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Debra (Debra23) - - Reviews

1 to 17 of 17
Across the Face of the World (Fire of Heaven, Bk 1)
Across the Face of the World (Fire of Heaven, Bk 1)
Author: Russell Kirkpatrick
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 46
Review Date: 2/27/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I managed to plow my way through this book but never got really excited about the characters. There were so many implausible scenarios it would be impossible to list them all in this short space. How exactly do you hold a sword between someones shoulder blades when you are both riding on the same horse, I just cannot picture it. But the descriptions of the scenery and the geography of the land they traveled through were very evocative. If this author were to write a travelogue I would be first in line to purchase it.


The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Western Region
Review Date: 6/12/2012


The book contains hundreds of full color close up pictures of the different birds found in the western part of the country. These are cross referenced with a detailed summary of each birds description, nesting habits, range, etc. We found this to be the best 'pocket sized' reference book of its type.


Beyond Lies the Wub (Collected Stories, Vol 1)
Beyond Lies the Wub (Collected Stories, Vol 1)
Author: Philip K. Dick
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 2.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 5/1/2009


I found this collection of his early stories a little too dark for my taste. In addition the stories contained bad science and bad technology. Plus, several of the stories were very disturbing in a visceral way, especially the one about the Wub.


The Bobbsey Twins' at Indian Hollow
The Bobbsey Twins' at Indian Hollow
Author: Laura Lee Hope
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 8/11/2011


While reading this was a definite 'blast from the past' for me, I found that I could not share this older version with my own children. There is too much sexism(overt), racism(the portrayal of Indians was particularly appalling to me) and violence(fist fights) for me to share with my young children. When I first read these mysteries when I was eleven I would have given them five stars for good wholesome fun. Now that I am older I have to give them three stars because of the old prejudices running throughout.


The Bobbsey Twins' Own Little Railroad
The Bobbsey Twins' Own Little Railroad
Author: Laura Lee Hope
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 8/11/2011


While reading this was a definite 'blast from the past' for me, I found that I could not share this older version with my own children. There is too much sexism(overt), racism(covert) and violence(fist fights) for me to share with my young children. When I first read these mysteries when I was eleven I would have given them five stars for good wholesome fun. Now that I am older I have to give them three stars because of the old prejudices running throughout.


Eater
Eater
Author: Gregory Benford
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 23
Review Date: 3/15/2009


If you like hard Sci-Fi with good science Benford is one of my favorites. This book is a first contact, end of the world scenario and I like that too. It's amazing what can happen when you stick with textbook science rather than fantasy. Although the distinction between textbooks and fantasies is a slim one.


Einstein's Bridge
Einstein's Bridge
Author: John Cramer
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 19
Review Date: 3/15/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I almost didn't read this book because I ,like the author, was disappointed with the cancellation of the superconducting supercollider. But now, after reading it, I understand why we couldn't, or shouldn't, build it. We wouldn't want to let the Hive in would we? Good hard Sci-Fi, I'm really glad I read it.


Horses (Little Library)
Horses (Little Library)
Author: Christopher Maynard
Book Type: Hardcover
  ?
Review Date: 12/26/2008


Introduces the parts, markings, breeds, uses and proper care of horses. Also has a two page how-to on drawing horses that my daughter loved. A very basic book about horses for your younger horse lover. Reading age guide says for ages 6-9, my daughter loved having it read to her from age 4.


The Magic School Bus Shows And Tells: A Book About Archaeology
The Magic School Bus Shows And Tells: A Book About Archaeology
Author: Joanna Cole
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 11
Review Date: 3/2/2009


My children absolutely love the Magic School Bus books and my son wants them read to him over and over. I was delighted to find one about my own passion. The book was a great way to turn my youngsters on to archaeology. But the back yard may never be the same again.


Malice Domestic (Malice Domestic, Bk 1)
Malice Domestic (Malice Domestic, Bk 1)
Author: Elizabeth Peters (Editor)
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 41
Review Date: 4/22/2011


CHARLOTTE MACLEOD ruffles feathers on Beacon Hill...BARBARA PAUL visits with a fatally clumsy clan...D.R. MEREDITH tells a murderer to go fly a kite...AUDREY PETERSON pursues a shadowy gentleman caller...VALERIE FRANKEL tracks a catnapper in Brooklyn...JANET LAPIERRE showcases two liars in lust...CAROLYN G. HART observes the making of murder in paradise...DIANE MOTT DAVIDSON reveals the perils of playing hooky...P.M. CARLSON stages a dramatic deception...SHARYN McCRUMB poison pens a murder at a writer's conference...JOAN HESS draws a bead on a widow's traitorous friend...L.B. GREENWOOD sets a cat among the pigeons at an isolated cabin...and CHARLOTTE AND AARON ELKINS defend a gorilla accused of murder in their Agatha Award-winning "Nice Gorilla."

What qualifies a mystery as a 'Malice Domestic' mystery? "'Malice' is self-explanatory, I trust," writes the acclaimed Elizabeth Peters in her introduction to this outstanding collection. "'Domestic' distinguishes the personal and private aspects of crime from the public and impersonal. Our murderers don't kill for the fun of it (serial killers) or for a misguided ideal (assassins and terrorists) or for pay (hired hit men). They only do in people they know and love (or hate)."

Gathered in homage to the most beloved crimewriter of all, Dame Agatha Christie, MALICE DOMESTIC 1 presents today's best mystery writers at the top of their form.


One Two Three...Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science
One Two Three...Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science
Author: George Gamow
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 11/10/2011


Still a classic after all this time, would have given it 5 stars but it is slightly dated. Well worth a read by anyone interested in science. This one is going on my keeper shelf.


Quarantine
Quarantine
Author: Greg Egan
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 3/15/2009


This book is a thought provoking and compelling vision of the near future and the quantum craziness that could come with it. When will we stop letting our brains treat us like children? What are the implications of modern physics?


The Read-It-Yourself Storybook
The Read-It-Yourself Storybook
Author: Leland B, Jacobs (Editor)
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 12/26/2008


My daughter began reading these stories to her younger brother when she was in the first grade. Both of them enjoyed the experience, and the book, for several years. The pictures are bright enough to catch the interest of a preschooler and the text easy enough for a beginning reader(with a little help). The book itself is a little large for a smaller child to hold by themselves.


The T.F. Letters
The T.F. Letters
Author: Karen Ray
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 3/3/2009


A truly delightful and magical book. My daughter started out having this read to her as often as we would and then read it herself over and over. Definitely a keeper!


Tuesdays with Morrie
Tuesdays with Morrie
Author: Mitch Albom
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 734
Review Date: 9/2/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I don't usually give books a five star rating but I made an exception with this one. This book is not just about dying but about living and loving as well. And while, yes, I was in tears at the end, there were just as many 'good' feelings as 'bad' throughout the book. I really took to heart the lesson that we all need to rely on each other throughout our lives. Not just at the beginning and the end. And, it is never too late to become the person you always wished you were.


Vox Spanish and English Super-Mini Dictionary (VOX Dictionaries)
Vox Spanish and English Super-Mini Dictionary (VOX Dictionaries)
Author: Vox
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 6
Review Date: 11/11/2011


This is a great little Spanish to English and English to Spanish dictionary. Perfect for anyone traveling or learning Spanish or English. Small enough to fit into a backpack or purse, so it is easy to carry with you.


Wicked (Wicked Years, Bk 1)
Wicked (Wicked Years, Bk 1)
Author: Gregory Maguire
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 3599
Review Date: 1/15/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I must say that I really liked this book. It did drag a bit in places but overall I enjoyed it. Very thought provoking on many different levels. I was disappointed with the ending even though that is the way the story goes. I felt the author could have done a better job of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is open to new ideas and is not easily shocked.


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