markets

I'm not truly a wrestling fan, but my friends recommended this book to me, so I decided to give it a shot. Honestly, it was pretty darn good. Granted, it's not going to win the Pulitzer, but it's got to be one of the most original and well-written biographies I've ever read.

This book chronicles one of the most unique individuals in wrestling's history. He wasn't the best athlete and he wasn't the best looking guy either. He only had to things going for him - his persistence and his uncanny ability of take punishment.

Not only does it describe Foley's wrestling career, it delves deeply in his family and personal life, and describes the profession that is wrestling from a unique and accurate view. Often, the audience only sees wrestling as entertainment, but Foley exposes it as a full-fledged business, with employees and decisions, with economic implications for each show.

What is most memorable about this book is Foley's descriptions of some of his most gruesome matches. From getting slammed into razor wire and explosives, to tearing off half his ear, he captured my interest and instilled in me some respect for professional wrestlers.

The one complaint I have is that Foley kept describing match after match. This paperback is over 700 pages long, and it could have been cut somewhat. At about pages 300-500, the book becomes tedious and almost repetitve as he describes numerous wrestling contests that really didn't differ from other ones he describes.

Wrestling fans will love it to death, and non-wrestling will not be disappointed.

The World Wrestling Federation originally became an international phenomenon in the early to mid-eighties. Under the guidance of WWF owner Vincent K. McMahon, Jr., people like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant became household entities, and heroes for a generation. The success of the WWF, however, can be seen in all factions of entertainment and media, and this includes the literary world.

Mick Foley is a wrestling personality who earned a reputation for doing anything it takes to give the crowd a good show. He has wrestled for over 15 years, and is most known as either Mankind or Cactus Jack, though many fans will never forget his third in-ring persona, teenage heart-throb Dude Love. It is Foley's selflessness in the ring and his complete disregard for his body that has won the respect of fans and peers alike, and in his book, Mankind: Have A Nice Day - A Tale of Blood and Sweat-Socks, Foley reflects on his 15-year career, and the rest of his life as well. What surprises many, however, is how well he is able to recollect the happenings in his life, and produce work that is both funny and touching, painful and heart-wrenching. Foley makes you laugh as much as you cringe, and cry as much as you wince.

The book begins with Foley's most painful memory, when he had his ear torn off in a match in Germany, and then goes into the beginning of his life as a Long Island native who became infatuated with wrestling on television. Wrestling was not only a hobby, it was Foley's way of bridging the gap between he and his father, and for them it became a common interest that bonded them tightly as father and son.

He then discusses his college life at SUNY Cortland, where he traveled every weekend to Pittsburgh in order to train with old-time wrestler Domenic Denucci. Foley discusses Denucci's influence on his life, as well as his keen ability to live out of his car every weekend because of his undying passion. Mick Foley wanted to be the next Superfly Jimmy Snuka, but instead of being a high-flyer he became famous for having three different personalities who never ceased to stun or entertain his fans. The culmination of his career came when he won the most coveted prize in the business, the WWF Championship, against the self-proclaimed People's Champ, The Rock.

Aside from his in-ring adventures, Foley's book delves deep into his personal life, including his love-at-first-sight relationship with his wife Colette, and the life of a wrestler behind-the-scenes. He talks candidly about many of his colleagues, from the outrageous antics of Jake-the-Snake Roberts to the failures of Ric Flair as a wrestling booker. Most importantly, however, Foley discusses the impact of the death of fellow wrestler and family man Owen Hart's on his own life, and how it made him value his wife and children more than ever before.

All in all, Have A Nice Day is a touching tale that will leave you in stitches, and make you marvel at the amount of stitches used to patch up Mick Foley's battered body. Ultimately, he shows that a professional wrestler is not just an actor who follows a script, but rather an extremely tough competitor who takes pride in entertaining millions of fans every day, and being heroes to kids worldwide. His book is a winner, for all mankind.

The first of the WWF (now WWE) autobiographies, and still the best. Foley, unsatisfied with the way his ghost writer scripted his book initially, decided to write it himself. Certainly, Foley should be credited with trying to write alone, rather than just let his ghostwriter do the work for him, but it is a testament to Foley the man that he wants anything with his name on it to be true to himself.
Foley proves himself quite literate, despite first impression from a guy who competes in matches with barbed wire and explosives, and taking over a dozen HARD chairshots to the head at the WWF's Royal Rumble 1999 Pay-Per-View. He also comes off as having quite a good sense of hunor, not only about himself, but about the wrestling business in general.
One might also think that due to his "King of the Death Match" label that Foley might be a little arrogant, as people might think all pro wrestlers are, but Foley again proves people wrong, as he is quite humble about not only his beginnings, but also his rise to the top, becoming a WWF World Heavyweight Champion. Sure, it's not real competition, but to get the title demonstrates the company's confidence in your ability as a performer to draw crowds. Certainly everyone strives to have the confidence of their company behind them.
As Foley has stated numerous times, both in his book, and in interviews, yes, he has sustained some bodily harm in his matches. Yes, he may never be able to walk straight, or stand tall again. However, he has lived his dream. How many people can say that? As Foley himself states, the damage that has been done to him physically is a small price to pay for living out his dream.
An excellent read, wrestling fan or no.

In the third novel of her epic Harry Potter story, J.K. Rowling weaves an even LARGER and more complex tale of mystery, betrayal, magic and fantasy. Far more gripping than the first two novels, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will leave you on the edge of your seat as Rowling takes you on a magical ride of mystery and shocking betrayals as Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, battle the forces of evil and search for the truth. As has become her M.O., not all is as it seems. The ending will leave you in complete shock and surprise.

The Main Story:

Harry's third year at Hogwarts of Wizardry and Withcraft is marked with danger as the infamous Sirius Black, believed to be the second most evil and dangerous Dark Wizard in the land and the right-hand man of Lord Voldemort, escapes from Azkaban, the Wizards prison, leaving a cryptic message, "He's at Hogwarts!!!" behind. Tensions rise as Black continuously sneaks into Hogwarts, leaving the students, faculty and even the government paralyzed with fear.

Supporting Stories:

-What is the mysterious power that the dementors hold over Harry?

-Harry continues to see images of a mysterious Black dog. What does it forebode for him?

-For the third year in a row, a new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, Professor Lupin, joins the Hogwarts faculty. A beloved and able instructor, Professor Lupin himself, however, holds a mysterious secret with his frequent illnesses. Is his illnesses caused by the strange potions Snape is giving him?

-After an elusive two years, will Gryffindor finally be able to capture the House Quidditch Cup?

-Hermione's new cat Crookshanks has an unusual and deadly interest in Ron's deteriorating pet rat Scribbles, leaving tensions high between Ron and Hermione.

-How exactly is Hermione managing to keep and maintain her impossible school schedule?

-Harry, Ron and Hermione come to the defense of Hagrid's hippograff who is sentenced to death

What We Find Out:

-We take a step into the past of Hogwarts as Fred and George bestow upon Harry the Marauder's Map, authored by four students from Hogwarts past.

-We learn a little about Harry' parents days at Hogwarts and the friends they had, and more importantly, the enemy they made.

-We discover the TRUE story behind Harry's parents' death and the startling story of betrayal behind it.

-We take a look beyond the walls of Hogwarts as the third year students visit the purely magical town of Hogsmeade.

-The mysterious Divination instructor, the seer Professor Trelawney makes a shocking prediction about the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!!!

Far more gripping and engaging than the first two novels, fans of Harry Potter will love and enjoy this third chapter in his epic story. Rowling continues to expand upon the world of Harry Potter at a great rate, slowly revealing more about his mysterious past and the world around him. At a little over 400 pages, the book reads fast.

Harry Potter mania has swept the nation, if not the world, for the past several years. Rowling's gripping stories of mystery, suspense, shock, fantasy and magic are a true treat. This book is another shining example of why her characters are beloved by both children and adults the world over.

My total read time: 11 hours, two evenings.

Highest Recommendation

This is the third book in the wonderful Harry Potter series (7 total, only 4 are published at the moment). Harry is to begin his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. During the summers, he lives with his aunt and uncle. They are not at all fond of magic and keep Harry away in his closet, forbidden to use magic (by the school) or have any contact with his friends. Harry's parents were murdered by an evil wizard when Harry was only an infant. Harry survived, mysteriously, unscathed except for a scar on his forehead. Harry arrives at Hogwarts having learned that a man named Sirius Black has escaped from the wizard prison Azkaban. Presumably he wants to kill Harry Potter. Black was a convicted murderer and worked for the wizard who killed Harry's parents.

The school is almost in a lockdown with the frightening Dementor guards looking for Black and guarding the school. Harry, of course, gets into mischief anyways and winds up involved in finding Sirius Black. There are plenty of surprises and Rowling writes this book with fast pacing and an interesting story.

This is one of the strongest books of the four, and with this book, the series is beginning to get noticeably darker and less for children than it was before. While not very frightening for an adult, the book may be scary for a young child. Though these are marketed for children, the Harry Potter series is as much for adults as it is for children. Excellent reading.

I loved it. Simply LOVED it. I really liked the anticipation.

"Ella Enchanted" is one of my favorite books. It's about a girl named Ella, when at birth was given a "gift" (more like a spell) to ALWAYS be obidient. No matter what someone says, Ella has to obey; if she doesn't, she gets dizzy, and feels sick. Ella is at danger at all times, because if somebody (for instance) told her to chop her head off, she would HAVE to do it! Anyway, in the begining of the book, Ella's mother dies. At the funeral, Ella meets a boy named Char, the prince. After awhile she falls in love with him but doesn't want to marry him in fear of putting him in her danger too. Well, that's all I'm going to say- other wise it will give a lot of stuff away. I really love this book, I have read it 2 times, in the middle of the 3rd. I would recommend this book to someone who likes romance, adventure, and suspence. Gail Carson Levine is a wonderful author. I would also recommend some of her other books: "The Wish" and "Dave at Night"

Ella Enchanted is a wonderful fantasy book by Gail Carson Levine. She puts a twist to the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I would recommend this book to girls of nine to sixteen years of age. This book has every kind of creature: goblins, elves giants ogres fairy-godmothers, you name it! With a dead mother a kind a kind but misunderstanding father, Ella has a hard time. But on top of that, she has been cursed from the moment she was born. She can't say no! This truly is a fairy tale. It has it's sad parts, but a happy ending, too. I like this book because I can relate to Ella. We are about the same age, and we think similarly. I also like the way the author makes it seem realistic. Ella is learning things ad the book goes on and she gets older. This is a good book for peeole who like Harry Potter books, because they both have magic and strange creatures and a main character that has a speciality. And for those who don't like Harry Potter, or haven't read it and don't plan on reading it, maybe this book will change your mind

'Ella Enchanted' by Gail Carson Levine is a wonderful book that has completely believable characters, led by the spunky heroine Ella. A takeoff on the popular Cinderella story, Ella is cursed with obidience from a fairy at birth. During the story she escapes finishing school, two 'evil' stepsisters, ogres, and much more all the while battling her cursed obidience. The entire story is hilarious and the ending surprising. It's a book you can read over and over again while enjoying it to the fullest. I highly, highly recommend it.

This book takes place in medieval times. The main character Alanna and her brother Thom switch places because he wants to become a sorcerer and she wants to become a knight. She quickly becomes friends with a thief named George, Prince Jonathan and his followers, Gary, Alex, Raoul and a teacher named Myles. She has a hard time keeping her identity secret because of her gender. She believes that even though she's small she's just as good as the other boys. Does this help her save herself, Jonathan and become a knight?
I really liked Alanna because she taught me that I could do anything even if people say I can't. The most memorable scene to me was that the people who found out her secret don't care. Alanna is most like me because she doesn't give up. I think that many people will like this book!

Arrrhhhhh!!! I really hate these books!! I stay up late in the wee hours of the night..... just so I can finish the next section! I'm crabby in the morning and all I want to do is read this dang book! I don't care about anything that's happening in the real world... I spend precious school hours pondering what happened in the book and whst will happen! I don't want a book to be more interesting than my life, but sadly.....I hate these books! By buying a copy of this book, you are commiting yourself to spend the rest of your free time reading about Alanna, the warrior woman and her life, and Tortall, and Jonathan, And George, and Myles, and Roger(grrr), and gary, and Theyet, and Burri, and George's mother and the king and and ...and... I can't beleive my life less interesting than a fantasy series! This is so pathetic...(me, not the novels)

I stumbled across Tamora Pierce's book "Alanna" completly by accident, but what a wonderful accident it was. From the first page of the book I completly hooked. While this book is considered to be at a young adult reading level I think that it is far more universal. I think that is a draw of the book, anyone reading it will be able to find a bit of themselves in one or two of the characters because they seem so human and life like. Not only does Pierce do an excellent job with giving her characters life but she creates a world for them that is so detailed that you feel as though it is a real place and finish the book wishing you could go there. While I feel that this book mainly appeals to girls and women I think that it is a good book for all to read. The qualities that the characters portray and how they deal with difficult situtuations would be good learning tools for young and old alike.

A couple of months ago, I asked my ten year old grandnephew Joe what he'd been reading lately. He proceeded to tell me about an unbelievable game called 'Quidditch', a wondeful place called 'Hogwarts', and an out of place but very special person, Harry Potter.

OK, it's not Tolkien, Tolstoy, Shakespeare, Gabaldon or Uris. J.K. Rowling communicates a remarkable perception of childhood fears, and the abdurd, out of place, self-defensive nature of early teenagers in an upsetting, unknown, uncertain and very dangerous world.

Sorcerer's Stone is a fun read, replete with magical family heirlooms, talented sturigiforms and other family 'pets', plot twists that are interesting and unexpected, and solid, growing friendships between characters of very different age, size, likes, personalities and abilities.

Remarkably, diversity and respect for the individual play a strong part in this and later Harry Potter adventures. Harry gets pushed, but doesn't push back too hard. His response to negative people and events is to wonder why, not to strike out - even when facing a deadly enemy.

The recommendation for 9 to 12 year olds must be based entirely on the reading level, rather than the content. Adult readers will enjoy Sorcerer's Stone as a relaxing 'between book' as much as young readers enjoy it as recreational reading.

But beware! If a group of kids sees you reading this book, expect to be quizzed on every detail!

While Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone doesn't really need yet another glowing review, I'm not going to let that fact stop me from reviewing a book I happen to love. I was a tad late catching Harry Potter fever, coming in about the time the first movie was released on DVD, but I'm now a quite devoted fan of J. K. Rowling and the magical stories she has given to us all, dazzling young and old alike in a manner quite unheard of before. Actually, I don't think I would have recognized Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as a children's book had I picked it up with no previous knowledge whatsoever about the phenomenon. It's a rip-roaring good story filled with amazingly lifelike characters set in a truly captivating setting. Harry Potter is, in a way, the ultimate underdog despite the fame he suddenly finds himself enjoying on the day of his eleventh birthday. Ron Weasley is the perfect sidekick, self-conscious of his family's modest means and forever moving along underneath the large shadows of his more successful older brothers. Then there is Hermione Granger, my favorite character in the Potter universe, a smart yet captivating know-it-all who eventually becomes the unlikely yet essential third member of Rowling's intrepid trio of heroic friends. All of the characters are rich and alive: Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall, the unforgettable Hagrid, the fearsome Snapes, the incorrigible Draco Malfoy, etc. This book is so compelling that I can't imagine ever forgetting even the most seemingly unimportant of characters.

If you enjoyed the movie but haven't actually read the original novel, you really owe it to yourself to pick up the book. The movie is amazingly faithful to Rowling's novel, with only a few rather minor changes, yet the book offers so much more to the Harry Potter story. For one thing, his life on Privet Drive with the Dursleys is actually much worse that it appears in the movie. The story behind Snapes' immediate dislike of Harry is told in these pages, as is Harry's first and highly significant meeting with Malfoy early on in Diagon Alley. It's really quite amazing to see how many little tidbits of future significance are scattered throughout this original story, giving one the impression that Rowling had a pretty clear vision of Potter's future in mind quite early on. Perhaps most importantly, the ending works so much better in the novel; the movie ending just seemed to lack a little something, but the book not only fills in some gaps, it describes a much more trying set of warding charms and traps Harry, with the help of Ron and Hermione, must pass through in order to save the day. Not only is this story enjoyable from start to finish, it is also both inspirational and educational. Children can learn a great deal from Harry Potter and the way he fights for good against evil no matter what the risks, remains forever loyal to his friends, and never gives up under the most trying of circumstances. Brave, noble, and true even at the worst of times, yet humble and shy in his moments of success and achievement, Harry Potter is truly a hero for the ages.

...J.K. Rowling's debut is a fanciful one and will be rightfully regarded as a classic even 100 years from now. It is timeless. It speaks to the adventurous child in all of us; young, middle-aged or old, it doesn't matter. It is an especially fascinating read for a child, no doubt; however, it is also works for us adults as well. It is far more entertaining than some of the old British classics, such as THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, but it offers the same timeless feel. Indeed, we can easily place ourselves in the young titular hero's shoes because, as he himself says at the beginning, "I'm just Harry." Just an ordinary kid--could be any one of us. Of course, he isn't just any one of us--but what if...??

Obviously, it would be a complete waste of time and energy to write a full-on plot summary of this or any Harry Potter books, so I will not do so. I do want to point out that I saw...the film version of HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE first. I loved it and thereby became anxious to read the book from which it had been adapted. Of course, I was already aware from others of the fact that the film had stuck very closely to the book; however, it still amazed me as to how close the filmic adaptation actually was. Not that it mattered in the slightest; HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE is an extraordinary debut novel from a very gifted storyteller. Especially coming out when it did, on the heels of the mindless Pokemon craze, it accomplished the seemingly impossible task of getting kids to read. That is the most monumental legacy that a book can ever have. The story of Harry Potter is timeless and--thank God--not merely a passing fad. Now I just need to catch up on the other books...

Universal Pictures will open its "Seabiscuit" movie, based on Hillenbrand's book, on July 25, two days from this writing. If the movie captures the book's drama, excitement, detail, pace, and above all, its heart, then it will triumph.

Hillenbrand sets the tone of Depression-ravaged 1930's America perfectly: a nation struggling to regain a lost hope and eager for a hero. That the hero happened to be an undersized horse with outsized knees and crooked legs makes the story unusual, but all the more interesting for its improbability.

Seabiscuit was the force around which a trio of unusual figures came together with a common, almost mystical purpose. Seabiscuit owner Charles Howard, automobile seller extraordinaire who developed a passion for horse racing, brought together Tom Smith, an empathic mustang breaker from the Old West who makes Robert Redford's "Horse Whisperer" seem mute by comparison, with jockey Red Pollard, a half-blind, half-crippled ex-prize fighter whose career was going nowhere. This ragtag group took an underperforming, physically underwhelming thoroughbred, the unlikely scion of the great Man O'War, and through years of training, disappointments and failures, drew out the unconquerable heart of a champion, fulfilling the promise which Smith had originally sensed in Seabiscuit. The public response overwhelmed all the news of the day, and a legend was born out of the most unlikely of beginnings.

Hillenbrand writes with clarity and purpose, imbuing all her figures with an immediate presence which transcends history. She has been justly praised from not only the sports and racing worlds, but also by such standards as The New York Times and Washington Post. After reading her book and leaving it feeling ennobled, edified, and entertained, I can only add to the chorus of praise and give my strongest recommendation to all readers who appreciate a compelling story well told.

Let me say a few things up front: I have never set foot on a racetrack, I have watched the Kentucky Derby maybe twice on TV and I have little interest in jockeys, horse trainers or horses in general. For those who think this is a book about a racehorse, think again. It is a wonderful, descriptive work about the underdog, about triumph over adversity, about personality in animals and, most importantly, about a rarely discussed slice of America.

With a keen sportswriters eye toward detail as well as broader context, Ms. Hillenbrand has written a vivid description of an amazing animal, the three men around him and an era in American sports and history. Seabiscuit was a fascinating creature, not only for his deceptive power but for his playful, competitive nature. Ms. Hillenbrand helps us understand this horse as a person - a person you instinctively root for. His owner, a self-made success in the automobile industry, displays concern for the horse as if it were a child. Seabiscuit's trainer embodied the western spirit and had an uncanny bond with the horse - he was a real-life horse whisperer. Finally, the harrowing, rough and tumble life of a jockey during the 1930's is painted here with unsympathetic accuracy, as we learn about the trials of Red Pollard. Seabiscuit was the hub of these three lives and their extraordinary accomplishment on the racetrack.

The book builds toward two climaxes - the match race against War Admiral (which Ms. Hillenbrand desribes in such wonderful detail) and the ever elusive Santa Anita Handicap. Although historical, the book has a novel-like suspense that keeps the uninformed reader rapt and engrossed. This book, which describes the regional split between east and west coast race horses, really describes the potential and scrappy nature of the American west. Thank you, Ms. Hillenbrand, for such a terrific read.

Although this book is well-known by now, it is still one of
the best to come out in years, and it should not be missed by
any reader.
Hillenbrand does such a fantastic job of outlining the characters involved, and showing such depth of emotion and feeling of all the men involved in the development of the racehorse Seabiscuit, it is almost impossible to believe she is
so young. Her writing reveals such a strong concept of the
motivations and feelings of these people, all her descriptions

have the feel of having been written by someone of great wisdom
and experience in the world. The fact that she is young illustrates her ability and her commitment to a first-class
story.
Her feeling for, and descriptions of, the Depression years
of the late '30s are also equal to the best to be found, and
she has that ability with her writing to grab the reader and
thrust them into that era.
This is not only a book about a racehorse, but much more than
that; this is a story of determination, the flowering of the human spirit, the heroic never-say-die attitude of all winners,
and the rare ability of a few people to work together to produce
results undreamed of. Here, the owner, the trainer, and the
jockey worked together to produce results that no 2 of them
could have come close to. And each individual was barely getting by in the field of horseracing before they all came
together and produced such amazing results.
The author has so researched her subjects, her book reads like
she was right there with them, and every scene has such a ring
of authenticity, we know she has talked to everyone alive who
was present at the time. Plus, she puts those facts, feelings
and observations together in such a way that her book reads like
a fine-tuned mystery or great novel.
As said, this is much more than a story about a racehorse, and
this book will be enjoyed by any reader.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second in the hugely successful series about the boy wizard. In this book, Harry Potter has just finished his terrible summer vacation with the Dursleys and goes back to Hogwarts for his second year of wizard training. He is visited by a strange goblin Dobby, who warns him not to go back to Hogwarts. Despite this unpleasing warning, Harry Potter is ready to start his new school year and Quidditch practice. However horrible things soon start to happen. The annoying cat of Filtch is attacked and petrified. Then a boy is attacked in the same way. Soon the whole school is in big fear. However some Hogwarts students are attacked and petrified- even one of Harry¡¦s best friends, Hermione, becomes a victim. The only thing that the victims have in common is that they are all Muggle-born. Can Harry solve the mystery and rescue his friends and Hogwarts? The reader follows Harry through his exciting adventures in which Voldermort must be outwitted again.

The plot is definitely full of interesting twists that pull the reader right into the story. Everything Harry Potter does is so heroic that makes the reader love him. However there is one part I am not much satisfied. When Hogwarts people find out that Hermione is attacked and petrified. Harry thinks of Hogwarts will be closed and he needs to go back and live with the Dursleys again, which his unfortunate future days can be imagined. That is why, as the book says, the reason why Harry needs to find out who is the headmaster of these terrible events, stop him and rescue the victims. But in my opinion, it is better for him to consider of his best friend rather than his own life. He should be more miserable and grieve when he sees the cold and stiff body of Hermione.

The first one of Harry Potter ends in a pretty unexpected way. The mastermind appears to be a man who is not suspected in the first place at all. So while reading the second one, I was thinking of somebody else to be the bad guy, not Molfoy. However I was wrong this time. The Molfoys is still the bad guys, just the big bad one shows up in a very surprising way. Dobby's ending is fun and brilliant too. I just cannot stop praising Harry, our young hero.

This book is certainly interesting. I could not stop reading it till midnight, though the finals were coming. It just stuck on my hand.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling is a charming, imaginative, magical confection of a novel. The Dursleys are so mean and hideous over the summer that all Harry wants is to go back to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors and some minor annoyances arise, and then the real trouble begins.

Readers don't have to be a wizard or a kid to appreciate the spell cast by Harry Potter. Harry himself is the perfect confused and unassuming hero. Any willing person will be interested in all the adventurous moments throughout the book. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a delightful romp. J.K. Rowling leaves the door wide open for a third book or a series; bedazzled readers will surely clamor for one. Anyone looking for a fun novel will love this brilliantly imagined and beautifully written fantasy. Believe it or not , Harry Potter is destined for greatness.

While skimming through the pages, you try to imagine how could any person come up with such remarkable ideas. A massive serpent, a diary that writes back to you, and a secret chamber that opens from the girls lavatory. The majestic scenery and the wondrous incidents make the Chamber of Secrets an outstanding novel.
There is so much wonder and history behind this magical universe, and J.K Rowling sucks you right into it. Witchcraft and wizardry is such an interesting topic to write about, and Rowling approaches it in such an unusual way. She lets you learn and grow with the characters so by the end of the first book, you have to read on. Harry, Ron and Hermione are regular kids, but withhold a little secret. All born witches and wizards, they await their year spent at Hogwarts, the school that they attend. But every year strange, mysterious things happen to the trio, which cause the to take matters into their own hands. And this year it's the Chamber of Secrets, a very sensitive subject, no one is willing to talk about. Rowling's description and detail bring you right into Hogwarts, as if you are student enrolled there.
The Harry Potter books are definitely a read that you don't want to miss out on. Once you finish The Chamber of Secrets you will be anxious to start the next book. If you're feeling dull and want to jump into a new novel, I would strongly recommend Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. But be careful, you don't want to get too obsessed.

THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK I READ BY SISTER SOULJAH, I DON'T KNOW IF SHE HAS ANYMORE. THIS IS A GOOD STORY AND WINTER SANTIAGO WAS NO EXCEPTION TO THE RULE THAT YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS FAST MONEY. BUT SHE DID WHAT SHE FELT SHE HAD TO DO. THANKS SOULJAH FOR THE WONDERFUL NOVEL.

This has got to be the best book I've read in my entire life. I never wanted the book to end. With only 413 pages, this book came to a screeching halt. I was wishing for another 400 pages. You'll never guess how the book ends. I was so upset when the book ended, because I felt lost without it. This book came between my studying during final exams. I just couldn't put the book down. I felt like I'd lost someone close to me when the book ended. Winter Santiaga's life made such a wonderful story. I hope Sister Souljah continues the story of Winter, or at least makes another book similar to this one. This book has everything you could possibly want in a story. I also thought it was great that Sister Souljah put such a positive message at the end of the book. Every African American teen and adult should read this book. I'm not gonna tell you nothin' about the book, cuz it don't matter. Just buy the book! It's worth every penny...and some. :)

I only have one regret. That I didn't read this book sooner. While a lot of people I discussed this book with seemed disturbed about Winter, I think it was just a reflection of fear because the character was so real. There are young women walking the streets as I type this with the same reflections on life, the same shallowness and materialistic outlook, the same misconception that the right sexual techniques can get them everything they ever wanted in life. I know women like Winter, as frightening as that concept is. I could picture every page actually happening and to me, that is what makes a book excellent. Sistah Souljah has given me a lot to think about. How can I reach out and help someone that has fallen off the right path? Should I only be concerned with my own family and cozy circle of friends or should I be out attending community meetings and seeing where I can be of the most use? Wonderfully-written novel and I can't wait until she drops the next one.

I am probably correct when I say that many of you people out there, mainly children, don't like to read. Well, I guess that i could say the same about me, too until I actually decide to pick up a book. But when you pick up this exciting book, you just can't put it down. This book is called Redwall. The adventures of Matthias and his Abbey against the great Cluny the Scurge, will leave you with an everlasting, curious thought on what will happen next. Matthias makes his way from being a clumsy mouse to an adventurous, brave mouse that is seaking the possesions of the great Martin the Warrior, the great warrior of Redwall. And Cluny goes from being the fear in everyone's mind and fire in everyone's eyes to, I think we can beat this guy and, ohhh wow, Cluny the Scurge, I'm so afraid. This well written book, by Brian Jacques, keeps you reeding as he brings you back to the olden' days and makes you feel like you're right there in the action fighting Cluny and Matthias yourself. He makes you feel like you are wondering through the woods just waiting for what will happen next. So pick up this bbok and enter the lives of the animals of Redwall.

This is a great book. I always sort of ignored the REdwall series but when it was recomended to me, and it was supposed to be very good, I read Redwall, the first one. This bookis just packed with events and plots. Action! Adventure! Sword Fighting! Bad Guys! Battles! A Deadly Snake! Even though it kind of starts out slow in the beginning, DON'T STOP READING IT!!! It's about an evil rat named Cluny the Scourge, who wants Redwall, which is an Abbey, home of many woodland creatures and is surrounded by a red wall. When the Abbot of Redwall refuses to give Cluny Redwall, Cluny gets very angry. He gets a huge army and they start attacking Redwall. Redwall has an advantage and a disadvantage. Their advantage is that they have a badger named Constance who is very strong and kills many rats. Their disadvantage is that they don't have swords like Cluny's army, they have wooden staffs that don't do much damage to the rats. Matthias, who is just a mouse, knows that he will need Martin the Warrior's sword, who is a great mouse that protected Redwall long before and all of Redwall adores him. Matthias's friend, Methuselah, finds a riddle on a wall. It tells Matthias that to get the case for the sword, then he has to go through this secret passage. There, he finds another riddle, if I remember correctly, telling him how to get the actual sword. Soon, Matthias is sent on a wild adventure, facing many dangers, trying to get Martin's sword. This book is now my favorite book and that's saying a lot, because I've read many of them. If you are making the mistake that I made (ignoring the Redwall series), then you should buy this book. It is just so good that I can't put how excellent it is in words. A great read and an excellent start to the Redwall series.

Redwall
By: Brian Jacques
Reviewed by: D. Booy
Period: P-1

Redwall is a book that describes the deeds of one heroic young mouse named Matthias. When Matthias was young he was kindly taken into Redwall Abbey by the Abbot Mortimer. Matthias then turned into the clumsiest novice at Redwall. Matthias seems the last person one would choose to save the abbey from the clutches of the evil rat warlord named Cluny the Scourge. Matthias must find the long-lost sword of the Abbey's Founder, Martin the Warrior. With this sword Matthias must drive away the vermin, just as Martin did many years ago. Miracously, Matthias manages to save the Abbey, and peace is restored in Mossflower Wood.

I liked this book because I can relate to how Matthias feels in the beginning of the book. Martin is a young and like me is a person who is always making mistakes. I wish I could be like Matthias and turn myself into someone who can do some real good for people around me. Matthias wanted to be a warrior. "If only I could be like Martin the Warrior." Matthias accomplished his goal by showing persistence, intellect, and bravery.

The book Redwall has lots of action but still keeps the instilling plot that makes the Redwall series so interesting to read. Matthias doesn't just pick the sword up off the ground. He has to solve riddles, travel to distant places, and battle monsters to regain possession of Martin's legendary sword. I really enjoyed looking at the puzzles given in the book, but not looking at the way Matthias solves them, but trying to solve them myself." It is indeed a riddle, but don't worry Matthias, we will solve it together."

My favorite part of the book is about three-quarters through the book. It happens when Matthias is searching for the sword of Martin in an adder nest with two shrews. One of the shrews is killed by the adder, while the other panics at the sight of the huge snake. Matthias then takes up the sword of Martin and hews the vast snake lifeless.

(please note that this review concerns only the new publications)
The Chronicles of Narnia are perfect books. They are wonderful for children and adults, and can be read again and again. C. S. Lewis was a brilliant author and theologian, and was competent in what he was doing. I have been reading these books since I was young enough to pick up a book, and I was horrified when I found out they were reprinting them in chronological order! Why have the publishers decided to tamper with the order? reading these books in chronological order spoils all of the surprise and magic out of the first visit to Narnia (in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe), because we already know what's going on. You're not supposed to know about the lightpole or who the professor is yet! Things don't always need to be put in chronological order. If you're going to read them, please read them in the correct order: 1) The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, 2) Prince Caspian, 3)The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, 4) The Silver Chair, 5) The Horse and His Boy, 6) The Magician's Nephew, and 7) The Last Battle

Clives Staples Lewis has created a mythical world which absolutely captures the human mind. The Chronicles of Narnia contain exciting plots, which all converge upon each other at the finally of the series: The Last Battle. Through out the books weaves the morals and beliefs of Christianity. These books do a wonder job of telling the story of the Bible, from the instantaneous creation of the world to the death of Aslan (Jesus). The way God cares about every one and desires us to enjoy life through Him, to the last battle and final days at the end of the world (of course Lewis did not know what was going to happen, yet it is still an interesting idea). In one of the best written books of all time, the land of Narnia comes alive with lovable and evil characters. The battle between good and evil is made abruptly apparent in this book as a small country goes through its history fighting for what is right. Light and darkness collide in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe as four kids explore the land which they will rule. For a time it appears as though the evil side emerges victorious; but it is found that the White Witch as not the ability to peer far enough back into the depths time. This book it one of the most important of the set, because contained in it is the most important message of all time. My father used to read the Chronicles of Narnia to me when I was younger, now I read them on my own. When he did this he stressed, Christianity is having the relationship with God, like the youths had with Aslan. I think these are very well written books and I would encourage any one to read. I uphold C.S. Lewis as a great writer of the centuries and I praise his books (all of them) as magnificant.

There is a modern misconception concerning C.S. Lewis's great children's series, 'The Narnian Chronicles.' Due to changes during modern reprinting (circa 1995), the orignal order of his seven-part series was disrupted to conform to the overall story-line. When the books were written, Mr. Lewis began his series with the classic children's novel, 'The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.' He then went on to write the remaining novels in a non-traditional, non-chronological order: Part two of the Chronicles was 'Prince Caspian.' Next came (3) 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader', (4) 'The Silver Chair', (5) 'The Horse and His Boy', (6)'The Magician's Nephew', and finally, (7)'The Last Battle.' Lewis released his stories in this order, and I urge every reader to follow the original, albeit unconventional, published sequence. It transforms a mere fantasy series into some of the single best children's novels in print. The symbolism of christian themes and morals will rest in the minds of all who read them; giving the reader a taste of hope and the power of true Belief. May Aslan be with you as you and your family travel through the unforgettable land of Narnia.