http://www.viewpoints.com/Books Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:31:04 GMT Reviews about Books http://www.viewpoints.com/Celebrity-Detox-The-Fame-Game-review-5f1a4 After all the publicity on Rosie O'Donnel's Celebrity Detox I broke down and bought it. I am curious by nature and love celebrity gossip. —  This book was petty and there was not anything that I had not already heard in it. — Don't waste your time or money. — ... Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:31:04 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Celebrity-Detox-The-Fame-Game-review-5f1a4 capp3736 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Escape-review-e43d3 With the raid in TX of the FLDS bringing their beliefs to light, I bought and devoured the book "Escape." — It is well written and once started, I could not put it down. — I found it eye opening learning that there are people that live like this and follow these beliefs. I feel such empathy for the girls and women from what I call a cult. — Unfortunately, the state of TX jumped the gun and went in without enough evidence to save the children but because they did not collect the evidence, these children were sent back. So sad. — ... Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:26:12 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Escape-review-e43d3 capp3736 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Uglies-review-90080      The Uglies series (Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and the Extras) by Scott Westerfeld is the best series anyone will ever read!!! This is a great book to read in the class room or by yourself.  By NO means is this a book for children or teens.  Anyone and everyone should read the series.  It takes place about 100 years in the future.  The series follow a 15 year girl named Tally Youngblood in her adventures.  I loved putting myself in her shoes as she went from being an Uglie to a Prettie, to a Special (a special Special knowen as a Cutter), to an... Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:55:02 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Uglies-review-90080 Iva-Sama 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Kris-Radish-Annie-Freemans-Fabulous-Traveling-Funeral-review-30ba3 Reading Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral brought me on a roller coaster of emotions. While you never even meet Annie, you can't help but love her. Getting to know her and her friends will make you want to reconnect with your own friends, and will make you appreciate the relationships in your life. It's a rare book that makes me laugh out loud, or brings me to tears. But Kris Radish has a way of making these characters such a part of your life, that you can't help but be involved with them. This was the first book in a long time that I honestly could just not put down. And the only book I've read in the last few years that I whole-heartedly recommend to anyone I know who reads. —... Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:46:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Kris-Radish-Annie-Freemans-Fabulous-Traveling-Funeral-review-30ba3 ALFie63 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Devil-Served-Tortellini-review-fa502 I read a couple of Shirley Jump's "Food Series" books this summer and was eager to get my hands on a few more of the books.  I immediately started reading The Devil Served Tortellini as soon as I got home from the library and, well, I didn't stop until I was finished with it several hours later. — The Devil Served Tortellini is a cute contemporary romance story that centers around Maria Pagliano.  She is trying to lose weight in order to look good for her high school reunion and an ex-boyfriend.  Maria runs into the devlishly-handsome Dante Del Rosso one evening and he invites her back to his restaurant for some fabulous Italian food.  She tries to resist his charms but eventually breaks down and agrees to a meal in his place.  That was all it took for Dante to become interested in the genuine and confident Maria.  Unfortunately, she decides that he smells too good (i.e. like lasagna and alfredo sauce) so she must avoid him before she eats all... Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:25:09 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Devil-Served-Tortellini-review-fa502 njchicaa 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Eric-Carle-The-Very-Clumsy-Click-Beetles-Favorite-Words-review-8f1e2 Eric Carle's "The Very Clumsy Click Beetle" details the adventures of a young click beetle that is down on his luck and stuck on his back. A wise old click beetle comes along to teach this greenhorn how to right himself. — The clumsy click beetle immediately feels ready for the challenge and prepares to click his way back to his feet, but his efforts leave him on his back. Various animals happen by, and each time the click beetle says "Look at me" as he tries to right himself. Those animal friends each praise his efforts and encourage him to keep trying. — Finally a person comes along and scares the poor click beetle as the wise beetle cries for him to click. This time he manages to click his way back to his feet to the praise of the wise old click beetle. — The really cool thing about this book is that it has an imbedded "clicker" that actually clicks as the clumsy beetle finally somersaults back to his feet. — My kids love this book and have... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:07:26 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Eric-Carle-The-Very-Clumsy-Click-Beetles-Favorite-Words-review-8f1e2 Katrena 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Pact-review-58e43 THE PACT is a story of two teenagers who are desperately in love..as the story flows, there are many twists and new ideas that come about.  Jodi Picoult is a master of the craft of writing.  I literally could not put down THE PACT once I began reading it.  The murder trial held me, and the story of the romance between Chris and Emily was selfless and pure.  I also loved the definite surprise ending of the... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:41:27 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Pact-review-58e43 tk777 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Decline-of-the-Lawrence-Welk-Empire-review-ac973 This is the second of Poe's books about his character "Edgar".  What caught my eye was the title, "Decline of the Lawrence Welk Empire" (I'm a secret Lawrence Welk fan -ssshhh) then I opened the book and on the first page, instead of having critics opinions, Poe has his characters from his first book weigh in on Edgar's new adventure.  I knew had I to at least try this book. I'm glad I did. It does not disappoint. — Its the story of Edgar and his friend Mountain. After being expelled from college, Edgar decides to head out and look for a new life. One day he gets a postcard from Mountain saying "Found Paradise". So, Edgar heads out to an island to find "paradise lost." Once there the adventure with Mountains girlfriend, a crazy native, a naked zombie girl and other odd characters begins. — This is a book for readers. I love words. Words like "transubstantiating". Now thats a word I can wrap my tongue and mind around.  Edgars character is also... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:08:44 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Decline-of-the-Lawrence-Welk-Empire-review-ac973 MsSC1985 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Harrington-on-Holdem-review-4a271 The Harrington on Hold'em series of books is outstanding for the intermediate to advanced poker player.  Harrington and Co-Author Bill Robertie are two accomplished gamesmen and understand the ins and outs of poker. — The layout of the book tackles topics relative to tournament poker and then various examples are presented where the reader actively participates in decision making and hand analysis.  Volume 1 considers general poker philosophy and how it is applied to tournament poker and early tournament play and situations.  As with the whole series of books, Harrington not only tells you why a decision is correct, but why other options are wrong.  Very logical and well organized.  Book 2 covers end game situations and difficult decisions that arise when the blinds are high relative to the chip stacks.  His mathematical approach to all-in situation takes the bite out of getting beat at the end of a tournament.  Like the first book, there... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:49:41 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Harrington-on-Holdem-review-4a271 marciniak71 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Ella-Enchanted--156677-review-03337 Ella Enchanted puts a new twist on the classic Cinderella story.  Ella, a young maiden in the land of Frell, is a spunky, rebellious character.  Through her travels, she runs across elves, fairies, giants, and the wonderful Prince Charmont.  This is a great book for young girls to read.  It shows them that you don't need to rely on Prince Charming to save you from a bad situation.  Ella manages to save herself from anything from ogres to servanthood.  She is smart and witty.  A great heroine for young girls to look up to.  I still read this book every year, and I'm 20. ... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:23:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Ella-Enchanted--156677-review-03337 BowlinBando06 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Heroin-Diaries-A-Year-In-the-Life-of-a-Shattered-Rockstar-review-551a1 The Heroin Diaries — This was a great book I thought. It really depends on how you look at it. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone as it might give some drug users ideas and others inspiration to quit so I'm not sure what the best thing to say here is, but I really enjoyed it and think for the right person it could truly be an inspiration and change their lives. —... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:48:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Heroin-Diaries-A-Year-In-the-Life-of-a-Shattered-Rockstar-review-551a1 katsv13 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Alice-Sebold-and-Alyssa-Bresnahan-The-Lovely-Bones-A-Novel-review-605f6 Alice Sebold's - The Lovely Bones — Typically, it takes a few months to completely finish a book, even an average sized one, this took me 4 days, to me, that's super fast! I could not put it down, it was the first book I ever read that I was so interested in and it actually inspired me to read more. I read a lot more because of this book, I figured, wow, if this book was so good, what am I missing??? Extremely unique, riveting, captivating, etc. I absolutely loved this book and I have since bought 2 more books from the author based on how good this was. I highly recommend it if you want to read a good book! —... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:41:42 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Alice-Sebold-and-Alyssa-Bresnahan-The-Lovely-Bones-A-Novel-review-605f6 katsv13 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Hey-Mama-Goose-review-2a6c5 Jane Breskin Zalben's "Hey, Mama Goose" finds many nursery rhyme characters itching to move. It starts with the old woman and her many kids who seem to have outgrown their shoe. Mama Goose, a real estate agent, steps right in and helps them settle in to Snow White's house. Mother Goose continues to find each character a new home that has just been vacated by another famous character. — The writing flows as nicely as the plot throughout "Hey, Mama Goose." The idea is focused and fresh and even manages to rhyme. My kids were anxiously watching for the next page to see where the next character would move. It also required them to think because it did not tell them who the characters were. For example, one princess was found through briars and roses. Hmmmm, which princess would be sleeping in a bed? — This book introduces several more advanced vocabulary words, so be prepared to help if your child attempts to read this one. My 6-year-old learned some new words, from... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:05:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hey-Mama-Goose-review-2a6c5 Katrena 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Abandoned-Identity-review-08734 This book was meant to be a suspense book, but I found it predictable.  My chief complaint was the name changes that the female lead constantly underwent.  I also found the boy meets girl, girl in danger theory somewhat less than endearing.  — However, I liked the characters overcoming their adversities —... Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:11:00 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Abandoned-Identity-review-08734 historygirl 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Catherine-Coulter-Riptide-review-7bd03      Rebecca Matlock new she had to get away so she went to a little out of the way town called Riptide. No matter how many times she told the police that someone was after her, they just wouldn't believe her. There seemed to be only one, Adam Carruthers, that not only knew she was telling the truth, but knew why. Is Adam and his men smart enough to figure out who it is before it is too late. — —      On the back cover of this book, Catherine Coulter challenges you to figure out the puzzle, I have to admit, I figured some but not all of this one out. This is an excellent mystery/thriller but I wasn't as impressed with the charecters as I normally am with her FBI series. While Savich and Sherlock were there, I was disappointed with the interaction between the main characters. It was humorous at times but the chemistry was lacking something, I liked them both but there was just something missing. Still a great book, had trouble... Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:14:00 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Catherine-Coulter-Riptide-review-7bd03 onyx95 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/A-Wolf-at-the-Table-review-2bff5 The Wolf at the Table: A Memoir of My Father is Augusten Burrough's most recent catheric childhood retelling.  I adore Augusten Burroughs.  He is one of my top three favorite modern writers.  I have a mental ranking of his books, favorite to least favorite.  At the top of the list is Dry.  This book is no Dry. — — I have it ranked as average.  I would prefer a ranking between average and above average.  It's more entertaining than most reads yet is only average Augusten.  Perhaps it feels like a distant telling because he is writing of his relationship with his father which was strained and distant at best.  I hope this is the reason as otherwise it would feel as if Burroughs is just spitting out books to appease a publisher. — — The Wolf at the Table ranks below Dry, Magical Thinking, and Running ranking above only Sellivision.  Maybe next... Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:15:50 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/A-Wolf-at-the-Table-review-2bff5 girlglide 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Twilight--28057-review-0dc30 A year ago JK Rowling released the last book of Harry Potter. What is an avid fan to do? Pick up Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga. When Bella seems to repel her Adonis-like lab partner, she knows life in her new school will not go well. But as they get to know each other, Bella learns that Edward is more than he appears. The book is suspenseful and thrilling and full of the real-life fantasy we crave.... Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:40:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Twilight--28057-review-0dc30 bnh 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sweet-Mandarin-The-Courageous-True-Story-of-Three-Generations-of-Chinese-Women-and-Their-Journey-from-East-to-West-review-dce59 Immigrants are responsible for starting many successful businesses and the United States has been enriched over its two- hundred plus years in existence by the helpful, innovative hand of immigrants. Other western nations have also benefited from the tireless work of foreign residents who wanted nothing more than a better life for their families. One nation that has certainly reaped the benefits of the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants is England and in this book, Sweet Mandarin: The Courageous True Story of Three Generations of Chinese Women and Their Journey From East to West, author Helen Tse presents a biography of her grandparents, parents, and siblings, showing how immigration from China to Hong Kong and ultimately to England has shaped their lives and the lives of those around them. — — Book Commentary: — — Sweet Mandarin is a true story about several generations of Chinese women who shared a talent for making food and a determination to succeed... Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:11:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sweet-Mandarin-The-Courageous-True-Story-of-Three-Generations-of-Chinese-Women-and-Their-Journey-from-East-to-West-review-dce59 Bryan-Carey 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Harry-Potter-and-the-Deathly-Hallows--19386-review-a1de3 This is by far the best of the series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a masterpiece! Every question has been answered and all loose ends have been tied up. The only problem however is the fact that it is the last Harry Potter book. While reading, I could not put it down. It was addicting and there was never a dull moment! ONE MILLION... Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:41:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Harry-Potter-and-the-Deathly-Hallows--19386-review-a1de3 loitschst 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Geology-of-Utah-review-429d0 Interested in the geology of the state of Utah?  If you are, you should get yourself a copy of the Geology of Utah by William Lee Stokes.  This book provides a ton of information in an accessible and fairly easy to read book that should please most readers including geology buffs and lay persons. — While there are parts of the book that are a bit outdated, I think the author has done a great job at writing a book that is really a technical guide, but is still very accessible to those without much of a geology background.  I'm sure non-geology types might have to look up a few words in the glossary, but overall if you have an interest in the history of the Earth in Utah, this book should be interesting to you. — There are a total of twenty one chapters in this book and it tackles just about every geologic concept you could imagine as it concerns Utah.  There's information on the overall geologic structures of Utah, the history of the State throughout the... Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:08:58 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Geology-of-Utah-review-429d0 jps246 4