Best Literature & Fiction
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. When Bilbo reached his eleventy-first birthday he disappeared, bequeathing to his young cousin Frodo the Ruling Ring and a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord, and destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom. The Lord of the Rings takes place in a fantasy world that is not too unlike the English countryside, though it has characters that range from hobbits to Elven creatures. Widely regarded as one of the genre's most loved works, The Lord of the Rings has garnered worldwide acclaim and praise from critics and fans alike. Originally broadcast in 1981 on BBC Radio, this full-cast adaptation of Tolkien's epic trilogy is justifiably regarded as a classic; unfortunately, in 2008, it faces inevitable comparison with Peter Jackson's films. Ian Holm (who appeared as Bilbo in the films) offers a mature, nuanced portrayal of Frodo that is far truer to the text than Elijah Wood's wide-eyed innocent approach.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I did a ton of research and decided upon this version (ISBN 116-1749849-2513827), illustrated by Alan Lee and published by Harper Collins in June 2014 (I am adding these details because the Amazon.com site does not make it clear what this version is). The only drawback is that the facsimile pages of the Book of Mazarbul was not included, which I found to be surprising and a bit disappointing Also, the ring inscription and the Gandalf "rune" are printed in black rather than silver and red. Probably the main issue is the clear plastic slipcover, which is barely bigger than the book itself, and it is difficult to slip the book back inside it after taking it out."
"The font size seems to be based on the length of the books, the longer the books are, the smaller the font is (I suppose this was in order to keep them pocket-sized as well as consistent with the sizes of the other books throughout the set)."
"I'll keep it brief, this is not a review of the actual story but of this specific edition."
"It begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday party, where he makes a grand escape from the Shire, leaving all of his belongings to Frodo, including what he assumed was a simple magic ring. Frodo lives peacefully in the Shire until Gandalf the Gray comes bearing knowledge of the ring's true identity. They decide to travel to Mordor by taking a pass in the Misty Mountains, but end up needing to go through the goblin infested Mines of Moria. The eight remaining members continue on their journey by river and eventually see Gollum, a deformed creature that had owned the ring before Bilbo. During their travels, Boromir had been acting continually stranger, and eventually reveals his plan to take the Ring from Frodo and use it to protect his kingdom."
Animal Farm is Orwell's classic satire of the Russian Revolution -- an account of the bold struggle, initiated by the animals, that transforms Mr. Jones's Manor Farm into Animal Farm--a wholly democratic society built on the credo that All Animals Are Created Equal. 'I continue to find the Readers' Guides indispensable for teaching - they really give students a sense of criticsm having a history' - Professor Rachel Bowlby, University of York 'The series looks really excellent - attractively produced, user friendly; and outstanding value for money' - Ronald Knowles, Reader, University of Reading I continue to find the Readers' Guides indispensable for teaching - they really give students a sense of criticsm having a history' - Professor Rachel Bowlby, University of York. 'The series looks really excellent - attractively produced, user friendly; and outstanding value for money' - Ronald Knowles, Reader, University of Reading.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One can definitely see the parallels in today's politics, a must read for everyone ."
"Orwell managed to make readers relate to the story, and connect actual figures (whether in business or politics), to the story characters (according to my friends, who also read the story, I am Benjamine!).."
"Beautiful book, is now my favorite book of all time."
"This should be a must read for everyone!"
"Good price...high school summer reading!"
"2 classics I've always wanted to read!"
"Classic must read."
"I ordered this for my teen-aged grand daughter because it is a book that changed my way of thinking when I was only 12."
Best Action & Adventure
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
Best Genre Fiction
Animal Farm is Orwell's classic satire of the Russian Revolution -- an account of the bold struggle, initiated by the animals, that transforms Mr. Jones's Manor Farm into Animal Farm--a wholly democratic society built on the credo that All Animals Are Created Equal. 'I continue to find the Readers' Guides indispensable for teaching - they really give students a sense of criticsm having a history' - Professor Rachel Bowlby, University of York 'The series looks really excellent - attractively produced, user friendly; and outstanding value for money' - Ronald Knowles, Reader, University of Reading I continue to find the Readers' Guides indispensable for teaching - they really give students a sense of criticsm having a history' - Professor Rachel Bowlby, University of York. 'The series looks really excellent - attractively produced, user friendly; and outstanding value for money' - Ronald Knowles, Reader, University of Reading.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The pigs rewrite history and convince the others that things happened differently to how they remember, and rewrite their '7 Commandments' subtly in their favour and so on. There is plenty of depth if you want to go into the details of the allegory if you are interested, but the main point is pretty obvious really."
"An excellent read which will eternally be applicable to every generation."
"I kept hoping and hoping that the animals would rise up in a second rebellion, or that Snowball would return with some kind of relief force, when I knew very well that this book is based on Russian history and no such thing happened."
"As with any book review, I do not want to spill the plot, but suffice it to say that the (potential future) world Orwell paints in vivid detail is not always a pretty one. At less than 10 bucks for the Kindle edition this set is a true Amazon bargain!"
"My son and I both enjoyed reading this classic George Orwell novel, there are a lot of discussion points to be had at the end of each chapter, and it's a relatively short read - much like this review."
"I loved this, it is one of my all time favorites, and this was a refresher read for next months discussion at the book club I belong to."
"Small print and smaller book than expected."
"Don't waist your time with this printing of such a classic, great the book."
Best Historical Fiction
An orphan leaves Dark Ages London, taking a dangerous journey and posing as a Jew to study medicine in Persia, in “an adventurous and inspiring tale” ( Library Journal ). When nine-year-old Rob Cole felt the life force slipping from his mother's hand he could not foresee that this terrifying awareness of impending death was a gift that would lead him from the familiar life of 11th-century London to small villages throughout England and finally to the medical school at Ispahan. Though apprenticed to an itinerant barber surgeon, it is the dazzling surgery of a Jewish physician trained by the legendary Persian physician Avicenna that inspires him to accept his gift and to commit his life to healing by studying at Avicenna's school.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Very good."
"I would have given this book 5 stars, because rarely do you find a book in this generation so exquisitely written as "The Physician"."
"A young Jew escapes poverty England in the 11th century and travels to the Far East where he studies to become a physician and surgeon in a mixed culture of Islamic and other religions."
"I enjoyed learning about how difficult travel was for people in the 11th century and about the different types of people Cole encountered on his way to Persia."
"I love the study of the human body,medicine and stories filled with a variety of human relationships As a Biblical Christian and having close friends are Jewish,I found all these elements in this historical novel."
"I found myself thinking, while turning pages and not wanting to put the book down, this would make a great movie!"
"Most books begin with a boring introduction, and by the time you read it, you might feel like putting it back on the shelf."
"Set in the 11th century, the young orphan, Rob J. Cole, finds adventure, romance, and fulfilment in his journey from England, to Persia, and back again to Scotland."
Best Humor & Satire
A New York Times and USA Today Bestseller. “If you don’t give your heart away, you can’t get it broken.” When twenty-year-old Kendall Jordan transfers across the country to Garrison University, the last thing she’s looking for is a one-night stand. “ Someone to Love is...easy, frothy fun.” — Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Cruise is a great guy trying to mend his broken heart, and Kendall is deep down a hopeless romantic trying to deny who she is."
"* In addition, I've read a few negative reviews on this book, which really stunned me, where people were saying certain things about it not being believable and how the whole "proffesor/student" thing grosses them out. There's some back-story on the characters that is explained at different times throughout the book, and when read, it explains those areas some people have claimed to be unrealistic. Sometimes it finds you when you're least expecting it, and just grabs you by the balls (real or hypothetical) and takes off."
"Living together, learning lessons about dealing with the opposite sex, getting to know the real other person... it's the best way to truly fall in love. In the end, love does conquer all and they both realize that although they have pain in their past, it's put them both in the right place at the right time...physically and emotionally."
"I really loved this book."
"I would definitely read it again, as well as others by this author."
"Maybe that is my "but" in this book."
"I just didn't connect with either Kenny or Cruise...and when the reader can't relate to either the hero or the heroine....that doesn't bode well for the entertainment level of the book."
Best Literary Fiction
Animal Farm is Orwell's classic satire of the Russian Revolution -- an account of the bold struggle, initiated by the animals, that transforms Mr. Jones's Manor Farm into Animal Farm--a wholly democratic society built on the credo that All Animals Are Created Equal. 'I continue to find the Readers' Guides indispensable for teaching - they really give students a sense of criticsm having a history' - Professor Rachel Bowlby, University of York 'The series looks really excellent - attractively produced, user friendly; and outstanding value for money' - Ronald Knowles, Reader, University of Reading I continue to find the Readers' Guides indispensable for teaching - they really give students a sense of criticsm having a history' - Professor Rachel Bowlby, University of York. 'The series looks really excellent - attractively produced, user friendly; and outstanding value for money' - Ronald Knowles, Reader, University of Reading.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One can definitely see the parallels in today's politics, a must read for everyone ."
"Orwell managed to make readers relate to the story, and connect actual figures (whether in business or politics), to the story characters (according to my friends, who also read the story, I am Benjamine!).."
"Beautiful book, is now my favorite book of all time."
"This should be a must read for everyone!"
"I don't read, but my smart son loved it."
"Good price...high school summer reading!"
"2 classics I've always wanted to read!"
"Classic must read."
Best Women's Fiction
I only wanted to protect you... Luke Garrison is a hometown hero, a member of the National Guard ready to deploy again. One night of sleeping in the same bed turns into something much, much more... and soon Luke can't keep his mind off Harper's wide gray eyes, or his hands off of her luscious curves. The novel No More Secrets , book one of Lucy Score's new series Blue Moon , is included free! Beautiful Love Story !!! There was laughter, tears, banter ...oh the banter, suspense, and sex ...lots and lots of sex!! A happy ending had by all and the ride to get there was awesome (pun intended). A true love story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Great story! Loved the strong characters, great story and character development and well written!!"
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have read a few other books recently about fake relationships that develop into more, but I was pleasantly surprised that this seemed to be just the jumping off point for their story. One of my favorite parts of the book was all the secondary characters that made up the town of Benevolence."
"Luke was the male character i can exactly write paragraphs and paragraphs about him how i loved hating him and all because seriously he really really was a pain in the ass and totally jackass and yes in the end he did took him kinda a little bit more to realize his feelings towards Harper but in the end does we all take a little bit of time to admit the truth for our feelings making mistakes in progress too?"
"This is the story of Harper and Luke."
"I only have a few cons: there were a handful of grammatical errors, and the language Lucy used at some points in the story was a bit off putting."
"Ms Score does and amazing job of writing this book."
"The trouble Harper was having kinda sprung up outta nowhere and i kinda feel like it was added there just to extend the book some more."
"SPOILERS MAY LIE AHEAD: Plot Summary: So Harper gets stuck in this small town and after getting between a couple's brawl, she meets her love interest's sister and her love interest Luke. the sister hustles Luke into keeping Harper in his home and once he agrees to it gets him into an arrangement where they serve each other's purposes. He provides a room and board and she acts as his girlfriend to get his family off his back and to stop fixing him up with weird chicks."
"love story beween a woman who lives her life from one moment to another and a man too scared to live his life at all. two people together for the benefits coming from a certain arrangement they made."
Best Women's Fiction
Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret, his courage bolstered by his love for Anna and for the life he dreams they will one day share. “Sprawling, stirring, like the richest of stories, and played out on a canvas of heroism and tragedy, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is like one of those iconic World War II black and white photos: a face of hope and tears, the story of a small life that ended up mattering in a big way.” —Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of The One Man. “Action, adventure, love, war, and an epic hero—all set against the backdrop of one of history's darkest moments—Mark Sullivan's Beneath a Scarlet Sky has everything one can ask for in an exceptional World War II novel.” —Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Playing with Fire. Mark has received numerous awards for his writing, including the WHSmith Fresh Talent Award, and his works have been named a New York Times Notable Book and a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It is a gripping story of resilience, the indomitable spirit of a young man that knew no boundaries and courage that sustained him during dark hours. The action intensified throughout the remainder of the book, and one is allowed a rare glimpse into the mind of Il Duce - Benito Mussolini - plus the inner workings of the German High Command. Pino Lello witnesses atrocities he wishes he could forget but keeps soldiering on...wisely... Just a gripping and harrowing Kindle First selection which I feel is the best one I have read."
"He takes us deep inside the love story of his discovery, the unknown hero, Pino Lella, and he crafts an epic tale set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Milan and the Italian Alps during World War II that is as intimate and tragic as it is thought-provoking and triumphant."
"I cannot add more to the excellent reviews previously posted other than to say I read this book in one sitting not being able to put it down until 4:00 AM!"
"An amazing epic story of Pino Lella, a true war hero whose story was forgotten and marginalized by history."
"thankdfully, the novel does not leave us in despair and misery, but through the main character Pino Lella, we witness the good still left in people and the human ability to survive and thrive out of the worst conditions."
"Amazing book with a plot line made only better because it is based on a true story during events that changed the world."
"This is compelling story that is beautifully written."
"There was so much substance to the character, that his life became very dear to me: his adventures, his loves, his losses made me grateful for the box of tissue close by!"
Best Poetry by Women
The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. (USA Today). “Rupi Kaur has vision beyond her years … Her work is simply but powerfully expressed, and viscerally captures both universal human experience and the particular struggles of a young woman today." Rupi Kaur's first book, Milk and Honey is the poetry collection every woman needs on her nightstand or coffee table. Rupi Kaur’s writing echoes of artistry and wisdom which is seen in the work of those that have been writing for years. rupi kaur is a bestselling author and illustrator of two collections of poetry. while studying at the university of waterloo rupi self-published her first collection milk and honey in 2014. milk and honey became an international phenomenon that's been translated into over 30 languages and sold over 2.5 million copies. through her poetry rupi explores a variety of themes ranging from love.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"With that been said i do think this book leaves a lot to want if meaning and depth are what you are looking for in poetry."
"I purchased one for myself and one as a gift after reading a couple poems in a friend's copy."
"You see her quotes everywhere on social media but actually reading her book from start to finish is a different experience all together."
"I found Rupi Kaur (after hearing her name drifting about) when I saw a breathtaking piece by her (starting with "let me tell you about a selfish person..."). I love poetry. I love traditional poetry, struxtured poetry, unstructured poetry, modern poetry, stand up poetry, you name it. My shelves are lined with just as much edgy, modern, is-this-even-poetry books from up-and-coming poets as they are lined with TS Elliot and Tennyson."
"I would've maybe given it two stars if I checked it out at the local library for free, but I'm annoyed I invested my hard earned American dollars into this book. I seriously don't understand if everyone is just reading into the completely non-thought provoking "poems" in this book and making up their own deep meaning or if I'm just totally missing the boat on this one. If you told me my 9-year-old nephew and 6-month-old niece collabed on this book, with him covering the poetry while she handled the artwork, I would fully believe you. If you're a 10th grader who just got dumped by Jimmy from home room and you wanna post a snapchat of one of these heart wrenching break up poems to express how angsty you are, you'll love it."
"I have been seeing this at all of the bookstores and decided to give it a read based on the brilliant cover design and book description. It has been a while since I have read a book of poetry, but I have to say I don't feel like I just read one."
"I had so much hope for this book since it had become so popular so I was of course eager to read it."
Best American Poetry
A perfect gift for new parents, birthday celebrations, and happy occasions of all kinds, this collection of five beloved Beginner Books by Dr. Seuss— The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks —will be cherished by young and old alike. Dr. Seuss’s long list of awards includes Caldecott Honors for McElligot’s Pool , If I Ran the Zoo , and Bartholomew and the Oobleck , the Pulitzer Prize, and eight honorary doctorates.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"She's three, and I was looking forward to reading them to her now, and watching her learn the words, so she could 'pretend' she was reading them along with me, as I did as a child, and ultimately, letting her read them to me. I've just opened a couple of them at random and taken pics to show you the bleed-through of the images and words on the reverse side of the page."
"Picked up for our almost-3 yo."
"You start your kid's collection with these books by Dr. Seuss."
"I read these in a lower light setting given they are bed time stories for my daughter so perhaps that's why I'm not seeing it."
"My daughter absolutely loves these books."
"What would childhood be without One Fish, Two Fish and The Cat in the Hat?"
"I always have fun with these books and reading them to my son is always a great experience."
"Kind of hard to enjoy the story when the illustrations on the back of the page are showing through."
Best Whispersync for Voice
Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret, his courage bolstered by his love for Anna and for the life he dreams they will one day share. “Sprawling, stirring, like the richest of stories, and played out on a canvas of heroism and tragedy, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is like one of those iconic World War II black and white photos: a face of hope and tears, the story of a small life that ended up mattering in a big way.” —Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of The One Man. “Action, adventure, love, war, and an epic hero—all set against the backdrop of one of history's darkest moments—Mark Sullivan's Beneath a Scarlet Sky has everything one can ask for in an exceptional World War II novel.” —Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Playing with Fire. Mark has received numerous awards for his writing, including the WHSmith Fresh Talent Award, and his works have been named a New York Times Notable Book and a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It is a gripping story of resilience, the indomitable spirit of a young man that knew no boundaries and courage that sustained him during dark hours. The action intensified throughout the remainder of the book, and one is allowed a rare glimpse into the mind of Il Duce - Benito Mussolini - plus the inner workings of the German High Command. Pino Lello witnesses atrocities he wishes he could forget but keeps soldiering on...wisely... Just a gripping and harrowing Kindle First selection which I feel is the best one I have read."
"He takes us deep inside the love story of his discovery, the unknown hero, Pino Lella, and he crafts an epic tale set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Milan and the Italian Alps during World War II that is as intimate and tragic as it is thought-provoking and triumphant."
"I cannot add more to the excellent reviews previously posted other than to say I read this book in one sitting not being able to put it down until 4:00 AM!"
"An amazing epic story of Pino Lella, a true war hero whose story was forgotten and marginalized by history."
"thankdfully, the novel does not leave us in despair and misery, but through the main character Pino Lella, we witness the good still left in people and the human ability to survive and thrive out of the worst conditions."
"Amazing book with a plot line made only better because it is based on a true story during events that changed the world."
"This is compelling story that is beautifully written."
"There was so much substance to the character, that his life became very dear to me: his adventures, his loves, his losses made me grateful for the box of tissue close by!"
Best Poetry
A perfect gift for new parents, birthday celebrations, and happy occasions of all kinds, this collection of five beloved Beginner Books by Dr. Seuss— The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks —will be cherished by young and old alike. Dr. Seuss’s long list of awards includes Caldecott Honors for McElligot’s Pool , If I Ran the Zoo , and Bartholomew and the Oobleck , the Pulitzer Prize, and eight honorary doctorates.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"She's three, and I was looking forward to reading them to her now, and watching her learn the words, so she could 'pretend' she was reading them along with me, as I did as a child, and ultimately, letting her read them to me. I've just opened a couple of them at random and taken pics to show you the bleed-through of the images and words on the reverse side of the page."
"Picked up for our almost-3 yo."
"You start your kid's collection with these books by Dr. Seuss."
"I read these in a lower light setting given they are bed time stories for my daughter so perhaps that's why I'm not seeing it."
"My daughter absolutely loves these books."
"What would childhood be without One Fish, Two Fish and The Cat in the Hat?"
"I always have fun with these books and reading them to my son is always a great experience."
"Kind of hard to enjoy the story when the illustrations on the back of the page are showing through."
Best Romance
The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. (USA Today). “Rupi Kaur has vision beyond her years … Her work is simply but powerfully expressed, and viscerally captures both universal human experience and the particular struggles of a young woman today." Rupi Kaur's first book, Milk and Honey is the poetry collection every woman needs on her nightstand or coffee table. Rupi Kaur’s writing echoes of artistry and wisdom which is seen in the work of those that have been writing for years. rupi kaur is a bestselling author and illustrator of two collections of poetry. while studying at the university of waterloo rupi self-published her first collection milk and honey in 2014. milk and honey became an international phenomenon that's been translated into over 30 languages and sold over 2.5 million copies. through her poetry rupi explores a variety of themes ranging from love.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"With that been said i do think this book leaves a lot to want if meaning and depth are what you are looking for in poetry."
"I purchased one for myself and one as a gift after reading a couple poems in a friend's copy."
"You see her quotes everywhere on social media but actually reading her book from start to finish is a different experience all together."
"I found Rupi Kaur (after hearing her name drifting about) when I saw a breathtaking piece by her (starting with "let me tell you about a selfish person..."). I love poetry. I love traditional poetry, struxtured poetry, unstructured poetry, modern poetry, stand up poetry, you name it. My shelves are lined with just as much edgy, modern, is-this-even-poetry books from up-and-coming poets as they are lined with TS Elliot and Tennyson."
"I would've maybe given it two stars if I checked it out at the local library for free, but I'm annoyed I invested my hard earned American dollars into this book. I seriously don't understand if everyone is just reading into the completely non-thought provoking "poems" in this book and making up their own deep meaning or if I'm just totally missing the boat on this one. If you told me my 9-year-old nephew and 6-month-old niece collabed on this book, with him covering the poetry while she handled the artwork, I would fully believe you. If you're a 10th grader who just got dumped by Jimmy from home room and you wanna post a snapchat of one of these heart wrenching break up poems to express how angsty you are, you'll love it."
"I have been seeing this at all of the bookstores and decided to give it a read based on the brilliant cover design and book description. It has been a while since I have read a book of poetry, but I have to say I don't feel like I just read one."
"I had so much hope for this book since it had become so popular so I was of course eager to read it."
Best Occult
A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity." The charming tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who dreams of seeing the world, is compelling in its own right, but gains resonance through the many lessons Santiago learns during his adventures.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After deciding to travel to a Romani fortune-teller in a nearby town to discover its meaning, a gypsy woman tells him that there is a treasure in the Pyramids in Egypt. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is.”. The Alchemist Physical CoverAlong the journey, Santiago meets an Englishman who is in search of an Alchemist and together they continue their search for treasure. The essential message is that treasure is more worthy than gold."
"I purchased and began reading this book 2 years ago and, for whatever reason, I couldn't get into it."
"Although the Alchemist reads somewhat like a fable, a story with a moral or philosophical message - its pastoral simplicity and the constant weave of insights and wisdom with regard to a higher consciousness, is refreshing and inspiring."
"I knew I would love this book."
"It was shorter than I had thought it would be and although I enjoyed the philosophy behind it, the story seemed to just kind of meander.. maybe that was the point?"
"This is, without a doubt, one of the best books you will ever read in your life."
"This book made me want to pack up and travel all around the world to live out my own journey."
"I finally got this book and read it, now I am rereading it again."