one of relevance, cogency, frankness, and accessibility - served up with a subtle dash of impishness. He tends to be a bit disruptive - something of a provocateur - and everything of his I have ever read has taught me something, confirmed something important, or pushed my thinking in a new direction. When he has something to say, I want to hear it.However, I almost didn't buy this book: I was put off by the title. Familiar with major reviews of PTSD psychotherapy outcomes research, I know that research support for body-oriented approaches to treating psychological trauma psychopathology is thin at best, and such treatment models simply do not have the research validation of either EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and PE (Prolonged Exposure), neither of which are especially body-focused.J. Interlandi's excellent article anticipating publication of this book - "A Revolutionary Approach to Treating PTSD" (New York Times Magazine, 2014.05.22 - available online) - initially supported my fears that for some inexplicable reason van der Kolk was now promoting some treatment model for which we have little confirming research. "Psychomotor therapy is neither widely practiced nor supported by clinical studies," Interlandi informs us. Provocateur he may be, but I'm strongly biased in favor of paying attention to therapies for which we do have solid empirical validation. Our clients do not deserve to be experimental subjects - maybe not even if they agree to this, as I'm not sure they can ever know enough to make a truly informed consent. Knowledge that PTSD and related disorders are usually highly curable, when using the right treatment protocols, sadly remains the possession of a minority of people, even in the professional psychotherapy world.Yet the account of van der Kolk's therapy work in Interlandi's article is gripping. Becoming completely absorbed in the account, I was convinced. (I've been here before, reading van der Kolk's own accounts of his work.) And so the disruption begins! Deeper into the article, he has me. Van der Kolk's critique of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy - a general class of therapies) and PE (E. Foa's exposure therapy model) is withering and correct: neither really work. "Trauma has nothing whatsoever to do with cognition...It has to do with your body being reset to interpret the world as a dangerous place....It's not something you can talk yourself out of." Interlandi reports that "That view places him on the fringes of the psychiatric mainstream."But he's right, and I can't stress this enough. Why? Because as a trauma treatment professional I'm well aware of what the trauma treatment outcomes research actually says. The best current summary of this research well may be chapter 2 of Ecker, et al.'s (2012) "Unlocking the emotional brain". (Buy this book, too!) Ecker et al. brilliantly presents a synthetic summary that encompasses 11 existing therapy models which actually DO cure trauma psychopathology, if done right. In this context, what van der Kolk is doing makes perfect sense. Finally, it appears, the trauma psychotherapy field is moving toward a consensus which has strong credibility.Van der Kolk's new book has many virtues. Parts One and Two (102 pp) provide a substantial review of the neuropsychology of trauma's impact on a person. It's fun, interesting, informative reading, for professional and layperson alike. Part Three (64 pp) surveys childhood development, attachment experience, and "the hidden epidemic of developmental trauma". Van der Kolk has for years been a leading champion of the idea that there is a type of PTSD which substantially differs from all the rest. It develops in response to chronic child abuse and/or neglect. I completely share his belief that the diagnosis of Developmental Trauma Disorder (sometimes called C-PTSD, with "C" meaning "Complex") is overdue for formal recognition. I find his review of the struggle to legitimize DTD as gripping and distressing as anything else in the book. It is anguishing to know that a major problem exists, AND that the psychiatric establishment simply refuses to acknowledge it. DTD/C-PTSD is no fantasy. We see and treat these people, as children and adults. They exist, and they are nothing like "ordinary" PTSD treatment clients.Part Four (29 pp) focuses on memory. I've long thought that much writing on treating psychological trauma seems to miss the point: trauma memory is what causes the problem. Deal with that and the symptoms vanish. Why is this so hard to understand? Yet, it is not a common understanding at all. Explaining how trauma memory works is invariably enlightening to my clients. And experiencing what happens when we change the nature of trauma memory is revelatory to someone who's lived with it for years, if not decades. As he does throughout the book, van der Kolk offers fine stories about clients who have experienced exactly what I've seen happen in my clients, making excellent use of what cognitive research tells us: people understand things best through narratives. Offer a good narrative and you convince.Psychological trauma therapy is complex, but we are now well prepared to launch into the book's core content - Part Five (154 pp), "Paths to Recovery". He gets right to it: we cannot undo the trauma, but we CAN undo its effect on us, and so get our "self" back. Ch. 13 reviews existing therapies. His approach is to repair "Descartes' Error" (see Damásio's 1994 book of that title) by viewing mind and body as a single coherent functional unit. His topical coverage is complete and his critique of current therapies acute - not to be missed.He then writes of the importance of language (Ch. 14). We construct our narrative mainly in words, and the words we choose are critical. But language is not enough (this anticipates his next two chapters). Our senses encompass a larger world, and it's center is our body, where all our sensory receptors are located. Then he introduces the treatment model he's long advocated: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I'm trained in EMDR, and in fact van der Kolk and I had the same instructor for our advanced training: Gerald Puk PhD. Van der Kolk tells an amusing and self-deprecating story about his advanced training experience, in which Puk was able to provide a strong corrective to his approach to clients. This is typical van der Kolk - he's a truth-teller, even when it may put him in a poor light! And,after all, at this point he has nothing to prove to anyone.Finding an EMDR therapist is not hard (see his "Resources" section). Nor is it hard to find a yoga instructor, and yoga is what he advises for helping a trauma victim get back into their body. Yoga is a wise choice, because it is available, already widely known, and adaptable to a wide range of individuals and capabilities.There is much more in Part Five, and the focus is on self-empowerment. "Victim no more!" as they say. Most trauma therapists have a keen interest in seeing their clients leave therapy charged up and ready to fully embrace their life - that certainly is my own emphasis. Van der Kolk's thoughts on self-empowerment for those in recovery from psychological trauma will be invaluable to any trauma psychotherapy client.For psychotherapy professionals, this book will be both delightful and confirming. For everyone else, it will be a readable, gripping, highly educational tour of topics all of which are critical to a successful transition back from the impact of psychological trauma. That he gives prominent though not dominating emphasis to developmental trauma disorders is entirely appropriate. Our society has yet to grasp that child abuse and neglect is a more often chronic than not, and that its impact is largely ignored and poorly treated, if at all. This does not have to be. Get educated (this book will do that), then commit to being an advocate for children as well as for adults impacted by trauma. They all deserve the chance to be healed, and we can now do that. Van der Kolk shows us how.The physical book: Jacket design is pleasant and interesting. Binding is less so: color of spine wrapping is semi-florescent, and of paper, not cloth. The book feels substantial and pleasant to hold and look at.Organization -* 6 pp: prefatory praise by peers and related luminaries (interesting comments from some important people in the field);* 2 pp: Table of Contents;* 356 pp: actual text;* 4 pp: Appendix: Consensus proposed criteria for developmental trauma disorder* 3 pp: Resources* 4 pp: Further reading* 51 pp: Notes* 21 pp: Index
## 182 Of all the non-fiction books I've read, this is by far the best one ever. I grew up in a tough way. Lots went wrong. My brother and I believed we were unwanted and we had plenty of evidence to back up our sentiment. We suffered shared abuse and individual abuses of every kind imaginable. When I became an adult, I subscribe to the concepts of people like Rush Limbaugh and drove around listening to his radio show proclaiming that there is no such thing as post-traumatic stress disorder. I believed I could gut it out, that the past was the past and that only weak people needed to talk through their problems. I believed only losers behaved badly as adults due to anything in their childhood or past and that claiming you were affected by any past problem was a crutch to allow you to embrace failure. Frankly, for a time, that approach worked for me. I got married, had some great children (still have them thankfully), built a company. But it didn't take too long until it all came crashing down. And, when it did, I spent nearly 1.5 decades down. The anxiety that was always in my throat and chest was, to put it mildly, a distraction. It's very hard to be kind to people, to focus on your work, to love others when all your power is spent trying to pretend you don't feel like s***. When you can't sleep because your heart is beating so forcefully that the entire bed is vibrating - at least it feels that way - you not only lose the joy of sleep, but you feel hopeless and miserable and even more so when you're not able to understand why you feel this way. When you see everything you have go away and can only occasionally find the strength to take care of yourself and your business and need others in your life to carry you from time to time (much to your embarrassment) and yet you think you're smart and capable and have no understanding of why you are where you are, life becomes a slog. You trudge through it wishing you were dead or that something would kill you even if, like me, you'd never kill yourself. Literally, when I was a believer, I went to bed every night and my prayers went something like this, "Dear Jesus, please have a bus run over me. I will never kill myself but I'm miserable. Please let me die so my family won't hate me for killing myself but so that I can stop hating the sun coming up. In Jesus name, Amen." If you're like I was (and it's hard to tell you how I was and hold the tears down even now), this book will help you change all that. It will describe in detail what you're going through and it captures so many of those subtleties as to make it absolutely amazing. For the first time, I don't have depression (and I don't take pills). I don't have anxiety (it still bubbles up on occasion but using mindfulness, it goes nearly as fast as it comes). My life is pointed in the right direction, my business future is hopeful, my love-life is stabilizing, I know I'll no longer lose friends. I'm finally on track to getting what I want in every area of my life from women to money to friends and deep connections with my family. While I can't attribute every part of my success to this book alone as it takes many things to get where you want to go (mostly you), I can absolutely attest to the power of this book. If you've suffered any sort of major and/or persistent trauma in your life, please buy (and read) this book. You will one day thank yourself for doing so.
## 183 This book has been on my reading list for a while and I’m so glad I finally purchased. It helped give me insight into issues I have from time to time and a good friend immediately borrowed it when I finished. In talking to my SIL I was even able to help her understand some of my brothers behaviors. It has been wonderfully helpful in better understanding myself, the brain, and even how to correct issues. I highly recommend!
## 184 Wow! The Body Keeps the Score has so much information in it! I’m not great at reading technical books, especially if they are science related. Yeah. I’m more of a language arts and social studies kind of gal! I have gotten better since I taught sixth grade science, but technical brain stuff still confuses me a bit. Thankfully, Bessel Van Der Kolk does his best to explain things so that even I can understand them. I may have needed to reread some paragraphs a couple of times, but I did finally understand it.The Body Keeps the Score is so well written. Like I said, even I was able to understand it. The writing style may be more technical, but it is still usually easy to understand. If you’re like me and know very little about the brain, you’ll be good! He does a good job of explaining all the different parts of the brain and how trauma affects each of those parts.I learned a lot from the examples he shares of his clients and how they have reacted to traumatic experiences. It’s crazy how the same situation can cause such different reactions! In one person the experience can cause the person’s brain to pretty much shut down, while someone else’s brain in the same experience can cause more of a fight or flight response. I did find it fascinating to learn about these different responses.One of the reasons I’m glad I read The Body Keeps the Score is so that I will be better prepared and be better able to help my friends, family members, and students who have suffered from traumatic experiences. One of my favorite parts was learning about all the different strategies that can be used to help people heal from their trauma. I knew about a few of them, but I learned about several unconventional methods that will help.I love that healing focuses on body awareness and mindfulness. It’s all about separating the past and the present and becoming aware of your body. It seems strange, but apparently when you suffer from a traumatic experience, your past and present collide. When something triggers your mind in the present, you feel the same emotions as you did when you first had the experience. At that point it becomes difficult to discern if you are in the present or in the past. Fascinating, right?Content Rating: PG-Profanity: None-Intimacy: Low (Incest and abuse are noted as causing trauma.)-Violence: Low (He does describe some traumatic experiences his clients have experienced.)Age Recommendation: 16+ (It’s quite technical and younger readers may not fully understand the content or be able to apply the knowledge. There are heavier themes that may not be appropriate for younger readers.)
## 185 I have never cried while reading a book before, but that changed reading this book. If you have PTSD or know someone who does, get your handkerchief ready. This was not an easy read for me as it made me realize how much trauma I had buried and forgotten years ago. I am grateful for it as I can now begin working towards healing.I believe this book was written more for mental health practitioners, but it was not written in a way that was difficult to understand or follow. If you have PTSD or know someone who does, I recommend reading through this book.
## 186 My therapist recommended buying and reading this bookCalled "The Body Keeps Score- Brain, Mind, and Body in The Healing of Trauma " Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.It was delivered in mint condition.
## 187 This book was a required book for one of my courses in college. I LOVED it. It’s so educational and makes trauma more ‘mainstream’ and not just a diagnosis. The importance of collaboration with other professionals is highlighted as well, and a lot of other undead pointed out that needs to be addressed in multiple different jobs/careers. 11/10 phenomenal book
## 188 I want to give this book 3.5 stars, but because I think the knowledge in this book is important for the average person to read, I’ll give it 4 stars. I want to preface that the epilogue to this book (“Choices to be Made”) is an absolute trash-ridden, garage-filled piece of detritus that doesn’t belong anywhere in any sort of literature. It almost convinced me that this author is an absolute shill. However, if one ignores that entire last chapter, then the book itself is actually quite superb (and the author doesn’t seem to be a fraud).Trauma is a huge problem in the world. Many subjects in the modern era have really advanced in order to better understand the human brain, mind, and the processes connecting them (mainly due to technological advancements such as the fMRI). I would think that to most people, trauma is something that can detrimentally, and sometimes irreversibly, harm someone. If that someone is a child, this damage is multiplied by a billion. However, what I think that people end up lacking is the knowledge of when/how trauma can form. It isn’t just caused by obvious phenomena such as war, natural disasters, tragic family accidents. It can be caused by simple things as well such as verbal arguments, falling off a bike as a child, or a parent working long hours and never seeing his or her child. This is why this book is important. It makes it known that trauma is a lot (or can be a lot) more ubiquitous than people think.The book is broken down into a few sections. I would say about 70% of this book is background, on a variety of subject matter. This certainly could have been shortened down by about 40%, but I suppose more information is generally better (in this case I would likely disagree, as the book itself is already too long, so removing the “fluff” would likely have been a good idea). The last 30% of the book is about “solutions” to trauma. I won’t go into each chapter and mention every main point, but overall each chapter is worth, at the very least, a heavy skimThe background knowledge on trauma is really interesting. We learn what parts of the brain are activated during trauma (and parts that are activated post-trauma). This help us to understand why people may “freeze” during a traumatic experience, why people cant express their feelings when they become “triggered”, and why certain medications work better than others. The information here really opened my eyes as to why people who have experienced trauma can act so strangely and illogically. “Just tell me what emotion you are feeling.” “Stop trying to hit me! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I feel like I can sympathize more with these people and have a better understanding of how to approach them.The solutions to this were quite impressive and honestly seemed fairly simple in nature. Examples include EMDR (which is essentially just a mixture of hypnosis and REM sleep initiation), brain-computer interface technology to control frequencies produced by your brain, talking, yoga, theater, etc. There is no cure-all method, but rather each solution needs to be tailored to each individual. Obviously, drugs are an option here but this merely is a temporary solution and doesn’t “fix” trauma at all.I want to finish this with my negative opinions on this book and the author. Overall, the author seems to be fairly knowledgeable and truly caring. However, this book is full of their bias, and it really shows. A few examples are as follows. The author does a good job at adding references in this book when making claims, but when you pay attention to the location of the references, it is clear that the author is tacitly picking and choosing what they need to reference. For one, the author really hates drugs (and by that I mean medications used to treat people with mental disorders or trauma). He makes that very clear throughout this entire book. So he will reference some statistics that say drug use is bad when he makes a claim. But then a few sentences later he makes another claim that negatively talks about drugs, but doesn’t cite any reference. He tries to make you think that the reference 3 sentences ago would also be for this, but in reality it doesn’t. I see this as pseudo-science. He thinks he is being clever but in reality he is just being a biased con artist and not even close to a real scientist. As I mentioned early, the epilogue to this book is just atrocious, This is where he gets into politics and tries to tie trauma to all sort of institutions and societal structures. He blames trauma on guns, healthcare, teachers, etc. He think that teachers are to blame (they dont comfort kids enough) and writes off the parents bad behavior at home as “something that happens, but the teacher needs to be the ‘parent’ then”. He paints the USA at times as some crazy country where schools and healthcare is years behind what it should be, but doesn’t talk about these same exact issues (sometimes even worse) in Western Europe where these political structures are different, but the problem still remains. I’m very happy this was an epilogue and not an introduction because if it was I would have thrown this book into my compost bin immediately if it was.
## 189 Fascinating read! The book gives an insight to the stories of people’s struggles, research and solutions.
## 190 This book was so very well researched and detailed. The content connected exquisitely with a medication class where we have been learning about body systems and the implications for meditating. As a veteran teacher and administrator in elementary education I connected with how all of a child's experiences form the person they are. Talk therapy applications can help likely more so than medications. The book reminded me of Joseph Chilton Pierce's "The Magical Child" and other books regarding childhood development and recovery, especially those books written by occupational therapy practitioners.
## 191 This book, with its magic, fairytale roots, and steamy hot romance, deserves ALL of the stars. I loved it!Here are the five reasons why I gave A Court of Thorns and Roses 5 out of 5 stars (and then some):★ FAIRYTALE RETELLINGI was a little wary of this story when I discovered that it was a fairytale retelling. I love the story of Beauty and the Beast. Growing up, I watched the Disney version all of the time (but not as much as I watched Pocahontas). However, in the past I have struggled to find enjoyment in Beauty and the Beast retellings. Particularly Beastly by Alex Flinn -- I did not enjoy the book or the movie.I think I was worried that A Court of Thorns and Roses wouldn't feel original, but it was the complete opposite. Maas has written an incredibly unique story that is grounded in the fairytale we all know and love, but is also independent and utter creative genius (Maas is definitely honing and owning her writing skills!). Yes, there is a curse, and magic, and a love story. But there is also dark magic, and steamy romance (and I do mean steamy!), and blood and gore, and court drama -- basically, all of my favorite things wrapped up in one neat, rose-colored bow.There were some twists on the original story of Beauty and the Beast that I really enjoyed. For example, in the original story, the residents/servants of the Beast's home are cursed and transformed into household items. However in ACOTAR, rather than being transformed into household items, Maas' cursed characters must wear masquerade masks, and have done so for 50 years since the curse was placed on the night of a masquerade party. I also appreciated that, though Tamlin was a beast, that quality did not factor into the curse that was placed on him. Rather, as a Fae, he has the power of shape-shifting, and takes the form of a beast (usually when fighting). So, throughout most of the book, Tamlin is portrayed as a glorious, chiseled, man of steel. Some readers believe that the fact that Tamlin is gorgeous retracts from the Beauty and the "Beast" story line. However, no one writes hot male love interests like Sarah J. Maas, so I am not complaining about Tamlin at all.Overall, I found that I loved the fairytale background of this story more than anything. I enjoyed drawing comparisons between Maas' story and characters, and the story I grew up with. Maas' world is so intriguing, engrossing you from the very beginning and never letting you go.★ GENREWhile we know that ACOTAR is a fairytale retelling, that is not to say that it is a children's book. I went into this book thinking that it was Young Adult. However, there is a particular scene that takes place after the Great Rite on Fire Night (such a good scene, by the way -- just wait for it) that made me take a step back and think "Whoa! This is way too sexy and erotic for Young Adult literature."Looking back at Goodreads, I found that the book was listed as Young Adult and New Adult. But, I would personally classify this book as New Adult. Having read many New Adult novels, I found that the sex rating for ACOTAR resonates with that of a New Adult novel. I think that there is a lot of confusion about the genre of this book because we all know Sarah J. Maas as a Young Adult author. I personally have no problem with this genre. However, for parents who are giving this book to their young children, or for those readers who don't enjoy sex scenes in their books -- you have been warned.I love the New Adult genre, and discovering that ACOTAR fell into that genre made me love it even more. I appreciate the more mature content, and that the characters are closer to my age (Feyre is 19). And, hey, I appreciate the sexy times, too. (There is no shame in my game... Because, who am I kidding? I have no game.) I had also never read a New Adult Fantasy before, so I was glad to be exploring new territory.I'm absolutely impressed with Maas as a writer. She is not afraid to be different, to venture out to new places. I love that she is entering this new genre, and look forward to seeing what else she has up her sleeve for the future.★ FEYRE, THE PROTAGONISTWhen I started reading ACOTAR, I was sure Maas was going to give us another Celaena Sardothien: a badass girl who is nearly invincible, yet lovable and cool. However, Feye (pronounced Fay-ruh) is so different from other fantasy protagonists I have read, because she is so unapologetically human. She is normal, and she is flawed, and I found that I could easily relate to her character. Feyre is unlike the female protagonists we are accustomed to. She is no fighter, not outstandingly gorgeous, and she is also illiterate (a shortcoming that embarrasses her to not end).In the beginning, Feyre is not very likable. She is cold, harsh, stubborn, and hard-headed. But, readers begin to see how her situation of poverty has shaped her to be that way. Once at the Spring Court, where she is no longer burdened with the responsibility of taking care of her father and two sisters (all of whom are ungrateful of her efforts to keep them alive), the ice in her heart begins to melt as she lives in comfort and takes up her passion for painting. Readers witness her character develop as she begins to rediscover happiness and life's simple pleasures. Feyre easily becomes a character you can't help but root for and love.★ TAMLIN & AN IMPENDING LOVE TRIANGLESince we have discussed Feyre, I believe that it is only appropriate to take a glance at her love interest: Tamlin.Tamlin is a bae Fae warrior, with magical abilities. He is also gorgeous, kind-hearted, and strong. And, he places Feyre's happiness and well-being above all else. But, he is not perfect. He is flawed, haunted by his family's past, by his own mistakes, and the lives he has taken. But, through all of that, he still strives to do and be good.However, I admit that while I love Tamlin, I am worried that Maas has a love triangle in the works for Book 2 of ACOTAR.Because Rhysand.Rhys, a sexy, dangerous Fae, is a force of nature who seeks to dig his claws (or rather, talons) into Feyre. And, I can't say that I hate him. I actually like his character, although we witness him do some terrible things (even to Feyre). He seems edgy, fun, and is incredibly witty. (Maas does this thing where she makes you fall in love with all of her characters, even the morally ambiguous ones.) While Tamlin is all gorgeous and good, Rhys has that hot-but-tragic thing going for him.I am already struggling with the love square Maas has going on in the Throne of Glass series (between Celaena and her three love interests -- Chaol, Dorian, and Rowan). I don't think that I will be able to handle the emotional roller coaster of another of her love triangles. But, I think that as long as no one else is introduced, as long as this does not move into the quadrilateral stage, everything will be fine.★ SUPPORTING CHARACTERSWhile Maas' main characters are at the center of attention, her supporting characters keep this book afloat. With less focus and fewer appearances, Maas' supporting characters still manage to steal our hearts and the show.First, there is Lucien, the red-haired, one-eyed Fae who is Tamlin's best friend. He is initially rude to Feyre, but eventually warms up to her. They easily develop a sort of big-brother-little-sister relationship. I would consider Lucien to be the story's comic relief. He is humorous and sarcastic and I adore his character.There is also Amarantha, the story's evil villainess. She is a Fae ruler who has a particular hatred for humans, which is not good for Feyre. She is cold, calculating, and cruel. But she has a backstory (all the best villains have backstories). And, I don't want to spoil you all, so I will just say that, when you learn her backstory, you realize why Amarantha is so harsh and unforgiving. Although, while I can sympathize with her on some level, I find her evil ways to be too much at times. However, I still find her to be an interesting, well-written character.And of course, there is Rhysand, whom I mentioned earlier. He is incredibly important to the story of Book 1, and will have an even larger presence in Book 2. I cannot wait to learn more about his character, because he is so enigmatic and intriguing and I just know that I am going to love him.HONORABLE MENTIONSMaas' WritingI believe that ACOTAR is Maas' at her best. As I stated earlier, we are definitely seeing Maas hone and perfect her skill -- each book she releases is always better than the last. What I liked most about Maas' writing in ACOTAR was her use of first person. Throne of Glass is written in third person, and with changing character perspectives. I find that I can tend to get bored with certain characters. But, with ACOTAR, told from Feyre's perspective, I felt engaged throughout the entire book.Faerie WorldI literally want to live in Prythian, in the world of the Fae that exists beyond The Wall (just without all of the drama). Maas depicts the Spring Court so beautifully and vividly. It seems like a literal heaven on earth.Other than the beauty of the Fae world, there are the parties and festivities. I mentioned Fire Night and the Great Rite earlier, two very interesting festivities held in the Fae world. And then there are parties and gatherings celebrating the seasons, such as Summer Solstice and Midsummer. It is all so fantastical and fun, readers are just dying to step into the pages.***There is not much else I can say about A Court of Thorns and Roses. I LOVED this book! I have no idea how I am going to wait an entire year for the sequel. It's going to be excruciating, but I am sure that it is going to worth it. Because Sarah J. Maas is a fabulous queen of writing, and every word she writes turns to gold.
## 192 I bought the trilogy. All together they were the best books I've read in a while. Separately, they were not perfect but I'm okay with that. I read a lot and tend to dislike books that show no character growth, or have wishy-washy villains, or have insta-love, or have love result from H saving h from sexual violation, or suffer from deus ex machina. I don't particularly care if something is obvious because sometimes I want to read something that is easy and obvious. My brain doesn't want to be challenged 24/7. Also, I love good dialogue- dialogue makes a romantic connection feel real rather than insta-lovey. Is dialogue action-packed? No. Does it slow down pacing? You bet. At this point, you're probably wondering where this review is going? Well, I think that knowing more about me as a reader might make it easier to see/ relate to my views for this book.Now the fun stuff! ***SPOILERS***Feyre (the h):This character is complex and goes through several changes throughout the series. In this book, she has her ups and downs. Initially, she is hardened, street-smart and capable with a cynical eye toward romance and happiness and outright hatred and prejudice towards the fae. She also has love for a family who seems to dislike and neglect her. She is not very likeable. But does that make a book bad? No. (Hello, Wuthering Heights.) It is, however, more rare to write an h this way because readers in general tend to want to relate to an h, particularly when it's written in 1st person perspective. So many readers might not be able to get into the story because of their dislike for Feyre. When the far remove her burdens that largely drove who she was, Feyre changes. She doesn't have a purpose to keep her going, to shape her. The pacing of the book suffers a bit here while she tries to sort herself out. She tries to make love and painting her new purposes, and while she has the determination to do so, the fit just isn't right. Does this make the book bad? No. While many people won't like to read about an h that seems somehow "less" this downward arc was necessary to fuel the inevitable reversal toward a more fitting purpose. It drags a bit for sure, but makes the reversal feel more right, more true later on. Did she rush into something with Tamlin. Her feelings do feel a bit rushed but ultimately fit her as a character- going all-in has always been her style from the start. In that sense, the character is consistent. Also, her reluctance to voice her love made me think that deep-down she might have confused love with gratitude. Tamlin was her savior in many ways. For all of these reasons I liked Feyre.Tamlin (the H):Tamlin was the 1st high fae Feyre had any meaningful interactions with in the 1st book. I never really liked him as an H. He was pretty but basically hollow. He struggles with uncontrolled rage. He had just as much hatred for humans as Feyre did for fae, and his elitist attitude was hinted at throughout this book (though not substantiated until book 2). He also adheres to fae tradition in weird ways- his willing participation in the Fire Night ritual is distasteful because it borders on infidelity (especially since we later learn in book 2 that he can designate a replacement). Tamlin has from the beginning been primarily focused on Tamlin. When things get tough, he sends Feyre away; he doesn't consult or listen to her, but just decides, hinting at his desire to treat her like a possession rather than a person. When he gets a moment of freedom under the mountain he attempts to have sex with Feyre (his wants) instead of trying to escape with or save her (her needs). When Feyre is dying, he can only bring himself to beg for her life, he isn't moved into action. All of these things hint that Tamlin is not a good fit for Feyre. Many readers will not like to read about an H that is so lacking/ ill-fitted. The beautiful part is that these things are only ever hinted at in the writing, not outright stated so you will want to root for Tamlin while also feeling something inexplicably lacking in him. I thought about it lots before I picked up book 2, where my thoughts regarding Tamlin were cemented. Tamlin could not have been written more likeable though. If he was the perfect H then Feyre falling for Rhys in book 2 would have felt like a betrayal, instead of fated, and then Feyre would've been worse than unlikable but detestable as an h.Lucian:A secondary character who is both interesting and flawed. He hates Feyre at first, but ultimately warms up to her. He is loyal to a fault, siding with Tamlin over and again, even when he thinks it is wrong to do so. A trait that becomes more obvious as the series progresses. Lucian has potential.Rhysand (villain/other H):Rhysand was the most interesting character in the book (although Nesta was a close second). Rhys was the evil queen's right-hand man. He has done terrible things. Yet, when we meet him (not my favorite bit of the book because of the gross circumstances I do not favor, as mentioned above) there is evidence that he is not all that he seems. He appeared to be interested in Feyre romantically, but the "why" part is not there. Also, it is not 100% certain WHAT drives his actions. He is a mystery. Why did he decide to help her time and again? Why, if he likes her did he decide to put her through nightly humiliation? Why use her to torment Tamlin? He is clearly not 100% a good guy. He is complex.Other things people often talk about:The sex. There is a lot more sex in this book than in other "YA" books. It seems like that has somehow lead to some amount of controversy. I find that notion very strange as many eons ago when I was a teen, sex was a big part of being a teen- whether or not to have it, who had it, when they had it where and how, what type of birth control to use, etc. Suggestions that a book would have any type of influence on those things are just silly. Teens have sex. It's a fact. Wishing it otherwise does nothing productive. Also, the sex in this series is not "explicit." Every time I see this adjective used, it makes me laugh. I have read many romances and even some erotica. If you truly want something "explicit" check out erotica- phrases like "the apex of my thighs" or the "the length of him" are not "explicit."The copious dialogue. Lots of readers don't like the extended dialogue and also wish to have seen more of the fae world. I am just guessing here, but I am thinking that they are meaning that they wanted less talk and more fairy magic. But, fae are known for more than just their magic. Another key attribute of fae has to do with their words- being able to only speak in rhyme, only speak the truth, answer any question posed, etc. This attribute can be very interesting (see Mortal Instruments series or Dresden Files). And indeed it was put to use throughout the series, sometimes well done other times much too dues ex machina for my liking. Dialogue can be a type of action when done well enough. In this book, it probably could've been better but was good enough for me.The Fire Night and rape culture. Honestly, I am bothered by this one. I am never fond of rape or sexual violence as a plot device which is why I tend to avoid historical romances almost entirely. In this book, I think the Fire Nite ritual was used in part explain a bit about fae magic and in part to push forward the Feyre-Tamlin relationship while introducing Rhys. I think it both went too far and not far enough. Tamlin's participation cheapens his feelings toward Feyre, just imagine someone saying, "I love you, truly, but I need to go have sex with someone else." And then he came back to Feyre AFTER HAVING SEX WITH SOMEONE ELSE, and bit her to clearly show his possession of her. It doesn't sit well, does it? Additionally, the three fae with bad intentions suggest to Feyre that fae tradition gives them the right to violate her just because she is present. That makes all fae seem brutal and detestable. Thus, it goes too far. But, what about the converse? The Fire Night ritual is supposed to be necessary to ensure the bounty of the land for the next year. But, the spring court is the only court that has/ observes this ritual en mass? That does not really make sense to me. The need for this ritual, especially considering mated bonds are a rare and extremely valued thing, is not properly explained. It really could've been omitted from the book and is one of the few things about the book that I truly did not like.The masks. Some people like them, some don't. The reason given for them was that they were yet another obstacle to a human girl falling in love with Tamlin. I really didn't mind them but I did not like Feyre's reaction to the removal of the masks. While it was consistent with her character (she always had an eye for pretty guys), I thought that it cheapened her character to have her feel relieved that Tamlin was so pretty without his mask. It was very superficial, and further proof that there wasn't much of substance to their "love."While book 1 is my least favorite of the series, I still really liked it and will definitely re-read it again. Books 2 and 3 get even better and I am looking forward to further writings as well. Hopefully we will get to see what happens to Nesta, Elaine, the 6th queen, and Bryaxis.
## 193 Sarah J. Maas, a master of captivating storytelling, has once again enraptured readers with her spellbinding novel, A Court of Thorns and Roses. This first installment of the series takes you on a thrilling adventure, filled with romance, action, and the enchanting world of the Fae.The story revolves around Feyre, a brave nineteen-year-old huntress whose life takes an unexpected turn when she kills a wolf in the woods. Little does she know that her act of self-defense will set in motion a chain of events that will forever change her fate. Dragged into the treacherous and magical land of Pyrythian, Feyre discovers a world she once believed to be mere legend.Maas skillfully weaves a tale of love and danger as Feyre finds herself caught in a web of deceit, surrounded by the immortal faeries who once ruled her world. While her captor, Tamlin, may appear to be a beast, she soon realizes that there is more to him than meets the eye. As Feyre navigates her new surroundings, her initial hostility towards Tamlin slowly gives way to a fiery passion, challenging everything she thought she knew about the Fae.What truly sets A Court of Thorns and Roses apart is Maas's ability to create a rich and vivid world. Her descriptive prose brings the enchanting faerie realm to life, immersing readers in a world filled with beauty, danger, and hidden secrets. From the lush landscapes to the intricate court politics, every detail is meticulously crafted, ensuring that the reader's imagination soars.But it is not just the world-building that shines in this novel. Maas's characters are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and secrets. Feyre's journey of self-discovery and growth is beautifully portrayed, allowing readers to connect with her on a deep emotional level. The chemistry between Feyre and Tamlin is electrifying, their evolving relationship adding an irresistible layer of romance to the story.As the plot unfolds, a sinister threat looms over the faerie lands, casting a shadow of darkness that threatens to consume everything Feyre holds dear. The suspense and action build steadily, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, desperate to uncover the truth and witness the fate of the characters they have grown to love.In A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas has created a masterful blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore. With her lyrical prose and clever twists, she transports readers to a world that is both enchanting and perilous. This book is a captivating page-turner that will leave you yearning for more.If you are a fan of captivating fantasy novels that whisk you away to fantastical realms, then A Court of Thorns and Roses is an absolute must-read. Sarah J. Maas's talent shines through every page, and I cannot wait to dive into the next installment of this enthralling series.
## 194 Having heard much raving about this series, I was poking around on Amazon when I saw this collector's edition. It is indeed gorgeous, although I do wish it had a ribbon attached to the book to use for a bookmark. The gold image that flows from the front cover to the back and the texture of the cover are far more appealing than the plain, paper, black covers that are on most hardbacks today, and that alone justifies its presence on the shelf. It wasn't the first time I had bought a book for the cover.Aside from hearing reviews from fans, I also saw a reference to the book when reading about Patricia A McKillip's _Winter Rose_, which I had recently read, and its connection to the ballad of Tam Lin. This same fairy tale apparently had influence on Holly Black's _Tithe_, also. Although the High Lord in Maas's tale is named Tamlin, the story is obviously a retelling of "Beauty and the Beast." The story also has borrowed pages from the fairy tale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon," wherein the main character is taken away from her family by the bear, and the bear prince makes her impoverished family rich. Whereas neither "Beauty and the Beast" nor "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" have fairy characters, aside from a witch or enchantress here and there, in the story Tam Lin, he is identified as an elf. In Maas's retelling, which court is cursed to wear masks, Tamlin's friend's mask is clearly stated as a fox, whereas Tamlin's mask is only vaguely described, and he is often referred to as a "beast." The lack of description was a tad infuriating.While set in a fairy tale period of time past, the main character clearly has "modern" ideas. She has no mother and a weak father figure and, furthermore, was tasked by her dying mother to take care of her sisters, despite the fact that she is the youngest. The family has only recently fallen into poverty, and the main character's upbringing has been neglected. She learns to hunt to feed the family, and, unlike the book-loving Belle of the Disney fairy tale, no one bothers to teach her how to read, although she is presented with a library, at which point, if you were ever in doubt as to which fairy tale was being emulated, you now know for sure. According to the Internet, the character's name "Feyre" means "Fair, Beautiful," like the name "Belle." DYSWSDT? I myself am not a fan of retellings, and even less of "modern" retellings, although I do appreciate influences and notes here and there.As a novel, the story has a single plot line. I have always felt that a story can be a single plot line told in a linear fashion, but a novel requires a bit more substance. Although it was interesting enough for me to finish, I am not sure that I feel compelled to read the rest of the series, particularly if there is no matching collector's edition. For me, the most interesting parts were the three tasks at the end, and I had already guessed the answer to the riddle. I found Feyre's modernity and rebellion to be tiresome and in direct contrast to what readers who like fairy tales would desire, and I found her difficult to like, which is basically how I feel about most "strong female characters." I do not understand how a person who is stubborn and illogical is strong. Stubborn, I can get. Stubborn and dumb at the same time? No.ACOTAR has a Lexile score of 880, which puts it at the lower end of a 4th grade reading level (700-1160). You won't learn any new big words, and the prose is clearly more commercial than literary and follows the "hero's journey" template little to no deviation (i.e., no big surprises). It is known near the beginning of the book that the main character is no virgin, and there are racy scenes past the middle of the book, as well as being intoxicated and hints of something like a lap dance while being scantily clad in later chapters. The descriptions of the fairy land (not merely a realm) were not as detailed as those in Julie Kagawa's _The Iron Fey_ series and were mundane and too similar to the lands of the mortals. The writing was a bit awkward at several points where one character's actions were in the same paragraph with another character's dialogue, so there was a bit of a whiplash effect for the reader, and the book could have used a good editor to clean up those areas. So, was it bad? Obviously not that bad, since I finished it. Will I read more of her stories? I can't say for sure, but probably not unless they issue an attractive collector's edition worthy of the bookshelf. It satisfied my curiosity, but for Fey-related books, I recommend Jim Butcher's Dresden Series and Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey Series. Both have mind-blowing descriptions and intricacies. I'm always interested to read other authors and series that would do a better job on this topic just to see if it's possible. So, I gave it three stars for being "okay" plus one for a really nice cover.
## 195 I'd had this series on my TBR for ages. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" burst onto the scene a good eight years ago and hasn't let up on Instagram and TikTok, like that friend who's always the center of attention. Let me be clear: fantasy isn't usually my cup of tea, but the incessant chatter about these books made me feel like I was missing out. So, I finally embarked on ACOTAR, and it was a slow start, to say the least. I'd read a bit, then it would gather dust for days, weeks, and sometimes months. World-building felt a bit like trying to join a conversation in a foreign language - bewildering.Around the two-thirds mark, though, the book finally caught my interest. The story took a turn for the better, but then it seemed like the book was about to conclude, and yet it carried on…and on. All said, the writing in this book is truly impressive. The characters are finely detailed and genuinely engaging. At its core, the story is a sort of Beauty and the Beast reinterpretation. But let's be clear, this is no standard fairy tale. After Beauty falls for the Beast, there's a lot more in store. The Beast has hidden depths, and Belle isn't your typical Disney princess. I now get why folks adore this series. I'm currently immersed in the second book, and it's progressing at a brisk pace. Everything's set up, and I'm beginning to feel like I've joined the ranks. With excitement and a cup of coffee in hand, I'm eagerly anticipating the adventures that await in the rest of the series. Bring on the sequels!
## 196 “Because your human joy fascinates me- the way you experience things, in your life span so wildly and deeply and all at once, is …entrancing. I’m drawn to it even when I know it shouldn’t be, even when I try not to be.”Tropes: enemies/lovers; forced proximity; slow burn; “touch her and die”Feyre & Tamlin. Feyre & Rhysand. Feyre & Lucien. Fantastic storytelling! Did it start slow? Yep. Was it worth getting through the groundwork for the good stuff? 100%!I’ve put off reading this book because I don’t typically read fantasy and this series has been so hyped and very often the most hyped books end up disappointing. Not this one!The way the author gives us these snippets of these characters, developing relationships, leaving the reader questioning who is going to actually be the bad guy?! But at the same time we have this strong, resilient FMC who doesn’t let her guard down too easily and yet can love so fiercely. And it all comes together beautifully to get to the happily ever…for now?Kicking myself for not adding the other books in the series to my Libby holds sooner!!“Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all.”“I was as unburdened as a piece of dandelion fluff, and he was the wind that stirred me about the world.”
## 197 So here I sit, having gone through the OMG ACOTAR SERIES IS AMAZING phase, and out the other end, I can sit back and think "What the actual hell?"I'm a HUGE Maas fan, so when I found out she was writing another series, I had to have it. For the first time in a long time, my library actually got the book within a month of its release, so I checked out ACOTAR and read it in a single day. I loved it.Books two came out, and while I was super disappointed in the pointless sex thrown in every so often and whole chapters dedicated to this nonsense, I continued reading because the story was compelling enough. And then ACOWAR emerged, and everything changed.This was a series I read numerous times before ACOWAR came out, and I saw things that genuinely bothered me, but I ignored them (I don't even know why) until I just couldn't stand it anymore.ACOTAR is nothing more than erotica. I feel like the series as a whole started out with plans of being some sort of "story" porn that has a kick-ass plot with "hot" scenes thrown in for whatever reason, and then it got to ACOWAR and decided it wanted to be The Bachelor or a soap opera instead.The relationship between Tamlin and Feyre GREATLY disturbs me. She's taking care of her family and he swoops in after she accidentally kills a fae (who was disguised as a wolf int he woods where hunters hunt...) and takes her away, claiming she's going to be in trouble and damned and blah blah. No, she's pampered and given servants and pretty clothes and good food. Tamlin dresses her up like a doll and makes snide remarks when she falls short of his goals (fae goals, mind you).Feyre is a HUMAN. Tamlin is fae. He acts like her humanity is a curse or something to hold against her, and he constantly makes remarks about how she's too fragile, too uneducated, too plain, etc. Instead of "fixing" these issues, Tamlin does nothing other than tell her what to do and not do.He sexually assaults her after Calanmai, and in the book Feyre shows how much she does not want his advances, and he shoves her against the wall and BITES her, then tells her not to ever go against him again. How is this OK? If my husband ever did this to me, I'd kick him in the crotch and leave. This is not OK. This is not a relationship. This is abuse, which is why it disgusts me that people go on and on about Tamlin.The fact that Feyre and Tamlin have sex at a later time after he did this makes it worse. why, Feyre, are you going to throw yourself at a man who A) Doesn't care about you based off his degrading comments and B) threatens you. Not only that, he basically blames her for a near-rape experience when he literally did nothing to look out for her and/or stop the guys who were going to attack her?That being said, I have a lot of issues with Feyre. She gets off too easy on everything, and it's like her brain is only wired to care if the dude is hot. You take care of your family, but then you walk into Tamlin's embrace after the things he has said and done. I understand she has been abused by this, but at the same time, she could have said no. Death is a lot better than basically being a sex slave or punching bag to an immortal person determined to imprison you until you die.She's never punished for killing a fae. Lucien and Tamlin tell her about magical creatures that could give her what she wants, and the next day she walks out and finds them...the elusive creatures...that are hard for fae to find?Lucien is about the only well developed character, and he's too sexualized sometimes for me to take me seriously. If you keep pointing out the abs, tanned skin, or whatever on the dude, you're turning them into a slab of meat. All of the males, and truthfully the females as well, in ACOTAR are "perfect" in the idea of what today's society thinks is beauty, sexy, and amazing at everything. This is sexist on every account. Your characters become nothing more than fantasies--which is why I say this is nothing more than porn/erotica.Sure, you can get some great messages out of this series, but is it worth all of the dung in the way? Specifically with the later books, there's too much sex at some points for it to even be OK. Please, go try to have sex that many times or for days on end and tell me how that is. if you can do that, I'm sorry, but you're either a whore or you're just kinda crazy, because that's too much.Why I ever read this book and like it, I truthfully don't know, but I'm done with this series. I'm done with this fandom, and I'm fed up with seeing people "swoon" or make comments or even draw/like at that nude art about LITERARY CHARACTERS. Guys, seriously? This is not a book for young girls, but when I went to the first (and last) Maas event, most of the audience there were between the ages of 14-20 (predominately 15-17 years of age) and SCREAMED when Maas was mentioning SEX SCENES. I'm not going to continue to support a series that is encouraging young teens and young women to have unrealistic ideas of men as well as sexual fantasies, especially the married women who I've seen act this same way. if I were your husband, I wouldn't be able to deal with that. I wouldn't want those books in my house.About the only good thing I have to say for ACOTAR was that there actually was a plot in this book, and it was good, if insanely slow to get rolling, and the amount of sex was fairly minimal.
## 198 ஐBeauty and the Beast meets Faerie ஐ – I should ADORE this but overall it was just okay. There are things I totally loved about this story, but they are marred by the things that didn’t quite work out for me and so what I’m left with is feeling in the middle where I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it either.I’m a huge fan of beauty and the beast retellings or most fairytales actually, but Belle is my absolute favorite heroine because she is smart, reads and doesn’t fall head over heels for the first pretty face that happens along. She and I could totally be BFFs. Then there is the Fae. Now I’m not a big expert on faerie stories or anything like that, but I find the Fae to be totally interesting creatures and usually like it when they are incorporated into stories. Instead if this being a magical mashup that made the story soar to new heights of awesome I found myself seeing some serious sour notes that disjointed the story and made it feel clunky.The stuff I totally LOVED –✧ - Tamlin and his Faerie world - There are some really interesting descriptions of the time spent at the his manor. The lake full of starlight, the manor, the art and his court cursed to all be in masks. Tamlin is completely likable right from the near beginning.✧Lucien – He is a spunky guy full of vim and vinegar that Fayre has a lot of fun verbally sparring with and getting into general trouble. He is also a great friend to Tamlin and I love the brotherly bound between them. While Lucien has an easy way with people he is working hard to help his friend find the right way to woo Fayre.✧ The Love Story – I enjoyed the time Tamlin and Feyre were getting to know each other and the tentative flirting the best. I really wish there was maybe just a little more time spent on it as it was the basis for the last 40% of the book.“My father once told me that I should let my sisters imagine a better life—a better world. And I told him that there was no such thing.” I ran my thumb over his mouth, marveling, and shook my head. “I never understood—because I couldn’t … couldn’t believe that it was even possible.” I swallowed, lowering my hand. “Until now.”✧ The ‘Tasks’ – I like the idea behind completing some challenges to prove your worth and love. I liked even more that it was Feyre The Girl who had to do this instead of prince charming. It was a nice twist to a normal Fairytale.✧ - The Curse – while not particularly a fan of the fact the curse made Tamlin and his court all have to wear masks (since I really thought it would have been better if they all had to remain in animal form) I did like the final symmetry and cruelty of the curse. It was different and I totally respect that, it was a truly Fae curse in the level of cruelty behind it.✧ Rhysand – was my FAVORITE CHARACTER and I’ll totally admit I’m still not sure what exactly I think of him. I will say this though, he is the most interesting character in the book whether he is playing on the side of good or evil….well you will have to make your own decision on that. But I seriously hoping the next book is about him.As this is the start of a new series I will give it some leeway at getting started. There are some really fun parts to the story and even though it is a bit clunky at times I still got to a point when they are ‘Under the Mountain’ that I needed to get through the story to see how it all worked out and this is where the story mostly stayed on the like side of the line.The stuff that missed the mark:✦ - When writing about a well-established lore I think there are some things that perhaps the reader will ‘accept’ or ‘not accept’ based on how important or ingrained it is OR the story the author puts with the lore change. Based on my various readings there are a few things about fantasy creatures that are ingrained into me. I KNOW that➜ Vampires – Drink blood, Can’t be in the sun and die by a wooden stake through the heart➜ Werewolves – Silver bullets, Shifting (of some kind), Full Moon➜ Fae – Immortal Tricksters, CAN’T LIE➜ Zombie – Human dead, eat fleshI’m not going to say the Maas changed the Fae lore so much that she *Stephanie Meyer’d* it but she pretty much made a change to the Fae lore equivalent to making vampires sparkle in the sunlight. It isn’t quite a deal breaker for me, but I’m not a fan of that particular lore twist either.✦ It pains me to say this but Feyre and I didn’t get along until about 75% of the way through the book. She does so many stupid things that honestly I went from really liking her in the very beginning of the story to being completely annoyed with her.She began strong and independent with a family to support and I really liked that she wasn’t your typical virgin heroine. She hunted for her family and was the main supporter. Not conventionally educated she still came across as bright and strong.After ending up in Tamlin’s court and promising to stay the first thing Feyre tries to do is escape, when Tamlin assures her that he has seen to her family’s comfort she pouts and tries to find a way to escape again. She puts herself in dangerous situations without much thought in these attempts and really it was slightly tiresome.“Weren’t you warned to keep your wits about you?” Tamlin snapped. “That your human senses would betray you?”He stepped beyond me and let out a snarl so vicious that whatever the thing was by the gates shimmered with light and darted out as fast as lightning streaking through the dark. “Fool,” he said to me, turning. “If you’re ever going to run away, at least do it in the daytime.”I liked her a little more after she calmed down and decided to stay but the damage was done and she never made much headway with me again until toward the very end of the book when she became much more likable.✦The Curse –( Yes I know that it is up in the like part as well, you get +5 points because you noticed) - The story made it seem like it was so horrible to be cursed to wear the masks but honestly I thought it made Tamlin hotter instead of diminished. Masks are sexy I don’t care who you are just think about it Zorro, Phantom of the Opera, a slew of superheroes AND….The Dread Pirate RobertsTamlin had a beast form so I thought it would have worked possibly better if she had to fall in love with only his personality. Just an opinion.✦The ‘Rite’ – There is a moment in the book where there is a spring festival. I’m not a prude I swear but it really bothered me how that played out. The whole scene made me feel a little strange and I really wasn’t sure what to do with my feelings about it. Maybe if I knew some other Fae stories and knew that was what ‘The Rite’ of spring was I wouldn’t have minded but I was not prepared. On a good note I was happy that it didn’t have any negative residual affects between Feyre and Tamlin.Overall Thoughts:Sometimes at the beginning of a new series you can’t see the big picture and that is why the first book of it might fall a little flat for you. I will say that when I read Throne of Glass it was just an okay book for me as well but then I loved both Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire. I’m hoping that is also the case with this series.Based on how the book ended I have some really high hopes for the next book of this series. If you like fairytale retellings or Faerie stories then I say still give this one a go. If anyone can deliver a stronger second book to a series it is Maas so I’m not concerned and think she could be off to a solid start.Begs Sarah J. Maas to have the next book be about Rhysand and dare I hope for it..….Nesta
## 199 I’ve read books 1-3 in this series, and despite the plot being great (especially between the two main lovebirds in book 2), I don’t plan to keep reading. The chronic excessive explanation with surroundings in the environment and feelings, almost worded as if taken from poetry books to a point of where it doesn’t even make sense sometimes, just keeps taking away from enjoying the plot already. I just want to get to the point of what matters between characters, and though it’s normal to have it drawn out in most fictional relationships to keep the suspense, this series just did it too much for my liking. Took way to long for the story to finally bring to light what the heck is going on between Az and Mor, only for it to not even be that “out there” of a reason, they’ve existed for hundreds of years and still haven’t found a way to talk about her real reasons for not wanting him? Poor Az, that’s just damn cruel and cowardly of Mor. This is a great series, but it’s definitely for the younger mind. When the interesting scenes between the 2 main lovebirds starting getting less and less…interest to read last two books gone. There were a lot of gray areas between the different characters relationships, in a way my mind got tired of trying to figure out how they really perceive one another. 4 stars because the plot is still good, not 5 because the depth of connection between characters felt constantly side tracked instead of being put first.
## 200 Okay so... I might lost some of my favorite critics over this because I know a lot of you weren’t a fan of this book. And I have some pretty intense feelings about some of the biggest criticisms lmao. I will talk about some flaws with the book still, as no book is perfect. But for the most part I really loved it. There will be rants. I have ALOT to say. Sooo here we go before I lose my nerve lmao.My main petty annoyance: the fact that tamlin uses his paws the same way a human uses hands even when he’s in beast form lol. There I said it. Now let’s move on to hopefully not my most controversial review ever. I feel like I’m supposed to hate MAAS and her writing. But I don’t. I really love what she did here.Characters:Feyre:I really don’t get the hate. Maybe she gets worse later. Maybe. But people hate her in this book too and I don’t get why. She was meh to me. I admired her in some ways and hated her in others. I loved her heart, and how often she let it guide her even if it resulted in her ignoring everything anyone told her. Which yes- did annoy me sometimes. But it wasn’t that bad.now we get to the fun part.Tamlin and rhyes (similar thoughts on both)-Oh my god. The reasons you guys hate this dude are absurd in this book. Every single thing I was told to look out for and that would start me into hating him was ridiculous. I genuinely believe you guys just don’t ship him and feyre so that makes him immediately sooo horrible. Same for the rhyes haters.You guys have to stop inserting in a fantasy setting and acting like any of the decisions made are simple. Both of them are great in their own way- and both had feyres interest in mind in my opinion. The questionable things they do, because yes there are some...Are either for show to SAVE feyre and everyone else. It’s all so obviously calculated and here you guys are trying to critique it like they’re events that happened over tea in a totally normal world with nothing intense or life threatening going on around them. Just why.I’m team Rhys just because I like him a little more- and I love the way he thinks and speaks. But I also love tamlin and am still rooting for him to be happy.I think they’re both fleshed out brilliantly and have many layers that I can’t wait to uncover. They both have scars and they BOTH have really unfortunate situations that are eating away at them that make them who they are. I’m just saying... think about the alternative that could happen if they didn’t make some of their questionable choices.They wouldn’t have done half the stuff they did for this one human... if they didn’t truly care.Villain-Well she’s like not very nice lol so of course I don’t like her and I’m not rooting for her but...idk I put her here because I did kind of have a problem with how stupid she seemed to be for someone who was supposed to be cunning. She let certain people get away with way too much, and didn’t seem to notice or care. It was strange because then she would just randomly turn into a brutal witch out of nowhere but then let certain things happen other times. I’m sure some of it was her calculating but... still. It seemed a little weak.She’s bitter, brutal and interesting. The ring, will probably haunt my nightmares. She just wasn’t as developed.Lucien-I don’t want him with feyre but I just wanted to say... despite me liking tam and rhyes... Lucien will forever be my babe. I love him the most. He’s so complex and he’s been through so much.He’s witty, intelligent, and overall just cares about people even when he pretends he doesn’t. I want nothing but greatness for him lol. His story is heart breaking as well.The rest- this story is filled with intriguing, misunderstood, and terrifying creatures. No complaints there.Her family- feyres family is on my poop list. But I don’t hate nesta even now as some of you seem to. Maybe I’m a mean bitter person... Idk.The plot-Like every plot it has both weak and strong points. I loved seeing the world unfold, and getting to see a good chunk of it before the action started.I did think the twist with the masks and how convenient all of the events were was well... convenient....while it did lead to the most exciting parts, I felt like the point of it was kinda glossed over and the explanation for why things were how they are wasn’t too important to the story.But it came over decently- and the ending wasn’t terrible. So I’m happy.I still got the magical yet unsettling experience I wanted. And I can’t wait to see more of this world.I really feel like it’s just the cool thing to hate maas and these books now. But I don’t see them as problematic as a lot of people seem to. I had an incredibly enjoyable time reading them, and I saw the reasons behind the words .Think what you want about me because of that lol. I will not defend myself for not seeing the issues other people see. I will be continuing.
## 201 You know when someone talks to you about a “sad book,” and you immediately think, “well, someone precious is going to die at the end?” A Little Life has been called tragic, depressing, a masterpiece that you cannot get through without a wad of tissues nearby, and so naturally, I assumed someone would die at the end. I went into this book prepared to not get too attached to the characters, but it’s inevitable to not connect with people who are the subjects of an 800-page book with minimal spacing and tiny font. I’d like to think I went into this book prepared, but my preparation got me nowhere.This novel does not lead up to a sad ending. Let me explain. Calling this novel “sad” is a massive understatement. It is 800 pages of tragedy after tragedy, because the “sad” doesn’t follow the pattern we are used to. It’s not happy and pleasant until the end where something sad happens- no, this book is a depressing hunk of paper with very little happiness in it. A Little Life is a long, winding tunnel spotted with skylights. You walk forward in the darkness with a couple of friends, and you are struck with sadness after sadness. Your friends get lost in the tunnel, you fall and break your arm, and then the tunnel gives you a foot of light where you can look around and take a breather before plunging yourself into the darkness. You don’t know what’s at the end, because the tunnel gives you no hints. You don’t know if you’ll exit into the open. You don’t know if you’ll hit a dead-end, but you keep on walking because by this point, your masochism has kicked in and you’re addicted to the torture.We follow the stories of four characters, all college-friends who have moved from Boston to New York City in order to fulfill their dreams. Malcolm is an aspiring architect- timid and shy, whose overbearing parents are his pride and shame. JB is a painter- arrogant, optimistic and full of life, JB is the only one among his friends who is certain he will make it in life. Willem is an actor, calm and steady who has no family but his three best friends. But while the three have their own lives, their bond is strengthened by the presence of one Jude St. Francis. Jude is enigmatic. Despite having been friends for years, nobody knows anything about him; not his ethnicity or his sexuality. They don’t know anything about his childhood or his years before attending university. Jude has an injury; an accident severely limited the use of his legs, but nobody even knows how this came to be. But Jude is quiet, and he is kind and generous and dependent. And so the three friends lend their shoulders silently for him to lean on. This book is not set in one time period: years and decades pass, and each character matures, develops and experiences success and the perils of life, sometimes together, other times apart. As the narrative progresses, one thing becomes crystal clear: Jude has gone through an unspeakable childhood trauma. He is fragile and broken, battling so hard with inner demons that never seem to leave him.If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-packed, plot-centered novel, put this book down and walk far, far away. A Little Life reads more like an in-depth character study than anything else. Despite there being a large, diverse, well-fleshed out cast of characters- make no mistake: this novel is about Jude. This novel is about Jude’s life, his depression, his experiences, his feelings of pain and insurmountable shame. It is a story about Jude’s relationships and his impact on the people around him. It is a story about love and loss, of betrayal and friendship, of perseverance and giving in. And because it follows the story of such a broken, intense young man, it is a difficult read.It is a difficult read in more ways than one. Firstly, it is 800 pages long with very little action, with large chunks of paragraphs detailing the little moments in life, detailing theorems and laws and art and literature. Large chunks that talk about family, sex, career and the meaning of love- things that may not even need to be in the book. These large chunks familiarize you with our characters’ backgrounds, their introspections and streams of consciousness, their experiences with each other and outside of their immediate relationships. The characters in this novel feel real; more than once, I felt like I could reach out and touch them. They feel like friends, comrades you’ve known for a long, long time. Their happiness genuinely excites you, and their sadness genuinely devastates you. You also become so invested in their relationships with each other, almost as if you’re a mediator.Apart from the thematic material, what makes this novel so hard to digest is the characters. I’m not exaggerating when I say that they feel like friends- watching them suffer through unimaginable things hurt me. I have never felt this way before. Halfway through the book, I had already cried at least twice, excluding the point where I sobbed for ten pages straight. And then again after. Yanagihara’s empathetic portrayal of human nature, of human decency and monstrosity is so spot-on. I don’t know what else I can say.Secondly, it is brutal in its honest, unflinching portrayal of mental illness. There were several moments in this novel where I had to set the book aside and steady my breathing. It is uncomfortable. It depicts self-harm and depression graphically but not gratuitously, with sensitivity without doing it for “the shock factor.” Finally, the constant jumps in time frame makes this book far from a casual read. You need to keep up. Each ‘section’ takes place a few years after the previous one, but sometimes Yanagihara alternates time within paragraphs as well. One time you’re seeing the friends’ lives when they are 35, and you jump back in the middle of a paragraph to when they are 28. It can be quite jarring if you’re not paying attention.But having said that, Yanagihara’s writing is easy to keep up with. Daunting as it may be with its intelligent discussion of many themes (some of which I mentioned above) and the sheer scale of the book, her writing is welcoming. Complex, full of emotion and genuine feeling, full of ‘quotable’ things without it ever being overbearing or ‘too much.’ Authors writing in the literary fiction genre so often give off the impression that they need to prove something, but Yanagihara writes with effortless grace and poise. She’s not trying to prove anything; this is her in 800 pages- take it or leave it.But despite all my praises, this is not a perfect book. My main complaint is the length. Bear with me. I have no problems with lengthy books, as long as the length is justified. Many will probably disagree with me, but I felt that the novel could have been cut short by at least 50 or 100 pages. For example, towards the beginning, we get such an in-depth look into JB and Malcolm’s characters, much of which doesn’t come back after the first section. Perhaps their backgrounds could have been weaved more seamlessly into the narrative as the book went along. A lot of the objective discussions about science and mathematics were beautifully written, sure, but didn’t feel like they needed to be there. But I’ve got to give Yanagihara this: despite the length, and despite the discussions on objective topics, I was hanging on to her every word. I didn’t skim a single page- I was just that invested.So, here we are. You and me at the mouth of the tunnel. I made it out, and you’re asking me if you should take the chance. “It’s difficult. It’s long. It’s even terrifying at times, but-” and I prod you into the darkness, “it’s also exhilarating and beautiful and one hell of an experience.”
## 202 I’ll be blunt upfront. A LITTLE LIFE (2015) by Hanya Yanagihara is the most soul-wrenching novel I have perhaps ever read. In the novel Yanagihara follows in minute detail the lives of four men who become friends, “a clique,” in college and continue to be close into their late fifties. JB Marion begins his work life as a “receptionist at a small but influential magazine based in SoHo that covered the downtown art scene,” with ambitions to become an artist. Fatherless since he was three, JB is of Haitian descent, tends toward being overweight, and is gay. Willem Ragnarsson, handsome and “liked by everyone” starts out as a waiter, but has his eye set on becoming a professional actor on stage and screen. In ways, Malcolm Irvine is the outlier of the group, still living at home with his parents who are a couple of mixed-race. He is wealthy and determined to become an architect. Malcolm appears to be oblivious of his appeal to others, even naïve, somewhat confused about his sexuality, and unmindful of his financial situation although generous to his friends and others when they are in need. At the core of the four friends is Jude St. Francis who holds the group together—not so much by what he does even though he is considerably bright, loyal, and hard-working, as well as determined to become a prosecutor, but because his friends care about him and Jude has needs. Parentless and with a mysterious past all of which he never speaks about and never having “a girlfriend or a boyfriend,” Jude has trouble with his legs and is frequently in pain. Although he never complains nor asks for help, his friends are very aware of his situation and go out of their way to assist Jude in as tactful of a manner as possible.Mainly set in New York City, as A LITTLE LIFE unfolds, Yanagihara brings into the fold other characters of importance including a doctor, Andy Contractor, and a former law professor, Harold Stein and his wife Judy, all of whom play important roles in in the novel, as well as a host of minor characters. It is, however, the four friends who remain central to the story, especially Jude and Willem, roommates in college and who remain the closest of the friends. The bulk of Yanagihara’s novel is told in chronicle order, but as the novel progresses, there are more flashbacks and memories, some of which get repeated with added detail as they surface, most of them revolving around Jude who becomes more and more the novel’s central character.When thinking about tragic characters in prose fiction, no one comes my mind as being more tragic than Jude Fawley from Thomas Hardy’s JUDE THE OBSCURE (1894/1895) which may be the motivation for the author’s name for her main character—Jude, “the patron saint of lost causes.” Although readers soon come to the realization Jude is a physically and emotionally scarred individual, Yanagihara’s revelations about the details of Jude’s history are painfully slow in coming—mirroring the complexity and rawness of those very memories which haunt and torment Jude. They are memories which have shaped, or rather distorted, his life. In one flashback the author reveals twenty-five years in the past, Ana, Jude's now deceased “first and only social worker” warning Jude during a hospital stay, “…you have to talk about these things while they’re fresh. Or you’ll never talk about them… and it’s going to fester inside you, and you’re always going to think you’re to blame. You’ll be wrong, of course, but you’ll always think it.”There are relatively few highs in Jude’s life and when they occur, the reader is bound to find them tearful moments of joy. The increasingly close friendship between Jude and Willem with both of them at the zenith of their careers is complex—filled paradoxically with the bounty which human relationships can contain along with enormous peril. Unfortunately, most of Jude’s life is a series of unrelenting, dreadful, terrifying, shattering lows and betrayals accompanied by self-destructive impulses which become worse and worse, adding to a man’s already burdensome childhood, youth, and life-long post-traumatic stress. Jude’s is a portrait of suffering beyond comprehension and the brutal perpetrators of his torments throughout his life are the epitome of unfathomable, monstrous human behavior.Thus, A LITTLE LIFE does not make for easy reading. It is emotionally jolting and at the same time riveting. So vivid are Yanagihara’s expose of the quartet of characters, the reader becomes one with them, making it a quintet. The author’s characters are real to life, the dialogue is vivid and genuine, and the quality of the writing as well as the tone of the novel is unswerving. Although Yanagihara’s central characters meet with sometimes staggering personal and professional successes, there are also failures and tragedies, both past and present, and always a dire cloud which encircles them all, especially Jude. Due to her immense and encompassing narrative skills, readers will eventually brace themselves so that whenever a horrifying revelation is made about Jude’s secret past or his present, there is likely worse to come.A narrative trick Yanagihara pulls a little over a quarter of the way into the novel and again at the half-way point, moving from an omniscient narrator to what clearly is a first person although not readily identifiable narrator, is bound to strike the reader as both curious and possibly even portentous. It is left up to the reader to recognize and interpret for themselves the meaning of the author’s temporary changes in point of view. She does the same switch near the book’s conclusion which eventually brings the work to its shocking climax and even more emotionally numbing, traumatic end.Clearly, A LITTLE LIFE is not for everyone. even though the novel is a modern masterpiece of writing and prose fiction and a work which will haunt the reader for a long time. The most resilient reader may very likely find there are times when they simply must close the book and exit the bleakness of the world Yanagihara creates before picking the book up again. Others may discover there are times when they simply want to throw the book across the room. Some readers may find the book impossible to finish because it is so emotionally draining. Regardless of the reader’s reaction to the novel, A LITTLE LIFE is an incredible accomplishment and a work which haunt the reader for a long time.[NOTES: (1) A LITTLE LIFE has recently been declared one of “The 20 Best Novels of the Decade” by Emily Temple for The Literary Hub on December 23, 2019. (2) The book’s cover photo is from a series of photos taken in the 1960s by Peter Hujar. The photo is titled “Orgasmic Man.” The photo is purposefully ambiguous. Is the man depicted experiencing joy or pain? (3) A stage adaptation of A LITTLE LIFE ran in Amsterdam in 2018 and 2019 with limited runs, only, most of which were in Dutch.]
## 203 This is a novel that requires patience, commitment, and perseverance. Not just because of its length (720 pages), but, because it doesn't exactly grab you swiftly. It took me almost 300 pages to feel installed in the story, rather than just a visitor hovering outside the narrative. Yanagihara is long-winded, although not generally dull, yet she also, in my opinion, only fully realized one character, Jude St. Francis, the successful but troubled Ivy League-educated lawyer with a tragic, troubled past. The mostly interior story is ostensibly about these four friends who meet in their teens, and their ongoing friendship for over thirty years. But, really, it is a profile of Jude (with some shared traits of the Obscure one).Jude was ritually abused as an orphan, although the author is quite circumspect about the details, which take 2/3 of the novel to completely fill in (and even then, there's always more). However, even before I was enervated by the laboriously slow reveal, the reader "gets it,"--this isn't exactly new stuff for our topical times, but it always dismays us to hear about disturbed, violent people who abuse children. By the time she filled in the shocking details, I was astonished, yes, but also a bit weary.There's also a lot of repetition of Jude's adult coping behaviors (in ways, almost as horrifying as the abuse)-- but necessary, I suppose, to really be intimate with his ongoing struggles, to demonstrate the limitless loneliness and pain one suffers when life is clouded by shame. But, I admit to some impatience, too. I was straining to believe that everyone was ALWAYS therapeutic with Jude. He was glum and intractable, refusing to talk about his past (with a few people, he revealed bits and pieces)--but, as I said, their ability to be so 110% willing and available for Jude was really too good to be true. Rarely, they lost patience-- carefully manipulated by the author to usually further the story along (and Jude).Jude's three friends, ones he has known since college--Willem, the successful actor, Malcolm, the successful architect, and JB, the successful artist (actually, all the characters in this book are so highly successful as to be almost untouchable, no pun intended), start out as developing characters, and then slip into either straw men and/or saints. Then there is Andy, the virtuous and always available surgeon, and Harold, the law professor with the patience of Job. All these men (with one seeming exception--JB, who makes a few mistakes) are so thoroughly, unerringly, and impossibly pledged to Jude that it eventually strikes a false note. All of these very busy people--world travelers--seem to have drop-everything time and an almost pious forbearance for Jude, the enigmatic one who refuses to reveal his past and his harrowing abuses. There were virtually no female characters--well, Harold's wife, Julia, and Malcolm's, wife, but they were nothing but generic passers-by, even if (like Julia) they played an important role. They were all tools for the character of Jude.If I were to name a second, well-developed character, it would be the setting. No matter how many books are set in New York City, there are as many ways and more to bring it alive. Yanagihara has a sharp eye for living spaces, architecture, color, and art, and in this way, she gave New York its singular charisma. I would also assert that having an architect and an artist as two of Jude's friends allowed her to buttress the book with her eye for these details, which I enjoyed greatly. JB's installations (of course, mostly about Jude or himself, and conveniently about the other friends for later absorption) added shade to the story, but, again, it seemed that everything was for Jude's character.This is a mostly interior novel, which is why I demand either faceted characters or compelling ideas. The author flirts with ideas through the art world but there's nothing inherently philosophical about the novel. Moreover, the author gave all the other characters, except for Jude, short shrift. Willem actually starts out engaging. His childhood was also tragic, but for different reasons. Yet, too soon, Willem turns into a big movie star and his character a cursory device for Jude. Willem is the most saintly of all the characters, an actor who is never self-absorbed, who isn't even aware of his fame when he walks into a room. He's portrayed as way too humble to be organic.Most of the men in this novel made me think of those Seurat paintings, where the people whose faces we never see too well are diminished or faded into the background. Is that what the author intended? I don't think so, because in her debut book, The People in the Trees , she had several well-realized characters. Moreover, in 700+ pages, she includes Jude's friends frequently, but the more they are present, the more absence I felt of their true natures. She also covered the topic of child abuse in both novels, but, in TREES, it's for the reader to ascertain, over the course of the suspenseful story, whether the narrator is reliable or not, and if the child abuse really did take place. In A LITTLE LIFE, we know it took place, and we follow the abused child mostly as an adult.Just a side note: Yanagihara tends to pair abuse with a life of privilege. In The People in the Trees , the alleged abuser is a scholar/scientist. In this second book, the victim of abuse grows to be in the elite 1%. I would like to see her take it down a notch--show how many abused children are stuck in the system or live in the real world as a worker bee, not touched by highbrow living, and too impaired to put together a successful life. Jude, however, is an accomplished pianist with a beautiful voice, is well-read, a superior cook, and is what I would identify as that rare contemporary Renaissance man--but he works as a corporate lawyer 80-100 hours/week, where his troubles seem to melt away on the job.Regardless of the flaws, I stuck with the novel; Jude was so captivating, even in his reticence, that I wanted to see it through. I think Yanagihara could have shaved off a few hundred pages without hurting the narrative, especially as she didn't seem intent on filling out the characters beyond a certain point.At the beginning, there was evidence that there would be nuance regarding race and sexual orientation. A few comments were made at the start, coyly referring to the fact that only Willem is white. Jude was "undetermined," a mix of backgrounds, and Malcolm and JB were black. So why a white man on the cover of the book? Is that supposed to be Willem? That seems disingenuous to me, as the main character, Jude, is not Caucasion. That was just one of the several manipulations that seemed inorganic.Also, there seemed to be little or no controversy about gay issues. Some of the characters were gay or bi-, but they didn't seem to go through any hardships, past or present, with their sexual orientation. It was so smooth that it was glossed over. Parents--proud and accepting, peers--proud and accepting, colleagues--proud and accepting. Nothing in these men's lives stirred any controversy or hardship (unless it has to do with their relationship with Jude)--just success. Even JB's problems were disposed of quickly. But, I suppose if you are in the 1%, being black and gay buys you a ticket from discrimination? These men had a paved avenue, so much more than my black and/or gay friends ever did. However, her prose was always strong, solid, subtle:"...he imagined Jude as a magician whose sole trick was concealment, but every year, he got better and better at it, so that now he only had to bring one wing of the silken cape he wore before his eyes and he would become instantly invisible, even to those who knew him best."3.5 stars
## 204 “Are you happy? he once asked Jude (they must have been drunk).I don’t think happiness is for me, Jude had said at last, as if Willem had been offering him a dish he didn’t want to eat. But it’s for you, Willem.” —‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️In this story we follow the lives of four friends, Malcom, JB, Willem, and Jude, living in New York over the course of four decades. Through addiction, success and pride they are all tethered by their shared devotion to one of them. Jude St. Francis is a brilliant lawyer, a talented pianist, a generous friend, but deeply troubled and scared. There are secrets from his past that he holds so close, keeping them even from his friends, that slowly unfurl in the most heartbreaking and gut wrenching way.How someone who is so loved, reassured, and supported by the people that surround them can still be convinced that they are unworthy of such love and normalcy is a true testament to how debilitating and damn near irreversible some traumas can be. I cried for Jude, I was livid for Jude, I was in awe and proud of Jude! But I was also frustrated with Jude. I wanted to dive into the pages and try to convince him myself how unimaginably brave and deserving he was of all the good fortune he had found after his dark years. To tell him it’s not his fault. No matter your thoughts on the ending of this book it is undeniable how profound and harrowing it’s story is, such a story leaves an impression on the brain.My only complaints about the book are I truly feel it was too long and too repetitive, as well as the punctuation through me off quite a bit because it lacked in consistency here and there. I also really really wish there had been more of JB and Malcom as the book mostly centers around Jude and Willem.I would say that I do recommend this book, but absolutely NOT to everyone. Please please do not read this book if you are not doing well mentally as the triggers are aplenty.
## 205 I finished Hanya Yanagihara's emotionally draining, 'A Little Life', over three months ago and in the time since, I felt I needed to recover from her roller coaster of a novel. Imagine though a roller coaster that is on fire, but has classical music playing on its back row as it dips and ascends into screaming terror and melancholic euphoria.Upon completing this novel, I was fatigued, drained, and spent of my emotions because I have never equally hated and admired a book so much in my literary life. On two occasions while reading, I took a shot of tequila to get through particular sections. Sections where when the tequila did not help, I put the book down because the book's content read like being hit by a Mack truck at full speed. Nothing in this novel is subtle, as a matter of fact, I equate reading it to a jackhammer puncturing hard-baked cement and you the reader is the cement. The storytelling is piercing, with plangent themes that gutted my insides, and it is so visceral that it ostensibly paints Yanagihara to be a sadistic fiend for unleashing a literary work such as this. She's of course not, she's simply a good writer who knows how to bring a heartbreaking story to life.Yes, 'A Little Life' is an agonizing read, but one that was masterfully written, offering all manner of literary rewards. Employing use of a dense, particularized writing style, Yanagihara's prose is architectural, cerebral, and drawn out at a pace that is like molasses rolling up a sand dusted hill. From page one, I found the four protagonists to be engaging, but forebodingly so, where I immediately knew that there will be a lot to unpack in the subsequent pages ahead. Though the novel's setting is contemporary, Yanagihara tells it in an odd but effective flashback mixed with present day style where the context of time is always abstract. Specific dates or years are never used, instead we get descriptors such as "nine years ago," "on his fifth birthday," "four years after..." This approach bothered me initially, because it made some of the flashback scenes less textural. But Yanagihara is such a good writer, she made the technique work, as it became tolerable as I read on. Again, nothing in this novel is subtle or plain, but despite the elaborately detailed descriptions, which I admired, the novel is readable. Although, I think some readers may find it to be plodding.For me, I think one of Yanagihara's strength as a writer is her ability to flesh out characters as if they were filigree, branching them out far and wide, but characters that have a centered, yet deeply flawed souls. As well written as each of the characterizations are here, I admit that I dislike every one of them. The four protagonists - Jude, Willem, Jean-Baptist, and Malcolm, plus two major secondary ones, Andy, and Harold - all made my emotions seesaw from vexation to sympathy, but mostly vexation. Jude, the center of the novel's story, is especially maddening. He is a self imposed martyr, at times grating, and is in constant need of attention, attention that is wanted or not. Yet, I couldn't help but be heartbroken for him due to his disquieting childhood and unenviable lot in life.Another source of frustration was that 'A Little Life' has in my opinion, an uncomfortable air of incestuous camaraderie between the six protagonists, a bothersome co-dependency that drove me up the wall. Everyone in Jude's life - Willem, Jean-Baptist, Malcolm, Andy, and Harold, individually and collectively coddle him to such an extant that it borders on criminal. I was bothered that each of these characters allowed their hubris and selfishness to take precedence over the necessary tough love that Jude needed. The enabling and coddling became reductive, and peeved me so badly that I yelled out at my book several times. Still, despite my irritation at the imbecilic actions of the characters, I couldn't help but regress into pity and gut-wrenching grief for each of their lives. Eventually, my dislike of the characters became irrelevant, as I don't think characters have to be likable in order to be effective. At any given time, I was mad at each of them, but in their frustrating behavior, they made me think long and hard about human frailty.Despite my frustrations, and even at 720 densely packed pages, 'A Little Life' is a worthy read. Make no mistake, as it did me, this is a novel that will peel your insides and likely wreck you. There were moments where I could only read certain chapters in short spurts, with breaks between paragraphs because the content is so unsettling. Nevertheless, I read it all, because even though this is a fictional story, I can't help but think that it is the life that some unfortunate souls have lived, and or are living right now.I highly recommend 'A Little Life', but again be warned, the content is visceral, EXCRUCIATING, and unrelenting. The depravity and evil that Yanagihara has showcased in these pages is unreal, and is unlike any I've ever read. As you progress though the novel, prepare yourself before reading pages 323-340, 392-403, 417-423. The entire book is not easy to get through, but these pages are especially ungodly. I don't care who you are or how strong you are, I think this book is one that will wreck most. I give it 4.75 stars out of 5 for the writing, the themes, and the fleshed out characterizations, even though the novel as a whole is positively diabolical.
## 206 I rarely come across a book that lingers with me for a time but this book and Willem and Jude and their story haunt me.I honestly can say I don't think I've cried as much or felt a characters heartache and pain as much as I felt for Jude and Willem. A true testament to beautiful writing and the depth of this novel.I can say that it is one of my favorite novels I have ever read but I do not know if I could ever sit and reread it, for it is too fresh and still too raw.Hauntingly beautiful but not for the faint of heart.
## 207 This is hands-down the best book I’ve ever read. While the subject-matter is difficult it times, it would be a huge mistake to pass on this wonderful story. It will stay with you forever
## 208 This novel is a work of art - beautifully written, mesmerizing, poetic even. I loved it. Simply the most outstanding book I’ve read in 20 years.Yes, I cried - rare for me, but with good reason, although I don’t know if it was from the horror of Jude’s story or the beauty of the language, more like both. I can’t give this book any higher praise. It is exceptional.
## 209 I deeply loved this book, but my mental health was not ready for it! I feel like this book should come with a trigger warning for sadness. I will be processing this book for years, and probably still shed tears for the constant trauma Jude was tormented with. I’m so glad I read it, but not sure I was ready for it. I usually share my books with friends but I’m not ready to discuss this book with anyone.
## 210 This book took me almost 2 months to read. Not because it didn’t hold my attention, but because it is heavy and I just needed to take my time. This book will stick with me for the rest of my life. I cannot say that I recommend this book, as I’m not sure I could be responsible for doing so to anyone. However, if you need a deep, emotional, heart wrenching book to read that will make you cry real tears and make you question if you can get through it…. Well?
## 211 Eric Carle is a beloved author in the library world. Children love his stories, especially the ones that include interactive elements like animal noises. For my Animal Story Time with preschoolers at the library, I always choose his books first. They are a hit with the kids!
## 212 Granddaughters 2 & 4 loved this book as our bedtime routine for a week. They took turns pushing the buttons, giggling, smiling, laughing as I read and turned the pages. They would do the animal sounds also. We all had our favorites. 2 year old would keep the book and continue to play in bed until she fell asleep with the book. Absolutely loved the book. I however made the mistake of letting her have it in bed. I forgot she sometimes plays destructo. - Well the pages did not survive. SHe is also excellent at getting price tags and stickers off boxes, games, books - anything. I am so sad - but have the memories of all the giggles and fun we had. If the girls spend extending time - I would rebuy and tell her the book goes to bed with Nana!!!!!!
## 213 My son who has severe autism loves this farm animal book with buttons. We look for button books for him that have some educational value. This animal sounds book is one of his favorites. He loves farm animals and the different sounds they make. The animal sounds with this book are realistic. The volume is just right. The quality of the paper for the pages is a little thin for a children's book in my opinion, but not terrible. We've had to use packaging tape to repair this book a few times over the course of several months, although our son can be pretty rough with books. A version of this book with board book pages and buttons would be ideal for the toddler and preschool age groups.
## 214 My 2 year old loves farm animals and this book is so perfect. It is worth the money which was not too expensive... I loved it...
## 215 My two year old loves the animal sounds and matching the sounds to the correct animal on the page
## 216 My 18 month old loves this book! I personally love that the sentences are more complex than “The duck goes quack” or “The horse goes neigh”. Rather, the book describes “The duck waddles to and fro” or “The horse gallops in the field.” Which helps expand their vocabulary.The buttons are a little hard to press for her little fingers, but she’s figuring out how to use her thumb instead. I docked a star because the pages tore a little too easily for my tot, but then again, she is at the age to be a little rough.
## 217 This book is such a great book for kids, especially with the different animals noises.
## 218 Nice for little children.Buttons play the different animal sounds.
## 219 Great for a 2 year old. Excellent Christmas gift
## 220 My Grandson thoroughly enjoys looking at the book and listening to me or his parents read it with him.
## 221 This is a great book for toddlers. The copy I received seemed to be damaged while shipping, but because if the sale price it wouldn't be worthwhile to return it. It wasn't a lot of damage, just on the cover, but just enough it won't be giftable.
## 222 Our son loves this bedtime story. It is so cute!! It’s small, easy to pack on trips. The hardback is durable as our son is prone to pull and chew on things. Highly recommend!
## 223 I purchased the entire series when kids were little and we enjoyed the books for years. I just got this one as a board book for a friend’s son. I am sure he will love it as much as we did.
## 224 My three year old grandson loves this book! It’s his most requested at bedtime!
## 225 My son loves this book. He’s 9 months old and smiles every time I read this book to him. Definitely recommend this book. 10/10
## 226 My little boy loves this book
## 227 My boyfriend works construction so I got this book for our baby and it’s so cute and educational on his job!
## 228 My 2 year old son is obsessed with this book! He wants to read it every night before bed
## 229 Got for my son. Super cute book!
## 230 It was a gift and he does read this every night, of all his books he picks this one !
## 231 Adorable book that my 3 year olds love. Great way to talk about fall (and winter) and the change of seasons in general. Cute story that holds their attention. Not too short but not crazy long either. Nice illustrations.
## 232 My 5 and 3 year old really enjoyed the book and asked me to read it to them over and over. Such a cute squirrel character who is baffled by the leaves disappearing and his friend the bird who is reasonable and tries to help him understand his leaves are not being stolen at all, that this misunderstanding of the squirrel’s comes back year after year. It has a very cute ending that sparked conversations for me and my kiddos. Definitely a fun read aloud for kids.
## 233 My students LOVED this story and there are tons of activities and materials online that can be used along with the book!
## 234 Such a beautiful book and a sweet story for the fall and the beginning of the winter !
## 235 Everyone needs this in their library. The squirm takes the reader on an adventure as he learns about fall. This had our whole family laughing and is a book we keep coming back to!
## 236 Ordered this book to read to my 5 and 9yo and definitely felt like it was a little too young for them. Came back to look at the listing and see it’s recommended for 2-5yo which seems accurate. Some books have more longevity, but I don’t think this is one of them. Otherwise, a very cute book!
## 237 I saw this in a store and took a moment to read it....absolutely adorable! (Did purchase it from Amazon) I even read it to my husband and teenage daughter for fun and they enjoyed it as well....although the grandkids liked it the best :0)
## 238 This book is so cute! My kids and I all enjoyed it.
## 239 My 2 year old son loves this book, honestly it would be good for all ages. Just a super cute book!
## 240 Such a cute book about a confused squirrel (I can relate) about who is taking his prized leaves, and a community of animals who patiently help him realize its not as bad as what he is thinking it could be. Love it!
## 241 I don't like this book, but my son crazy about it!! I don't know why but I have to say this book know what the baby like, what they think, and read there mind!!
## 242 This is a children's classic. Every baby should have a copy. I only wish they had a cloth version of this book.
## 243 I got this board book for my two-year-old granddaughter and she absolutely adores it. She got it this afternoon and hasn't put it down all day. Bedtime has been a little rough lately but she grabbed the book and climbed right into her bed and lay down with it
## 244 Who doesn’t live this book? My kids are obsessed
## 245 We were at a friend’s party when she found this book. Little did I know she memorized the whole thing! It must have been read to her at school. She’s just 2 and can recite the entire thing! Love this book. It’s an all-time classic!
## 246 ING antone else remember this from their childhood. My toddler think it her book. Girl I got this for me kmsl
## 247 The price for the book was cheap so I had to buy it. Favorite childhood book right here.
## 248 Great Book!
## 249 My eight month old granddaughter reaches for this one ALL the time and sits transfixed as I read it to her several times a day. Good thing there are other Eric Carle books for a little variety here and there!I do recommend the board book version for kids in this age range, since they like to experience everything in an up close and personal way and you want them to love books and interact with them.
## 250 I had this book as a child and just purchased it for my 16 month old. It is now his new favorite book and he brings it to me to read it to him constantly. Classic Eric Carle book and even better as a board book as my little one often tries to rip pages off of regular paper books.
## 251 I ordered this for my grandchildren ages 6 and 3. I plan to give it them next month but I know they will enjoy it. I enjoyed reading it! This is a story I never knew of who first created the huge balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. The story is interesting and the illustrations are beautiful!
## 252 I purchased this book to read to my class of third graders right before Thanksgiving break. The book was beautifully illustrated and interested. I loved the factual information it provided. I paired it with some YouTube videos about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. This was a perfect supplement read aloud for a fun annual American tradition.
## 253 This is a great book! It’s really good for lessons & it is good quality as a hard back
## 254 This book is a must have. I use it every year during the holiday season. I teach 4th grade and they love it. There are also so many activity ideas all online.
## 255 If you have ever watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, you need to read this book. I dare say you will enjoy it as much as the children in your life. It was so touching to learn the details of the man responsible for the balloons--his childhood, his history before joining the Macy's team, and his accomplishments during his long tenure with Macy's. What remarkable creativity and problem-solving skills he had! The illustrations for the book could not be better suited to the story and are deserving of a celebration of their own. No purchasing regrets here!
## 256 This is a great book as a read aloud for third and fourth graders. In addition, they learn all about the historical aspects of the Macy’s Day Parade and the enormous balloons. Many activities can be used from this story.
## 257 If you are a fan of the Macy's thanksgiving day parade, you'll be a fan of this book! It tells how the parade came to be, and the story behind who created it. The illustrations are wonderful too. My son and husband love watching the parade together each year and they loved reading this book together this year.
## 258 I received it as a gift and then bought it for my grandchildren. Such a fun book and a true story!
## 259 I read this with my students the week before Thanksgiving, and they loved it. It has great lessons in perseverance and creativity, but they loved that it was about the invention of balloons used in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
## 260 The book came in perfect condition. The story is such an original one to use in the classroom for Thanksgiving week activities. We decorated our own balloons and had a parade through our school after.
## 261 The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz & The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz I decided to “review” or “summarize” these books together because the Fifth Agreement is very much a continuation of the first book, and in fact reiterates much of the earlier text. Both are based on the philosophy of the Toltec, ancient people of southern Mexico who were known as women and men of knowledge. Before delving into the books, I should acknowledge that I found then somewhat difficult. Although I have read a great many of what I would call “spiritual” books and wrings in the recent years, these readings, although similar, were a bit more difficult to fully digest. The author at times anticipates such problems on the part of the reader, and is indeed accurate in that regard. The Toltecs were not a race or tribe, or nation, but scientists and artists formed to explore and conserve the spiritual knowledge and practices of the “ancient ones”. They came together as masters (naguals) and students at Teotihuacan, the ancient city of pyramids outside Mexico City and known as the place where “Man Becomes God”. The Toltec recognize that some 3000 years ago a human studying to be a medicine man woke to the realization that everything is made of light and that all that exists is one living being, and that light is the messenger of life because it is alive and contains all information. He called the stars the tonal and the light between the stars the nagual, and knew what created the harmony between the two is life or intent. He saw himself in everything- in every human, every animal, every tree, in the water, the clouds and the earth. As I read the book, this seeing, this realization, is the truth, is pure love and pure light. It is this truth that we much search for. But why must we search if such truth is everywhere? We must search because we have lost the truth. When we are born devoid of language, we are the truth–our presence is a miracle. We feel and see what is, without interpretation or judgment. But, as we grow, we are what the author calls “domesticated”, just as animals are. The truth that we feel is replaced by symbols-words- that are mere illusions, that are opinions grafted onto objects and feelings. We apply our attention– the ability to discriminate and focus only on what we want to perceive- on these symbols. As children we believe what adults say, especially our parents, and our world becomes a dream, a reality built on symbols from others, not the silent feelings and observations that we experienced as infants. And this learned reality-our dream- tells us how to behave in society; what to believe and not believe; what is acceptable and not acceptable; what is good and bad; right and wrong; beautiful and ugly. We are imperfect because we do not measure up to an image of perfection that has been imposed on us by others. And we accept such law and structure by a system of reward for doing what is “right” and punishment for doing what is “wrong”. This acceptance reflects a multitude of agreements we have made with our world. We are judged and punished and then punish ourselves for bad behavior. We become victims who carry guilt for such failures, and are punished again and again whenever we are reminded, or remind ourselves of such failures. We live in a dream ruled by fear and filled with emotions of anger, jealousy, envy and hate. We must be right and prove others wrong. Our mind and our world become a fog–a mitote- a dream where a thousand people talk at once and no one understands. The author feels that, as a result, we are living in a dream of hell. We then search for the truth, for a way out of this hell. And yet, the truth is already within us, we don’t have to search, we just have to uncover what is part of us already, as it was when we were born. To escape our dream of hell, we must break the old agreements that are fear based and reclaim our personal power. We must create a new dream, our own dream- our personal dream of heaven. The author suggests four basic agreements that you must make with yourself to reclaim your own power and find a heaven on earth, a life of joy and fulfillment. The First Agreement- Be Impeccable With Your Word. The author feels that this first agreement is the most important and powerful. I noticed a few things about the wording. First, he uses the singular “word”, rather than “words”. I think perhaps this is in deference to the use of such term in the bible where John, speaking of creation, says “In the beginning was the word, and the word was God, and the word is God.” Through words you express your creative power. But he obviously means the plural, that your use of language must be impeccable. The use of “impeccable” is also interesting. Our common definition of “impeccable” is faultless or flawless. But it also means incapable of sin or without sin. It is this meaning that the author employs. He feels that a sin is anything that goes against yourself, and being impeccable is not gong against yourself, taking responsibility for your actions, but not judging or blaming. He says that if one loves him or her self, then he or she will express that love in interaction with others, and will thus be impeccable with the word, because such word, such action, will produce a like reaction. He contrasts words coming from love with those coming from what he calls black magic. He feels that gossip is the worst form of black magic, for it is judgmental language about others, even those we do not know. It is emotional poison that we teach to our children and friends and loved ones through our use of such criticism. The word is too often used to blame, to criticize, to find guilt and destroy. He gives the simple example of a child being told by her mother to shut up her singing because her voice was “ugly”. The child obviously agreed with her mother, and thus made an agreement with herself not to sing any more. These are the type of agreements that we make in life that are harmful and destructive, that lead us into our dream of hell. Instead, when you are impeccable with your words, they are no longer fertile ground for gossip and criticism, but for love. And as you use such words, first by expressing love for yourself, you break all the many agreements that make you suffer, and begin to build your own dream of heaven on earth. I don’t read “impeccable” to mean absolutely honest, for there are times when being absolutely honest could be counter to your words coming from love. The Second Agreement- Don’t Take Anything Personally. This is much easier said than done and I also think that the author assumes that one is practicing impeccability in their word before adopting this. He basically feels that people take things personally because we assume that things said are truly about us and that we are prone to believe them. In fact, he feels that people do not do or say things because of us, but because of themselves. Also, whatever they do or say is a product of their own belief system, of their own personal dream. Thus, what they may think about me is not about me but is about them. Instead of accepting this, we resort to the need to be right, and show the other wrong, so we magnify the power of their words or deeds. If instead we always act from a sense of love–the impeccability of our word- then if someone is mad at me, then I know that he or she is mad at him or herself and I am just the excuse for their anger. When you stop taking things personally you can keep your heart open and not be harmed. You will not need to trust in what others do or say, but only trust yourself to make responsible choices. And you must remember that neither praise nor criticism is to be taken personally because it is not about you, but the speaker. As I said at the outset of my comments on this Agreement, I think, in discussing this Agreement, that the author assumes that he is impeccable with his word. If not, then how could he say that when someone gets mad at you they are mad at themselves? This may still be true even if you were not using your word impeccably, but it would be harder to accept, especially since, in his discussion of impeccability, the author says that one must take responsibility for his actions. Wouldn’t this mean that when we are less than impeccable that we must accept some consequence, but not punish our self endlessly? Couldn’t someone’s anger be about us if our word was less than impeccable, but instead filled with the black magic mentioned by the author? I raise these questions in my mind because at times, as I read through this, it sounds as if one can “get a pass” for less than sterling behavior because he need not take others reactions personally. I don’t think this is the author’s message, but it could be read into some of the philosophy. The Third Agreement- Don’t Make Assumptions The author starts off his discussion with this statement: “All the sadness and drama you have lived in your life was rooted in making assumptions and taking things personally.”Although I would question the use of the word “all” (I have a hard time with such broad statements like “all” or “none” or“always” or “never”), I basically agree with his statement, especially as it concerns emotional reaction to others. (True sadness from the passing of a child or similar “objective” tragedy is hard to relate to assumptions or taking things personally) I have found that people often assume my meaning, and sometimes take offense at something that was never intended to harm. They probably misunderstood, but, as the author notes, were afraid to ask for clarification and therefore filled in any uncertainty with an assumption. I don’t know exactly why we are afraid to ask for clarification, maybe it roots back to those days when we were reluctant to ask questions in school. Maybe it a fear of being wrong, even if it is a subjective response to another. I don’t know why we do such things, but know that we do, and that it causes great and unnecessary pain. I think these two agreements about taking things personally and making assumptions are really part of a self centeredness that “it is all about me”. We often tell people, ‘it’s not always about you” , but such words are almost in jest. In fact it is really important to realize that it isn’t always about you, especially when the assumptions made generally do assume so and lead to taking things personally. Not making assumptions would seem to be one of the easier agreements to live up to, as it only involves a little bit of inquiry. But, like any change, it requires practice. The author just suggests that you “Make sure the communication is clear. If you don’t understand, ask. Have the courage to ask questions until you are clear as you can be, and even then do not assume that you know all there is to know about a given situation.”Good advice. The Fourth Agreement is About the Action of the First Three- Always do Your Best. The author stresses always doing your best, but knowing that your best will vary from one moment to the next depending on how you feel, etc. But, whatever your state, you must always do your best–neither less nor more. Trying to do more than your best will cause you to spend unneeded energy and, in the end, your best will not be good enough. You must be motivated to do your best not by some expected reward, but by the love of what you are doing. Doing your best will help with the other three agreements and it will also make you feel better even if you suffer failures in the other three. If you keep trying to do your best you will become a master of transformation-practice will make you the master. Always doing your best requires a great deal of effort. If you break an agreement, then you must be willing to begin again the next day and try your best to keep such agreement. In reading the author’s comments on this fourth agreement I am unsure whether he is relating “doing your best” to life in general or to the application of the other three agreements. I see his book as being primarily focused on reaching an internal contentment and happiness, not on navigating one’s way through the world at large. Admittedly, such inner contentment may well supply the path to successfully living in this rather complex world. I just find a bit of a contrast between the focus of this work and something like “Falling Upward” by Richard Rohr where he acknowledges the need to survive in the competitive world as a means of gaining some level of confidence before, in the second half of life, we are able to discard much of the baggage of the first half and seek out a more personal and spiritual contentment. Of course, this may be my misreading of both books, but, that’s what an opinion is all about. I also see a basic similarity between the two, and among other spiritual pieces that I have read. All see Western culture as imposing and espousing a very competitive, win/loose guilt ridden mentality. Such mentality may or may not be necessary for the struggles that we face, but, all my readings seem to agree that at some point our thoughts need to focus on attaining a more peaceful and inclusive level of spiritual contentment. This is the truth that the Four Agreements challenge you to seek. The Fifth Agreement - Be Skeptical but Learn to Listen As the author has pointed out, we learn from symbols, and these symbols do not represent the truth, which is present in everything. Symbols are people’s interpretations of objects and feelings and are not the truth, but are often lies. Thus, it is important to be skeptical, but he adds that you must then listen. When you listen carefully to others you can then understand the symbols that they are using and understand their story–their dream. Your communication improves and you can then see if what another is saying has relevance to you. You do not have to believe their story, for it is only symbols. Similarly, you do not have to believe your own story, for it is just made from your symbols. Neither story is the truth, the truth simply is, whether you believe in it or not. It doesn’t need you to believe, for it simply is. When you listen you don’t have to form or express opinions, you merely need to listen. By merely listening you show respect for the other person’s dream, for the reality he or she has created. The author sees all persons essentially as artists who create their worlds, and they must be respected as such. When we listen and share our stories, we try to understand them and make them part or our stories if we so desire–or not. If you gain control over your symbols then what is left is the real you, and the real you, not your symbols, makes your choices. In trying to summarize what the author is saying I find myself struggling at times to get to the crux of his message. I think that perhaps by expanding his work to this Fifth Agreement he intends to open the door to spread the wisdom of the Four Agreements to others. The first Four Agreements taught us that out symbols are not the truth, and that many of these symbols–our entire symbology as he calls it- are lies that lead us to blame and shame and guilt, to a living hell. The Four Agreements help us escape this personal hell, but perhaps there is more that we need to do. The author expands his discussion to outline the different stages that we go through as we try to reach our heaven on earth. He calls these steps “attentions”. The first Attention is the dream we create when we first use our attention to absorb the various symbols that we learn, and we then believe such symbols represent knowledge and our reality. He calls this first attention the ordinary dream of humans or the dream of the victims. It is a dream of victims because we are the victims of the false symbols which form our reality. And our reality is not about us, it is a mirror reflecting what others expect of us and for us. You must be freed of such reality and discover your true self. Then we reach a stage where we realize that our dream is a lie and we use the attention a second time to try to change our dream and create a new one. This is the Second Dream of Attention or the Dream of the Warriors because we now declare war against all the lies in our knowledge. It is a war against that part of our mind that makes all the choices that guide us into our personal hell. It’s a war between out true self and our belief system–what the author calls the tyrant or the big judge. In this battle we fight to throw off the belief system that causes us to repeatedly punish ourselves for past “wrongs”- the system that brings up past thoughts and punishes us over and over again. The author notes that “Humans are the only animals on earth who punish themselves a thousand times or more for the same mistake, and who punish everybody else a thousand times or more for the same mistake.”He instead postulates that true justice is to pay once for every mistake. As a warrior, one fights to find his true self. The author then notes that the dream of the second attention ends when something very important happens, something called the last judgment. This is the last time that we judge ourselves or anyone else. It’s the day we accept ourselves just the way we are and everyone else just the way they are. When the day of our last judgment comes, the war in our head is over and the dream of the third attention begins. We move from the dream of the warriors to the dream of the masters. This is a dream of truth and respect and joy. It is that point where we come back to our real state, our divine self, where we fell a communion of love with everything in existence. When we learn that the symbols are not the truth, then we are left to simply enjoy life, as we did before the symbols ruled us. We experience what he refers to as a resurrection, and it allows us to be wild and free like a child, except that we have freedom with wisdom instead of innocence. At this point we don’t need to judge ourselves or others, we don’t need to be right, nor prove others wrong, and we can express love with no shame or justification and walk in the world with our heart completely open. This is the goal– a life of joy. These books express a philosophy couched in rather mystical terms–in dreams and symbols, attention and awareness. But its message seems quite similar to other philosophies and much that is discussed in the current realm of what I will call a new spirituality. It suggests a path to find our spiritual connectedness to all of the world around us, a realization that we are each a part of everything, and that everything is a part of us. It reveals truth as not as description or a concept, but something that simply is. As the author points out, the physical nature of a chair is truth–its name is just a symbol, a symbol that can take a myriad of forms. I think he feels that a concept like goodness is also a truth that is intrinsically recognized and internal, and not a product of a value system that is imposed on us by others. As is love, and beauty. As do many others, he lauds the innocence of childhood, a time when the truth is real before we become “domesticated”. He doesn’t condemn such domestication, he just says that it is because all of us have been indoctrinated and pass that knowledge on. But, at least to me, he doesn’t recognize such conditioning as being a necessary part of that portion of our lives when we must learn to cope in our world. I think that this is the message that Richard Rohr sends in “Falling Upward”. I can easily be misreading both, but, so be it. The striking thing, as I read numerous books and other writings, and watch speeches, is the basic consistency in the message of oneness and the need to abandon, at least temporarily, much of what we have “learned” in order to open our minds, or perhaps clear our minds, so that we can receive the gift of interconnectedness. Whether this is termed as experiencing heaven, or nirvana, or “oneness” is of no consequence. These are just names for a realization of our humble and insignificant position in a broader, more accepting, and more loving world than most of us witness day to day.
## 262 I should start off by stating my background. I am an undergrad student of philosophy and linguistics, a branch of the humanities. I also deeply love this series of books because of its obviousness and simplicity. It has personally helped me triumph over many, many challenges. This is why I decided to write a review here.There is a huge tradition of skepticism in linguistics, especially about how language is used in various cultures to create belief systems. A belief system is basically a set of instructions inside your brain based on language. These instructions help you navigate the stressful world around you so you can survive. We are psychologically wired to think our belief systems are accurate and experience deep stress if we find them to be inaccurate.The trouble is, our belief systems are ALWAYS inaccurate. Yes, I used the word "always" for a reason.Without going deeply into the study of philosophy and linguistics, I will give you an overview here:Philosophy - When you study philosophy, you study belief systems about how the world works and explore important questions like "is there a God?" or "What is consciousness." You may not be surprised to find out that philosophy majors have not come up with answers to these questions because there is always a case where we are going to be wrong or have a counter argument. Much of the study of philosophy is the collection of vocabulary words to describe beliefs. They even have a mathematical component called propositional logic, where one takes sentences and reduces them to symbols and creates "proofs" but even prop-logic is under fire from academics for its complete inability to predict anything. In other words, it isn't the answer either.Linguistics - When you study words and language, you realize that all our beliefs are based on language and this language can never "touch reality" in that language is just an arbitrary description of reality, posing as real. I believe Miguel Ruiz must have taken a linguistics course as well--as his first agreement attests to the power of language. The four agreements pulls heavily from Saussure and Derrida. Both Saussure and Derrida (and many, many others) did work on how we form ideas in our heads based on language. The gist is this: we have something called a "symbol" in our brain which is composed of two parts: the word and the visual representation of the object (look up semiotics for further detail). These symbols are in our mind and work together to form meaning, then belief. The unfortunate thing is that they are entirely made up. It isn't real. Our ideas of it aren't real.If you really want a deeper understanding on how linguistics has saturated our belief systems I recommend reading some of their academic essays or get Rivkin and Ryan's literary theory books. They are excellent and will take you further down the rabbit hole. Most of the essays are dense but worth the effort!To simplify: scientists and academics in the millions have tried and tried and tried to find "the true belief" for thousands, maybe tens of thousands of years and we have not yet arrived at any truth. Because of domestication, we think other people have it, but they don't! "Truth" is defined as that which has the most predictive power. So far, mathematics, geometry, and physics has the most predictive power. Our belief systems simply do not.So any beliefs about yourself can be true and they can also be false. We can't know. So why not pick something positive? If no one knows anything, then how can you even know anything?But you don't need to study this yourself. All you have to do is think back to your past self, let's say ten years ago. Did that person have a belief system that you now consider to be faulty? How is that possible? What about your future self? Will that person believe you have a faulty belief system? Probably! How is this possible? How can you be SO WRONG? Is it because you "haven't learned?" I highly doubt it!But we have to be right! We ARE RIGHT! At least we think we might be . . . maybe?The need to be right is so ingrained within us that we create a huge drama when someone contradicts our beliefs. We end relationships over it! We storm out! We write angry twitter updates.HOW THIS BOOK HAS PERSONALLY HELPED ME:- No one person's opinion will ever again have the power to limit what I can do, even if this person is an authority figure- No one group's opinion will ever again have the power to limit what I can do- No one has a clear idea of who or what I am, not even me!- When people talk, they are telling stories. I don't have to argue. I don't have to fight. I simply have to listen. WOW!- I cannot comprehend another person's dream. I can't mind read. I can't assume. I know nothing of their inner workings.- Even scary, aggressive people are just telling stories.- I no longer have to feel ashamed about who I am or what I've done or where I'm going. It's not my job to assign a story to my life, or a judgment.- I no longer have to pretend to be something or hustle to gain love. I just need to love who is willing to love back. It's so simple.- I take all gurus, religions, indictments and gossip with quite a high level of benevolent skepticism, which allows me to be free from the fear that goes along with these stories.- I don't take myself as seriously as I used to.Probably the most valuable of all . . .- I have a deep compassion for all people. We are all just stuck here together, trying our hardest and doing our best. I don't have to hate someone because their best wasn't up to some story I tell myself. I don't' have to insist they believe in my story. I can just smile and listen and do what I can.
## 263 The book has the boldest of aspirations, attempting to be in the peer set of sacred religious foundations such as The Bible. The author believes we create our own hell and, through practicing the "agreements" in this book, could instead create our own heaven. The core idea of reframing your mental state is well studied and backed up by science, but the degree to which these agreements fulfill such lofty ambitious is an open question. My take is that there's some wisdom that anyone could benefit from, but there's a cloud of poor editing the reader must pass through to access it."The dream you are living is your creation. It is your perception of reality that you can change at any time. You have the power to create hell, and you have the power to create heaven."Agreement 1: Be Impeccable With Your WordSimilar to the Buddhist eightfold path "right speech". They mean speech that doesn't go against yourself. This is both negative self-talk as well as unkind words towards others, because that comes back against us* If I see you in the street and I call you stupid, it appears that I’m using the word against you. But really I’m using my word against myself, because you’re going to hate me for this, and your hating me is not good for me.* Using the analogy of the human mind as a computer, gossip can be compared to a computer virus. A computer virus is a piece of computer language written in the same language all the other codes are written in, but with a harmful intent. This code is inserted into the program of your computer when you least expect it and most of the time without your awareness. After this code has been introduced, your computer doesn’t work quite right.* Impeccability of the word will also give you immunity from anyone putting a negative spell on you. You will only receive a negative idea if your mind is fertile ground for that idea.Agreement 2: Don't Take Anything Personally.Like David Foster Wallace's "This is water", we have a rather selfish view that the world revolves around us. Instead, we must love ourselves and refuse to take the "poison" others may inflict towards us.* Even when a situation seems so personal, even if others insult you directly, it has nothing to do with you. What they say, what they do, and the opinions they give are according to the agreements they have in their own minds.* Even the opinions you have about yourself are not necessarily true; therefore, you don’t need to take whatever you hear in your own mind personally.* All the sadness and drama you have lived in your life was rooted in making assumptions and taking things personally.Agreement 3: Don't Make Assumptions.We view the actions of others through a filter. Instead, we can practice mindfulness and accept things as they are without associating baggage.* We make assumptions about what others are doing or thinking — we take it personally — then we blame them and react by sending emotional poison with our word.* We only see what we want to see, and hear what we want to hear. We don’t perceive things the way they are.Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best.In every moment, give it your best. Even the seemingly inconsequential you now give your all. But note this is not about perfection, we are human and can accept our actions as long as we try our best.* When you overdo, you deplete your body and go against yourself, and it will take you longer to accomplish your goal. But if you do less than your best, you subject yourself to frustrations, self-judgment, guilt, and regrets.* If you don’t judge yourself there is no way you are going to suffer from guilt, blame, and self-punishment.* When you always do your best, you take action. Doing your best is taking the action because you love it, not because you’re expecting a reward.* When you do your best you learn to accept yourself. But you have to be aware and learn from your mistakes. Learning from your mistakes means you practice, look honestly at the results, and keep practicing.* You do your best because you want to do it, not because you have to do it, not because you are trying to please* I make everything a ritual, and I always do my best. Taking a shower is a ritual for me, and with that action I tell my body how much I love it.Quotes that provide a summary of the author's views* The best way to say, “Thank you, God,” is by letting go of the past and living in the present moment, right here and now. Whatever life takes away from you, let it go.* The real you is still a little child who never grew up. Sometimes that little child comes out when you are having fun or playing, when you feel happy, when you are painting, or writing poetry, or playing the piano, or expressing yourself in some way. These are the happiest moments of your life — when the real you comes out, when you don’t care about the past and you don’t worry about the future.* Develop awareness of all the self-limiting, fear-based beliefs that make you unhappy.* You achieve the Mastery of Transformation by changing the fear-based agreements that make you suffer, and reprogramming your own mind, in your own way.* Going to the core of those agreements is what I call going into the desert. When you go into the desert you meet your demons face-to-face. After coming out of the desert, all those demons become angels.* Happiness is a choice, and so is suffering.
## 264 I really enjoyed this book. I've read it multiple times and have decided to try and follow the suggestions to help my life be better. In fact, I took these four agreements and came up with six of mine own - which I'm now using as I have found them and my studies to be conducive to becoming a happier human being.The style of the book can be difficult for some people I suspect, but I found I was easily able to cut through to the meanings as they apply in our modern world. As a philosophy for life, these are by no means bad agreements!
## 265 I recently picked up "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, and I must say it has had a profound impact on my life. This book is an insightful gem that serves as a guide to living one's best life, filled with authenticity and personal freedom.Ruiz presents four simple but powerful principles that, when embraced and practiced, can transform the way we perceive ourselves and interact with others. The agreements are:Be impeccable with your word: This agreement emphasizes the importance of speaking with integrity and using our words to spread positivity, love, and truth. It made me realize the immense impact our words can have on ourselves and those around us.Don't take anything personally: This agreement reminded me that other people's opinions and actions are not a reflection of my worth. It taught me to detach from the opinions of others, freeing me from unnecessary suffering and allowing me to find inner peace.Don't make assumptions: This agreement encourages us to seek clarity and communicate openly instead of assuming things about others. It helped me realize how often misunderstandings and conflicts arise from making assumptions, and it inspired me to approach situations with curiosity and open-mindedness.Always do your best: This agreement is about giving our best effort in everything we do, regardless of the outcome. It taught me that true success is measured by the extent of our personal growth and the dedication we put into our endeavors."The Four Agreements" is written in a simple and accessible manner, making it easy to absorb and apply the teachings to daily life. Don Miguel Ruiz's wisdom shines through every page, and his storytelling style brings the concepts to life. I found myself engrossed in his words, feeling as though he was speaking directly to me, guiding me towards a more fulfilling existence.What I appreciate most about this book is its universal applicability. The principles outlined can be embraced by people from all walks of life, regardless of religious or cultural background. It has given me a new perspective on how to navigate relationships, set boundaries, and cultivate self-love.If you're seeking personal growth, greater self-awareness, and a path to living your best life, I wholeheartedly recommend "The Four Agreements." It's a transformative read that will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to make positive changes in your life.
## 266 I wholeheartedly recommend Miguel Ruiz's book. It's undoubtedly one of my favorite works by this author. Within its pages, it delves into the significance of not taking things personally, always striving to do your best, liberating oneself from personal constraints, and remarkably, it's remarkably easy to comprehend. I particularly admire the illustrations and instances presented within the book.My initial encounter with this book was during my time as an intern at a drug recovery center. Therapists in group sessions would read excerpts from the book for discussions, and it served as a tremendous source of guidance for individuals in recovery, enabling them to reclaim their inner strength and foster positive self-improvement.I felt compelled to acquire a copy for myself, and I even bought one for my sister. Both of us have since embraced its teachings fervently, and as a result of incorporating Toltec wisdom into our lives, we have experienced a significant improvement in our overall well-being.HIGHLY RECOMMEND
## 267 This book is amazing and it was a life changer for me. I truly believe the world would be in a much better state if we all understood and practiced the knowledge that was given in this book! LITERALLY WORDS TO LIVE BY!!!
## 268 This is good book. Reinforces the importance of not to take things personally in life. most people that treat you negatively have their own issues that they need to be deal with.
## 269 The first time I read this book, it changed my life. I have since bought and gifted it to a handful of people, and I have only heard good things from anyone who has mentioned reading it. It has simple enough concepts, has encapturing stories, is short enough for even the non-avid readers and is phenomenal. Like I said, it changed my life. Maybe it will change yours.
## 270 I loved this book so I purchased 2 other books by this author. This book did not smell but unfortunately the other 2 did smell to I returned one book and after taking to Amazon I did an exchange for the second book. I hoping the book exchange will not smell. I love this author. Wish more people would be aware of his teachings,
## 271 I don’t do well with peer pressure and with all the hype around the book…well I gave in. This book 100% lives up to its well-deserved hype. Once I started this one I could not put it down. This was my first Freida book and I’ve now read 3 others. I can say she is an immediate buy author for me. I immediately read the next book as well. I just had to continue Millie’s story.Millie has recently gotten out of prison and is on the hunt for a job. She lives in her car, tired of the bar, and can’t even get a job in fast food. She's in her 20s and is gorgeous, but wears glasses and clothes to lessen her appeal, so others don't think she’s too pretty to work there. She interviews with Nina Winchester for a job as their housemaid and live-in nanny. Nina is a stay at home wife/mom, seems to only dress in white, slightly overweight, and appears to be very sophisticated.Nina’s daughter is a spoiled brat who is only dressed in fancy baby doll type dresses. From the second Millie meets her she senses something is off with her. Nina is emotionally unstable and has lots of mood swings and seems to always find ways to insult Millie. Millie is forced to put on a happy face and play nice with her and the daughter so she can get a good reference. She doesn’t want to live in her car again and violate her parole. And she definitely doesn't want to go back to prison.Then we have Andrew Winchester. He makes a lot of money, is so very handsome, and seems to be a wonderful father and husband. Millie can’t stop herself from fantasizing about him. He seems perfect in every way to her and cannot understand why Nina isn’t over the moon about him.Millie ends up having to live in the attic; in a tiny room. There is a small window that is painted shut and the lock is on the other side of the door. The door just so happens to get stuck a lot.And finally we have Enzo. He’s Italian and allegedly does not speak English, but he is VERY attractive. Enzo tries to warn Millie and reveals some of Nina’s secrets. That is when she realizes this job may put her life in danger, but she needs it and she thinks it cannot possibly be worse than going back to prison.
## 272 First let me say this was soo good!! I definitely ate this book up… I prob would have finished reading it sooner but you know work calls. If you loved reading Verity by Colleen Hoover then this book is definitely for you!! I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. Some of the twist and turns I saw coming tho.. like this perfect husband who is always dressed in a suit and not a single hair on his head out of place like come on that’s not suspicious. I don’t understand why Nina and Millie were so quick to be all in with this man, they knew nothing about him.. and then look what he did to them smh. I read online that this got picked up for aMovie and I can’t wait to see who they cast as these characters!! I can’t wait to read the next book.
## 273 Okay so I liked it but didn't love it. It was fast paced and interesting. Millie was not my favorite character, she was very obviously one of those main characters that has to make all the wrong decisions for the plot to move. That's said by about 30% I figured out the twist. I was not in the least surprised when things went down the way they did. I wasn't exactly disappointed with the ending but I was hoping to have a few expectations subverted. I mean maybe I'm just too disconnected from reading tons of dark messed up stuff but really the whole epic conclusion felt lackluster. I was out for blood and I feel the author only showed me a papercut. Maybe I'm the problem. I did like the writing style and Nina's POV was honestly super refreshing even if I wasn't surprised by the hidden narrative. I don't know if I'll read the next book yet but it's on my radar for sure.
## 274 I got this book on a recommendation from my mom and her neighbor and the o Ly regret I have is that I could not set this book down once I picked it up. Read the first book in four days (with interruptions - darn responsibilities!) as I was nearing the last 10 chapters I ordered the second book in the series thinking it would arrive as I was finishing the first book… I could not have been more wrong because I ended up finishing the first book that day and had to wait a whole (traumatizing) 24 hours till book two was delivered! It was agony having to wait till the next day when all I could think of was getting book two! Do yourself a favor and just buy book 1 & 2 at the same time. Now I have to wait till JUNE to get the 3rd book in the series - this is going to be a traumatizing wait…
## 275 I don't have anything bad to say about this book. I loved every second, every page, every chapter, EVERYTHING.It was SO entertaining to read. I found myself so immersed in the story that I became upset when I was interrupted. I've also been recommending it to anyone who would listen to me. Like, that's how much I enjoyed reading this book.I found myself empathizing so much with some of the characters and their struggles and that just makes me love this book even more.It does talk about abuse, so read the trigger warnings
## 276 **SPOILERS**I’m in awe at how Freida kept me on my toes through the entire story! In the beginning, I truly did hate Nina for all the psychological torture she was inflicting on to Millie and rooting for MillDrew to become a couple. I expected there to be some further torture from afar from Nina. Wild how this was NOT the ending at all. Nor the story to be told. Turning the extraordinary husband into the true monster and discovering it was learned behavior all along from Evelyn… I can’t imagine what discipline she did to Cece when they were alone. The entire thing has still left me feeling, and then for Mille to be highly recommended to another household by Nina. I wonder how Millie will handle him next…
## 277 Four out of five stars is a solid positive review for me. This was a good book and I really enjoyed the storyline. It kept me intrigued throughout, and I wanted to keep finishing chapter after chapter. The author did a great job of adding some twists and turns that I was not expecting. I felt like both of the female characters had both a good and bad side, and I liked how that unraveled through the book. Read this one.
## 278 I've just discovered Freida's books. Ill never get any sleep or housework done again. Many books describe their stories as getting hooked on the first page. I want to go from the first page to the last just to get to the ending. Not cheating though. The Housemaid had so many twist and turns it was hard to keep up with the action. Can't miss with this story or any by this author. Yes I have already recommended this book to my sisters.
## 279 I had this book on my shopping list for a while. I finally ordered it and read it in two days which is very fast for me. So many twists and turns. I enjoyed every page. I’ve already ordered three more books from the same author. I started the second Housekeeper book this afternoon. I’m so excited to of found an author I enjoy so much. I’m sure I’ll order more of her books when I finish these three. Happy Reading!
## 280 The only issue I had with this book was the fact that I couldn’t put it down for anything. This book caught my full attention on page 1 and kept my attention to the very end. Be prepared for a fantastic story that will have you so engrossed in its characters that you’ll be tempted to lock yourself in a room to avoid anyone interrupting you from reading this book!
## 281 David Brooks is good at both reporting and synthesizing best current thinking. Here, in this new book, importantly, he is driven also by his own learning. I think of him as a reflective practitioner. A fellow traveler. This is a good book, not a great book. A 5 star rating, however, for cleat intent and effort. This is a “big tent” book full of breadcrumbs of learning and insight. A book that will be relevant and helpful for many. The best chapters go deep. A single topic unpacked like empathy. The chapters in Part 2 are substantive in this way. On the whole, however, the book goes wide (too wide) in addressing a broad range of both personal and public (civic) concerns. The civic focus requires separate treatment. Really, a separate book. Also, at times, this book is both over-written and under-written. A reporter’s dilemma. Hard to find the middle ground balancing theory and practice (stories). In brief, at a deeper level, I think the book lacks an idea architecture in many ways. There is no integrating framework offered. His “illuminator” frame partially does this but it is not fleshed out and defined rigorously enough. The book is more akin to a reporter’s field learnings coupled with a graduate student’s enthusiasm. The book has a palpable sense of discovery about it and offers us the promise of learning and seeing in new ways. And, indeed, it does that. Brooks helps us us take stock and see in new ways. Learning these social skills and the “seeing others” skills more fully, more attentively, that Brooks points to, however, is not easy. I would have liked him to go deeper explaining how these skills are acquired and deepened. That said, I applaud Brooks task and his field research and his own reflections. He is a good role model in both his personal and professional life in the quest for lived wisdom. See chapter 17, “what is wisdom ?”. This is a well intended effort at pulling together this book and his learnings. Finally, his dedication to his deceased friend Peter Marks, his best friend, speaks volumes. Read chapter 10 and his poignant recollections of his friend. Pitch perfect writing found here.
## 282 Not finished yet, but especially incisive.EyeOpening. Love David Brooks' books andInterviews.
## 283 What would happen if we all took the time to understand another person truly? Beyond surface level but seeing that person's humanity on full display. Not judging, condemning, or suppressing but understanding. This is the question David Brooks answers in "How to Know A Person."Brooks wrote a book about a common humanity we all share which is the intrinsic need to be heard, valued, and understood. Each human being craves for this and we live in a culture that prevents that from occurring.Brooks effortlessly blends the fields of psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, ethics, and sociology to present a compelling case for human connection. We need each other and cannot live without interaction. Life would be very difficult without these essentials.This book doesn't talk about a new issue that has arisen but from ages past. However, what David achieves in this book is presenting a healthy alternative that will foster deep change in every sphere and domain of our lives. The antidote to tribalism, polarization, xenophobia, and the like is LOVE. It's simple yet profound. By truly getting to know another in all of their humanity, we love our neighbors deeply.This book is about more than just relationships but the art of loving people. How can we truly love someone to the point where they feel heard, valued, and understood? It only happens through deep empathic listening and compassion. Seeing the world through another's eyes while affirming their experiences.If we let it, this book can help start conversations that could revolutionize society for the common good. David Brooks speaks out of experience and not theoretically. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels lonely, marginalized, neglected, or misunderstood. This book is a rare gem that we need so desperately.
## 284 I admire David Brooks for his incredible writing, research, intelligent analysis, compassion and true kindness. He delves into complicated issues and brings us along with him on his journey. Thank you, Mr. Brooks, for writing this book (and everything else you do at NYT and on PBS). Every sentence in this book touches my heart and life and I promise that it will do so for everyone who reads it. And, it's always truly wonderful to read the personal side of someone who impacts our media interaction; to understand the person behind the person behind the "pen," or screen.
## 285 David Brooks has written a wonderful book on one of the most important challenges of our time: In an age of social media and social disconnection and unrest, how can we be better at getting to know and understand others?Brooks explores this subject in a down-to-earth and informative manner, using many examples from his own life and others. He is not preachy, elitist or holier-than-thou about it—he openly shares his struggles in connecting and understanding other people in a very well written narrative, including stories that clearly illustrate his points.I was afraid this would be too “touchy feely” or academic to be of any use, but Brooks has such a thoughtful approach that it is more like learning from a friend or someone who has your best interest in mind.A very refreshing take on a common human problem: how do you really connect with someone else who is different from you? How do you understand people who disagree with you on politics, religion or other issues?It may be that the future of our country depends on solving some of these questions, so well worth a try.
## 286 Mr. Brooks has written an exceptional book that provides a rich history about relationships. Relationships start with seeing people. Not seeing them physically and not even placing people in categories (e.g., Black, male, gay). It's helping to share their stories with you in order that you see them in their entirety. This can happen if you allow yourself to grow, learn, and accept that we humans are mysteries, and we all have our stories. We all want to share those stories, we just need to be seen. Mr. Brooks helps us get the tools for that to happen.
## 287 David Brooks never disappoints. I flew through this book. The author talks about so many important things in regards to being present, listening, valuing others, and simply being a good person. After every read I would put the book down and ponder his points. I found myself, and still do, looking for way to simply be kind, listen to others, and try to hear stories that people are wanting to share. You will be a different person after reading this book.
## 288 I really enjoyed this book. David Brooks has expanded my own vision on what is possible when attempting to form emotional connections with others, particularly for me at my stage of life generally regarded as “old age”. The book felt like a road map to be followed in the quest to see others deeply and hopefully be able to connect emotionally. Perhaps by attempting to do this I too might be deeply seen.
## 289 I am devouring this book slowly, one chapter at a time. It’s the most thoughtful and honest overview of human interactions. I am marking it up with a high lighter and will certainly be revisiting chapters again.
## 290 You delivered this book in a card board box in the rain. I have spent most of the morning drying page by page. You owe me a new book. surely you can figure out this was a bad idea for shipping.
## 291 The media could not be loaded. Where to even begin with Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"? This book has been a cornerstone of childhood for countless kids—and with good reason!First and foremost, the visual elements are stunning. Eric Carle’s unique collage technique brings the story to life in a way that instantly captures the attention of both young and older readers. His choice of bold, vibrant colors is just like eye-candy for the young ones.The tale itself is simple yet profound. A caterpillar eats its way through various foods, both healthy and not-so-healthy, growing bigger and ultimately transforming into a butterfly. On one level, it’s a delightful story about change and growth; on another, it subtly teaches children about the days of the week, counting, and nutrition.I appreciate how the book incorporates little "holes" in the pages to indicate where the caterpillar has munched through, adding a tactile element to the reading experience. My 5-year-old loves poking her fingers through the holes, making the story not just a visual but also a sensory delight!It’s also worth noting that the story is quick and to-the-point, making it perfect for bedtime or for little ones with shorter attention spans. But despite its brevity, it offers a wealth of topics to explore and discuss, from biology and metamorphosis to making healthier food choices."The Very Hungry Caterpillar" isn't just a book; it's an interactive, educational experience that both children and adults can enjoy together. It is a tale that transcends time and remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published. If you haven't introduced your children to this story yet, you're missing out on a classic that’s as nourishing for the mind as it is a delight for the senses.
## 292 Every child’s library whether public or in the home, should have a copy of this book. The illustrations are appealing to children and adults alike, plus there is a science lesson within!
## 293 Cute story, colorful illustrations, and perfect for little hands.
## 294 Books are my favorite gift to first-time parents and children. I love to choose books that I read or was read in school or library story times. Classic stories to be passed on for generations.
## 295 This story creates belly laughs, such fun and imagination for children. Love it.
## 296 This book has been around for decades, got it as a gift for a friend’s bridal shower. Such a cute book!
## 297 My little one doesn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought yet. Maybe this will change with time. Overall book arrived in excellent condition and was the best price!
## 298 Loved this book as a kid and It means a lot to be able to buy it for ny kids !! Forever a classic !!
## 299 CLASSIC WONDERFULLY BOOK.
## 300 This is a great book for children. The colors are bright. Such a great story
## 301 My niece and nephew love all their holiday books I send, this was no exception. Cute story!
## 302 Purchased as a gift but my daughter loves all the books in this series so I’m sure it will be great.
## 303 Fun Christmas book!
## 304 The product was great, but there were greasy fingerprints from the person who packed it in the box. All of the books I ordered had greasy fingerprints on them.
## 305 Bought this book along with "How to Catch a Witch", my granddaughter loves these books
## 306 Hard cover book so durable. Cute seasonal story for all ages. I bought this for my nephew who loved it and in fact had me read it 3 times consecutively. I also bought other “How to Catch” books and they all are enjoyable. A little expensive but worth the cost as a nice gift.
## 307 I get all these books for my daughter and I absolutely LOVE them! They tell a story, a funny story and keeps my daughter listening!
## 308 I love the "How To Catch..." books. I volunteer in a kindergarten class, and the students enjoy the books. I think I have four of them, but will buy more
## 309 How to catch a mermaid was adorable - this book was weird. It was told from the point of view of the reindeer which was odd. It was doesn’t have a good flow - most rhyming books have some kind of meter - neither my husband nor I could find a way to easily read this book to make it sound compelling - it feels wrong to read a rhyming book without since kind of rhythm. Next time I’ll have to buy a how to catch book in store to check out how it reads before purchasing online.
## 310 My Autistic son loves these books. They are great fun to read and brightly colored.
## 311 Granddaughter loves it
## 312 Just like the companion books, this book is a favorite of our 19 month olds. Small enough for toddlers to hold. So far we really love the Pookie books.
## 313 I really like the pookie series! There is more of a story with these than her other books. Pookie is also a cutie. My granddaughter loves them.
## 314 The media could not be loaded. We love Sandra Boynton but not all have been favorites. Sometimes they're either a little too silly, or the rhymes are a bit of a stretch. However, this one is perfect! It's now one of our favorites.There is a lack of fun Thanksgiving books for kids, but this is a great one that keeps it simple and enjoyable. With the traditions mentioned in rhyming form with Little Pookie keeping things lively and cute.No need to try to include every modern demographic. Just kept it short and simple with a focus on the day's preparation and family... and pie!
## 315 My toddler loves pookies Halloween so we decided to give this book a shot. Very cute but not as cute of a story as the Halloween one. I think Thanksgiving is harder to write about in general. We did like it enough to buy an additional one for a friend!
## 316 Great book for pur 3 year old. This was the 1st Pookie book we got and it was great. Not too long not short. Makes a perfect go o book for a quick bedtime read.
## 317 We love Sandra Boynton books! Spooky Pookie was our first and the collection has rapidly been growing. Got this one for my almost 3 year old. We read it at least twice a week, even after Thanksgiving. Great book.
## 318 Boynton’s books are my son’s absolute favorites and the Pookie series are the best of the bunch. I’m embarrassed by how excited I was to discover there were two new Pookie books this year - thanksgiving and Christmas! Lovely addition to the series!
## 319 It is Pookie and he is getting ready for Thanksgiving! Every grandparent should have a copy of this!
## 320 This is yet another adorable book from the Pookie series, my daughter's favorite. She is 3 and loved this book. I hope the author makes more Pookie books in the future.
## 321 From the first sentence to the last, this book provides the latest and most up-to-date evidence for financial literacy's wholesome power to enrich your entire life. The author tells stories to discover financial literacy and living a good life go hand and hand. Most financial books discuss the dominated and respected quantitative side, the sophisticated science, complicated formulas, and mind-numbing statistics. Reading the traditional personal finance genres makes people erroneously think investors need to be intelligent and aggressive to invest successfully.The Psychology of Money is courageously different. It is about life first and finances second. Don’t we want to better understand our behavior, our sense of ourselves and what makes us tick so we can achieve that vibrant and contented life? I know I do.The author skillfully separates the easy part of discovering the investing process versus the hard part. This may shock newbies, but understanding the quantitative aspect of finances, such as constructing a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds, is the easy part. Look, it is not the little guy or gal versus the massively intimating stock market with the macho goal of beating the average returns. Instead, this book is about understanding our behavior and the decisions we make to achieve a balanced and calm life with accepting reasonable stock market returns. Now that’s the hard part! But this author makes understanding our behavior achievable and interesting. He accepts whatever skills, experience, or knowledge readers bring to the table.The author brings up an age-old adage that we have been taught by our elders for generations—don’t take things so personally! With life's many challenges and sometimes negative surprises, isn't it about how we react that counts? Instead, if we respond with wisdom gained from our experiences over the long haul, the challenge itself will eventually be insignificant.The author explains that our reactive behavior, whether the sudden death of a loved one, a broken water pipe damaging our house, or a stock market crash, how we respond to each of these vastly different crises is no different. As a reviewer of this outstanding book, I took the liberty of interpreting the primary theme with my examples. With the death of a loved one, we can blame the doctors, the hospital, and isolate from friends and family, and sob over beers for the rest of your life as a lonely and bitter widow or widower, or you can blame the stock market, your broker, or valueless Wall Street for your portfolio loses. For example, it is well known that millions of investors reacted negatively for over a decade. They sat out with their two to three trillion of the longest bull market in history because they lost money in the 2008 financial crisis. So, no matter what the experience, isn't it always how we react? This book would help those unfortunate investors pull themselves and their portfolio together to get back in the market.To bring mindfulness to our reactions, the author talked about investors' emotions, attitude, and temperament. To be successful in this counterintuitive financial system is to be aware and insightful of this powerful psychological human potential—your expectation of future returns. The Goldilocks Principle doesn't have too high return expectations or too low, but somewhere in between. But what is a reasonable expected return?The author reports one of the most significant FACTS of the entire book: The United States Stock Market Returns 6.8% after Inflation. Allow me to repeat, 6.8%.According to the author, our United States capitalistic system produces about 6.8% return minus inflation since the 1870s (3.1% average inflation generates a total return of 9.9%). It is the law of averages, and it is powerful if we know how to tap into it and to be 100% satisfied with average returns (It has been researched many times that too many investors fail to get average returns). Morgan explains how to harness this massive industry and what strategy will get you the average return. The goal is to earn the average return over many years. Why? Two reasons:1. 6.8% return over inflation is a great return!2. Because our emotions will be spared the negative reactions from the massive swings (volatility) of the stock market which will set you up to panic and “get out.”This book will help you find that "just right" balance of your investments and your mind so you can sleep soundly with confidence and reach your financial goals over long periods of time. There is no get rich quick scheme. If a financial adviser or your best friend says that they can beat the averages, walk away, and never listen to that nonsense.Housel encourages all investors by debunking one debilitating myth from the start. All you need to be a successful investor is patience, think long term, and one tiny piece of mathematics, the power of compound interest over decades. You do not need an MBA or a high IQ! In fact, for the newbie financial reader with no financial background or smarts, take heart, you have an advantage. He wrote: "Ordinary folks with no formal financial education can be wealthy if they have a handful of behavioral skills that have nothing to do with formal measures of intelligence."That's me! I have never taken a financial course in my life. I flunked 2nd grade and I scored a lower than 100 IQ. But I had a huge advantage because I majored in psychology. Knowing how my mind functioned, I mitigated my return expectations of the market and drama during three of the biggest stock market crashes in history. My expectations for growth and losses are reasonable, balanced between stocks and fixed because I knew what the world-wide stock market returns since 1870. With my mind disciplined to stay the course forever and to do what I can do—control the real deal by keeping expenses low and be extremely happy with reasonable returns. I have perfect control by paying myself instead of some Wall Street mucky muck's yacht.For years, seasoned investors poo-poo psychology (read the one and two-star reviews of this book). There is at least one huge exception. One of the most significant financial thinkers of the 20th century and the mentor and professor of Warren Buffett. Ben Graham wrote said in the very first paragraph of his monumental 623 page The Intelligent Investor, "…little will be said here about the technique of analyzing securities; attention will be paid chiefly to investment principles and investors' attitudes." (1973 revised, page 1).The author had the great wisdom to cite a book titled “Enough” by the legendary John Bogle. Morgan tells stories of people "hit it big" (IN THE BILLIONS!). It wasn’t "enough." They want more, and in the end, they lost it all. Bogle’s most famous quote to get the market averages mentioned previously is to invest in the “entire haystack, do not look for the needle.”The author makes an important statement that is long overdue and worth repeating—the qualitative discussions of investing is more complicated than the quantitative discussions. It is humans that make the decisions and do all the trading on the stock exchanges throughout the world. Last I heard, humans have feelings. Housel says that science is exact and is governed by predictable physical laws. Molecules and atoms do not have feelings! But millions of investors do! Sir Isaac Newton would agree. He famously lamented after losing his investments to the South Sea Disaster in the 18th century, "I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people." Knowledge of psychology and behavior will help you understand and protect yourself from the "madness of people."The author covers a lot of ground because there is a lot of human behavioral and psychological constructs to explain. Luck vs. skill, attitude vs. math, being average vs. being superior, uncertainty vs. certainty, and confidence born from wisdom vs. overconfidence born from recklessness are impossible to measure and explain. The author correctly labeled these constructs “soft skills” (Hard skills are the math, statistics, graphs, and tables). Luck, attitude, accepting average returns, uncertainty, long-term horizon, and overconfidence are difficult to explain without emotional pushback from some investors. Most seasoned investors want to be intelligent, act aggressive, appear confident, and look sophisticated and soft skills will not get them that image and beat the market.We love to think successes originated on skills, knowledge, intelligence, spreadsheets, and math. The most vital reaction to many seasoned investors is downplaying luck to investment success. But Morgan won't have it. Making money from stock and bond investing is being smart with the complicated reality we face, and spreadsheet knowledge will not be enough. That being lucky is part of the equation. He admits that the luck factor is the question that might not be answered in our lifetimes.In the meantime, there is nothing wrong with being lucky. The returns are green too. But most seasoned investors feel insulted. Warren Buffett always reports that he is an incredibly fortunate investor born in the United States. I am lucky that I am alive after contracting stage two colon cancer twenty years ago. Any one of us could have been born in a small village in India in abject poverty, a shantytown in Lima, Peru, or one of our country's public housing projects.Unfortunately, I gave the book four stars. There was one paragraph that does not belong in the book. I was disappointed. I agree that I might be petty, but that paragraph doesn’t make any sense because it doesn’t follow the narrative throughout. On page 218, I rewrote here for those who use the indexing strategy, especially Bogleheads:“That doesn’t mean index investing will always work. It doesn’t mean it is for everyone. And it doesn’t mean active stock picking is doomed to fail. In general, this industry has become too entrenched on one side or the other—particularly those vehemently against active investing.”Did the Author Lose His “Psychology” for a Moment?I scratched my head and seriously wondered, has the author lost his mind? What in the world motivated the author had to write this when he shares how he invests, and it’s just like most Bogleheads and myself invest with low-cost index funds? I believe I can speak for most Bogleheads: of course, we are “vehemently against active investing!” It’s expensive and flawed is thoroughly agreed upon by genuine fiduciary financial advisers. Furthermore, there are books, peer-reviewed academic articles, and the Bogleheads’ forum experiences of how successful the indexing strategy has been overactive management. The author admits on the following page that 85% of active managers fail to beat the averages! The active management strategy has been proven dead for decades, and the author’s stories debunk active management. Over 35 million investors have their seven trillion dollars with Vanguard and TIAA. We know that active managers from Wall Street’s big banks and brokerage firms spend a lot of time sipping martinis on their yachts.Other than that hideous paragraph, The Psychology of Money is a fine book because it makes a huge contribution to financial discussions and what it means to be financially literate. The qualitative argument of financial literacy is desperately needed in the financial world. The quantitative argument is appropriate for constructing your portfolio and understanding how markets only return 6.8% average for 150 years. I learned a ton by reading those books too. But after that, no amount of math, sophistication, financial engineering, or science will protect investors from a bear market. Only what is between our ears will. Investors must get our heads behind the idea that we are up against a massive industry that wants to use our money to make money for themselves.The industry is playing a totally different game, different motivation, and most important different life values—they spend 24/7 in front of their powerful computers trading for two goals only, bonuses and beating the averages. I have one more example of luck--We are lucky that Morgan Housel wrote this important work. It is not about looking at your finances 24/7, searching for that investment “gem” that will make you rich quickly or to compete. At the end of the day, it is about doing our part in making the world a better place than it is now, being generous to those in need, be part of something bigger than yourself, and spending quality time with family and friends.
## 322 Psycholology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed and Happiness by Morgan Housel is a timeless work about how our feelings, emotions and interactions with money often results in different outcomes for different people – because people are different. So, insights into how to think and behave about money is instructive.You may think you don’t have enough money to make a difference for your future. I think this book will show you, how even with those thoughts, that you can.Others may believe they have more than enough. Those too are risky thoughts and beliefs.Because people are different, everyone should read this book to see what you uniquely learn about yourself and how you should think about money.Chocked full of great insights to guide us all.Quotes that hit home from various chapters are presented below. There are many more quotes possible, but then you’d miss the message between each quote. I strongly suggest getting the book to see how these below snippets string together into a powerful story about how we think and behave towards money matters.Quote:• Your personal experiences with money make up maybe 0.00000001% of what’s happened in the world, but maybe 80% of how you think the world works.• Luck and risk are siblings.• Yes, but I have something he will never have … enough.• There is no reason to risk what you have and need for what you don’t have and don’t need.• The hardest financial skill is getting the goalpost to stop moving.• $81.5 billion of Warren Buffett’s $84.5 billion net worth came after his 65th birthday.• Buffett began serious investing when he was 10 years old.• His skill is investing, but his secret is time. That’s how compounding works.• But good investing isn’t necessarily about earning the highest returns, because the highest returns tend to be one-off hits that can’t be repeated. It’s about earning pretty good returns that you can stick with and which can be repeated for the longest period of time. That’s when compounding runs wild.• Getting wealthy vs. staying wealthy.• Getting money is one thing. Keeping it is another.• Planning is important, but the most important part of every plan is to plan on the plan not going according to plan.• No one is impressed with your possessions as much as you are.• When you see someone driving a nice car, you rarely think, “Wow, the guy driving that car is cool.” Instead, you think, “Wow, if I had that car people would think I’m cool.”• Humility, kindness, and empathy will bring you more respect than horsepower ever will.• Spending money to show people how much money you have is the fastest way to have less money.• Money has many ironies. Here’s an important one: Wealth is what you don’t see.• Past a certain level of income people fall into three groups: Those who save, those who don’t think they can save, and those who don’t think they need to save.• Building wealth has little to do with your income or investment returns, and lots to do with your savings rate.• The value of wealth is relative to what you need.• Past a certain level of income, what you need is just what sits below your ego.• People’s ability to save is more in their control than they might think.• Things that have never happened before happen all the time.• The thing that makes tail events easy to underappreciate is how easy it is to underestimate how things compound. How, for example, 9/11 prompted the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, which helped drive the housing bubble, which led to the financial crisis, which led to a poor jobs market, which led to tens of millions to seek a college education, which led to [over a trillion dollars] in student loans with [a high percentage of default rates].• The correct lesson to learn from surprises is that the world is surprising.• The most important part of every plan is planning on your plan not going according to plan.• The purpose of the margin of safety is to render the forecast unnecessary.• The End of History Illusion is what psychologists call the tendency for people to be keenly aware of how much they’ve changed in the past, but to underestimate how much their personalities, desires and goals are likely to change in the future. [Thus, their history of change won’t change anymore into their future].• Every job looks easy when you’re not the one doing it.• Successful investing looks easy when you’re not the one doing it. Hold stocks for the long run … but do you know how hard it is to maintain a long-term outlook when stocks are collapsing?• Price … not dollars and cents … it’s volatility, fear, doubt, uncertainty … all of which are easy to overlook until you’re dealing with them in real time.• Beware of taking financial cues from people playing a different game than you are.• When investors have different goals and time horizons – and they do in every asset class – prices that look ridiculous to one person can make sense to another, because the factors those investors pay attention to are different.• The interesting thing about [absolutely pessimistic] stories is that their polar opposite – forecasts of outrageous optimism – are rarely taken as seriously as prophets of doom.• Pessimism just sounds smarter and more plausible than optimism.• …progress happens too slowly to notice, but setbacks happen too quickly to ignore.• The more you want something to be true, the more likely you are to believe a story that overestimates the odds of it being true.• We don’t know what we don’t know.• Coming to terms with how much you don’t know means coming to terms with how much of what happens in the world is out of your control. And that can be hard to accept.• Less ego, more wealth.• If you want to to do better as an investor, the single most powerful thing you can do is increase your time horizon.Unquote.There’s a lot of wisdom alone in the various quotes above. There’s even more wisdom reading how they string together to see the larger story line to understand your psychology of money applied in your own life.Each person reading Housel’s work will get something different out of it than someone else. And each time you read it (I suggest more than once) you too will get yet still something else out of it.
## 323 This is a definite recommend. It is an easy to read and easy to understand book that points out the obvious not so obvious key to figuring out that you have to stop trying to impress people. When you conquer that beast then you’re free yourself to free yourself. Let that marinate for a moment.‘
## 324 Best book on personal finance and investing I ever read, and I spent 25 years of my career as an institutional investor. I’ve recommended it to my brothers, nieces and nephews, and many friends.
## 325 I absolutely enjoyed this book as the lessons, experiences and even the author’s perspective teach the core fundamentals to identify and surpass all financial challenges that could appear in our life. The book also sets the tone we should follow to become financial successful.
## 326 Everyone will get return on their investment(ROI) and get a better understanding of their relationship with money. Learn about the power of compounding, stock market history and the stories provided by Housel are very informative and powerful. Low cost with a high return!
## 327 Peace very informative things every person should know for instance you are what you think you are the same principle applies it’s how you behave with your money. I really enjoyed reading this. Peace
## 328 The overwhelming expression of wait a minute, I'm not thinking crazy can not be explained! This written work was a great investment. Don't second guess the purchase, it's worth it!
## 329 Housel is an award winning business writer with investing experience. He covers a number of topics in investing with a slightly different slant. He makes a good argument that many of us would be happier or more satisfied if we spend more time in pursuit of small, personally appealing adventures and interests instead of pursuing more money.He quotes successful people on how they achieve balance. For instance Harry Moskowitz, Nobel prize winner in economics for his work on risk and reward, said that deciding how much of his funds to put into the stock market he visualized his grief if the stock market went way up and he wasn't in it, or if it went way down and he was completely in it. So he split his contributions 50-50 between bonds and in equities.Examples of other famous investors such as Warren Buffett who has one of the best investment records available. He points out that one of the reasons for his great wealth is that he invested very early and has kept the money compounding over a very long period of time -close to 80 years. Besides being very, very wealthy Buffett still tap dances to work, and has shown he still has the ability to learn new tricks in investing.Part of the way he did this was to hang onto investments for long periods of time, even with his exceptional skill at picking stocks and businesses it turns out that only about 10 of 3-400 hundred of investments resulted in very large profits. It takes special ability to have large profits in a given investment and to continue to hold it even while it goes up and down. The author doesn't give you much help in how to accomplish this feat.Another point is you get wealthy not by spending most of your money, but by saving most of your money and letting it compound over long periods of time. How much do you invest and how much risk do you take with most of the money depends on knowing yourself. Do you want to be in a position where you have enough cash so if the market goes down heavily and you have the courage, you can invest that money in the investment you're interested in? This is contrary to what most people do who are relatively fully invested near the top and then sell investments as the market goes down. They are losing too much and sell usually at a substantially lower price than they bought the investment. So you have to have enough money invested so that over the long term that it goes up enough to make you wealthier, but not so much that you decide that you've lost too much and sell at a big loss. Added to the problem is the fact that just because a company has bounced up and down before doesn't necessarily guarantee that it's going to bounce back again. Using low cost index funds generally evens out the ups and downs to some degree.Knowledge of the history of economic investment results is helpful, but fails to predict what is actually going to happen in the future. Part of being an investor is being able to predict how you are going to react to the worst and the best things that can happen to your investments. One of the most important attributes is the ability to change your mind as the world around you changes. The author includes many examples of how famous investors have coped with various problems and are quite informative.Perhaps the most valuable lesson or example is the author and his wife decided early in their careers that economic freedom, that is enough money to make their own choices later in life was worth doing. They could live comfortably without the joy of doing everything you want immediately. Instead they saved all of the raises they've gotten over the years of their income. He doesn't give actual numbers or even percentages for savings, but they are well towards their goal of complete financial independence. A great feeling if you can do it without sacrificing things that you really enjoy. Like the author perhaps you enjoy reading, walking, and podcasts- it's a good start.His method is to invest in low cost index funds, Vanguard, and basically hold forever or until his family retires. A large part of my own portfolio follows the same plan and this has worked very well. Hope you all achieve it.
## 330 expanded my knowledge on a lot of concepts to do with money. personally i really enjoyed it and read it quite fast
## 331 “I spent half my time loving her and the other half hiding how much I loved her.”This is one of the best books I’ve ever had the privilege to read. It is probably in the top five for best books I’ve ever read in my entire life. I have been looking for a book like this my entire life, and no combination of words I’m about to type, and you’re about to read, is going to do this masterpiece justice. But I will say that Gabby, Joce, Amelie, and Elyse were all right, and I’m so happy I listened to them, because this book is worth every single ounce of hype.And when I say that this book is lifechanging, I truly mean it. This book is sold as a historical romance, where you learn about a fictional, famous, old Hollywood actress and all her marriages. What you get is a book that stars a bisexual, Cuban woman who was never allowed to talk about the love of her life; her wife. And when I say I cried during this book, I truly mean that I probably need to buy a new copy because I was the biggest mess you’ve ever seen.“And it will be the tragedy of my life that I cannot love you enough to make you mine. That you cannot be loved enough to be anyone’s.”On top of this being a powerful book about race, sexuality, misogyny, and having to conform to societies norms, the true meaning I took from this book is that life is short, so damn short, and we shouldn’t spend it pretending to be something we aren’t. And we shouldn’t spend it doing anything less than loving the people who are worthy and deserving of our love.“I didn’t need boys in order to feel good. And that realization gave me great power.”We follow Evelyn from the very start; losing her mother very young, her body developing very quickly, noticing others noticing her developing body, marrying a man so she can leave the dead-end city she grew up in, so she can become something more. Evelyn is unapologetic with her actions, and it is one of the most empowering things I’ve ever read. She plays so many more parts than the roles she is cast in. And Evelyn learns really quickly how to play each and every man she is forced to interact with, and she quickly learns what she can gain from each and every one of them, too.This story is told from two different timelines and two different points of view. One from Monique Grant, who is a biracial (white and African-American) woman who is going through a fresh divorce and trying to make something of herself in the journalism field. And her life changes the day her editor tells her how Evelyn Hugo is demanding her, and only her, to write something for her.“Heartbreak is loss. Divorce is a piece of paper.”The other timeline(s) are all the different times in Evelyn’s life, and the different seven husbands that she had, while she is recounting the events that lead her to be telling Monique this story. Evelyn has lived a very full life, and is in her late seventies now, and is finally ready to talk about her life. But the entire book we are guessing why she has chosen only Monique for this job.“Make them pay you what they would pay a white man.”If you guys have been following my reviews, you’ll probably know that I talk about found family and how important it is to me a lot, but The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is the epitome of how beautiful a found family can be. Evelyn and Harry’s friendship in this was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read in my entire reading life.“When you write the ending, Monique, make sure the reader understands that all I was ever really looking for was family. Make sure it’s clear that I found it. Make sure they know that I am heartbroken without it.”And the romance? The true romance in this book is the most romantic thing I have ever read in my entire life. And you guys know I’ve read a ton of romances, but they are all lesser to this. Every single one of them can’t compare with the romance in this book. I feel like every time I’ve used the word “perfect” to describe something that wasn’t the romance in this book, then I used the word wrong.“Please never forget that the sun rises and sets with your smile. At least to me it does. You’re the only thing on this planet worth worshipping.”How many Evelyn and Celias are there in the world? How many are still playing the role that Evelyn was forced to play? I cry for every single person who must hide who they are, and who they want to love. And this book talks about many big things in LGBTQIAP+ history; from the Stonewall riots to the disgusting Reagan administration, but life still isn't anywhere close to equal in 2018. The prejudices, the discrimination, the virus/syndrome blaming, the looks I’ve experienced holding a girl’s hand while walking into a restaurant? Those are still in 2018, in the United States, but people act like none of those things exists because marriage is legalized, begrudgingly. I’m not writing this review to get on my soapbox, but I promise, we have a lot more work to do. And this book, this book lit a fire under me.I personally identify as pansexual, but I felt like the bisexual rep in this was a tier above anything my eyes have ever seen. Seeing Evelyn love all the parts of her, and all the different parts of her love, was something so awe-inspiring. I am still so overwhelmed with feelings, but if you identify as bi or pan, this is a love letter to you, I promise.“I was a lesbian when she loved me and a straight woman when she hated me.”This book also focuses a huge importance on motherhood throughout the entirety of this book, and then I read the acknowledgement and started weeping all over again. Taylor Jenkins Reid was able to evoke the strongest emotions from me, and I just pray that things will be different for the generation of kids being raised right now.This was the first thing I’ve read by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I will buy every single new thing she produces. The writing was so lyrical and addicting. I mean, I have a quote between almost every paragraph. This whole book deserves to be highlighted. The characters, well, my mind has now forever imagined that these are real people now, so there is that. The topics, themes, and discussions are beyond important. This book just makes me feel so passionately. This book is one of the most empowering pieces of literature I’ve ever consumed. And I am not the same person I was before this book.“I told her every single day that her life had been the world’s greatest gift to me, that I believed I was put on earth not to make movies or wear emerald-green gowns and wave at crowds but to be her mother.”If you guys ever take a recommendation from me; please have it be The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Please, I’m actually begging you. I promise, this book is lifechanging, and I equally promise you that this book changed mine. There is magic between these four-hundred-pages. Pure magic. This story is addicting, enthralling, and so important. And if you’re an Evelyn, in 2018, I see you, but I hope it doesn’t take you as long as it took her to be happy. This will forever be one of the best books of my life, and I’ll cherish it forever.“People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is “You’re safe with me”—that’s intimacy.”Trigger/Content Warnings: death of a loved one, death of a child, talk of suicide, unhealthy dieting, underage sex with an adult, abortion, talk of miscarriage, a lot of physical abuse, cheating, dunk driving, and homophobic slurs.
## 332 “People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is 'you're safe with me'- that's intimacy.”Taylor Jenkins Reid’s THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO tells the authentic story of legendary Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo through an autobiographical medium, with ambitious “Vivant” journalist Monique Grant scribing her tale. Throughout the interview, Hugo reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets of her life acting in the film industry, detailing how she repressed her Cuban heritage to conform to the Hollywood scene, how she not only experienced but capitalized on the industry’s sexism and double standards, how she used her body and married famous men to get her to the top, how she found true friendship and forbidden love, and how she admits that she would do it all again if given a chance. As Hugo engrosses Grant and the readers with her story, the question of ‘why would a famous Hollywood actress want to speak with an up-and-coming journalist like Monique Grant, why her?’ lingers in the back of our minds, and soon, we learn the real reason why Hugo wanted Grant to write her autobiography. As a student enrolled in an Intermediate Fiction Writing course, I was particularly eager to review this novel after reading it for the first time last year. To say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it is an understatement.Taylor Jenkins Reid never fails to impress me with her craft in creating and developing characters, I find that to be a strong element of the novel that contributed to my appeal; Evelyn Hugo is one of the most compelling protagonists I have ever read about in my entire life, and I adored the fact that she was all morally shades of grey and not a good person when it came to her rise to the top of the Hollywood ladder. She felt no regrets about the manipulations and schemes she created to get her to the singularity, which thrilled me, but seeing her vulnerable side away from the flashing cameras was also a real treat. Harry Cameron and Celia St. James serve as strong secondary characters who held a major influence on Hugo; one whom she shared a deep platonic connection with, and the other, to whom she was helplessly in love with and devoted. Taylor Jenkins Reid wonderfully illustrates the ups and downs of the friendship between Evelyn and Harry, the struggles and clashes between Evelyn and Celia, and the tragedy Evelyn experienced losing them both.Another element that stood out to me was the setting of the novel. Hugo’s interview reveals how she built and stepped away from her career as a renowned Hollywood actress, often inspiring her to move across different locations to preserve her private image. To her detriment and benefit, the press follows Hugo wherever she goes, with journalist companies like “Sub Rosa,” “PhotoMoment,” “Hollywood Digest,” and the “New York Tribune” writing articles about her fabricated life (while not realizing it), and spreading gossip. Seeing those newspaper clippings pop up in the chapters gives the novel a sparkling touch, making the environment feel more authentic. It also is no surprise that Taylor Jenkins Reid took inspiration from Old Hollywood icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor to craft the character of Evelyn Hugo; she fits right into the time period where her story blossoms.Finally, the last element that stood out to me above all else was Evelyn’s plot arc. She goes from feeling determined to make it to the singularity and steal the audience's attention to wanting to give it all up for Celia St. James, the love of her life, in a way that feels so natural and real. Her wanting to build an image as a renowned actress came from wanting to get out of Hell’s Kitchen and prove to people, especially her abusive father, that she has the talent and worth to make it big. But, as she meets and falls for Celia, she feels compelled to spend every moment with her, and she keeps up her work ethic but hides her feelings so the career she sacrificed so much of her authentic self for doesn’t die in vain. Of course, that comes with hardships in her relationship with Celia, but we see how her decision to leave all of the Hollywood glory behind makes sense after the fact. It’s bittersweet.If you’re in the market for a juicy contemporary beach read or a compelling novel that handles serious topics elegantly, THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO is worth a read and is the book for you.
## 333 With so many heavy topics discussed in this book, I really think Taylor Jenkins Reid did a beautiful job showing us the complexities of each one of them. Along with the simple complexity of just being human. This book covers the story of a woman from 13 years old to her death at 79 and everything that happened in between including what leads her to Monique Grant to write her memoirs, ending the book with a connection between the two you will never see coming. I never expected to relate to a movie star from the 50s but hearing Evelyn's story reminded me of my own life and it's amazing how the author did that so beautifully.
## 334 This is one of the better books I've read in a long time! I belong to a book club so sometimes I don't read descriptions or reviews well before reading the book (because I'm going to read it anyway) but I was so pleasantly surprised by this! It was deeper and I cared more about the characters than I thought I was going to. Great storytelling, and this came out at the perfect time with so many stories of Hollywood abuse coming out. I would love to see this as a movie.
## 335 I have never had a book reap such emotion from me, I have never cried reading a book. That being said it was only the end that made me cry, no spoilers, but chapter 62 did it for me. Followed by immediate shock and the feeling of betrayal!Throughout the course of the book I feel as though I felt the emotions evoked from each marriage…every loss…every slanderous word said of Evelyn. And while the book was focused around Evelyn’s life and we received so little of Monique, I still felt that I knew her so well. I mourned for her and celebrated her in the few chapters focused on her own life!I loved this book and have to place this in my top 3 favorite books I’ve ever read, perhaps maybe even #1! Only time will tell
## 336 Starting at the young age of fourteen and ending when she’s seventy-nine (when we first meet Evelyn), Evelyn Hugo has gone from bombshell, to sexpot, to Oscar winner, to civil rights supporter. Evelyn knew what she wanted from an early age—to get out of Hell’s Kitchen and away from her abusive father, and to be the biggest star anyone has ever heard of. And she accomplished that! Partially because of her talent, partially because she knows her worth and is unafraid to get dirty in order to achieve her goals, and partially because there is no one better at using the press and scandals to serve their own interests. Evelyn is both a force to be reckoned with, but also a deeply flawed and lonely. Shown through the perspective of Evelyn as she dictates her memoir to Monique, the reader is taken back to the early days of Hollywood to watch Evelyn’s rise, and her stumbles, to and through stardom. For a story about a Hollywood starlet, this book is LAYERED, and I don’t think I was expecting the level of depth it had, even though many reviews warned me to expect the unexpected with this story.In order to become Evelyn Hugo, Hollywood’s biggest star, Evelyn had to let go of who she was; erasing her identity to be what Hollywood wanted her to be. She knew and accepted this, always, but it does break your heart a little to watch her identity get stripped away so that she could be the blonde bombshell the screen so loved. The things Evelyn hid or changed, often denying the realest parts of herself in the process, really hit me in the feels, and there were parts at the end of the book that had me welling up with tears if that tells you anything. I won’t say more because the way the story unfolds is really lovely with getting to know all 7 of Evelyn’s husbands and the roles they played in her life, but I will say that I LOVED the inclusion of the fake articles to show the juxtaposition between what was Evelyn’s reality versus what the public got to see, and how the press portrayed her in return.Honestly, there was very little I did not like about this book, or its story. It flowed beautifully and, while not necessarily one of those books you couldn’t put down (I had no issues stopping in reading for the night) it was never dull. It had a smooth, and highly enjoyable writing style. However, my only issues were that sometimes, with the book being told in 1st person, Monique didn’t always feel that distinct to me from Evelyn. Which may be mostly because we don’t really get to know Monique at the same level at which we get to know Evelyn, though I did enjoy their relationship and how they were able to help each other, even when that got . . . tricky, to say the least. But I also didn’t like Celia for a majority of the book, either. I found her to be so frustrating at times, that I often wondered why Evelyn even bothered having her around. Thankfully that changed toward the end, but still.But, all in all, I LOVED this book and this story. It was so empowering, watching Evelyn be so unashamed to own her beauty, her sex appeal, her confidence, and to be the ball-buster she was, so unafraid of telling people what she wants, what she deserves—all because she knows her worth. I didn’t know how much I needed a story, to see a woman like that, until I read this book. But I also loved that the author didn’t shy away from Evelyn’s flaws, or the fact that, for a lot of Evelyn’s life, she was deeply lonely. Evelyn wasn’t perfect, but she didn’t let that be an excuse for anyone to treat her poorly. I will say there are some instances of spousal abuse in this book though, so just be forewarned if that kind of trauma is sensitive for you. I thought the author handled those topics amazingly well, but I’ve also never experienced such things for myself, either. Because this book brought tears to my eyes with that whole last third of the story, it easily gets 5 stars from me! This is such a satisfying, and empowering book!
## 337 I could not put this book down! I usually like thrillers and mystery books and wasn't sure I'd be into something like this but I was so wrong. I went through this book like it was nothing. The way Evelyn tells her story is so captivating that even when I had to stop reading to participate I real life, this book was all I could think about. I was fully immersed. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
## 338 I can’t believe I held off on reading this as long as I did. I love everything about this. It drew me right in, I needed to know more. The characters are so beautifully faceted. So real. At parts I had to put it down, scared I couldn’t handle the heartbreak, but ultimately having to pick it right back up.
## 339 Taylor Jenkins Reid hit the best seller lists with this take on an Elizabeth Taylor-Like character. She has rarely left those lists for the years that followed. Daisy Jones and the Six was on the lists for more than a year -- and then it was made into a very well received television production. Reid writes accessible fiction that clearly speaks to today's readers. This was one was set in a pre-Stonewell world of the movies and it's stars. The surprising choice of the elderly actress of an author to write her biography, a relatively unknown writer for a cultural magazine, gives an interesting perspective, begins the book and in a way ends it as well. The twists of plot
## 340 I annotated soo much with the book it won’t even close properly. Even when I went back to annotate, I had to pause to cry multiple times like it was new information. This is easily my new favorite book. Not really any smut, not the kinda romance I expected but the kinda romance I needed, just pure story across an entire lifetime with many characters. This book made me feel good in my core, this book made me look at my own life and my own choices and had me feel soo recognized and called out at the same time. Im honestly soo sad it’s over, I wish I could read it again for the first time.
## 341 My baby loves this book. Perfect for nighttime routine. As a mom and teacher the graphics, vocabulary and story line are amazing and a lot to engage with my baby. I even bought it as a gift for my cousin's baby as a gift.
## 342 I bought this book for my first great granddaughter!! She'll be arriving near Christmas!! ✨ 🎄 I bought it once before for my husband's new born great grandson and it's just a perfect expression of that un-expressable love! 🤗😇
## 343 the gift was wonderful for a new born - I actually bought 2 and one for my granddaughterloves it she now tells us I love you to the moon and back
## 344 Beautifully illustrated book. Follow a parent and baby bear around doing various activities together. A quick read, perfect for little ones that can’t sit still long or look at a page for several sentences.
## 345 I got this for my first grandbaby! I read it to her at bedtime and she loves it. It has quickly become a favorite that I read to her.
## 346 My 2 year old loves this book, when the mother bear and baby bear touch noses he always touches noses with me
## 347 I gifted to my son birthday
## 348 It's a birthday gift for my 1 year old great grandson. Once he receives it, I'm sure he's going to love it. His mom loves to read to him. I love her to the moon and back as well.
## 349 Bought this for a baby shower, I remember reading it when I was little and had to have it for my best friend who is a mom to be!
## 350 Classic book. All children shoud be loved this much. ❤️
## 351 This 2023 book “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity” by Peter Attia, M.D. (with acknowledged contributions by others including Bill Gifford) is a wonderful mix of facts, medical advice, personal and family anecdotes and opinions for living a long life that you, your friends, relatives, and medical professionals will enjoy. One main recommendation is to exercise regularly (in specific ways) while avoiding injury. He recommends particular medical tests. The book is worth purchasing and reading to understand how to live a longer healthier life. As an example of the substance and style of this book, Attia writes: “The information and advice presented in this book are not meant to substitute for the advice of your family’s physician or other trained healthcare professionals. You are advised to consult with healthcare professionals with regard to all matters pertaining to you and your family’s health and well-being.” Attia writes: “as a surgical resident at Johns Hopkins, I would learn that death comes at two speeds: fast and slow… Ultimately… slow deaths ended up bothering me even more. But this is not a book about death… [but about] longevity… Longevity does not… mean merely notching more and more birthdays as we slowly wither away… In 1900, life expectancy hovered somewhere south of age fifty, and most people were likely to die from “fast” causes: accidents, injuries, and infectious diseases… the odds are overwhelming that you will die as a result of one of the chronic diseases of aging that I call the Four Horsemen: heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, or type 2 diabetes and related metabolic dysfunction… Longevity has two components. how long you live… [and] the quality of your years… called healthspan… defined as the period of life when we are free from disability or disease… Death rates from cancer, on the other hand, have hardly budged in the more than fifty years since the War on Cancer was declared, despite hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of… spending on research. Type 2 diabetes remains a raging public health crisis, showing no sign of abating, and Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases stalk our growing elderly population… None of our treatments for late-stage lung cancer has reduced mortality by nearly as much as the worldwide reduction in smoking that has occurred over the last two decades, thanks in part to widespread smoking bans. This simple preventive measure (not smoking) has saved more lives than any late-stage intervention that medicine has devised… Medicine’s biggest failing is [treating] all these conditions… after they are entrenched—rather than before they take root.” Attia writes: “The metabolic derangement that leads to type 2 diabetes also helps foster and promote heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease… all “diets” are similar… protein becomes critically important as we age… Exercise is by far the most potent longevity “drug.” No other intervention does nearly as much to prolong our lifespan and preserve our cognitive and physical function. But most… don’t do nearly enough—and exercising the wrong way can do as much harm as good…” Attia writes: “there have been two distinct eras in medical history, and [we are] on the verge of a third… Hippocrates’s major contribution was the insight that diseases are caused by nature and not by… the gods… Medicine 2.0 arrived in the mid-nineteenth century with the advent of the germ theory of disease... [and] eradicated deadly diseases such as polio and smallpox… Yet Medicine 2.0 has proved far less successful against long-term diseases such as cancer… lifespans have nearly doubled since the late 1800s, [almost] entirely from antibiotics and improved sanitation... if you subtract out deaths from the eight top infectious diseases… overall mortality rates declined relatively little over the course of the twentieth century… [The goal of] Medicine 3.0—is… to be thriving… throughout the latter half of our lives… Lifespan… is binary: you’re alive, and then you’re dead. It’s final. But before that happens… most people suffer through a period of decline that… is like dying in slow motion… while actual death is inevitable, this deterioration… is less so… If you increase your muscle strength and improve your cardiorespiratory fitness, you have also reduced your risk of dying…” Attia writes: “[Exercise] components [are]: strength, stability, aerobic efficiency, and peak aerobic capacity. We want to maintain physical strength, stamina, stability across a broad range of movements, while remaining free from pain and disability… exercise [is] the most potent longevity “drug” in our arsenal, in terms of lifespan and healthspan. The data are unambiguous: exercise not only delays actual death but also prevents both cognitive and physical decline, better than any other intervention…” Attia writes: “data comes from studies of… people who have lived to the age of one hundred and beyond, often in good health… many of them get to enjoy one, or two, or even three Bonus Decades…. Researchers… [found that] individuals [had] very little in common with one another genetically… Natural selection has endowed us with genes that work beautifully to help us develop, reproduce, and then raise our offspring [but] after the age of reproduction, natural selection loses much of its force… [Yet] a handful of potential longevity genes… are possibly relevant to our strategy. One [gene]… called … APOE (apolipoprotein E) that is involved in cholesterol transport and processing, and it has three variants: e2, e3, and e4… The e2 variant of APOE… seems to protect its carriers against dementia—and it also turns out to be very highly associated with longevity… FOXO3 belongs to a family of “transcription factors,” which regulate how other genes are expressed—meaning whether they are activated or “silenced.”… When FOXO3 is activated, it in turn activates genes that generally keep our cells healthier. It seems to play an important role in preventing cells from becoming cancerous as well.” Attia writes: “gene expression can be influenced by your environment and your behaviors… a 2007 study found that older people who were put on a regular exercise program shifted to a more youthful pattern of gene expression after six months. This suggests that genetics and environment both play a role in longevity and that it may be possible to implement interventions that replicate at least some of the centenarians’ good genetic luck… think of centenarians as the results of a natural experiment that tells us something important about living longer and living better… The experiment entails taking a random collection of human genomes and exposing them to a variety of environments and behaviors. The centenarians possess the correct combination of genome X required to survive in environment Y (perhaps with help from behaviors Z).” Attia writes: “Protein aggregates have been implicated in diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, so getting rid of them is good; impaired autophagy has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease… and also to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders… By cleansing our cells of damaged proteins and other cellular junk, autophagy allows cells to run more cleanly and efficiently and helps make them more resistant to stress… The FDA has given the green light for a clinical trial of another drug with potential longevity benefits, the diabetes medication metformin… studies appeared to confirm… that patients on metformin appeared to have a lower incidence of cancer than the general population… diabetics on metformin actually lived longer than nondiabetics[striking!].” Attia writes: “In the late 1970s, the average American adult male weighed 173 pounds. Now the average American man tips the scale at nearly 200 pounds… According to the [CDC] more than 40 percent of the US population is obese… another third… is overweight (BMI of 25 to 30)… visceral fat is linked to increased risk of both cancer and cardiovascular disease… fat-storage capacity seems to be influenced by genetic factors… our metabolism, as it has evolved over millennia, is not equipped to cope with our ultramodern diet, which has appeared only within the last century or so… We needed to… endure periods of time without much food, and natural selection obliged, endowing us with genes that helped us conserve and store energy in the form of fat… to survive periods of famine, cold climates, and… illness and pregnancy.” Attia writes: “At some point, our primate ancestors underwent a random genetic mutation that effectively switched on their ability to turn fructose into fat… This newfound ability to store fat enabled them to survive in the colder climate… But in our modern world, this fat-storage mechanism has outlived its usefulness… It is very difficult to get fat from eating too many apples, for example, because the fructose in the apple enters our system relatively slowly, mixed with fiber and water, and [we] can handle it normally… I test my patients’ levels of uric acid, not only because high levels may promote fat storage but also because it is linked to high blood pressure… While heart disease is the most prevalent age-related condition, it is also more easily prevented than either cancer or Alzheimer’s disease… atherosclerotic disease… still kills more people than cancer in the [US] each year… Heart disease remains our deadliest killer, … [but] this should be the tenth leading cause of death, not the first.” Attia writes: “The reason they’re called high-and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL, respectively) has to do with the amount of fat relative to protein that each one carries... it’s not the cholesterol per se that causes problems but the nature of the particle in which it’s transported… Another major misconception about heart disease is that it is somehow caused by the cholesterol that we eat in our diet… The humble egg… has remained in nutritional purgatory for decades, even after reams of research papers showing that dietary cholesterol (and particularly egg consumption) may not have much to do with heart disease at all… The vast majority of the cholesterol in our circulation is actually produced by our own cells… dietary guidelines finally… conceded (in 2015) that “cholesterol is not a nutrient of concern for overconsumption.” Glad we settled that… the American Heart Association guidelines still favor LDL-C testing instead of apoB. I have all my patients tested for apoB regularly, and you should ask for the same test the next time you see your doctor… We are fortunate that many of these conditions can be modulated or nearly eliminated—including apoB, by the way—via lifestyle changes and medications… I take a very hard line on lowering apoB, the particle that causes all this trouble. (In short: get it as low as possible, as early as possible.)… if we all maintained the apoB levels we had when we were babies, there wouldn’t be enough heart disease on the planet for people to know what it was… In my clinical experience, about a third to half of people who consume high amounts of saturated fats… will experience a dramatic increase in apoB particles, which we obviously don’t want. Monounsaturated fats, found in high quantities in extra virgin olive oil, macadamia nuts, and avocados (among other foods), do not have this effect... The point is not necessarily to limit fat overall but to shift to fats that promote a better lipid profile… But for many patients... lowering apoB… cannot be accomplished with diet alone... Statins are far and away the most prescribed class of drugs for lipid management... statins… are very helpful drugs for reducing apoB or LDL concentration in many patients... For people who can’t tolerate statins, I [prescribe] bempedoic acid (Nexletol),” Attia writes: “Like heart disease, cancer is a disease of aging. That is, it becomes exponentially more prevalent with each decade of life… there were more cancer deaths among people between forty-five and sixty-four than from heart disease… The problem we face is that once cancer is established, we lack highly effective treatments for it. Our toolbox is limited… surgery is of limited value when cancer has metastasized, or spread. Metastatic cancers can be slowed by chemotherapy, but they virtually always come back… Cancer cells… stop listening to the body’s signals that tell them when to grow and when to stop growing… a gene called PTEN, which normally stops cells from growing or dividing (and eventually becoming tumors), is often mutated or “lost” in people with cancer, including about 31 percent of men with prostate cancer and 70 percent of men with advanced prostate cancer. Such “tumor suppressor” genes are critically important to our understanding of the disease… not only is breast cancer genetically distinct from colon cancer (as the researchers expected), but no two breast cancer tumors are very much alike… With a few exceptions… solid organ tumors typically kill you only when they spread to other organs… Prostate cancer kills only when it becomes metastatic… Once cancer has spread, the entire game changes… excess weight is a leading risk factor for both cancer cases and deaths, second only to smoking… Obesity itself is strongly associated with thirteen different types of cancers… [For] colorectal cancer (CRC)… About 70 percent of people who are diagnosed with CRC before the age of fifty have no family history or hereditary conditions linked to the disease… Of all the Horsemen, cancer is probably the hardest to prevent” Attia writes: “In the [US], about 6 million people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease… 1 million have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s... Exercise is the only intervention shown to delay the progression of Parkinson’s… Having type 2 diabetes doubles or triples your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, about the same as having one copy of the APOE e4 gene… APOE e4… seems to accelerate other risk factors and driver mechanisms for Alzheimer’s… Curiously, APOE e4 was not always a bad actor… The e3 mutation showed up about 225,000 years ago, while e2 is a relative latecomer, arriving only in the last 10,000 years… In environments where infectious disease was a leading cause of death, APOE e4 carriers may have been the lucky ones, in terms of longevity… The single most powerful item in our preventive tool kit is exercise… Strength training is likely just as important… I now tell patients that exercise is… the best tool we have in the neurodegeneration prevention tool kit… Sleep is also a very powerful tool against Alzheimer’s disease... Sleep disruptions and poor sleep are potential drivers of increased risk of dementia… There is a growing body of research linking oral health… with overall health… The conundrum we face is that our environment has changed dramatically over the last century or two, in almost every imaginable way—our food supply and eating habits, our activity levels… Our genes no longer match our environment. Thus, we must be cunning in our tactics…to… thrive” Attia writes: “exercise has the greatest power to determine how you will live out the rest of your life… even a fairly minimal amount of exercise can lengthen your life by several years. It delays the onset of chronic diseases, pretty much across the board, but it is also amazingly effective at extending and improving healthspan… So if you adopt only one new set of habits based on reading this book, it must be in the realm of exercise…” Attia writes: “each of us needs to be training for the Centenarian Decathlon… [Decide on] the ten most important physical tasks you will want to be able to do for the rest of… your life… [Consider a] long list of physical tasks that might include some of the following: Get up off the floor under your own power… Lift a twenty-pound suitcase into the overhead compartment of a plane… [from say] more than fifty different items.... [then] select which of these tasks [you] want to be able to perform… in [your] ninth… decade. [then] come up with a list of ten… to become a different sort of athlete altogether: an athlete of life… I structure my training around exercises that improve the following… Grip strength… to be able to lift the weight up and put it back down, slowly and with control… Pulling motions… Hip-hinging movements... I focus on these four foundational elements of strength because they are the most relevant to our Centenarian Decathlon… studies suggest that grip strength—literally… how hard you can squeeze something with one hand—predicts how long you are likely to live… It’s not about telling you what to eat; it’s about figuring… out what works for your body and your goals—and, just as important, what you can stick to…”Attia writes: “Nutrition is relatively simple.... don’t eat too many calories, or too few; consume sufficient protein and essential fats; obtain the vitamins and… minerals you need; and avoid pathogens… Beyond that, we know relatively little with complete certainty. Read that sentence again, please… a lot of the old cliché expressions are probably right: If your great-grandmother would not recognize it, you’re probably better off not eating… Plants are very good to eat. Animal protein is “safe” to eat. We evolved as omnivores; ergo, most of us can probably find excellent health as omnivores.” Attia writes: “some clinical trials have provided some useful bits of knowledge. One of the… clinical trials… show a clear advantage for the Mediterranean diet—or at least, for nuts and olive oil… The study was meant to last six years, but in 2013… halted it prematurely, after just four and a half years, because the results were so dramatic… The group receiving the olive oil had about a one-third lower incidence (31 percent) of stroke, heart attack, and death than the low-fat group, and the mixed-nuts group showed a similar reduced risk (28 percent). It was therefore deemed unethical to continue the low-fat arm of the trial. By the numbers, the nuts-or-olive-oil “Mediterranean” diet appeared to be as powerful as statins…” Attia writes: “SAD, the Standard American Diet [is] almost as devastating to most people as tobacco when consumed in large quantities… The farther away we get from the SAD, the better off we will be… The real art… [is] finding the best mix of macronutrients… [and] an eating pattern [that one] can sustain… our four macronutrients: alcohol, carbohydrates, protein, and fat… Alcohol serves no nutritional or health purpose but is a purely hedonic pleasure that needs to be managed. It’s especially disruptive for people who are overnourished... it’s an “empty” calorie source that offers zero nutrition value… chronic drinking has strong associations with Alzheimer’s disease, mainly via its negative effect on sleep… it loosens inhibitions around other kinds of food consumption…” Attia writes: “Many studies have found powerful associations between insufficient sleep (less than seven hours a night, on average) and adverse health outcomes ranging from increased susceptibility to the common cold to dying of a heart attack… As important as sleep is for the body, it may even be more so for the brain. Good sleep, in terms of not only quantity but quality, is critical to our cognitive function… there is a growing body of evidence that sleeping well is essential to preserving our cognition as we age and staving off Alzheimer’s disease.”
## 352 When we are born, we aren't given an owner's manual. But now we have the book, "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" by Peter Attia, MD. It provides direction for how we can live a long and healthy life. But it also shares a prescription for the things we need to do if we want to live longer despite the diseases that are out to get us, including cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetesAttia is well known for his medical advice on his podcast and in other venues. This book cautions us about what he calls the "four horsemen" of diseases that are likely to kill us: heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, or type 2 diabetes and related metabolic dysfunction. Despite limited progress in holding some of them back, Attia says modern medicine is still not very helpful until a disease is diagnosed before help is provided. "Someone who drops dead of a heart attack did not just get sick an hour earlier," he writes. "The disease was working inside them, silently and invisibly, for decades. Their internal defense mechanisms weakened as they grew older, and disease gained the upper hand. "Among the key takeaways from the book:• Current medicine relies on two tactics: procedures (e.g., surgery) and medications. But he suggests that future medicine should focus on five domains: exercise, nutrition, sleep, emotional health, and exogenous molecules, meaning drugs, hormones, or supplements.• According to research by Thomas Perls of Boston University and his colleagues, who run the New England Centenarian Study, one in five people in the general population will have received some type of cancer diagnosis by age seventy-two. Similarly, one-quarter of the general population will have been diagnosed with clinically apparent cardiovascular disease by age seventy-five; among centenarians, that prevalence is reached only at age ninety-two.• When centenarians die, they have generally (though not always) been sick or disabled for a much shorter period than people who died two or three decades earlier.• According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 40 percent of the US population is obese (defined as having a BMI[*2] greater than 30), while roughly another third is overweight (BMI of 25 to 30). Statistically, being obese means someone is at greater risk of chronic disease, so a lot of attention is focused on the "obesity problem," but I take a broader view: obesity is merely one symptom of an underlying metabolic derangement, such as hyperinsulinemia, that also happens to cause us to gain weight.• Doctors should focus on metabolical obesity defined in terms of the following five criteria: high blood pressure (>130/85), high triglycerides (>150 mg/dL), low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women) central adiposity (waist circumference >40 inches in men or >35 in women) elevated fasting glucose (>110 mg/dL)• If you meet three or more of these criteria, you have the metabolic syndrome—along with as many as 120 million other Americans, according to a 2020 article in JAMA. About 90 percent of the US population ticks at least one of these boxes.• Metabolism is how we take nutrients and break them down for use in the body. Those nutrients are processed and sent to their proper destinations in someone who is metabolically healthy. But when someone is metabolically unhealthy, many calories they consume end up where they are not needed, at best—or outright harmful, at worst.• Fat also begins to infiltrate your abdomen, accumulating in between your organs.• Patients with diabetes have a much greater risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias; one could argue that diabetes with related metabolic dysfunction is one thing that all these conditions have in common. "This is why I place such emphasis on metabolic health and why I have long been concerned about the epidemic of metabolic disease not only in the United States but worldwide."• Humans have a unique capacity for turning calories from fructose into fat. Lots of people like to demonize fructose, especially in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, without really understanding why it's supposed to be so harmful. The story is complicated but fascinating. The critical factor here is that fructose is metabolized differently from other sugars. When we metabolize fructose, along with certain different types of foods, it produces large amounts of uric acid, best known as a cause of gout but also associated with elevated blood pressure.• Cholesterol is essential to life. It is required to produce some of the most critical structures in the body, including cell membranes; hormones such as testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol; and bile acids, which are necessary for digesting food.• The humble egg, in particular, was singled out in a 1968 proclamation by the American Heart Association, accused of causing heart disease because of its high cholesterol content. It has remained in nutritional purgatory for decades, even after reams of research papers showing that dietary cholesterol (and particularly egg consumption) may not have much to do with heart disease at all. Eating lots of saturated fat can increase levels of atherosclerosis-causing lipoproteins in blood, but most of the actual cholesterol that we consume in our food ends up being excreted out our backsides. The vast majority of the cholesterol in our circulation is actually produced by our own cells. Nevertheless, US dietary guidelines warned Americans away from consuming foods high in cholesterol for decades, and nutrition labels still inform American consumers about how much cholesterol is contained in each serving of packaged foods.• cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, right behind heart disease. Together, these two conditions account for almost one in every two American deaths. The difference is that we understand the genesis and progression of heart disease fairly well, and we have some effective tools with which to prevent and treat it. As a result, mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease have dropped by two-thirds since the middle of the twentieth century. But cancer still kills Americans at almost exactly the same rate as it did fifty years ago. We have made some progress against a few specific cancers, notably leukemia (especially childhood leukemia, as I noted earlier). For adults with leukemia, ten-year survival rates nearly doubled between 1975 and 2000, leaping from 23 percent to 44 percent. Survival rates for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas have increased as well, especially the former. Yet these represent relatively small victories in a "war" that has not gone particularly well.• The problem we face is that once cancer is established, we lack highly effective treatments for it. Our toolbox is limited. Many (though not all) solid tumors can be removed surgically, a tactic that dates back to ancient Egypt. Combining surgery and radiation therapy is pretty effective against most local, solid-tumor cancers. But while we've gotten fairly good at this approach, we have essentially maxed out our ability to treat cancers this way. We are not getting any more juice from the squeeze.• I advocate early, aggressive, and broad screening for my patients—such as colonoscopy (or other colorectal cancer screening) at age forty, as opposed to the standard recommendation of forty-five or fifty—because the evidence is overwhelming that it's much easier to deal with most cancers in their early stages. I am also cautiously optimistic about pairing these tried-and-true staples of cancer screening with emerging methods, such as "liquid biopsies," which can detect trace amounts of cancer-cell DNA via a simple blood test.• Five decades into the war on cancer, it seems clear that no single "cure" is likely to be forthcoming. Rather, our best hope likely lies in figuring out better ways to attack cancer on all three of these fronts: prevention, more targeted and effective treatments, and comprehensive and accurate early detection.• But what causes cancer to spread? We don't really know, and we are unlikely to find out anytime soon because only about 5 to 8 percent of US cancer research funding goes to the study of metastasis. Our ability to detect cancer metastasis is also very poor, although I do believe we are on the verge of some key breakthroughs in cancer screening,• Right now, this usually means chemotherapy. Contrary to popular belief, killing cancer cells is actually pretty easy. Traditional chemotherapy occupies a fuzzy region between poison and medicine.• Globally, about 12 to 13 percent of all cancer cases are thought to be attributable to obesity. Obesity itself is strongly associated with thirteen different types of cancers, including pancreatic, esophageal, renal, ovarian, and breast cancers, as well as multiple myeloma (see figure 7). Type 2 diabetes also increases the risk of certain cancers, by as much as double in some cases.• If the first rule of cancer is "Don't get cancer," the second rule is "Catch it as soon as possible."• Alzheimer's disease is perhaps the most difficult, most intractable of the Horsemen diseases. We have a much more limited understanding of how and why it begins, and how to slow or prevent it, than we do with atherosclerosis.• While female Alzheimer's patients outnumber men by two to one, the reverse holds true for Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's, both of which are twice as prevalent in men. Yet Parkinson's also appears to progress more rapidly in women than in men, for reasons that are not clear.Finally, the author suggests how medicine needs to change it focus:• The first is exercise, which I consider to be by far the most potent domain in terms of its impact on both lifespan and health span.• Next is diet or nutrition—or as I prefer to call it, nutritional biochemistry.• The third domain is sleep, which has gone underappreciated by Medicine 2.0 until relatively recently.• The fourth domain encompasses a set of tools and techniques to manage and improve emotional health.• Our fifth and final domain consists of the various drugs, supplements, and hormones that doctors learn about in medical school and beyond.
## 353 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Physical, EmotionalTake-aways: To avoid the "Four Horsemen" (cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer), you can employ several measurable, quantifiable, REALISTIC behavior changes. It covers exercise (but focused on longevity, not "pretty muscle"), nutrition, medications, and moreYou'll LOVE this book if: you're interested in putting more life into your years, AND years in your life, and making sure your "Marginal Decade" isn't bedridden and feeble.DON'T read if: you aren't looking to change your lifestyle, or medical terms turn you away.Reasons I love this book: It's hard to find an author willing to cover all aspects of your physical health. It's even harder to find one who understands the importance of emotional health when it comes to living a fulfilling life. Peter Attia is that author.The book begins by helping the reader understand the causes beyond "The Four Horsemen," and he doesn't simply chalk it up to just genetics. He helps you understand, with sound science and evidence, just what behaviors may be leading you down the path to sickness. He discusses genetics, and their impact as well. And most importantly, he helps the reader understand behaviors that may lead to an early grave.But rather than leaving you in doom and gloom, Dr. Attia paints an optimistic (and refreshingly clear) picture of what behavioral practices to engage in to stave off these dreaded diseases. They include everything from grip strength exercises and stability training, to diet recommendations, and even sleep (think it's too elementary? How have your afternoons been...droggy?)If you're serious about your health, and want to increase your HEALTHSPAN along with your lifespan, this book is for you.Find it on Amazon. Tell me when you buy it. Share your thoughts with me. If you love it, tell me, and perhaps we'll be giving each other visits in our flying automated cars at 110 to go play pickleball.#bookclub #book #booklovers #outlive #peterattia #emotionalwellness #lifecoaching #physicalwellness
## 354 Allowing common sense (with supplementary googling of issues that are mentioned) to be your guide, there is some value in the book. The author seems to endorse some unqualified views that I would not take literally. If, for instance, you take his exercise endorsements literally, you are apt to damage your joints. If you consume the "recommended" amounts of protein for older people, you may retain more lean muscle mass, but you also are consuming an abundance of amino acids that promote growth - - and possibly the growth of cancer cells.As an example of a bizarre exercise recommendation, the author endorses the view that, when rucking, your rucksack contents should ideally be half of your own body weight. Orthopedic websites say that it should not exceed 10% of your body weight. Again, good luck to your joints if you follow this man's advice literally.There is a sense that the author is rather too "wound up": He recommends taking a camera and tripod along with you to the gym and filming yourself as you exercise in order to improve. He recommends doing this EVERY DAY. Yes, you actually lug a tripod and camera with you to a gym, every day of your life and film yourself to improve your manner of exercising.Unless you are a medical student, you can safely skip over the numerous paragraphs of detailed physiological process that he describes. Some of the terms that he uses again much later in the book are not defined, as if he assumes the reader has memorized their definitions early on. His intensity evidently carries him away with such blurs of arcane information.The last "confessional" chapter adds nothing to the book and, if anything removes whatever credibility the author had built up to that point - - and I suspect that this "confession" was included in order to please his family, as if there were no other way of doing that. If I were his editor I'd advise him to drop it in any further printings.Here's what I take from the book:The number one influencer on longevity is exercise. But if you exercise while defying orthopedic injuries (tendons, joints, etc.) you won't be able to exercise at all.If you're older, the author endorses the view that your protein intake should be approximately double that of the traditional recommendations. (This "double" recommendation occurs on various medical websites as well, if I remember). That's apparently because older people "process" protein less efficiently and because protein helps retain/build lean muscle mass. That, at least, is what I remember reading. BUT there are a number of studies that indicate that higher protein intake of animal-dairy point to a higher incidence of heart disease. Plant protein (I don't know the rate of consumption) seems to be associated with a lower rate of CVD. And high protein intake is not advisable if you have kidney disease. And there is no evidence that higher protein intake will help repair tendons, ligaments/joints. Nor will collagen. And then there are the "growth" amino acids that you're consuming in that protein that are associated with disease. So the whole "higher protein" recommendation remains vague except for the possibility of helping to heal muscle injuries and for the elderly, to retain lean muscle mass and possibly prevent falls.I look forward to the author's next volume on this subject where he will doubtless revise much of what he's said in a less intense fashion.
## 355 The book had lots of great info, most of which was as far as I am aware scientifically valid stuff. However, Ch 13, which discusses stability was unfortunate. It is Based on numerous outdated and extremely weakly substantive thinking. DNS and PRI have been pretty well debunked by most well informed fitness professionals. There are some decent thoughts about breathing but to the ideas on patterns and development models as keys … these arguments are nothing more than specious and extremely weakly supported not to mention lacking in replication. This type of guru based fitness should have no foothold in a legit scientific based book. It’s understandable however as the author seems to have had real success with these techniques, however as many in fields such as pain science have noted, there are a great number of ways to interphase with the sympathetic nervous system to create symptom modification and get people moving again. I highly recommend checking out the works of Greg Lehman, Peter O’Sullivan, or Todd Hargrove (he has some great books on these topics!). Many roads to Rome, and often the thing that modulates symptoms is not modulating them because of the story told by the guru. “The outcome of the intervention does not justify the theory for why the intervention worked.” You don’t need DNS and you don’t need PRI, you likely need load/stressor management, variability, and mindful movement.Other than that, the rest of the book seems deeply thoughtful and science informed.
## 356 Favorite Quote: Perhaps my biggest takeaway was that modern medicine does not really have a handle on when and how to treat the chronic diseases of aging that will likely kill most of us.Synopsis: Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia is one of the best books on health and wellness I’ve ever read. Attia’s principle goal is to show readers that we are on a precipice: continue on our path as we have in the last 50 years and, as a whole, suffer more from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disease, or move past treating symptoms once they’ve arrived and focus on preventative measures to help us age without these diseases.Bold premise? Yes. Accomplished? Also, yes.Over the course of 4oo pages, Attia details what we face as we get older: The Four Horsemen - perhaps not the four horsemen of the apocalypse from lore, but the new Four Horsemen of the Health Apocalypse. As cancer rates rise, so too, do cases of neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s), Type 2 Diabetes (and other metabolic dysfunctions), and heart disease. The problem, Attia presents, is that these diseases are not acute - meaning that they take decades to develop. While someone may have a sudden heart attack, the mechanisms to create the environment that caused the heart attack have been brewing for years.This is where Attia pushes for the move from Medicine 2.0 to Medicine 3.0. Currently, we are living primarily in the world of Medicine 2.0 - treating symptoms and focusing on the present, not what our health could look like in 10, 20, or 30 years. Medicine 3.0, however, should begin as soon as we become aware of it - or sooner. Medicine 3.0 wants humans to avoid the Four Horsemen by using exercise, nutritional biochemistry (not diet - he discusses why in the book), and emotional well-being to set us up for living to age 100 and beyond.Why does this book beguile? Written by a doctor, Outlive by Peter Attia, pushes the boundaries of what’s typically acceptable in medicine today. He acknowledges how challenging it may be to get a DEXA scan from your doctor, and shares why you aren’t receiving proper nutritional advice from your primary provider. Attia hits on so many things in the medical system today that frustrate me: poor tracking of health metrics, treating symptoms and not causes, little to no specialized nutritional advice, and a pill-for-everything instead of viewing a patient holistically.Until the medical system, and more importantly, the medical insurance system catches up to Medicine 3.0 (which is probably less profitable than Medicine 2.0), those interested in longevity and preventative measures, may live in the nebulous realm of what I call, Medicine 2.75. Medicine 2.75 is where the patient, like you and me, must take our health into our own hands. Using tools like Everly Well and Empowered DX Labs, you can purchase your own at-home testing kits to monitor what’s important to you. You may have to find a more forward-thinking primary care provider to help order the right tests and scans and then take your nutrition into your own hands. It’s quite a bit of work for the average person, but well worth it to live long and enjoyable lives.
## 357 This book is fantastic. Anyone with an interest in learning how to live a healthier, longer life should buy a copy and study it. That’s what I did. After reading it I ordered a second copy and gave it to my primary care physician because I wanted him to know where I was coming from in terms of being a patient and how I want to live my life. Outlive, is a goldmine of healthcare information.I became aware of Peter Attia about five years ago when a friend suggested I listen to an episode of The Drive. For those who are unfamiliar with Attia, this is his weekly podcast. After listening to it I was hooked and immediately became a subscriber and began listening to archived episodes. I spend a lot of time commuting and to date I’ve probably listened to two-thirds of the interviews and the Ask Me Anything discussions. So when I received the notification that his long-awaited book was finally going to be published I preordered my copy. Once it arrived I got out my pen and highlighter and went to work.I believe I can speak from a position of strength when it comes to commenting on this book. I have walked a similar career path. Like Attia, I’ve been trained in basic science research. I earned a PhD under the mentorship of the great Philip Gollnick, PhD, one of the pioneers of modern exercise science. Similar to Attia, I’ve also been trained in medicine and surgery having completed a medical degree and a surgical residency in orthopedics.Attia is a voice in the wilderness shouting the message of Medicine 3.0, a philosophy based on the guiding principles of preventing the onset of chronic disease. He defines the time from birth to the onset of chronic disease as healthspan. The period of time from birth to death is lifespan. The goal of Medicine 3.0 is to increase healthspan so that it encompasses most, if not all, of lifespan. Medicine 3.0 is proactive whereas Medicine 2.0 (where we are now) is reactive. Medicine 2.0 begins treatment of an illness or disease only after it has been diagnosed, after the damage has begun. Medicine 3.0 is based on preventing, or delaying, the onset of disease or illness so that treatment is avoided.How does Attia recommend we go about maximizing healthspan? He believes this can be accomplished by focusing on doing everything possible to prevent what he terms, the four horsemen: metabolic syndrome (type-2 diabetes), cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.). The book is broken up into sections devoted to each of the horsemen. A final section, where Attia opens up and presents some of his personal journey, is devoted to emotional health. The importance of this section cannot be overstated. Emotional health probably should be considered the fifth horseman (but that would wreck the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse metaphor).He focuses on ways to prevent cognitive decline, the slowing of our mental processing speed as we age. An emphasis is placed on exercise, aerobic and strength training, as an intervention. Exercise increases cardiovascular and respiratory function and decreases the loss of muscle size and strength. It also increases bone density and deceases osteopenia and osteoporosis. In short, regular exercise reduces frailty. As frailty increases our risk of mortality increases. He makes the claim that the single most important thing anyone can do to improve healthspan is to exercise on a regular basis. It is better than any drug you can take (with the possible exception of rapamycin), nutrient, or diet.Attia and his co-author Bill Gifford tone down the technical aspects of some of the medical topics to make it more accessible to a lay audience. However, this does not detract from the quality of the information. If anything it makes the book better by reaching a broader audience. If a reader wants more detailed information on a topic they can easily obtain it by culling through the archives of The Drive where in depth interviews with preeminent physicians and scientists are available. He employs a team of highly skilled analysts that are constantly reading the latest scientific publications looking for high-quality research pertinent to his mission. He is at the forefront of Medicine 3.0.If you want to learn more about your physical and emotional health with the goal of living better and longer then read Outlive, the Science & Art of Longevity.
## 358 Dr. Peter Attia is the real deal. I find everything he says inspiring and useful. He is the speaker on the audible version, which is excellent also. He does not talk down to you. Every time I open the book or listen to a chapter I say to myself that I should listen to at least one chapter a day to not only educate myself but to get and stay motivated toward living a healthy life. I can't image not loving this book.
## 359 I normally don’t write product reviews but after I read the few one- and two-star reviews describing the book as fluff I could not control my fingers! What?? Are you kidding me? To paraphrase senator Lloyd Bentsen, I know “fluff” and my friends this book is no fluff. Rather, to say that this amazing book is by far and away at the top of its genre is an understatement. I write this as I embark on a second reading of “Outlive”, having read it once almost in one setting, skipping a couple of exercise sessions no less. Attia clearly possesses the intellect, integrity, wit, vigor, candor, and God knows what else that went into the making of this amazing mind and person. Everyone will experience the book from his special angle, based on background and knowledge, but no one will leave empty handed. As an eye surgeon, professor, and author of several books myself, I can say that I so thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be sharing it with my friends and family and recommending it to patients and colleagues. Attia’s content is a favorite discussion topic with my children: podcast, emails, and finally the book, and sometimes my son or daughter would wonder aloud “what do you think is Attia’s position on this?”.So what if I, as a moslem, will be “adding” a final chapter to the book, so as to discuss it within my circle, that imparts a transcendental framework to our quest for a long life beyond the raising of a strong healthy physical horse. If you believe that your existence totally ends with death, it makes perfect sense to embark on a quest to lengthen your life, beyond which there is nothing. But if you belief as I do that there is an eternal component to our essence that continues beyond the entombment of our bodies, then your horizon and end point is limitless. Is the martyr who died defending his people and his family against oppression and tyranny at age 20, achieving a dismal Attia-style longevity, a loser, a tragic figure who fell victim to unfortunate conflicts, or is he worth a thousand longevity-focused horses? To exclusively pamper the animal (body) and ignore the horseman (soul) is to put the cart before the horse. In addition, to preach that we should persevere in trying to lengthen life a few more years, and spend a whole lifetime doing it, strikes me as wasting your life in order to lengthen it.My advice to friends and family is this: Go ahead and double click on exercise and nutrition; huff and buff to raise your VO2 max, and be stable with firm resolve as you prioritize DNS. But do bear in mind that you are making the horse strong to serve the horseman, and not the other way around. We are not mere shells: eat, move, sleep, copulate, repeat. Get yourself a more spacious framework. Be in control as your phosphorylated spirit commandeer the horse so that the both of you can stand, marsh, live, and die with nobility and honor. “Outliving” to me is a transcendent term, to outdo and go beyond the bounds of your biological carbon-based body, to achieve escape velocity through a noble righteous life on Earth that propels your soul to heaven when biology fails you, so as to justify the reason that God commanded the angels to bow to Adam.Of course, this is not a book about religion, and of course we agree less on religion than we do nutrition, and of course moslems are a zealot punch (attempt at self-deprecating humor), and of course as a physician I would love to read the 2000 page version (sorry, Penguin Random House). But from my perspective this is a beautifully written book by an author that I and my kids grew to love and admire, one who does not do anything half-way. Read it and reread it but put the material to practice by moving a good amount in between reading spurts.
## 360 I have been an ER nurse for 20 years and have seen firsthand the last decade (or two or three) that he speaks of. Countless visits for chronic medical problems, pain and discomfort. The medical system has been overwhelmed for YEARS and is only getting worse. I urge EVERYONE to read this as a guide to living better, spending less time at medical appointments and living a quality life!!! I know there are some fairly technical parts- especially if you are not in medicine- and the author admits that it is long, but SO WORTH THE READ🙌
## 361 It's impossible to overstate the necessity of this book, especially at a time when the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people has reached a fever pitch. I write this as Israel continues her indiscrimminant bombing of Gazan civilians in brutal retaliation for crimes the citizens didn't commit, and at a time where settler violence in the West Bank is also at a fever pitch. As I type in early November 2023, already nearly 10,000 Palestinians have been senselessly slaughtered by the Israeli government for the terrorist actions of Hamas.This book cuts through all the misinformation and propaganda, both in the West and in the Middle East to highlight and grant a voice and platform to history's most forgotten people.Everyone who stands for something will find a reason to stand for the Palestinian people--not a government, not a terrorist organisation, only the Palestinian people who have been the collective punching bag of various geopolitical interests. No more.Very well-researched, well-sourced, and well-written, this is the book Palestinians deserve. Few books inspire the heart like this one. Thank you, Mr. Khalidi, for lighting this small reader's candle with the light of truth and compassion.May that same light inspire others.
## 362 The horrific Hamas attack on the Israelis and the planned attack on Gaza by Israel is best understood by looking at the history of the creation of Israel and the resulting displacement and disregard of the Palestinians living there. This is a well-written and even-handed description of that history. The land, possessions and rights of the Palestinians were taken away by Israel with the help of Britain, the Arab states, and the United States. Israel's disregard of the lives of civilians in many instances, with the help and involvement of the United States, especially Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig, are as awful as the actions Hamas if we believe that all people are equal and all civilians should be protected. The United States has never been, and is not now, a neutral party that seeks peace. Unfortunately, the term "anti-semitic" is used against those that simply want the Palestinians to have a voice. A true two-state solution with an independent and free Palestinian state, and the recognition of Israel's right to exist is the only solution. This book should be read by all who have grown up with a one-sided view of the Israeli -Palestinian issues.
## 363 I was afraid of this, a of bunch troll hit reviews within the last few days. Some disingenuous reviews claim they didn't know anything about the conflict and it's somehow bad/ biased. There will be more. Instead, it's a careful study that engages with the ideas of settler colonialism in Palestine and lays out the case carefully and uses his own family history to anchor what he argues.Whether you agree with the conclusions, is your own choice. But, it's a careful walk through history done well and uses his family as a frame. If you want to genuinely know how the history looks from a great scholarly study from a Palestinian historian and voice--this is the book you want.
## 364 This book is required reading to get the real history of the formation of Israel and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, which is happening to this day.
## 365 A historical, factual and broad look at the colonial aspects of the formation of Israel by the literal and figurative displacement of the Palestinian people. Must read for anyone who wants to get a first understanding of war on the Palestinians.
## 366 Should be required reading.
## 367 Amazing history. Definitely recommend if your looking to understand the conflict in Palestine better.
## 368 This short book is rather ambitious in the sense that it sums up the history of the conflicts in Israel/Palestine in just over 250 pages. So inevitably, Khalidi left out certain details. His assessment of the history of the conflict is in a way predictable, as he portrays Zionism as nothing but a colonial movement and he blames Britain and then the US for propping up Israel as if it had been a victim of persecution by the Arabs. There are some puzzling omissions, as he does not talk much about the real motives of the Arab nations in the wake of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The Hashemite kingdom’s role in early Jewish immigration cannot be ignored in this history, but he does not touch this thorny issue. The big surprise is the almost total omission of the Yom Kippur War. Although Khalidi did experience Israeli violence in Lebanon personally, he doesn’t sound like someone in close touch with the people actually there, especially in Gaza. That is indeed the problem of the PLO or the Fatah, by his own admission, that they were out of touch. As I always got an impression that they were playing a cynical power game, by deliberating placing the Palestinians in harms way so that they could counter the Israeli narrative of national victimhood. But Khalidi, though admitting this problem, does not explore the politics of the PLO leadership deeply enough. Hamas needs to be examined more in detail, but perhaps he is not so well informed? At least, this book serves as a good summary of the conflict from a Palestinian perspective, though personally, I would like to hear the voices of those who actually live in Gaza or the West Bank. Undoubtedly, the best part of the book is the final chapter, in which he explains how US policy worked and how the Palestinians have consistently failed to influence the US (i.e., they were always outwitted and outsmarted by the Israelis). He almost sounds more like a liberal American than a Palestinian. His proposed course of action for the Palestinian leaders are sound, but also too academic, which would be difficult to implement, unfortunately.
## 369 I am someone who knew virtually nothing about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict so, I went looking for history books to help explain where it started. Israeli books were plentiful and did not pick one side or the other, which was a tremendous help in trying to understand each side’s perspective. Saw this book and I wasn’t sure to expect. There weren’t that many to pick from and as I suspected, it was 300 page rant. By page 7, he’s criticizing all Europeans and I could see regardless of his resume, he couldn’t be trusted as a source for new learners.
## 370 Until reading Professor Rashid Khalidi's book, I had (and still have) inadequate knowledge about this small piece of land called by some the Land of Israel and called by others the Land of Palestine.Professor Khalidi skips the hard edge blame game to relate his own family's experiences over the century when Zionism took shape and took control .His research from the late 1800s, the Basel Conference of 1897, the support Hertzl, Weissman and Ben-Gurion amalgamated for the creation of Israel is well known to me and many others . I was not aware of the indigenous Palestinian inept organizing and inept leadership during the five decades of the groundwork that created the modern State of Israel. This ineptitude continues today as Fatah and Hamas are unable to work together for the betterment of the Palestinian people.Even with inept Palestinian leadership, world opinion has tilted to support for the underdog Palestinian people..Professor Khalidi does not present a solution to the conflict.... Other than to pose and awaken that the 8 million Jews and 4 million Palestinians need to embrace the today reality that neither group is going away. Both the Jews and the Palestinians share this small piece of land today, tomorrow and years and decades to come.....
## 371 This series is our favorite. But something about the tree lights makes it even more special and fun to read. Can’t wait to bust it back out for the upcoming holidays!
## 372 My grandson loves The Little Blue Truck So I have gotten everyone of the books. He loves the animals must
## 373 This was a gift for my elder daughter she loved it very very much and we're planning on getting the entire series eventually piece by piece if we can. Has light up Backpage that kids will love.
## 374 My kiddo loves it too! The little blue trucks are our favorite books!
## 375 Cute book
## 376 Love the little lights at the end. All of the Little Blue Truck books are great!
## 377 Great story!
## 378 Love the "Little Blue Truck" book series!
## 379 Love little blue truck books. Have given them for yrs as gifts. Kids n parents love them.
## 380 Update February 2023: My husband realized that the book’s lights are actually light activated. If you’re reading this book in a dark room, it simply won’t work. We found out if you put your phone light on the sensor that it would light up. That’s a little annoying because many of us are reading this book at bed time in dim lighting, but at least we know the books aren’t broken.My MIL has this book, and the lights have consistently worked since she’s had it. However, we ordered a copy, and the lights stopped working after a day. I ordered a replacement and thought it would fix the problem. However, after one use after pulling out the tab, the lights stopped working AGAIN. What is with these copies?
## 381 Hands down one of the best good night stories to read for babies before going to sleep. The book is a mix of printed B&W and high contrast color pages. Colors gradually become darker as we proceed to the end, which gives kids time to relax and unwind before bed. The book content is quite simple, and can be a little quirky when translating to some languages, from multilingual family. My little one is really into it thou, and we read it every night.
## 382 "Goodnight Moon" is a classic bedtime story for the 1-4 yr. old toddlers. Very simple to understand and it rhymes! The illustrations are tastefully done in warm comforting colors. My daughter loved this story so much that we read it nightly and after a couple months, she was "reading" it to me:) The book was delivered in excellent condtion and in less time then expected. This is one book I would pass down to grandchildren.
## 383 My little boys love this book and love that they have different books that go with it
## 384 I always read this to my children so I had to buy it for my granddaughter. It’s a family favorite
## 385 I really like my Good Night Moon Board Book. I have it standing up on my table in the living room under a lamp next to a window. Sometimes I can see the real moon above it!
## 386 My 1 year old loves it , must buy
## 387 Convenient to buy on line, saved me a trip to the store
## 388 Gave this book at a baby shower in lieu of a card. This book has been a favorite for my children as well as my grandkids. Always a favorite!
## 389 The absolutely best book for a baby library.
## 390 Beautiful story! It was a gift for a new dad. Arrived right on time.
## 391 I thought the story itself and the illustrations were great; but this is way too long of a book for my 3 year old. Too long/too many pages to hold a toddler or pre-schooler's attention. But, sweet enough that I will hold onto it for next fall and see how his attention span is doing at about 4.5 years old.
## 392 What a great story book! It shows diverse families. A lot of different traditional Thanksgiving activities; flying to visit family, pumpkin patches, walking to see fall leaves, watching the parade, football, cooking and cleaning together, even a long distant call to a parent not present for the holiday. At the end there's a list of some different Thanksgiving themed kids activities or way to give that kids can do. Very sweet and teaches such great principles while sharing about Thanksgiving and showing different activities. Absolutely love it. Worth a spot on your shelf! Oh and very sweet, cute illustrations 🍂🦃
## 393 The complexity yet innocence found within a children's book will always amaze me. This read was quick and easy, but utterly powerful at the same time. I love reading to my children, especially when it's something meaningful and worthwhile.
## 394 I use this book to teach my students what it means to be thankful and it's importance. This book is great for SEL lessons. I would recommend for educators.
## 395 This book perfectly describes what Thanksgiving is all about and shares a beautiful message of being grateful and showing gratitude to the ones we love. The illustrations are very eye catching and colourful. I love the representation of different ethnicities, all gathered around the table together. The rhyming story is easy and fun to read with a refrain. I love the different activities included at the end of the book as well.
## 396 Recommended for Pre-K to 3rd grade.
## 397 Kids loved it
## 398 The story line of this book is very confusing and hard to understand/follow for young children.
## 399 This is a sweet, thoughtful book about various activities and sentiments relating to Thanksgiving (many different types of families and people are represented, too). Everything from serving others at a soup kitchen to watching the Macy's parade to going on a hay ride to enjoying being with family is represented. It does not discuss the traditional American view of Thanksgiving (Pilgrims and Native Americans) but rather focusing on having a grateful heart, serving others, and love of family. A wonderful book for all kinds of families!
## 400 This book is inclusive and so well written. I plan on recommending this book to everyone I know. Not only is the story relatable to many to different backgrounds, but there are activity ideas for the family at the end. I originally read this for free because I have Kindle Unlimited but I am going to purchase an actual copy for my children. I intend to use this book for homeschooling educational purposes with a group of Prek children. Thank you for writing this!
## 401 Since Amazon won’t allow customers to review their fulfillment and delivery separately from the product this is broken into two parts.The Books:Amazing. Sexy. Stunning.If you’re a fan of fantasy genre anything, I’d be willing to bet you’ll like these. I love the characters, the world building, the lore, the smut… everything. The reading flows so easily you’ll be amazed how fast you can devour these. My only complaint is that there aren’t more of these books yet, and that I don’t understand what a “snarl” is supposed to look like half the time the word is used.The Fulfillment by Amazon:Bad. Not sexy. Horrible.I ordered this box set FIVE times. The first two times I ordered paperback box sets, they came to me scratched/torn/dirty. I chalked it up to the paperbacks being a little “weaker” and decided to spring for the hardcovers after returning.The first hardcover delivery was awful, the box was actually broken and splitting along the bottom. The second hardcover delivery one of the books was damaged due to one of the corner being pushed in so far. Third order was the charm and they finally got it right.The Moral of The Story:Read these books, but be prepared to return your box set 3-4 times. Amazon has a great return policy so I was grateful for that. But if you pay for brand new books, don’t settle for ones that are in subpar condition!
## 402 As someone who LOVES the ACOTAR series, I had a strong contempt for Nesta but the this last book, A Court of Silver Flames, really opened up who Nesta is and why she was the way she was. This really opened my eyes and my heart to one of the best characters in the series. As for the series, the only thing I wish is that there would be more about Azriel, a redemption arc for Tamlin, resolve for Lucien and hopefully mates be revealed for Az, Mor, Elain, Tamlin and Lucien.. who knows, maybe the next book will answer some of these questions. The action is stellar, the stories are amazing, the steamy scenes get better and better and will leave you wanting more, more, more.. it’s a series worth getting lost, and found, in.
## 403 UNBELIEVABLE. As someone who reads murder-mystery and historical fiction, I was not expecting much out of this series. I would have never read it had it not been recommended to me by another avid book lover.But I was INSTANTLY hooked. This is not your typical garden fairy story. This book has something for everyone. Humor, war, romance. It’s a winner on all fronts. I read the entire series in less than two weeks. It’s safe to say that I quickly became obsessed with the storyline and had to know what would happen next.10/10 this series is a must-read!
## 404 LOVE the series so much, which is why I gave a good review. However, I had a lot of issues with the quality of the books that were sent. Specifically, the binding of the books. The second books spine made a popping sound almost every time I turned a page or shifted the spine a little bit. It also had bubbles on the spine which is one of the reasons I think it did it. The headband on the fourth book was folded down and missing part of it and the end pages were also folded. Also, I think the printer these were printed from smeared its ink on about half of the fourths book pages while printing. I just expected better from the book considering the cost of the series.
## 405 I read this book series, as it came as a recommendation from family. I have almost been late for work on more than one occasion as I could not put this down. It is captivating. You fall in love with each and every character. You'll find yourself completely immersed in the story. Never lost even though you are following many paths at the same time. Masterfully written!
## 406 I could write a book about how much I enjoyed reading this series. But I’ll spare you lol. I am seriously very picky on what do I spend my time on , but this one definitely made me chuckle, laugh, cry and feel every emotion a reader can feel ha ! Very unpopular opinion: I absolutely hate the second half on the first book and I almost gave up on the series, but I hate leaving things unfinished, and I am so glad I stuck with it. Second book was an absolute gift and I could literally not go on with my life , I had to quit everyday tasks to keep on reading , to see what’s happening next .Definitely a page turner. Loved the writing, the plot, the story , honestly just all of it.
## 407 I am so glad that I got the box set! I was able to read the Feyre, pronounced fay-ruh, stories at my pace. The set also gave me the hardcovers I wanted.Wow! Calling everyone who likes fairy tales with sex and violence among immortals, this set is a great buy. The novels are extremely addictive. All I can say is, enjoy!
## 408 I was so excited when this showed up. And showed up quickly! 😍 I was not disappointed, they were well handled and no bangs or damage to the books! Loved adding them to my collection. Wish the books themselves were a little "floppier" (book readers will understand), but overall I'm completely satisfied with my purchase!
## 409 I was boycotting this series for a while because of how hyped up it is, but oh boy is it worth it. This book series is the type of book series that gets a person that doesn’t read to fall in love with reading. The second book was my absolutely favorite of the 5 books. If you like fantasy and romance you should give this series a shot!
## 410 I am so glad I got the boxed set, because I didn't have to wait! I could not put these books down and I am so glad I purchased them.This was the start of my adult reading and now overwhelming book collection.The series has a little bit of everything - love, war, spying, sabotage, mind games, strategy, even more romance. 10/10 Just wish I could read them for the first time again.
## 411 Uses good imagery and wording. My 4 year old loves this book. It's not difficult or over saturated with items. The last page to find the real bluey was fun for my daughter and I.
## 412 We both enjoyed it over and over. She is almost 4, and some things were easy for her, others harder. Later I saw a note in the back of the book there was a hidden weenie dog in each picture. We’d like more books like this one!
## 413 This keeps my kids busy for hours! It’s like a kids version of where’s Waldo. There are references images for kids to try to find a match for. If they are a bit older and the memorized where the images are, you can describe different characters to find. We’ll worth its money.
## 414 My daughter loves that all the characters from the show are featured throughout the book! There are 14 scenes to find a handful of images. Each scene is a location familiar to Bluey fans but would be enjoyable for a child who hasn't seen the show as well. The pages are a thicker quality so we treat this activity book like a book and keep it on the book shelf for continual use. Since each scene only has 8-12 items to find there's no need to cross out or circle the hidden object. It's easy enough to keep track of what you have found and what still needs to be found. This also allows the book to be shared between children or played with over and over if nothing is marked on the pages. In typical Bluey fun the scenes are snapshot of a moment where the characters are interacting and being silly! Answer key in back of book if you get stumped! Highly recommend!
## 415 This book was perfect for my 5 year old. She loves to show me how she can find everything on her own!
## 416 I purchased this seek and find for my 2 Littles who just got into them. They are 3y and 5y. This book has busy scenes pictured with their favorite Bluey characters. The objects to find are listed with a picture of what they look like which is definitely a good thing. They are pretty challenging, even for my husband and myself. Probably better for older than 5y olds but my kids have fun with it anyway. Once they pretty much had the objects memorized, we started just playing "eye spy" with the book as the pictures have plenty of content to "spy".
## 417 I got this for my grandsons because I thought it would be a fun way to keep them busy on airplane. They both love bluey, and this book is super cute and just the perfect level for them (ages two and four) for search and find items on each page. It has really nice illustrations and just a cute overall book. My only complaint would be that it is sized like a coloring book, so a little bit of an awkward size for little hands and the cover is not very sturdy.
## 418 Present for my grand babyThank u
## 419 A great book for fans of bluey. Bought this for a one year old bluey fan.
## 420 Make sure you read the description and reviews! This is PAPERBACK not a hard cover. But it’s good quality and such a cute book. My niece and nephew love it and it has the answers at the back!
## 421 A great book to read for babies on up. Colorful illustrations and perfect message.Purchased for my new granddaughter who will be born 1/2024. This will be my very first grandchild at 76 years old. We need to fill their minds with all the possibilities this life has to offer.Thank you to the author and seller, "pagingplaces."
## 422 I just think this is one the best books I have come across while shopping for baby shower gifts so this is my second purchase for another baby shower I'm going to. BRB for the next one lol
## 423 What a positive message; love the book.
## 424 Really nice quality hardcover. Beautiful, thick pages and illustrations. Our 3 1/2 year old granddaughter loves it!
## 425 was a baby gift very cute
## 426 I own this book and buy it for everyone baby shower I go to. The illustration is beautiful and so it the story.
## 427 I received this as a baby shower gift and loved it so much I have now purchased this copy for a friend who is expecting. Sweet sentiments.
## 428 This book was cute with all of the different little costumes and ideas of things kids can grow up to be. My 2 year old loved looking at all the different kids and their activities.
## 429 We have loved this book! And bought as a gift for my niece I know she will enjoy as much as my kids did.
## 430 This is our favorite book to read before bed! It's so sweet and has a great message. This is my go-to for gift giving.
## 431 Great hard back book. Speedy delivery and very reasonably priced
## 432 Fun entertainment for my grandson
## 433 Exactly what I was expecting.
## 434 Bought for a 5 year old boy, super cute!
## 435 What a great! I love the storyline and emphasis on building friendships and courage in stressful situations. Kudos to the author, his son Luke and the artist!!!
## 436 This book is so cute and perfect for your little one who loves dinosaurs!
## 437 What a great book for my grandson to read to my great grandson.
## 438 Love this book
## 439 Grandkids love it
## 440 Bought as a gift. Child loved it.
## 441 I loved reading this book! I have a disability and it has been my belief that so many people miss the great things I can bring to the table. Ultimately, by finding the value in everyone, we all get better.The challenge I had was with the study that talked about high school students and where they would be 10 years later. Struggle can happen at any point in someone's life (including as a sophomore or junior in high school). As I read this section, I caught myself wondering if those later struggles were brought into consideration. I wanted to believe that you were pointing to the possibility of success later and yet missed the mark. I left that section feeling like high school mattered when, in reality, what matters is overcoming one's own personal challenges.
## 442 I enjoyed this book because Grant stresses that we all have potential, often far more than we realize. Too often we become frustrated when we fail to learn something new easily or when our progress seems stymied. Yet that is part of the natural process of learning.I also like how he wrote about using your knowledge even if it is not yet perfect. Students learning a second language, for example, should be experimenting in the wild and getting corrected as much as possible. When I was learning Spanish in Costa Rica many years ago, I noticed the students who spent most of their time socializing outperformed those of us who dutifully did our homework each night.In short, this book is an inspiring, enjoyable, and worthwhile read.
## 443 Dr. Grant has provided the reader robust research and case study outlining why we should also believe in self. It isn't about your intellect, it's about character. If we can develop good character and pro social skills, there are no limits what each of us can achieve. We all to often discard people because we categorize them based on race, gender, economic status, and a whole host of other boxes to check. We seldom allow individuals to show you their character and the obstacles they've successfully navigated to get where they are today. Let's stop missing these opportunities and let's look for the hidden potential in all of us.
## 444 My favorite of all of Adam Grant's books...and I didn't know that would be possible after Think Again! So much to learn about how to bring out the best in ourselves and others. I will definitely be reading this one over and over again.
## 445 Malcolm Gladwell said it best: “This is Adam Grant’s finest work.” I can think of a list of people I want to give this book to. A must read!
## 446 What a great inspirational book by Adam. Building character skills is the key to success and your hidden potential. Don’t be afraid of discomfort.
## 447 Just a pleasure to read!!Thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!
## 448 You can tell Adam Grant takes his work seriously and is passionate about his topic. This book is an encouraging review of concepts and examples that show how success can be built from varied and difficult circumstances. My only criticism is that section two - creating structures to sustain motivation and momentum - falls short in consideration of the various starting points (beyond social and cultural circumstances) that change how individuals will be positioned in better or worse ways on their journey. There is a hope here to start with a level of academic rigor that few popular books attain, and then build on those with reflections and interpretations. That is refreshing and admirable to be sure, but misses one important issue: the means for ranking and rating studies and other research suffer from some of the same limitations as the selection processes he highlights in part 3. I don’t mean this to be a harsh criticism, as Grant shows both commitment and passion that are beyond the vast majority of authors. He’s very intent on making the world a better place with his work and this book embodies that. Recommended.
## 449 Adam Grant goes into why we should be celebrating when our school children make errors as they progress and grow. I was not as interested in the correlation with kindergarten teachers and adult income as I was with the illustration of how many times you have to have an arrow not hit the bullseye in order to learn archery. I benefited from going to Montessori and engaging in self-directed learning. I love the idea of finding the perfect way to give feedback and coach for growth. He has a crisp list of recommendations at the end of the book which is worth reviewing. I’m not sure if Adam Grant’s newest book will be cited as much as Carol Dweck’s, but I know that it certainly should be.
## 450 Adam Grant is an amazing storyteller, and "Hidden Potential" is all the more captivating if you listen to the audible version with its cast of characters. Grant’s bestselling book is an empowering read that resonates with people of all backgrounds. Through his moving stories, Grant skillfully connects with readers on an emotional level, allowing us to see ourselves in the experiences of others. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to get choked up at the end of each chapter.There were so many powerful “Adam Grant quotes" woven throughout the chapters that will now become the pillars I can rely on and live by to maximize my potential. From the power of being a sponge, to the importance of being resilient, and persevering, and finding ways to manage discomfort, forever adapting, building scaffolding, and diamonds in the rough. "The test of a diamond in the rough is not whether it shines from the start, but how it responds to heat or pressure.” Heat and pressure. A life filled with way too much heat and pressure is likely the reason I found "Hidden Potential" to be such a profound statement about all that isn’t, and all that could be if we just adjusted our lenses. Hidden Potential made me realize that so many negative extreme life struggles have a great amount of positive value after all. HIGHLY recommend "Hidden Potential, The Science of Achieving Greater Things", and can’t help but believe that this life-altering, and potentially culture-altering, read is destined for a prized award!
## 451 I just adore Lucy Score-the charm of her writing, the humor, the endearing characters and delicious chemistry. And add in CHRISTMAS!!? I'm a goner. And I just adored this lovable story. Enemies to lovers, forced collaboration, and so much adorable banter and sexual tension. Cat and Noah are delightful together. The dialogue is witty and clever, the whole fixer upper premise is loads of fun and so unique, and the emotional layers just keep unravelling for a really beautiful story underneath all the fire and sass. Cat is a heroine you root for, and Noah is the character you FALL for. Their relationship (and Noah's backstory) had me ALL in my feels. Lucy always weaves emotional complexity so effortlessly into her stories, and this one had me ALL up in my feelings. And the spice! These two are electric together- the push-pull between them was epic. Not to mention we had a great dose of Christmas running throughout. If you're looking for a heartfelt, tender, but fun and humorous Christmas romance, the Christmas Fix is a complete delight. Definitely a favorite from Lucy Score and a top holiday read!
## 452 This book could easily be a hallmark movie! I haven’t read mr. Fixer upper (the first in this diet) and overall it didn’t make a difference although I could definitely tell at the beginning that it was not the first book on a series. Cat is so much fun. She’s a work hard, like really hard, occasionally play hard hgtv esque reality star and contractor set on saving the town of Merry’s Christmas despite “Mr. No” Noah’s reluctance. Not going to lie it took a long time for me to warm up to Noah, he is far too judgy of Cat at first but once they move past that it’s a sweet romance. My favorite part of the whole story was that a thing the town of Merry come together after a hurricane wrecked the place. Having lived through a hurricane flood (not going to lie, the beginning set off my flooding ptsd a little) I really felt for the town and love getting to see Cat and her crew bring the buildings back to life. Overall this was a sweet and spicy enemies to lovers full of Christmas spirit!
## 453 This book is a bit of a departure for the author. Usually she features a macho, take-charge, bossy guy and an insecure but smart woman. In this case, the heroine is the smart, outspoken one. She is pitted against a sweet, gentle man. I really liked this.However, once they get together, the author goes back to her usual take-charge, bossy guy, and I didn't like him as well.The book is well-written, and it was also a Christmas-themed story. (I'm a sucker for a Christmas book.)I just wish the male could have remained sweet and tender throughout.
## 454 If I could give this book 10 stars I would. I adore Cat and the town of Merry, well I would move there in a Texas minute.
## 455 The typical Lucy formula. Still keeps me reading and emotionally invested. She really makes you love the people in every book.
## 456 If you’ve read Mr. Fixer Upper (and if you haven’t, what on earth are you waiting for?!?!), you probably already love Cat King. I know I did. As soon as I finished Mr. Fixer Upper, I had a list of characters I was hoping for more from. Cat was at the top. She was so full of life. She worked hard and played just as hard. She stood up for what she believed in. She was a great friend and loved her family dearly. How much more could you ask for in a character? I loved Cat King.So, Lucy Score is fantastic. She heard the outcry of her fans and the whispers (okay, it’s Cat...they were probably shouts) from Cat, and The Christmas Fix was born. Okay, I’m not positive exactly how this happened, but this is how I like to imagine it. Either way, Lucy gave us The Christmas Fix, an amazing enemies-to-lovers Christmas story, and it is perfect. I thought I loved Cat King before, but now I am completely enamored. I am in awe of this woman. Everything I liked about her before is magnified by a million, but there is also this other side to her that we didn’t get to see in Mr. Fixer Upper. This side that loves so hard, cares so deeply, and turns to mush only at the most perfect of moments. She is a complete and total rockstar. She still stands up for women’s rights, works herself harder than anyone else, and enjoys having a good time, but watching her fall in love is truly something special.And Noah, oh Noah. Noah may seem like a complete jerk in the beginning (remember, this is enemies-to-lovers, and I already loved Cat), but there is just something about him. He is so noble. Even when he is completely wrong, he has good intentions. He is a good, sensible guy who loves his daughter and his town. He wants to protect both from anything that could harm them. Unfortunately, he believes Cat King falls into that category. However, Cat being Cat is determined to prove him wrong. As the story unfolds, you fall further and further in love with Noah.I absolutely love these two together. The balance they found with one another was incredible. Noah needs Cat to bring him out of his shell and really live. He needs her to show him what fun really is. And Noah is the stability and steadfast support Cat needs in her crazy life. And the chemistry, oh my goodness the chemistry. These two are completely off the charts. Their banter is fantastic. Cat says what she thinks and doesn’t hold back which causes (and/or ends) some fantastic arguments. And their love is even more explosive than their hate. While you have to wait for them to get there, it is completely worth it! The tension builds until it boils over in perfection.What more could you want, right? Well, in true Lucy Score fashion, this book brings all the feels. The town of Merry really becomes a character of its own with the wonderful people and traditions it holds dear. Watching the town come together in this time of need is amazing. The residents are unique and wonderful. The way they support one another is heartwarming. The way they take in Cat and her crew is extraordinary. I seriously want to move there...who wouldn’t?This book was beautifully written. The symbolism is subtle and truly amazing, the characters are so real and complex, and seriously all the feels are there without it being over the top. There are very few authors that can include humor, love, witty banter, and so much emotion in the same book naturally, but this book truly has it all. I can’t recommend it enough.What are you still doing here? Put your time to good use and one click now! This is a book you don’t want to miss!
## 457 Such a great story! Lucy you do such an awesome job of keeping it real and believable. I read for escape from the craziness of this world. Noah and Cat definitely gave me that! Write faster Lucy…I’ve read almost all of your books!
## 458 I love this book. I read this book every year around the holidays. Lucy Score is one of the few authors I read that writes mostly in third person. I prefer reading first person, dual point of view, but the way Lucy writes, it doesn't bother me. The story is so good and so well written that I don't struggle to follow our feel confused.Noah is the manager of the small town of Merry, Connecticut. A town that was destroyed after a a bad storm, leaving property damage by wind and rain. He's up tight, needs to be in control of everything in his life and has earned the nickname, Mr. No. Cat is general contractor who stars in a home makeover TV show. She had done a home in Merry, so when the town was hit by that devastating storm, she felt the need to go back and help in any way she could. That led to her coming up with an idea to restore as much of the town as possible, while filming it for the show. This way, the town could get the help it needed and her show would also benefit in paid advertising and ratings. Noah was not receptive to this and fought her every step of the way. They butted heads until their arguing led to a heated make out session. Soon they were sneaking around together and learning that they both had the same agenda for the town. What started as hate, turned into lust and eventually turned into love. Knowing that Noah could never leave his home as he was co-parenting, Cat has to decide if she can figure out a way to be with Noah and possibly give up her lifestyle of moving around the country, rehabbing homes.This is such a great story and I absolutely love Noah and Cat. They are both such strong capable people, so different but so right for each other. This is a funny and steamy love story and as I mentioned above, I love it so much, that I re-read it every year. Highly recommend.Bookstagrambrielle
## 459 Addicted to Lucy Score. I am on a mission to read all her books!
## 460 Fabulous story with the best characters. Loved the town that needed rescuing and when everyone jumped in to help each other . Perfect! The kids are too stinking perfect!
## 461 My grandson never used them. He was home schooled and was not a good reader. I think this would make a difference. His mother put it on the shelf. I think it was an excellent tool for learning
## 462 My 5 year old granddaughter loves it. She knows her words in pre-kindergarten. She shares with her 3 year old sister and teaches her. Great choice
## 463 MY DAUGHTER IS TWO YEARS OLD. We started this week and from memory recall she already knows 19 sight words. Out, Many, Look, But, Did, Had, When, by, some, like, at, he, am, that, for, see, is, a, I. I taught her ones that may frequently appear in books and the ones that can start off sentences as we also practice sentence building. I also got creative and added her old flashcards in to make longer sentences.UPDATE: it’s now Sept 30 and she knows 32 sight words I love these cards!
## 464 have fun while teaching and learning at the same time. Great way to spend time with the kiddos.
## 465 I bought these for my son who was struggling reading in first grade. after just a week of using these along with him trying har don his own in school he moved up significantly in his reading scores.. now in the second grade he is at the top of his class with reading and reads chapter books on his own.I can 100% recommend these for anyone whos wanting a bit more help learning to read.
## 466 Nice, bright and sturdy cards. Easy to read with large font!
## 467 MUY IMPORTANTE EN LA FORMACION DE LOS PEQUEÑOS
## 468 Love the sight words cards brought them for my 4 years twins who in kindergarten.
## 469 Opened the cards and my grandson immediately wanted to "play" with them. He's six years and 8 months and is finally settling down enough to focus on learning to read. We all know these sight words are critical for fluency, so get a pack if you have an early reader that needs sight word support.
## 470 Great for our four year old granddaughter.