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Lorien G. (cytopathgirl) - - Reviews

1 to 10 of 10
Between Dances: Maggie  Adam's Eighteenth Summer (Maggie Adams, Bk 2)
Review Date: 1/6/2007


Maggie Adams is a girl who wants to be a dancer and has a great shot at it. The book deals with issues she encounters along the way: romance, injury, etc. This is a thought provoking book, a coming-of-age book. Primarily for teenage girls.


Blind Sunday (Wishing Star)
Blind Sunday (Wishing Star)
Author: Jessica Evans
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 1/6/2007


A boy meets a great girl- turns out she is blind. This leads him to grow and mature.


The Breath of God
The Breath of God
Author: Jeffrey Small
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
 10
Review Date: 9/29/2011
Helpful Score: 1


The back cover reads: A murder at the Taj Mahal. A kidnapping in a sacred city. A desperate chase through a cliffside monastery. All in the pursuit of a legend that could link the world's great religious faiths. In 1887, A Russian journalist made an explosive discovery in a remote Himalayan monastery only to be condemned and silenced for the heresy he proposed. His discovery vanished shortly thereafter. Now, Grant Matthews journeys to the Himalayas in search of this ancient mystery. But Matthews couldn't have anticipated the conspiracy of zealots who would go to any lengths to prevent him from bringing this secret public. Soon he is in a race to expose a truth that will change the world's understanding of religion. A truth that his university colleagues believe is mere myth. A truth that could change his life forever--if he survives.

I love a good murder mystery. Here's one with a unique setting, in the East and in a collision of religious heritages. Grant is a likeable enough character, and I liked the main female protagonist even more. This book, even if fictional, reminds me of the best and the worst of people. Some of the behavior and though processes are a bit stereotypical. A large part of the book deals with spiritual and religious issues. What if Jesus had traveled to India and other parts East before his public ministry? Those who have rigid views about the major religions of the world may object to the searching/questioning detailed here, as well as some negative views of Christian fundamentalists. Neither of these bothered me, so I enjoyed the characters, settings, and plot. I look forward to the next novel from this author.


Guitar Zero: The New Musician and the Science of Learning
Guitar Zero: The New Musician and the Science of Learning
Author: Gary Marcus
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 10/12/2012


As a new student of the bass guitar (and in my forties) I was intrigued by the author's personal story. After trying unsuccessfully to play musical instruments in the past, he took up the guitar in his late thirties. He wondered how disadvantaged he would be by his age, lack of experience, and apparent lack of rhythm. The book is the result of research into his questions. Is there a gene for musical talent? Does one's age at beginning to learn about music really matter, and how much? What are the advantages of pursuing music - even if you could never be a professional?

There is a lot about how the brain works. Honestly, it is not the kind of book I usually read, and I went into it thinking I could skim the research/scientific parts if it got too painful. I was surprised and relieved to find that this aspect wasn't bad. Most of it was interesting. I loved reading about the author's experiences learning the guitar, and his interviews with gifted musicians. It was great to hear all these different perspectives on playing stringed instruments and the music world. And the actual text of the book is about 200 pages, which is not really that long.

I recommend this book to people who are considering taking up musical training at any age, or their parents, and to anyone who is interested in how musicians are made and think.


Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living
Review Date: 1/3/2007


This book was very helpful to me as I was dealing with my mother's terminal illness, but more than that, it helped me see what I wanted to change about my life.


Maggie Adams Dancer (An Avon/Flare Book)
Maggie Adams Dancer (An Avon/Flare Book)
Author: Karen Strickler Dean, Karen S. Dean
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 1/6/2007


Teen book about the 14 year old aspiring ballerina. Includes serious issues such as anorexia and cultural differences.


Night Road
Night Road
Author: Kristin Hannah
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 160
Review Date: 1/8/2013


I read this book and didn't get what the big deal was. I thought there were a lot of cliches, stereotypes, and it was too predictable for my tastes. The author is a good wordsmith, that's true. I found the characters mostly uninteresting or annoying.


Normal Eating for Normal Weight: The Path to Freedom from Weight Obsession and Food Cravings
Review Date: 10/18/2010


This book has been a major help in my struggle with weight. It has helped me finally deal with emotional eating. Sheryl explains why dieting doesn't work, what does work, and takes you through four stages to normal eating. What is nice too is how concise the book is. One caveat-you MUST be willing to forsake diets in order for it to work. This book seems to be most helpful for those who have tried the AA approach to overeating, Overcoming Overeating, and Geneen Roth's philosophy. If you agree with those approaches, but still find yourself overeating, then you will likely find this method works for you. If you read the book and find it helpful, you should probably also consider the NE online support group.


Pilates for Dummies
Pilates for Dummies
Author: Ellie Herman
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 3/17/2007
Helpful Score: 3


Great illustrations, explanations and graduated Pilates workouts make this perfect for a beginner or intermediate student.


Surprised by Truth: 11 Converts Give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic
Review Date: 3/17/2007


Helpful if trying to understand Catholicism from various points of view.


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