Stella Descending: A Novel

Average customer rating:

Amazing, thought-provoking read!

mystery-esque and character-driven: read in one sitting

Stella Descending: A Novel
Linn Ullmann
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Grace: A Novel

Before You Sleep

Suite Francaise

ASIN: 1400030943
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Book Description

Stella descends, over and over, in the course of this haunting novel. She falls from the womb, since her mother gives birth standing up; she falls for Martin, who delivers her new green sofa and refuses to leave; she falls ill and eventually recovers; but her biggest fall, the descent that suffuses her story, is a plunge to her death off a nine-story building. Memories and observations related by Stella’s adolescent daughter, her curmudgeonly octogenarian friend, three old ladies who witness her final moments, and finally Stella herself combine in cryptic and beguiling ways to unravel the mystery: Playing a lover’s game on that rooftop, did she fall out of her husband’s arms, or was she pushed?

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, thought-provoking read!.......2005-01-03

I read and loved Before You Sleep five years ago and I cannot believe that I waited this long to read another Linn Ullmann novel. The Scandinavian author is known for writing strange, imaginative literature with a great deal of magic realism. Her novels are more fables than anything else. She has once again floored me with Stella Descending. This dark story set in Oslo, Norway, centers on the mystery surrounding a married couple. Martin and Stella are on a rooftop where she plummets to her death. No one knows how it happened. Did she lose her footing, or did her husband kill her? Further speculations begin. Were Martin and Stella happy? How do their children feel about their parents? Martin is quite an enigmatic individual. He neither admits fault nor defends himself against the allegations. What transpires is a disarming story that centers on marriage, family and fidelity (or lack thereof). There are a lot of twists in this novel.

Linn Ullmann uses different kinds of narrative throughout the novel. Even Stella narrates part of the novel after her death. Not only is the story told in various points of view, there are several stories within the story, fables as such, and has some rather bizarre magic realism and disarming erotica to boot. She did this with Before You Sleep, and it can be quite confusing if you don't follow the story. But that is what I love about this author. Ms. Ullmann writes with beautiful, stark prose. Her novels have a mixture of brutal truth and confounded metaphors. She is like Amanda Filipacchi in that she writes obscure, complex stories with magical realism and dark humor in the mix. This novel is though provoking to the max -- one that you will think about for days to come. I for one have placed this in my re-read pile. Are you in the bargain for a deep, literary read? I recommend Stella Descending.

mystery-esque and character-driven: read in one sitting.......2004-01-06

Linn Ullmann seems to have a great talent for character development, and Stella Descending survives on that talent. The psychology of Stella, and the psychological testimonies of those who surround her and affect her eventual, final fate provide for a captivating, well-executed mystery-esque novel. Slightly reminiscent of "Smilla's Sense of Snow," but with more personal intrigue than physical adventure. An enjoyable read; great for one sitting.

Download Description

Macroscope Throughout history, man has been searching for better ways to gather information about his universe. But although they may have longed for it, not even the most brilliant minds could conceive of a device as infinitely powerful or as immeasurably precise as the macroscope, until the twenty-first century. By analyzing information carried on macrons, this unbelievable tool brought the whole universe of wonders to man's doorstep. The macroscope was seen by many as the salvation of the human race. But in the hands of the wrong man, the macroscope could be immensely destructive-infinitely more dangerous than the nuclear bomb. By searching to know too much, man could destroy the very essence of his mind. This is the powerful story of man's struggle with technology, and also the story of his human struggle with himself. This novel takes us across the breathtaking ranges of space as well as through the most touching places in the human heart. It is a story of coming of age, of sacrifice, and of love. It is the story of man's desperate search for a compromise between his mind and his heart, between knowledge and humanity.

Customer Reviews:

Don't let the name of the author fool you: this is Sci-Fi's most underrated novel!.......2007-08-21

The best Sci-Fi: where the characters and story outshine the gadget!!!

Don't let the name of the author put you off; this is science fiction at its finest! Also, it's Anthony at HIS finest: no painful silliness, no adolescent humor, just a thoughtful story lead by a real character.

And don't let the title fool you: after the first thirty pages, the 'macroscope' gadget is effectively forgotten, except as a handy plot development device--but that's a sign of a great story!

Ivo is to my mind one of the most fascinating characters in all sci-fi literature, and he meets his match in one of sci-fi's most interesting interstellar puzzles.

The only downer is that the ending is rather vague and unsatisfying, but the rest of the book is so riveting, it really makes up for it. I can't think of another book that I could say that for.

If you really want to think, and have fun doing it, this is the book for you.

A Great Book with Rough Edges........2006-05-29

Before you read this book, you must be prepared to do the following:
Forgive the dated parts.
Forgive being beaten over the head 50 times when the point could have been said in one sentence.
Forgive one of the stupidest love affairs in the history of the printed word.
Forgive the atrocious last page cop-out ending.
That said...
This is an extremely creative book and a fun read. It's different. Ignoring the last page, the ending is fantastic. I've enjoyed it several times.
If you are a Sci-Fi fan, this is a must read. There just aren't enough books like this one.

The psychology of genius.......2005-09-12

This is a haunting novel in some ways. Anthony manages to spin a thread that runs from the sleepy, dreamy southern poetry of Sidney Lanier all the way to the deep past of our galaxy. The hard science is satisfying and mostly believable, but one of the real draws of this book is Anthony's portrayal of human genius - the human failings of Schon, his childishness, his absolute intolerance for boredom, his inhuman brilliance - all this from a character who almost isn't even really there.

In some ways, Schon was picked to be the ambassador for the human race; the smartest human ever born, called into service by other geniuses to try to solve a puzzle that was literally burning their brains. The way Schon appears, and the way he begins to play with the humans who called him in addition to (maybe) taking on the task he was called for has always reminded me of one of those rituals where the devil gets called to do something for someone. The task gets done, but a sacrifice is always called for.

I think Schon is one of my favorite SciFi characters of all time, and that's strange, because he isn't even likable in any way.

This is really a must-read. You'll need to get past some dated race-related issues, occasional bad dialog - but only occasional. For the most part this is very smartly written, and Anthony seems to be masterful with subtext, and even imagery. The scene in the beginning, where Ivo imagines the parking meters to be match heads, slowly igniting one by one in the sun - I don't get that kinda stuff much from a lot of SciFi. Makes me wonder what happened to this author. Drugs? Disinterest? Maybe it was one of those things, kinda like holding a bad face too long, where he allowed himself to write poorly to sell some books, and then found he couldn't go back even if he tried.

Too bad for him - and us.

Less horrible than the rest of his dreck.......2005-03-16

This book actually had good parts to it. I liked most of it and it is probably his best work. I have to say that he pretty much destroyed a decent read with a brain spasm of an ending. The last 100 pages are to science fiction fans as Dusk to Dawn was to Tarantino fans-- a complete "WTF" after you're done.

My suggestion would be to buy the paperback version so you could rip out the last 100 pages an imagine that a capable writer finished it instead.

A true classic.......2004-12-08

I am rereading this book after a number of years, having first read it some time in the mid 1970's. Again I find that it is one of those books that changes how one thinks about things, and a work that can be appreciated on multiple levels.

First, it can change one's view of what's possible within the genre of science fiction. It impressively weaves a tapestry from such diverse threads as music, mathematics, classic American literature, philosophy, psychology, and sheer imagination, just to name a few. To a degree I've seldom seen equaled, the combination of these elements after all these years still create in me a sense of wonder at the grandness and richness of Creation. Anthony's work here is truly a microcosmic reflection of the very universe of which he writes.

That leads into something else I've kept noticing on this re-reading. I've been constantly struck by way the story suggests the interrelationship of things ranging from tiny (like the macron particle) to immense (like the universe); and by the synergy possible between people with diverse and seemingly disparate gifts. Ranging from the "ordinary" Beatrix to the "super-genius" Schön, each of the central characters is vital to the story, though each stands out as truly individual. The plot shows each of these characters as vital to the group's success, despite what appear to be huge differences in intellectual or personal development.

The "hard" science fiction elements at first glance today might appear a bit dated, given a nomenclature that dates from the late 1960's. But then hard science and technology are not really central themes of this novel. These elements of the story are for me a necessary "window dressing" arrayed around more central themes like personal responsibility, the grandness of the Universe, and interpersonal dynamics. In that respect it's easy to overlook the book's roots in the technology of the 1960's.

When I first read _Macroscope_ I was somewhere around late college age. At the time it read for me more like a hard science fiction adventure story. I didn't pay much attention to characterization or to themes that aren't traditional in hard scicne fiction. After all, I wasn't looking for those things at that age.

Quite a few years later, probably in the mid-1980's, I read it again. This time I was amazed to find so much else in the book. One element I picked up on that I'd completely glossed over before was the poetry of Sidney Lanier, from the American Civil War era. I borrowed a library book with several of his major works and found myself enraptured. Strange that in high school American Lit. I'd thought his _Song of the Chattahoochee_ was dull or even silly. Anthony's use of Lanier's verse drew me into the novel to a much greater extent than before. I found myself with an emotional bond for and insight into the character Ivo, in whose psychological landscape Lanier is central.

Upon this latest re-reading I've been more struck by the way the story evokes what I'll call unities. There is a sense that all the universe is connected, from tiniest subparticle, up through the sentient individual, right to the scale of Creation as a whole.

I'm still in a bit of suspense. It's been so long since I read the book that I don't recall the denouement. If I remember once I've finished it, I'll revisit this review to add a few more remarks.

The macroscope: A new world scientific system

Average customer rating:

The macroscope: A new world scientific system
Joel de Rosnay
Manufacturer: Harper & Row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Soft Systems Methodology in Action

ASIN: 0060110295

Average customer rating:

Disappointing

Macroscope
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0380456907

Product Description

A doorway that leads to all time and all space; and four travelers who dare enter.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2004-11-01

Written in 1969, for a 1980 future world - the mild technological predications miss the mark, and the far-fetched ones still don't seem acheivable for hundred's of years (if ever).

Annoying main characters... the only decent one gets turned into a slobbering (...), and then a bowl of mush for most the book.

The biggest saving graces are the description of the Macroscope technology itself, and the idea of a Galactic communication network.

Better collision insurance: asteroids smaller than those now being actively catalogued constitute a largely neglected natural hazard.(MACROSCOPE) : An article from: American Scientist

Average customer rating:

Better collision insurance: asteroids smaller than those now being actively catalogued constitute a largely neglected natural hazard.(MACROSCOPE) : An article from: American Scientist

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Comets, Meteors & Asteroids | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Science & Technology | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books

Liberating science from politics: the notion that science can be used to reconcile political disputes is fundamentally flawed.(MACROSCOPE) : An article from: American Scientist

Average customer rating:

Liberating science from politics: the notion that science can be used to reconcile political disputes is fundamentally flawed.(MACROSCOPE) : An article from: American Scientist

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

MACROSCOPE
PIERS ANTHONY
Manufacturer: Sphere
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0722111770

Average customer rating:

MacRoscope
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GS9XUE

Average customer rating:

Macroscope
Anthony Piers
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000PNAMFA

Average customer rating:

Macroscope (Leather Bound)

Manufacturer: Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000DZCMO4

Average customer rating:

Macroscope Collector's Edition
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Product Description

Masterpieces of Science Fiction, bound in geninue leather, collector's notes by author

Average customer rating:
Dragon Prince Series, all 3 books: Dragon Prince + The Star Scroll + Sunrunner's Fire
Melanie Rawn
Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Rawn, Melanie | ( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Dragon Token (Dragon Star, Book 2)

Stronghold (Dragon Star, Book 1)

Skybowl (Dragon Star, Book 3)

ASIN: B000M7YC8W

Product Description

3 Titles By Melanie Rawn Dragon Prince Series I II III : Dragon Prince The Star Scroll Sunrunner's Fire. three mmpb books.

Average customer rating:

Easy to get started and flexible

LOVED IT

Meals to Freeze and Reheat

Good, but not for everyone

Great condition. Arrived quickly.

Frozen Assets Lite and Easy: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month
Deborah Taylor-Hough
Manufacturer: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Canning & Preserving | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Quick & Easy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Low Fat | Special Diet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Frozen Assets Readers' Favorites

The Freezer Cooking Manual from 30 Day Gourmet: A Month of Meals Made Easy

Dont Panic - Dinners in the Freezer: Great-Tasting Meals You Can Make Ahead

Frozen Assets

The Everything Meals For A Month Cookbook: Smart Recipes To Help You Plan Ahead, Save Time, And Stay On Budget (Everything: Cooking)

ASIN: 1891400282
Release Date: 2003-04-01

Book Description

Through Frozen Assets" how to cook for a day and eat for a month, Deborah Taylor-Hough became known as "the once-a-month cooking expert." She taught people how to increase time at the family table, while decreasing time in the kitchen and drive-thru lanes. In addition she saved over $24,000 in five years and taught readers how tot do the same. Now she's back with a book of low-fat meal plans that utilize the same time and cost effective methods.

Customer Reviews:

Easy to get started and flexible .......2007-04-10

I like this book because the plans have the recipes, the preparation guides, and the shopping lists. The weekly plans are great for beginners and can be combined for those with more experience.

LOVED IT.......2006-12-01

I have three of these books, this one, the one from 30 day gourmet, and the Don't Panic book. This was by far the best. It's the only one that divides the recipes into sessions, giving you a grocery list at the beginning of each section of what you'll need for all 5 recipes (though you could very easily just pick one to make, but this layout gives you the option of making several at one time.) The other two are just a compilation of freezer friendly recipes. There is a great variety of recipes, and they all look wonderful. I can't wait to try them! It is written in an easy-to-understand way, and the recipes aren't too complicated either. I am very happy with this book!!!

Meals to Freeze and Reheat.......2006-05-23

"A mini-session consists of choosing one main ingredient, such as chicken, and then preparing a group of chicken recipes in a single afternoon or evening. A mini-session usually involves only an hour or two of cooking rather than the eight to ten hours often required for a complete month of cooking." ~Deborah Taylor Hough

Deborah Taylor Hough has a talent for not only saving money (she saved $24,000) in five years, she knows how to cook once a week and then enjoy meals every night with her family. In this book she shares her secrets and tips and has divided the book into Mini-Sessions which include a shopping list, preparation instructions and recipes. So, for the Vegetarian Mini-Session you could make Vegetable Fried Rice, Ricotta & Broccoli Pie, Cheese and Vegetable Quesadillas and Three Cheese Lasagna. There are plenty of recipes for Tofu, Beans and Eggplant. The rest of the book is made up of pasta, tuna, crab, pork, beef, turkey and chicken. There seems to be something for everyone in this cookbook.

By using the ideas in this book, you can find ways to save money. Like if you find a sale on chicken, you can save money on the Chicken Mini-Session meals. Some of the recipes in this book include:

Marinated Lime Chicken
Mushroom Chicken Couscous
Sloppy Turkey Joes
Braised Beef
Pork Rice Skillet Bake
Crab Strata
Cool Lime Burritos
Eggplant Bake

While the chapters are designed for making more than one recipe at a time, each recipe can also be used to just make one meal to serve six people.

~The Rebecca Review

Good, but not for everyone.......2006-04-07

I picked up a copy of this book at the library because I wanted to see if I could save time and money by making meals in bulk. Being a vegan, I eat a lot of stirfrys, beans, lentils, soups and stews and I thought it would be easy to substitute some ingredients for the non-vegan ones. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The book suggested that you can make the recipes vegetarian by using TVP or tofu but it just doesn't work. So if you're not a vegetarian/vegan this book would be perfect for you.

Great condition. Arrived quickly........2006-01-29

I had no trouble with this transaction. The book arrived in new condition ahead of scheduled arrival time. Thanks.

Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month

Average customer rating:

Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month
Deborah Taylor-Hough
Manufacturer: Champion Pr Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NLWZTU

Average customer rating:

Great information, great sedative

Save Your Money

Good Starter Book, But Incomplete

Good Book

saltwater aquariums for dummies [its true value]

Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies
Gregory Ph.D. Skomal
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide

Your First Marine Aquarium (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

Setting Up A Saltwater Aquarium: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet

A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species

Water Chemistry for the Marine Aquarium

ASIN: 0764553402

Product Description

Dive into the colorful world of saltwater fish.The fun, hassle-free guide will help you fully enjoy your saltwater aquarium. Marine biologist Gregory Skomal offers clean and easy step-by-step instructions on how to set up a tank, maintain proper water conditions, and feed and care for your saltwater fish.Written in a down-to-earth, plain English style with informative cartoons, illustrations, reference lists, icons and navigation aids, and other handy tools to help you learn how to care for your saltwater aquarium.

Customer Reviews:

Great information, great sedative.......2007-05-06

This book is filled with lots of wonderful information for starting your first saltwater aquarium. However, it reads like a dictionary. It's simply need-to-know information without much rhythm. I found myself actually nodding off while trying to read this book at 5 p.m. More pictures would probably have helped keep my interest, but I can't say for sure. Otherwise, Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies had useful information that I was able to apply to my aquarium hobby.

Save Your Money.......2007-04-08

This book makes saltwater aquariums seem easier than they actually are. For one, I don't even think the book mentions the use of reverse osmosis or deionized water, which is strongly recommended by all marine aquarists. The author also doesn't mention the importance of live rock. In fact, he goes as far to advise against using live rock for fish-only tanks! Sure, you might be able to get away with not using live rock, but it won't be worth it in the long run. Also, I don't agree with the list of recommended filter combinations. One more thing, the book lists an air stone as essential equipment, but the only thing an air stone will do is aid evaporation and cause salt creep! If you have enough movement of water at the surface, you should get sufficient gas exchange. There is, however, one thing the book does get right: its strong recommendation of using a protein skimmer.

This book is easy to understand, but you won't be getting the best information.

Good Starter Book, But Incomplete.......2007-03-09

This new edition of Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies has been brought much more up-to-date with current marine aquarium techniques and is one of the most recently published books I could find on the subject. That said, it's still not a great book on the subject. It becomes overly repetitive in some areas and lacking in others and is often poorly organized. For instance, even basic species information is divided between multiple chapters with each one incomplete on its own and constantly referencing you back-and-forth. Too much time is spent on filtration techniques which the book itself deems are generally inadequate while leaving the reader confused between other techniques [and glances over or completely neglects advanced techniques used for reef aquariums]. The book is clearly aimed at the beginner, but fails to provide adequate direction for moving forward from there.

Good Book.......2007-03-08

This is a great book for those who don't know how to keep a saltwater aqarium.

saltwater aquariums for dummies [its true value] .......2006-11-10

this book is actually quite helpful in getting you familiar with
all the essential jargon encountered in this hobby. it is done in
a non intimidating manner. as for those that criticize the book
for recommending undergravel filters, it doesn't, it states it can be
done, but its old technology. buy this book, WITH!,a comprehensive
salt water aquarium book. after reading both you are ready to play.
more in depth books gave too much info too fast. i took off star
because photos are in black and white.

Average customer rating:

What not do to for aquariums
Ugh... I don't know anything and even I thought it was junk
Worst book ever
Very incomplete
A Great Beginner's Book, Very useful information.

Aquariums for Dummies
Maddy Hargrove , and Mic Hargrove
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Home & Garden | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

For Dummies | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0764551566

Product Description

The fun and easy guide to creating and maintaining a beautiful aquarium.Setting up your first aquarium can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to choose the right fish, but you also have to maintain the right environment for them to flourish. This friendly guide answers all your fishy questions--and makes it easy to get into the swing of things.Discover how to:Choose the right aquarium for you.Select the best fish.Create and maintain a healthy aquarium.Locate good deals on equipment.Design a dazzling underwater environment.The Dummies WayExplanations in plain English."Get in, get out" information.Icons and other navigational aids.Tear-out cheat sheet.Top ten lists.A dash of humor and fun.

Customer Reviews:

What not do to for aquariums.......2007-01-24

Great at telling you what to what to watch out for--look out for temperature. PH is important, etc. But your next question is of course, what is the right temperature? What PH should it be? It's not in this book. If you're a new person to this you need a more informative resource. This is only good at telling you what to look for, but not good at telling you what it should be, and certainly not how to fix things that go wrong.

Ugh... I don't know anything and even I thought it was junk.......2006-08-29

I picked up this book at a local bookstore and paid full price. This was a mistake. I would have felt ripped off even if it was in the bargain bin for a buck. About the only thing I would use this book for is a firestarter.

I as of yet own no aquarium, and even I could see that this book was sorely lacking in useful information. As others have pointed out, the most important topic of all, aquarium maintenance, receives scant coverage. Their coverage of fish species overall is spotty, and there is little to no information on acceptable Ph values, temperature, compatibility with other species, diets, common diseases, or suitability for beginners. IMHO, a book for beginners should contain pretty much everything a beginner needs to know to get started. This book is woefully lacking. I have no ability to know how accurate the information in this book is, but I can say that I would not rely on it for a second.

The copy I have was the 12th printing of the book, yet the quality of the text is something I would expect from a rough draft. Most glaring are the same sentences or facts repeated in two separate close-together sections. In one case, I saw the same thing phrased two different ways in successive paragraphs. Even the most blind and incompetent editor would have spotted this in a casual reading.

Given the major style issues, I have absolutely no confidence in the accuracy of the information presented in this book. If this book never went through a copy-editor, I doubt it was reviewed properly for factual content either. If you have the misfortune of owning this book, try and get your money back.

Worst book ever.......2005-03-09

I felt like a dummy after I read this book ( ripped off $$ ! ). Its like they had a one day deadline to write and published this book.

Very incomplete.......2004-11-30

I have a B.S. in marine science, and I decided I wanted to bring my work home with me. Someone bought me this book and I read through most of the sections. I was very disappointed. The author doesn't discuss cleaning of the tank in any detail, such as how often you need to clean the gravel, plants and other decorations; they also missed out on describing common problems such as bacterial or algal blooms and what to do. I found some of the information very helpful, but overall, this is far from a complete reference book for the beginner aquarist.

A Great Beginner's Book, Very useful information........2004-10-04

This is a great beginner's book...if you are a medium to expert hobbyist this book is not for you. As the cover says..this book is for people that are new into the fish keeping hobby. It will cover all the basics you need to get going. I got a lot of information from this book when i was a beginner. It covers everything from purchase/setup tanks...to fishes...to plants...to invertibrates and a whole lot more. A very fun book to read and I would recommend it to anyone new to the hobby of keeping wet pets.

Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets))

Average customer rating:

Great for beginners.
Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies
It's okay
great, basic information

Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets))
Maddy Hargrove , and Mic Hargrove
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0470051035

Book Description

Covers the latest aquarium gadgets

Design a dazzling underwater environment with this bestselling guide!

Setting up your first freshwater aquarium can be a daunting task. This friendly guide answers all your questions, from setting up your tank and selecting fish to the water, chemicals, plants, and much more. There's also expanded guidance on combining different species of fish, maintaining a tank, cleaning gravel, and dealing with common problems such as algae.

Discover how to
* Choose the right aquarium
* Select the best fish
* Get good deals on equipment
* Maintain a clean, healthy environment
* Handle tank pitfalls
* Breed your fish

Customer Reviews:

Great for beginners........2007-09-23

This book is exactly as it should be. A beginners aquarium book. it tells you, step by step, how to set-up an aquarium. It isn't great for an expert, but that's not who it was designed for. I'd recommend it to anyone just starting out in the hobby or who would just like to have a finned friend. If you've purchased any of the other boks in this series, you won't be disappointed. It's in the same style, with pictures, and safety tips, and must knows, to get your hands wet in short enough time.

Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies.......2007-02-06

I am very disappointed in this book. It has mistakes and much of the information is out of date. For example, in a discussion of the nitrate cycle, a complex topic for many, the authors have confused nitrate and nitrite. This makes the discussion worthless. The discussion on classification is out of date as DNA studies have caused many changes to the whole sytem.

It's okay.......2007-01-29

This book isn't too bad, but there's definately better out there. The humor is kind of lame, as it is in all dummy books, but overall the information is sound. However, there are a few exceptions, like who still uses undergravel filters? or even still has a film camera anymore...thats right there's a whole chapter dedicated to photographing your fish. Not to mention there are also a ton of typos in this book, which is kind of ridiculuous for a second edition. Overall it covers just about everything, but not in any great detail....you'd do better to find something else.

great, basic information.......2007-01-24

This is one of the many books I read after "inheriting" a fish. This was a very easy to read and understand while not insulting me for being a rank beginner. I followed many of this book's recommendations and my fish are very happy.

Average customer rating:

Koi For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets))
R. D. Bartlett , and Patricia Bartlett
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0470099135

Book Description

Known throughout the world for its beauty and personality, koi is one of the most carefully bred fish species around. Raising koi is especially time-consuming and requires more than just sprinkling little flakes in the fish bowl. But thankfully, you don’t have to be an expert to maintain your own koi pond.

Koi For Dummies shows you how easy and fun it can be to own and care for these delicate fish. Whether building a pond or aquarium for the indoors or outdoors, this easy-to-understand guide explores all of your options. Clear, concise advice helps you:

Appreciate your koi’s beauty
Build, design, and maintain your koi pond or aquarium
Find and select koi and the proper supplies
Keep your koi happy and healthy
Treat your koi for parasites, bacterial infections, and viruses
Breed and care for baby koi
Show off your koi to other koi enthusiasts

Book Description

How-to guidance on raising a happy, healthy hermit crab
Among the more unusual pets, hermit crabs are popular and easy to buy. They have distinct personalities, are active and curious, and their unique characteristics and low maintenance requirements make them good pets. This handy guide gives readers reliable advice on choosing a healthy hermit crab, selecting the proper housing, and bringing it home. It provides plenty of tips on feeding and health care, as well as having fun with a hermit crab (such as taking part in hermit crab races!).
Kelli A. Wilkins (Woodbridge, NJ) is a freelance writer and hermit crab owner. She is a former editor of Reptile & Amphibian Hobbyist magazine.

Average customer rating:

Aquarium Fur Dummies
Maddy Hargrove
Manufacturer: Wiley-VCH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

All German Books | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 352770180X

Average customer rating:

Meerwasser-Aquarium Fur Dummies
Gregory Skomal
Manufacturer: Wiley-VCH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

All German Books | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 3527701540

Average customer rating:

Aquariums for Dummies
Maddy Hargrove
Manufacturer: HUNGRY MINDS (TWLD)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K22CFE

Average customer rating:

Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies
Gregory Skomal
Manufacturer: HUNGRY MINDS (TWLD)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GTNGRE

Customer Reviews:

One of the very best.......2000-05-29

Anyone who has ever used a router will learn something from this outstanding book. Initally,either novice or experienced router user might be set off by Warner's opinionated style but after using his techniques you will find his opinions are correct. The methods he conveys are designed for precision and safety. His reviews of the different types of routers is extensive and sould be read before anyone purchases either a new router or upgrades from an existing one. His opinions here propably have irratated some manufacturers but for a user they are very helpful. His extensive discussion of the appararatus used for controlling a router is the best I've ever read as is his thorough discussion of router bits. Before you buy another jig or guide for your router read this book. The money you save will pay for this book and his other two books. His extensive discussion of router tables is also very helpful. Anyone who has priced a manufactured router table lately should read this book first;what you save can purchase a new router! The pictures used throughout the book are clear, well placed, and very helpful. Although this is a short book at 137 pages it is absolutely full of immediately useful ideas. My only regret about this book was that after reading it I wanted more and more. Fortunately Pat Warner has written two more books:one on Router Jigs and another on Router Joinery both of which are just as good as this one. He also has an excellant Website. Pat Warner is a very rare type of craftsman who is a master of his craft and a masterful educator.

Book Description

11 13/16 x 8 1/4 170 color and 5 black-and-white illustrations US Distribution only interior design Dictated by function and use, lighting choices vary considerably for each area in a hotel, and professional designers must carefully assess use before selecting and implementing lighting schemes. Hotels takes us into such world-renowned hotels as the Mondrian in Los Angeles, The Legian in Bali, Hotel Square in Paris, and the Chicago Beach Hotel in Dubai to demonstrate how their many-faceted needs are met. In lobbies, image and atmosphere are of paramount importance, for example. Suites where both business meetings and grand celebrations are held demand flexible lighting choices. On the practical side, energy-saving design is a critically important factor for hotels operating around the clock. Covering these and other aspects of lighting, Hotels offers a technical introduction to lighting basics, and features high-quality photos, lighting plans, diagrams, and a comprehensive glossary.

Book Description

Probing the role of culture in state craft, Alice Jarrard focuses on the ambitious Italian patron, Duke Francesco d'Este of Modena. The Duke deployed art works for his exiled family by drawing from vital Italian court traditions. He imported opera theater designs from Venice and called on famed Roman artists to create portraits and palaces. Demonstrating how performance brought paintings, sculptures, and buildings to life, Jarrard reveals the dynamic role of art in seventeenth-century political discourse.

Book Description

“I stand before you this afternoon as a proud man, honored to be a black man, who would be nothing else in God’s creation but a black man.” Marcus Garvey, 1928

“A vivid, detailed, and sound portrait of a man and his dreams.”—Political Science Quarterly

“Good reading for all serious history students.”—Jet

Customer Reviews:

Outdated.......2004-09-14

Black Moses was first published nearly 50 years ago. It was based on a masters thesis and for years was the only book available on Marcus Garvey. Since the 1970s several new books on Garvey have appeared, most notably Race First by Tony Martin. These more recent books are much better researched and incorporate a lot of new sources that Cronon was unaware of or did not have access to. These include Garvey's newspaper, the Negro World and various governmenrt records in the US National Archives. It simply is no longer possible to get a really accurate view of Marcus Garvey from Cronon's now woefully out of date work. It served its purpose but should now give way to better books.

Honest and Informative.......2001-03-12

Knowing only of the name "Marcus Garvey," I set about reading this book to get a better understanding of Garvey's beliefs and perceptions on race relations in the 1920's and 1930's. This book fit the billing, with an honest account of the victories, defeats, embarassments, and lasting effects of Marcus Garvey's legacy. Unforunately, Marcus Garvey was never spoken of in my high school or college history courses. This book provides a great starting point for understanding the conditions in 1920's America, which allowed Marcus Garvey to gather such a large and faithful following.

Black Moses : The Story of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association

Average customer rating:

Black Moses : The Story of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association
E. David Cronon
Manufacturer: University of Wisconsin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KXTLKM

Average customer rating:

Black Moses: the Story of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association
Edmund David Cronon
Manufacturer: University Of Wisconsin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000R3J40C

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books