Original Book Reviews

		List Price: $24.95		Publisher: NAL Hardcover Salesrank: 1394 Released: 02 January, 2008
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Montel if fabulous
Living well by Montel is a wonderful book that everyone should read, especially those who are trying to make their lives more healthy and productive. Montel is one of the most fasinating people. Even with his own problems he is out there helping others and showing that you should never give up and that you need to have positive thinking and live your life to the fullest. What a great man he is. Try it, read the book and change just a few things or go all the way with the 21 day program. You will feel so good, and it really isn’t that hard to do.

VERY VALUABLE LIFE-CHANGING INFORMATION
In the usual Montel style, this straight forward book gives you the tools you need to truly revamp your life. It includes great nutritious recipes, sensible exercise advice, and a miriad of ways to “improve you” by treating your body and mind the way you should. It’s honestly life-changing, even if you do only a few of the recommended alterations to your usual routine. Once again, Montel proves that he cares. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Making a serious committement to transform your life
Have read the book and you really need to make some drastic changes. Very good information and very motivating.

		List Price: $7.99		Publisher: Del Rey Salesrank: 260 Released: 26 February, 2008
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Customer Reviews:
Excellent writing style/sub-par story/abysmal focus
***SPOILER WARNING*** Karen Traviss has undoubtedly written the best out of the past 3 books in this series - though this isn’t saying much. Her writing style and characterization is very good - even if the situation reeks of implausible, but hey - it’s Star Wars so I guess implausibility can be forgivable to a point.

I was very disappointed in the last outing in the series (I expect better from Allston), and doubly so by Troy Denning’s last abortion of a book - leaving me dreading the finalization of the series by him rather than Traviss.

Each author plugs their own favorite characters within the storylines, but Karen takes plugging Boba Fett to the point where about 2/3 of this book could have been dealing solely with the mandalorians. She hypes the awesomeness of Boba Fett to levels only comparable with Denning’s worship of Luke Skywalker. Both of these authors fail in this regard to draw an adult reader’s interest, but I suppose the trifecta works well with Allston bringing the characters down to earth in his own writing style.

There are several *stupid* plot lines going on in this book.

1. There is a section of Ben Skywalker investigating “like a cop” his mother’s death, searching for forensic evidence to levels that even CSI wouldn’t go so that he can “prove” Jacen is a bad guy. Despite the fact that Jacen force-broke a woman’s neck in full view of his bridge crew with multiple witnesses throughout the fleet - she doesn’t matter though because she isn’t Mara-Jade-Skywalker. The hypocrisy of the jedi is very clear in this regard… you don’t matter at all unless you belong to their religion.

2. Jaina has to learn from Boba Fett how to beat a Jedi. Self-explanatory and this was the most retarded direction to take her character (thus far - here’s looking at you Denning).

3. Jacen gets retarded after a planet surrenders to the GA (Hey… Jacen’s crazy plan actually worked… quick make him retarded) and decides to ‘make an example’ of the planet by scorching it from orbit.

4. Admiral Daala returns… ta da! Lucky for her she has some secret weapons she brought from the Maw cluster to turn the tide against Jacen. This kicks off a civil war within the Empire - leading to more death and destruction. (Go good guys! You really showed them by prolonging the conflict!)

5. Another character gets the drop on Jacen… but instead of killing him decides to wound him to make a point that they could kill him at any time because he’s such a tool. Yay - prolong the conflict! Sell more books!

This series has been a tragedy. The story took a disappointing dive somewhere around 4 or 5. After that it has been downhill where sympathy for Jacen has been replaced with horror at the depths to which the jedi are willing to sink in order to defeat him - leading to the deaths of millions/billions by engaging in a family feud that affects everyone.

I might as well finish the series - so stay tuned to the finale of my reviews. Awaiting with anticipation Troy Denning having Luke use the force to replace Jaina’s image with his own so that he can have Luke finish off Jacen despite what the other author’s planned.

What a tool.

Transparently Contrived Way to Keep the Story Going
I almost gave up on this series after “Sacrifice” because of the contrived way Mara Jade Skywalker died. Now I have completely given up. It’s a shame, too, because for the most part the series is pretty decent. Yes, this is science fiction, but even the most far-flung fantasy has a limit to what’s acceptable. Darth Caedus’s escape was an obviously contrived way to keep the series going. It worse than when Mara abandoned all reason and common sense to go after Jacen alone and in secret. I can not in good conscience reccomend either title to anyone. Both titles have soured me on the “Legacy of the Force” series for good.

More dribble and no action…this series did not need to be 9 novels
The 8th entry on LOTF leaves a lot to be desired. I was encouraged by Traviss as a writer after Bloodlines which I thought was the 2nd best in this series after Inferno. However, Sacrafice to way too long to pick up and was saved by a tremendous ending. I was hoping for the same as I read through Revelation. Unfortunately, there was no such ending. Jacen has gone realtively mad as the sith lord darth Caedus (which is a horrible name, by the way). He has enemies forming everywhere from the jedi hunting him to Niathal turning on him to Boba Fett wanting revenge for the death of his daughter. Sister Jaina returns in full force in this book, which is a good thing and her training under Fett is pretty cool. Mara is back as well in force visions like Luke used to see of Obi Wan. However, thats about it. Luke once again can’t close the deal on killing Jacen- why they have made him such a woosy in this series I will never know. Ben becomes all business and that isn’t bad. The bottom line: lots of dialogue and set up and very little payoff. The last entry, Invincible, better be good or this series will go down as a bust. You don’t have to read this book to get the others, so I highly reccommend that you don’t. May the force be with you.

		List Price: $14.00		Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks Salesrank: 230 Released: 19 February, 2008
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Customer Reviews:
A celebration of strength
While many Chinese traditions, foods, observances, beliefs, rituals, and rules fuel PEONY IN LOVE, so do the strength of Chinese women and the ancient desire of all women to express their unique views and experiences despite the many demands and restrictions history has placed upon them. A celebration of these traditions and of true stories from Chinese history combine to make PEONY IN LOVE a highly original, cherished work of art.

not even close to Snow Flower!
I fell in love with Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, so I was very excited to read Peony in Love.

It’s not a total waste of time, but you should know before reading that, it does not hold a candle to Snow Flower.

Peony in Love
This is an intriguing and engaging story, although I don’t recommend it for those for disdain the supernatural. What this story seems to really be, though, is about a young woman learning about love and commitment. Lisa See’s knowledge and research into Chinese custom is truly in-depth, and Peony is well-defined. It is well worth the read.

		List Price: $24.95		Publisher: William Morrow Salesrank: 156 Released: 05 February, 2008
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Customer Reviews:
Extraordinary writing
Terry Cheney has written an extraordinary book. Her craft is exquisite. Her imagery touching, smart, clear, deep, intelligent and tactile. She allows you to be in her skin and she takes you on a journey like no other. For a fairly balanced Libra, I got to understand what bipolar feels like. Thank you! Being a writer myself I must confess, that I am not free of openly admitted jealousy. I wish I could write like that.

A memoir is a memoir is a memoir
A memoir is a memoir is a memoir

Read this book in one sitting. It is captivating though at times strains credibility. Did a pornographically tattooed locksmith really cut her between her legs with a broken bottle and rape her, and then save her from her own suicide attempt? Did her fellow patient friend “Jesus” really insist that all genuflect when near him? While some of the details seem fanciful, nonetheless she describes a memorable journey into her bipolar world. She also exposes society’s unconscionable treatment of those called “mentally ill.” There are the “Dr. R’s” and their shock treatments, and her keepers in the jail who haven’t a clue. From the sensitive hairs on her arm to the intense smells, sounds, and touch she movingly captures the manic experience. From the heaviness, the slowness, the need to remind herself to breathe she likewise captures the bipolar opposite, depression. She demonstrates amazing insight, as for example her recital of what happens when a manic person is told she is manic. I suppose it is unfair to expect more from a memoir, but her observations cry out for explanations. From intensities not unlike those experienced by fibromyalgia patients who also have low glutathione levels, to bulimic and pica-like behavior that screams out the possibility of low iron and zinc, she ignores our brains while engaging our voyeuristic impulses. She finds salvation in her acceptance of her illness without shame. As a would-be suitor informs her he would marry her in a minute were it not for her manic-depression she seems resigned that she must live with a 21st century Scarlet Letter on her chest. I would like her to meet Autumn Stringham who, in “The Promise of Hope” (available from Amazon Canada) has clearly moved beyond the bipolar identity so embraced by the author. I am glad that Harper Collins will be publishing that book soon in the United States. Perhaps those who read both memoirs can find a promise of hope rather than a recital of despair, not matter how brilliant and insightful.

David Moyer, LCSW (AK)

Author “Too Good to be True? Nutrients Quiet the Unquiet Brain”

Awesome!
I am a daughter of a bipolar father. After several (and I stress several) failed attempts at suicide, he completed the act in 2000. I had to read this book. I laughed, cried and now understand a lot more than I have ever understood. When I would read a passage from the book that related to my dad, I would call my sister and read it to her! I just sent the book to her to read! Thank you for writing this book, Ms. Cheney.

		List Price: $25.00		Publisher: Scribner Salesrank: 303 Released: 20 November, 2007
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Customer Reviews:
FantasyGuru.com
A fascinating glance inside one of my favorite childhood comics and adult entertainers. I sensed it was therapeutic for Steve to write it, and it was for me to read it. And by the way, Steve was the best Oscar host of the last 20+ years and should do it every year.

Excellent writing, great story
Steve Martin is an excellent writer. I devoured this book in two nights. Very thought provoking and enjoyable.

Are there more like me out there?
To me this is an other selp promotion book by Steve Martine, as he pats himself on the back. Who was the person who called Steve Martin a Guinuess. He is far From it. He holds the worst comedy act in history, Right up there with Jerry lewis, How could this guy get the Kenedy Center Honnor, All he did was ride on the shirt tales of the Saterday Night Live Crew. Most of his Movies Bombed! And who in there right mind would have the Balls to step into Jack Lemmons shoes inthe Out of Towners or take on Petter Sellars roll in the Pint Panther. These guys must be rolling over in there graves. The Pink Panther Bombed so bad that he is makeing Pink Panther II. What an idiot this guy is. The King Tutt thing and the Ex-cuse me Thing, had to be the most stupid comedy sketches. Threr are Comic that deserve praize, Like Robbin Williams, I just feel Steve Martin runs around praizing himself and waiting for people to agree with him. “The Jerk” pretty much somes it up. He is one.