Native Shrubs of the San Francisco Bay Region (California Natural History Guides (Paperback))

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Good Primer for Castle Vacations

If your are interested in staying overnite in a castle....

Does a good job of being what the title says

Dream Sleeps: Castles and Palace Hotels of Europe (Dream Sleeps)
Pamela L. Barrus
Manufacturer: Carousel Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0917120167

Amazon.com

Why spend your vacation in a boring hotel chain when you could be staying in a castle? It's not just a matter of opulence and splendor (not that there's anything wrong with a taste for grandeur)--there's history and romance, too. Want to experience the flavor of Scotland's past? You can sleep in Mary Queen of Scots' bedroom at Borthwick Castle and dine by candle and firelight in the rustic great hall. For a moderate fee you can stay in a 14th-century Portuguese Castle (Pousada de Dom Dinis) or a medieval French Castle (Domaine de Castel Novel)--with a history that includes the Hundred Years' War and the author Colette, who wrote several of her novels there---or splash out for a night in the Gritti Palace, a 15th-century Venetian doge's spread that's hosted the Aga Khan, Queen Elizabeth II, and Ernest Hemingway. Pamela Barrus introduces 132 schlosses, chateaux, paradors, and villas across Austria, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain, telling their history, describing rooms and grounds, and providing details such as rates, fax numbers, amenities, when they're open, and what else there might be to do nearby beyond lolling in the lap of luxury. --Stephanie Gold

Customer Reviews:

Good Primer for Castle Vacations.......2002-04-12

As editor of a web site (GetawayWeddings.com) devoted to romance travel, Dream Sleeps piqued my interest. I was very interested in learning about fairy-tale vacation destinations in Europe. And, more importantly, how to find the most romantic castles and how to make reservations for a stay. Happily, Pamela L. Barrus answers aof these questions - and more - in her latest revision of Dream Sleeps: Castle & Palace Hotels of Europe.

Every chapter is devoted to a different region including Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Chapters begin with a short introduction that will give you a sense of the country, historic significance, and regional customs. Contact information for relevant departments of tourism are also included. Then, it's on to the matter at hand! Which castle is right for your next vacation? Each property is described in one or two pages and most entries include a black and white photograph. A handy "fast facts" section follows the description and includes basics like contact information, room types, rates, dining options, facilities for the disabled, on-site recreation, nearby attractions, and much more.

If your are interested in staying overnite in a castle...........2002-04-05

Then this book is for you. You will need more detail and updated information as the book is from 1998. However, this extra info can usually be found on the internet. The book provides a great starting point for finding places to stay (in different price ranges as well). I would definitely recommend this book because it saved me time and energy. It doesn't have every castle but it sure has a bunch. Even staying at just one of the places listed can possibly turn your trip into a great one.

Does a good job of being what the title says.......2000-11-11

An intriguing book. I have already dreamt up enough vacations to last the rest of my life, and I've only had this book two days. The book has short, two or three page descriptions of 132 hotels. Most of them are based on old castles or palaces, though there are a couple based on convents, and at least one is an old royal hospital. They are all appropriate for the book. There is usually an exterior photo and an interior photo, and good information on the history of the place, both as a castle (or whatever) and how it came to be a hotel. There is fairly detailed information on accommodations, including comments on virtues and vices of specific rooms in some of the hotels (at least one specific room is listed as allegedly haunted). I could wish for a bit more detail in some cases, but that is probably unrealistic.

I hadn't planned to go to Europe in 2001, but now may have to change my plans....

Book Description

Ernie Zelinski has taught more than 150,000 people what THE JOY OF NOT WORKING is about: learning to live every part of your life—work and play, employment, and retirement alike—to the fullest. In this completely revised and expanded edition, you'll learn how to create an excellent work/life balance by working less, producing more, and being more leisurely; how to gain the courage to leave a life-draining job; and, if you are recently retired or unemployed, how to bring purpose and community back to your life. Plus, new to this edition are 30 inspiring letters from readers detailing how the book helped them live a more exciting and rewarding life. Illustrated with eye-opening exercises, thought-provoking diagrams, and lively cartoons and quotations, THE JOY OF NOT WORKING will guide you to living a more exciting and rewarding life—at work and at play.

Customer Reviews:

A good book to consult if someone moves your cheese!.......2007-05-16

The book is filled with alot of experience and wisdom to ponder. An excellent read if you are considering a major career change but do not know what you want. The book does not suggest you keep a stiff upper lip and take it, so do not read it if you do not want change. You will not be able to look at work or your life the same way when you have finished.

A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE.......2007-05-16

I read this book as I was prepairing to retire. It suited my purposes just fine but contained solid advise for just about anyone on how to live happily. I ordered six more copies to give to friends!!!
A valuable resource that is fun to read.

Boomers Must Read!.......2007-05-09

Excellent book for those are ready to retire. It affirms many experiences my wife and I are having. Mr. Zelinski's insights will help those who are weary of the rat race. Maybe after you read the book you will give yourself permission to try to enjoy the rest of your life. Downsizing isn't a sin.

Not working is not always joyful.......2007-04-30

Believe it or not, I have the soul of a lazy person. I have enjoyed time off from 6 weeks to a year. I've enjoyed freedom in my work, especially now. So I totally understand the joy of Not Working.

Zelinski's book has many things going for it. For example:

(a) Too many of us are workaholics.
(b) We need structure, purpose and a sense of community, with or without a job.
(c) Work smart, not hard ("peak performance").
(d) The checklist on page 54 can be a wake-up call.
(e) We can gain several hours a week if we give up television.

But as a career consultant I am concerned about the book's core advice. Page 55: "The first day your job does not nourish and enthuse you is the day you should consider leaving. Indeed, I advise you to quit."

Pretty strong stuff! In my experience, few jobs provide daily nourishment and enthusiasm every day or even every week. I would say, "If you've outgrown your job, begin a search for alternatives. Don't do anything until you have a plan."

People do miss their jobs - even jobs they hated. I have never seen statistics, but my experience suggests at least 50% of those who quit without another job regretted the decision. One discussion list posted a note from a 40-something woman who had chosen enjoyable, low-paying jobs in the personal growth field. Now she was ready to move on, with no nest egg to fund a career transition.

Job dissatisfaction actually can be a misleading signal. Many people who seek a career change actually need to relocate geographically or work on relationships.

My biggest criticism of the book is the potentially misleading presentation of information. For example, the author mentions "a research study conducted in 2001 by Florida's Nova Southeastern University" which found that over 38% of stockbrokers making $300,000 - $1,000,000 suffered from "subclinical depression" while 28% reported "clinical depression." (Overlap? Additional? We're not told.)

Most studies are conducted by individual researchers, not universities or even departments. The author does not cite his source or indicate whether this study was actually published in a reputable peer-reviewed journal.

How was this sample of brokers chosen? What methods were used to assess "subclinical depression" or "clinical depression?" Was the depression long-term or situational? Was this study carried out in 2001 before or after 9/11? Where's the cause and effect: does the field attract individuals with a propensity to depression?

Other studies are mentioned but not cited or described in detail. For the Schnore study of retirees, I'd want to know how their satisfaction was reported and tested.

Additionally, throughout the book, Zelinski presents letters from readers. He seems to suggest that, "If these folks can do it, you can too."

But nearly all his examples come from people who took only the very first step: quitting or deciding to retire. On page 96, Zelinski writes, "Perhaps you will [say]...married people can't possibly quit their jobs like Ian did. Then go back to page 57 and read the letter [from a married man with 2 kids who quit his job]...Case closed!"

Unfortunately, the letter on page 57 was written by someone who had just marched in to his boss and quit. We don't know what happened afterward. Case not closed, in my opinion!

We do get a few examples of success: a professional who became a music busker in Toronto, someone who moved into a friend's trailer to live on $6000 a year, someone who travels cheaply, and several people who saved a stash of cash and now live comfortably from investments or a spouse's salary. Many readers (and most of my clients) will not relate to those examples.

We should also realize Zelinski writes from Canada, a country with national health care. It's not perfect, but it does open up career options. Those happily unemployed are subsidized by taxes from those who face a 50% tax bracket at surprisingly low salary levels.

I also believe that not everyone will enjoy a life of hobbies and volunteer work. Working for money gives you an edge, changing your thoughts, habits and conversations. Zelinski himself is neither unemployed nor retired: he is a full-time writer. His four-hour-a-day schedule is actually quite typical of professional authors of books. I once heard best-selling mystery author Jon Kellerman speak about writing 3 pages a day. Zelinski aims for four.

Bottom Line: Joy of Not Working is worth skimming to experience a philosophy that can be adapted to many lives. Unfortunately, the adaptation will be up to you.

Not Practical.......2007-03-22

The suggestions in his book are misleading. Not for the motivated young people who want to make a difference in the world. No one can argue with his conclusions about workaholics. However, no one is going to achieve much success with a goal of living and raising a family on $6000 a year. I read his book in about 3 hours - really a waste of time as far as practical advice is concerned.

Customer Reviews:

This book is not recommended.......2004-12-16

Any book which recommends buying a puppy from a pet store or from a "neighborhood breeder" is not to be recommended.

General Guide to the Terrier Group.......2000-06-10

This handy little book toasts the Terrier Group. Terrier comes from the Latin "terra" meaning earth and many of the breeds in this group were bred exclusively for "going to ground"- especially the short legged terriers. The first section of the book discusses what to consider when buying a terrier, training, feeding, general care, and there is also a section called "Understanding your terrier." The second half of the book lists and describes the various terrier breeds. This is by alphabet, I've seen some guides who divide by short legged and long legged terriers also. The AKC recognized breed standard is included with the applicable breeds, along with a brief description of each breed. There are good color photographs and drawings throughout the book. From the Airedale (The King of Terriers) to the dimunitive Norwich (In the last few years, BIS at Westminster several times), they are all here. This is a very good introduction to this unique group of dogs and would make an excellent gift for children and teenagers would are dog lovers. So here's to that scrappy, fun-loving, sometimes stubborn, independant, busy, death-on-vermin group known as the terriers!

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding........2000-11-07

This book never ceases to amaze me when I pull it off the shelf for a little inspiration or food for my soul. Chris Giftos is aptly named for he gifts us with this book and his designs. Each arrangement featured suits the area and rooms of the Met as just the right thing for the surroundings. His knowledge of color and combinations of flowers is insightful. Fabulous photos and design aside; it is also an interesting read.

"A Bouquet From The Met" is well worth the price if you are at all interested in floral design, either professionally or as a hobby.

Lila Acheson Wallace was an incredible woman to have allowed New Yorkers the enjoyment of Giftos's flowers at the Met. I can't wait until the day when I can see it all up close.

A wonderful tribute to flowers, architecture & nature itself.......1999-04-09

An amazing look behind the scenes at the unsung work of a true Master Artist. Thanks to a generous gift from the late Lila Acheson Wallace (Reader's Digest founder), Chris Giftos brings colors and life to an already breathtaking architectural wonder, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The book is full of rich photographs that showcase his talent in different environments. The Temple of Dendrum, The Cloisters, The Great Hall. A wonderful gift for anyone who loves flowers!

Book Description

This volume consists of more than twenty articles by Richard H. Popkin on the history of modern philosophy, written between 1980 and 1990, including several not published before this. The topics covered in these studies range over religious and theological influences in modern philosophy, further material in the history of scepticism dealing with Hobbes, Henry More and Pascal, as well as Moritz Schlick, new findings about Spinoza, pre-Adamism, Ralph Cudworth, Isaac Newton's religious views, 18th century racism, and the liberalism of Condorcet.

The Third Force in Seventeenth Century Philosophy.: An article from: The Review of Metaphysics

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The Third Force in Seventeenth Century Philosophy.: An article from: The Review of Metaphysics
Paul J. Bagley
Manufacturer: Philosophy Education Society, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Review of Metaphysics, published by Philosophy Education Society, Inc. on June 1, 1993. The length of the article is 1015 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Third Force in Seventeenth Century Philosophy.
Author: Paul J. Bagley
Publication: The Review of Metaphysics (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 1993
Publisher: Philosophy Education Society, Inc.
Volume: v46 Issue: n4 Page: p866(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Third Force in Seventeenth-Century Thought

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Third Force in Seventeenth-Century Thought
Richard Henry Popkin
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBVJJS

Book Description

Peter Sellers left behind a rich legacy of film work, some of which is only belatedly recognized for its genius. Especially notable were his numerous crazy accents. Though he generally is identified as the slapstick Inspector Clouseau of the "Pink Panther" series (from 1964 on), he is recalled by many for such earlier efforts as his triple role in The Mouse That Roared (1959), and his masterly breakthrough to the mainstream American market in I'm All Right, Jack (1959). This book analyzes each Sellers film from 1951, not least his Oscar-nominated tripe-role stint in Dr. Strangelove. He also turned in a brilliant performance as the slyly sinister Clare Quilty in Lolita. Interesting anecdotes, behind-the-scenes information, a detailed plot summary, contemporary criticism and the author's own analysis are given for each film. Complete filmographies and index.

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Peter Sellers: A Film History.
Peter]. Starr, Michael. [SELLERS
Manufacturer: Jefferson & London: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UG0YG4

Book Description

Ride Hard, Ride Smart is a practical, hands-on survival guide for the a verage motorcyclist. It takes up where the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence leaves off. That very successful book is aimed at beginning riders, and as such outlines the most basic strategies of motorcycle riding. This book provides more advanced survival and safety strategies. The vast wealth of knowledge and information developed by the motorcycle safety industry is bound into one chapter and one simple concept-the 'three degrees of separation'-that sets the stage for the rest of the book. The three degrees of separation are riding strategies, training and skills, and protective gear-the things that separate the rider from death and injury. Hahn rates motorcycle risk and riding on a scale of one to ten, ten being mere moments away from certain death, and one being home safe in bed. Every motorcycle ride falls somewhere in between. Using the three degrees of separation, a rider can get the risk level down to a controllable level, creating the safest possible situation on a moving motorcycle. Other concepts explained include: - An in-depth analysis of the Hurt Study, and what it means today - Choosing the safest route - Factors common in motorcycle crashes, and how to avoid them - Vision, the rider's most important source of information - Reading the road, understanding human driving behavior, seeing crashes before they happen, and placing yourself elsewhere - The hierarchy of risk factors

Customer Reviews:

Little bit of wheat... loads of chaff!.......2007-06-08

This book was an aggravation to (try to) read. I did find a few things that were interesting and that I sometimes need reminding of, but hardly two or three paragraphs can go by without Hahn's silly rhetorical questions, cutesy remarks and flippant attitude. (i.e. chapter 7-Riding at Night. Solution: Don't Ride at Night) A better subtitle might have been "Street Strategies for New/Intermediate Riders". Writers generally hate editors, but a good editor here might have helped.

I think it could have been a helpful read when I started riding almost 40 years and several hundred thousand miles ago, but I'd have to agree with some of these reviewers who seriously question the word "advanced" on the cover. At 60 years old, I buy these kind of books to enhance my skills and stay alive, but I think I could have accomplished those goals without wasting my money on this particular book.

Funny, sobering, yet realistic.......2007-05-30

Some reviews pan this title because it paints motorcycling as relatively risky. It can be. But the author's intent is to paint a realistic picture of the risks involved. All responsible motorcycling literature along this vein wants you to take the sport and its risks very seriously. Against this serious backdrop, though, the author manages to be very funny (my opinion). Chapter 8, Riding at night, is hilarious. Is it too stark? Not if you crash. The margin for error is not wide in motorcycling. The more prepared you are, the better. This book can help.

Great Read.......2007-04-04

I found this book by accident in an artical on MSN. After reading this book. I felt compelled to read more books on the subject of cycle riding. Afterall the (Safe) ride starts in your brain, not just by hopping on and twisting the grip.

Suppliment with other books on motorcycling proficiency.......2006-08-30

I think "Ride Hard Ride Smart" gets too caught up in the dangers of riding. It seems to be more of a warning book than a guide book as evidenced by its focus on the Hurt Report. Admirably, Hahn set out to alert his readers how to identify, avoid and manage the dangers of motorcycling. But mastering the sport takes much more than that, such as understanding the machine's physics and good riding techniques so that actual dangers can be handled in real time. Hahn, in my opinion, seems to feel that scaring a motorcyclist somehow motivates the motorcyclist to ride skillfully, yet fails to discuss all relevant skills.

I think "Ride Hard Ride Smart" has a fundamental flaw; it skips some important topics such as countersteering. I found myself questioning how a rider is going to understand how to swerve to avoid a danger that Hahn points out without understanding (or even being aware of) countersteering. Yet I find no reference to countersteering in Hahn's book. However Hahn does spend a good deal of time on braking techniques, for example. But I do not believe that braking should be discussed without also discussing countersteering - both skills are relevant in real-world riding. So it seems that "Ride Hard Ride Smart" leaves out aspects of riding that are just as important as those that were included. For this reason I think that "Ride Hard Ride Smart" should be a supplement to other books about motorcycle proficiency.

While every motorcyclist needs to be reminded that drinking and riding is dangerous, I was left wondering why Hahn felt it necessary to devote so much time to this subject when his book was promoted as being for "advanced" motorcyclists, as the book's subtitle states. Wouldn't an advanced motorcyclist have already moved beyond taking the risk of drinking and riding? Any motorcyclist who mounts a motorcycle who is impaired is certainly not advanced by any definition of the word. This left me wondering if Hahn knows what an advanced motorcyclist is. Of course, it could be that the publisher added that subtitle to sell more books. At any rate, be prepared to wade through material that is more applicable to inexperienced motorcyclists, or perhaps motorcyclists who have forgotten some fundamental basics. Still, a good dose of such reminders can't hurt if that works for the reader.

But with all that said, Hahn's book is a must read for anyone who takes motorcycling seriously be they advanced or beginner. Hahn does convey many important safety pointers and street strategies. But be prepared for a good dose of motorcycling fear. But while reading Hahn's book I periodically paused to remind myself that it is better to imagine the worst while reading a book than experiencing the worst while hurtling down the road atop an 800 lb machine.

All in all, "Ride Hard Ride Smart" is an important book to read. However, because it skips important yet relevant subjects, it must be supplemented with other books about motorcycle proficiency. I've given this book a mid-range rating because I feel that "Ride Hard Ride Smart" should not be relied upon entirely. Better yet, take the appropriate Motorcycle Safety Foundation course/s where one actually learns motorcycling skills rather than just reading about them. Ride right.

Good Advise Hard Read .......2006-05-28

Pat Hahn, has some great advise in this book and I learned a lot from it. However, it is probably the most painfully dull read I have read in years. For every two pages of hard to read material you get about one or two sentences of true gems.

I felt like I was back in coledge reading boring books to try and get the few good items out of them before the test.

The same matereial could have been covered in about 20 pages.

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Worth a read once
As good as noir gets...
Drive, The Book, The Man, The Occupation
A Speeding Bullet
Complex thriller

Drive
James Sallis
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Hard-Boiled | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0156030322

Book Description

Much later, as he sat with his back against an inside wall of a Motel 6 just north of Phoenix, watching the pool of blood lap toward him, Driver would wonder whether he had made a terrible mistake. Later still, of course, there’d be no doubt. But for now Driver is, as they say, in the moment. And the moment includes this blood lapping toward him, the pressure of dawn’s late light at windows and door, traffic sounds from the interstate nearby, the sound of someone weeping in the next room . . .

Thus begins Drive , the story of a man who works as a stunt driver by day and a getaway driver by night. He drives, that’s all—until he’s double-crossed. Powerful and stylistically brilliant, Drive has been hailed by critics as the "perfect piece of noir fiction" ( The New York Times Book Review ) and an instant classic.

Customer Reviews:

Worth a read once.......2007-09-12

I've read a few noir-like novels in the past but only James Sallis' 158-page murder novella DRIVE qualifies as true noir. It's psychologically twisted, it's erratically nonlinear, and big on the style rather than the plotting. I think a murder noir like DRIVE is worth reading once, and the short 2,3-page chapters realizes a quick read. The novella lacks a chronological flow and chapters jump erratically to different times and locales in Driver's life. The excursive prose equals the novella's dark, nonlinear intensity while the book mostly follows Driver's transition from a movie stunt driver to cold-blooded killer. Remarkably, DRIVE is extremely light on violence and language.

The Premise.

Since it's tough to describe such an erratically nonlinear murder noir such as DRIVE, this is going to be brief. We pick up the story in middle as we read about Driver in a hotel bedroom strewn with three dead bodies. From various flashbacks both from his childhood and from a more recent time period, the rest of the novel shows how the scene in the opening chapter comes to pass. We discover that Driver is a stunt driver for movies, and later, he's drawn into small-time "jobs" requiring good drivers. Driver earns a formidable reputation as a driver, he's the best at what he does, and everyone knows it. Driver doesn't want to know anything about the small-time "jobs" and he expects people to follow through on their ends of the deal. A betrayal from a driving job goes terribly astray and Driver coldly retaliates.

Driver expects people to hold up their end of the bargain as long as he holds up his end driving people and things in and out of discordant circumstances. When they don't hold up their end of the bargain, Driver methodically exacts his vengeance.

Because of the detached persona of its main character Driver and the nonlinear pacing, the book never really grips. Still, it was interesting to see a simple, humble stunt car driver transition into a cold-blooded murderer. Doesn't get any darker than this.

As good as noir gets..........2007-07-09

James Sallis's novel, "Drive," is as sharp and concise as haiku written with an icepick. In every way, "Drive" is as good as "The Postman Always Rings Twice." As soon as I finished it, I was looking forward to reading it again. For readers who drop everything when the new George Pelecanos or James Crumley comes out, start reading James Sallis today. "Drive" is a great place to start.

Drive, The Book, The Man, The Occupation.......2007-04-06

The name of the book is the name of the major character and it is his occupation.

This is a short book (take it with you if your flight is not a real long one, I finished this book in a few hours), but it is excellent (gritty, grimy) crime fiction. If you are looking for noir in a modern book, look no further.

A Speeding Bullet.......2006-11-11

After a harrowing childhood that ended with sitting at the table while his mother murdered his father, Driver gets shunted into the foster care system. At 16 he runs away and ends up in Hollywood where he does the one thing he loves and does best: driving. But while the stunt driver business provides him enough success to get him by, Driver finds himself drawn into the lives and struggles of others. One of them is an armed robber with a wife and child that Driver cares about. But Driver has rules about his life in crime: he drives, that's but. When a robbery goes wrong, though, and Driver's friend is betrayed, he gets drawn into a headlong rush toward vengeance.

James Sallis is the author of the six-book (thus far) series about New Orleans private eye Lew Griffin. He's started a new series featuring troubled, ex-police detective Turner. In addition to his writing, Sallis also writes poetry and is a musicologist.

Although it comes in at just under 160 pages and is told with verve and brevity, DRIVE is no means a simplistic read. The story doubles back on itself like a snake from time to time, jumping linear progression with the story without warning or any kind of demarcation. I found myself lost a few times, but the story kept drawing me in. The way that the novel progresssed and regressed became familiar and I enjoyed the way that I saw the plot tighten while at the same time I glimpsed more of Driver's background.

Written in a noir style, Sallis delivers a gritty, fist-in-your-face read that hardboiled readers will enjoy. The book isn't for everyone, but fans of Richard Stark and newcomer Duane Swierczynski should eat this up.

Complex thriller.......2006-11-10

What does it take to make a man a murderer? Driver has been living a double life for years--to society, he's a professional stunt driver for the movie industry. But on the underground, he mans the getaway car for crooks fleeing the scene of a crime. All he was supposed to do was drive--he wasn't supposed to know the details. He wasn't expected to get involved. But when Driver is caught in the middle of a robbery gone terribly wrong, he is thrown into a dark world of crime, deception, and revenge. Kill or be killed--the only law of the road.

James Sallis' Drive presents an interesting and colorful reading experience. On the surface it merely appears to be a dark tale of crime and revenge, but underneath all the lawlessness, the author addresses much deeper topics. Most of the characters that Driver encounters are those in the lower class whose only crime was to be born in the wrong place at the wrong time. Along with Driver, the reader is led to wonder throughout the course of the novel, can a man rise above the circumstances of his birth? Once a man has taken a step toward a life of crime, can he ever turn back?

Though violent, Drive is not explicitly gory. It is gritty, but not vulgar. The story is marked by a surprising amount of pathos. The deaths of everyone he cares about leaves Driver rootless. He has recurring dreams of seeking after beauty--reaching for hope--that always end before he finds fulfillment. The events in the story unfold like a Greek tragedy--things could have turned out differently if only the characters had made better choices.

Any reader that feels up to the challenge is welcome to check out the novel.

Armchair Interviews says: Drive is a complex and thought-provoking novel that challenges its readers to examine their own stand on morality.

Hard Driving: The 1908 Auto Race from New York to Paris

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Hard Driving: The 1908 Auto Race from New York to Paris
Dermot Cole
Manufacturer: Paragon House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Racing | Automotive | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Motor Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

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Race of the Century: The Heroic True Story of the 1908 New York to Paris Auto Race

ASIN: 1557783608

Hard Driving: My Years With John Delorean

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Drive Hard -or go home!

Hard Driving: My Years With John Delorean
William Haddad
Manufacturer: PaperJacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0770104770

Customer Reviews:

Drive Hard -or go home!.......2007-10-02

I just read this book and I don't regret it.
I feel I could see -through the authors eyes- what one side of John Z DeLorean was like...

This is a story that covers only a very brief part of DeLorean's life (obviously) and I don't consider it the entire measure of the man.

I would say that the author presents a credible account of his perspective, I did not get the feeling that it was biased beyond that of someone who was so close to the matter. The excitement, enthusiasm, frustration, disappointment and regret show through. But it does not spoil the read, it instead reinforces its credibility and makes the whole journey more intimate.

I am left wondering about the other side of the coin, I wish I could know what JZD was thinking and what were his true motivations and timings. Like anyone out there, he was unique. -even if things done in his business and personal life were later perceived as 'predictable in hind sight'.

It truly was a fascinating read, my unfounded, biased and preconceived ideas about JZD were challenged and I am now waiting the delivery of DeLoeran's own book on the matter.

-I dream a world where dreamers succeed and the righteous lead.

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Hard Driving: My Years with John Delorean
William Haddad
Manufacturer: RANDOM HOUSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLETQQ

Hard runners: On the road with America's long-haul truckers : a tribute to the American truck driver

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Hard runners: On the road with America's long-haul truckers : a tribute to the American truck driver
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Manufacturer: Ford Motor Co.?]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007320IK

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Hard-Driving Lady
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Manufacturer: Fearon/Janus/Quercus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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The Wall Street Diet CD: The Surprisingly Simple Weight Loss Plan for Time-Pressured, Hard-Driving, Hard-Working People

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The Wall Street Diet CD: The Surprisingly Simple Weight Loss Plan for Time-Pressured, Hard-Driving, Hard-Working People

Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: 1401388957
Release Date: 2008-04-01

WALL STREET DIET, THE: THE SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS PLAN FOR TIME-PRESSURED, HARD-DRIVING, HARD-WORKING PEOPLE

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WALL STREET DIET, THE: THE SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS PLAN FOR TIME-PRESSURED, HARD-DRIVING, HARD-WORKING PEOPLE
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Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
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Consultant makes financial advising a team effort; hard-driving exec expands staff that serves other advisers.(Advanced Planning Services Inc.)(Company ... An article from: San Diego Business Journal

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Consultant makes financial advising a team effort; hard-driving exec expands staff that serves other advisers.(Advanced Planning Services Inc.)(Company ... An article from: San Diego Business Journal
Stacey Bengtson
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from San Diego Business Journal, published by Thomson Gale on September 25, 2006. The length of the article is 993 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Consultant makes financial advising a team effort; hard-driving exec expands staff that serves other advisers.(Advanced Planning Services Inc.)(Company overview)
Author: Stacey Bengtson
Publication: San Diego Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 25, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 27 Issue: 39 Page: S19(2)

Article Type: Company overview

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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