Koncocoo

Best Two-Hour Politics & Social Sciences Short Reads

We Should All Be Feminists (Kindle Single) (A Vintage Short)
She shines a light not only on blatant discrimination, but also the more insidious, institutional behaviors that marginalize women around the world, in order to help readers of all walks of life better understand the often masked realities of sexual politics. Adichie, celebrated author of the acclaimed Americanah (Knopf, 2013), offers a more inclusive definition of feminism, one that strives to highlight and embrace a wide range of people and experiences. Her focus on women of color is also an aspect of the movement that hasn't always been given its due, and Adichie works in her own experience and life as a feminist within a more conservative Nigerian culture in an organic and eye-opening way.
Reviews
"She has made people deaf to anything but stereotypes about feminism sit up and pay attention and realize, "Wow this is mostly common sense" and "I see that all the time and I never thought about how that affects" us/them."
"I assumed the book would expand a bit on the things she discussed in her talk, but the book felt word for word her lecture."
"I think this relates more to other cultures than the US, where we experience many of the same issues but it does not address many other factors we see in modern American culture."
"It's short and simple, so it definitely is a good start for whoever feels curious about this topic and wants to understand more."
"Excellent speech by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie."
"I felt like I was having a conversation with a friend; one that I wasn't ready to put to rest so soon."
"She dabbles into the negative repercussions that gender norms have on both men and women, but admits that she is focusing mainly on women's issues."
"Super basic, but this could be a good place to start for a young woman interested in embarking on gathering her feminist background."
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Letter to a Christian Nation
In fact, it has been by no means uncommon for a child to be born into this world only to be patiently and lovingly reared by religious maniacs, who believe that the best way to keep the sun on its course or to ensure a rich harvest is to lead him by tender hand into a field or to a mountaintop and bury, butcher, or burn him alive as offering to an invisible God. — Wall Street Journal “I dare you to read this book...it will not leave you unchanged.
Reviews
"Simple, brief."
"Challenging to the faithful masses to reevaluate their principles."
"I will, however, say that this book is powerful."
"If you care about truth, intellectual honesty, and reason, you MUST read this book!"
"A committed Christian would I think find it an uncomfortable read as it would confront them with the fallacies of religion."
"Great read full of logical points that anyone with common sense can follow."
"Loved it!"
"I would recommend this book be read by anyone interested in religion or philosophy in any degree, whether you want to just get a preview of some of the topics being thrown around today between religious peoples and atheists, or as a primer that will prepare you for more in-depth books on religion such as Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion."
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Common Sense
Both a clear-eyed, plainly stated case for separation from Great Britain and a stirring call to action, Common Sense sparked the imagination of a fledgling nation and played a decisive role in the march toward revolution. A powerful piece of propaganda, it attacked the idea of a hereditary monarchy, dismissed the chance for reconciliation with England, and outlined the economic benefits of independence while espousing equality of rights among citizens.
Reviews
"Wonderful insight into the mindset and thinking of the Founding Fathers."
"Anyone interested in Constitutional History and thought should read this."
"It's suprising how much things have changed and how much remains the same."
"OIlder writings are so compelling to me because the majority of people today act and speak in a similar manner."
"Most of the versions I have come in books marked "Common Sense and other writings by Thomas Payne." As you read "Common Sense" you'll realize there are several ways you can approach this information."
"Good historical read - Paine wrote so the American colonials would finally break with the British Crown which most colonials were reluctant to do -- argument with a passion!"
"There was at least 10 years of conflict between the Crown and a large segment of the colonists before the Declaration of Independence."
"During the years ahead, the Christian Church will collapse, never to rise again in its present form."
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Best Civil Service Test Guides

Smoke Your Firefighter Interview
This edition of Smoke Your Firefighter Interview book has additional questions and expanded answers. After answering each question, Chief Lepore carefully and thoroughly explains why he has answered the question the way he did. In addition to the questions and answers, Chief Lepore explains the rationale for WHY he answers the question the way he does. In addition to 85 questions, answers and rationale for the right answers, Smoke Your Firefighter Interview also includes chapters on: Rules of thumb for handling situational questions, what to expect from your first day as a firefighter, sample interview rating sheets, description of the job of a firefighter and monthly probationary evaluations. --Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn, FDNY. ;"Smoke Your Firefighter Interview is an excellent resource that will help the future firefighter candidate better prepare themselves and improve their scores for the most important phase of the hiring process, the oral interview. --Firefighter Simmer Harry, Houston Texas. ;"Smoke Your Firefighter Interview is an excellent resource that will help the future firefighter candidate better prepare themselves and improve their scores for the most important phase of the hiring process, the oral interview. My objective in writing these books is to help the aspiring firefighter set a clearly defined goal, laying out the steps to reach it and diligently working to become the ideal candidate and ultimately a professional firefighter.
Reviews
"So far after buying this book I was able to get 4 career offers."
"Has some thought provoking questions but in general wasn't that helpful."
"I purchased Chief Lepore's book the night that I was offered to interview with a department in Southern California."
"The direction this book gives is all you need to get hired in California."
"This book is a great read and has a lot of good information in it."
"I read it before every interview."
"Great book."
"Just took my third oral board and passed on to the background checks."
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Best Agnosticism

Letter to a Christian Nation
In fact, it has been by no means uncommon for a child to be born into this world only to be patiently and lovingly reared by religious maniacs, who believe that the best way to keep the sun on its course or to ensure a rich harvest is to lead him by tender hand into a field or to a mountaintop and bury, butcher, or burn him alive as offering to an invisible God. — Wall Street Journal “I dare you to read this book...it will not leave you unchanged.
Reviews
"This book is precisely what you need to get a bunch of arguments to justify an atheist view of life."
"Rahasya Poe, Author of The 12 Spiritual Laws of Recovery: and Meditations for the 12-Step Program ,To Believe Or Not To Believe: The Social and Neurological Consequences of Belief Systems, and Publisher of Lotus Guide Magazine."
"Simple, brief."
"Challenging to the faithful masses to reevaluate their principles."
"I will, however, say that this book is powerful."
"If you care about truth, intellectual honesty, and reason, you MUST read this book!"
"A committed Christian would I think find it an uncomfortable read as it would confront them with the fallacies of religion."
"Great read full of logical points that anyone with common sense can follow."
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Best Kindle Singles: Teen & Young Adult

We Should All Be Feminists (Kindle Single) (A Vintage Short)
She shines a light not only on blatant discrimination, but also the more insidious, institutional behaviors that marginalize women around the world, in order to help readers of all walks of life better understand the often masked realities of sexual politics. Adichie, celebrated author of the acclaimed Americanah (Knopf, 2013), offers a more inclusive definition of feminism, one that strives to highlight and embrace a wide range of people and experiences. Her focus on women of color is also an aspect of the movement that hasn't always been given its due, and Adichie works in her own experience and life as a feminist within a more conservative Nigerian culture in an organic and eye-opening way.
Reviews
"She has made people deaf to anything but stereotypes about feminism sit up and pay attention and realize, "Wow this is mostly common sense" and "I see that all the time and I never thought about how that affects" us/them."
"I assumed the book would expand a bit on the things she discussed in her talk, but the book felt word for word her lecture."
"I think this relates more to other cultures than the US, where we experience many of the same issues but it does not address many other factors we see in modern American culture."
"Excellent speech by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie."
"Really shows that though it is OUR world, some persons feel that it is a man's world; with males and females alike subscribing to that view."
"I felt like I was having a conversation with a friend; one that I wasn't ready to put to rest so soon."
"She dabbles into the negative repercussions that gender norms have on both men and women, but admits that she is focusing mainly on women's issues."
"Super basic, but this could be a good place to start for a young woman interested in embarking on gathering her feminist background."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Two-Hour Science & Math Short Reads

Seven Brief Lessons on Physics
“Clear, elegant...a whirlwind tour of some of the biggest ideas in physics.” — The New York Times Book Review This playful, entertaining, and mind-bending introduction to modern physics briskly explains Einstein's general relativity, quantum mechanics, elementary particles, gravity, black holes, the complex architecture of the universe, and the role humans play in this weird and wonderful world. His passion for his chosen field is evident on every page… One can easily imagine perusing these essays while comfortably ensconced in an overstuffed chair by the fire, a snifter of cognac in hand… The reader will come away…with a deeper understanding of how modern physics has brought us closer to an ultimate understanding of reality.” —The New York Times Book Review “A startling and illustrative distillation of centuries of science.”— The Economist “The man who makes physics sexy . As slim as a volume of poetry, Mr. Rovelli’s book also has that tantalizing quality that good books of poems have; it artfully hints at meanings beyond its immediate scope... [H]is book is a roll call of the scientists who have taken us so far, from Einstein and Niels Bohr through Werner Heisenberg and Stephen Hawking... The lessons in Mr. Rovelli’s book, as elegiac as they are incisive, do them justice.”— The New York Times. The metaphors are vivid, the visions dramatic.”— Nature “A very slim volume that contains multitudes... Italian theoretical physicist and writer Carlo Rovelli uses a conversational tone to untangle the most complicated yet most beautiful advances in science in modern history... You'll feel a whole lot smarter for having read this elegant, straightforward little book.”— Esquire , The Best Books of 2016 (So Far). Even fewer have succeeded with a touch of Carlo Rovelli’s clarity and verve…A sweeping presentation of the great ideas and discoveries of 20th century physics, aimed at readers with no scientific background whatsoever. “In a world where the public is interested in science, Rovelli is a great ambassador whose passion can be found in Seven Brief Lessons on Physics .” —International Business Times. “For the curious reader ready to plunge into theoretical physics, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli is a short accessible introduction. For those curious about the natural world and who wonder what actually exists outside Earth's atmosphere, Rovelli's explanations will intrigue and delight.” —Shelf Awareness “Seven Brief Lessons on Physics is a science book that reads like a poem, and resonates like one, too.” —Bookpage “Rovelli does a masterful job breaking down complex subjects, like Einstein's theory of relativity and gravitational waves, into simple, easy-to-understand concepts.” — Law 360. “In Seven Brief Lessons on Physics , Carlo Rovelli delivers physics lessons in a most untraditional way, inspiring readers to think differently, to get excited about discovery, to open their minds, to see beauty in the strange... “Bite-sized but big on ideas: Carlo Rovelli’s Seven Brief Lessons on Physics … makes the mysteries of the universe almost comprehensible .”—Evening Standard “Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons on Physics has turned relativity and quantum physics into best-selling material.”— la Repubblica. “Physics has always been popularized, but professor Rovelli’s book is something else: his prose stands out as pristine and seductive at the same time, with all the substance that arouses a real interest in his readers.”— Corriere della Sera. “This brief and beautiful introduction to a few key discoveries of modern physics reminds us that the roots of science are curiosity and wonder.”—Lee Smolin, physicist and author, Time Reborn and The Trouble with Physics. “No one should hold office unless they have read Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons on Physics .”—Nick Harkaway, author of The Gone-Away World and Angelmaker.
Reviews
"I read about this book in the Economist. I bought this book, in part, to atone for my high school sins, and also to finally overcome my phobia of the general theory of relativity. In fact, if anything, the simplicity and elegance of the book have made me feel even stupider than when I started…”if this Italian Physics professor can describe these things so simply and elegantly, I really must be a half-wit, because I’m still mystified.” (Memo to self: avoid elevators or parties for now.). The 7th and final lesson in the book is one which I’ve read three times already, because its so marvelous….a homily by a thoughtful soul on the complexities of the universe, the perceptions and complexities of humans inhabiting their small place in it, and a heartfelt wonder about the ongoing discoveries we have in front of us."
"Building basic concepts to comprehend the nature of reality has not been simple for theoretical physicists, but the author has spared the narratives for leaner and lucid descriptions in the hopes that these ideas stir up some interest among readers. The author is one of the inventors of loop quantum gravity which says that space is not continuous but it is made of grains, significantly smaller than an electron, and they are linked to each other forming a network. It is a song of god in which matter (energy) behave in spacetime in a certain way, and this guided by a set of physical laws."
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Best Two-Hour Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Reads

Binti
Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. Oomza University has wronged the Meduse, and Binti's stellar travel will bring her within their deadly reach. If Binti hopes to survive the legacy of a war not of her making, she will need both the the gifts of her people and the wisdom enshrined within the University, itself — but first she has to make it there, alive. She has been the winner of many more awards for her short stories and young adult books, including the Wole Soyinka Africa Prize for Literature, the Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa, the Carl Brandon Parallax Award, the Black Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature, the Margin: Exploring Modern Magical Realism Short Story Contest, and the Strange Horizons Readers Choice Award for Nonfiction. She has also been a finalist for the Essence Magazine Literary Award, Tiptree Award, a British Science Fiction Association Award (Best Novel) and the Theodore Sturgeon Award.
Reviews
"Binti is a young girl who has been handed her life's dream: to study math at the galaxy's premier university. So she shocks her entire people and leaves while they are asleep, shunning herself and severing ties to her culture in one fell swoop. During her journey (on a spaceship built within a giant, living creature), they are attacked by a species that has long been at war with the race of people who hold the status and power on Earth. She must be strong enough to survive the journey and then save many lives—both friend and "foe"—when the ship arrives at the university's planet. I loved how she referred to multiple beings as "people" no matter their species, although I also noticed that individuals were always "it," and never "he" or "she.""
"I'm not sure anything I write can do this beautiful story justice."
"The novella/short story is practically an art form, especially in Sci-fi or Fantasy where worldbuilding is so essential. The reader is thrust immediately into Binti's world where mankind travels the stars and mingles with alien species."
"We don't get to see much of what the study of mathematics looks like, but we do get to see Binti use treeing, which is mathematical and fractal-y and helps her realize and discover things."
"I am so glad I finally read all of banty instead of just parts of it and I can't wait to buy the next book."
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Best Two-Hour Religion & Spirituality Short Reads

Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis Signature Classics)
Lewis, the most important writer of the 20th century, explores the common ground upon which all of those of Christian faith stand together. In 1943 Great Britain, when hope and the moral fabric of society were threatened by the relentless inhumanity of global war, an Oxford don was invited to give a series of radio lectures addressing the central issues of Christianity. He describes those doctrines that the four major denominations in Britain (Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic) would have in common, e.g., original sin, the transcendent Creator God, and the divinity of Jesus as well as his atonement and bodily resurrection.
Reviews
"It is a timeless classic that is as true today as when it was originally penned by Lewis as a series of talks given in London over the BBC during the challenging days of WW2. As you work through this great book take some time to digest the material in each chapter and reflect upon the material that Lewis covers and the thoroughness of his argument and perspectives."
"He expertly (and extensively) uses metaphor to help mere humans understand the incomprehensible facts about God. Lewis's explanation of Christian doctrine from the ground up helps the Christian fill in the blank parts of their theological understanding."
"Dr. Lewis covers important Christian teachings and avoids getting bogged down with controversies and esoteric theological language."
"Lewis wrote this book, he was oblivious to how couples behaved /dealt with each other as he had not been in a serious relationship or marriage."
"Lewis reaches the real world of the believer in spite of the horrid and disgusting false facade that institutions, organizations and the "so called" smear over the faith."
"This book is a very interesting read for Christians, regardless of your religious background."
"A health issue, which was misdiagnosed, made reading nearly impossible for the last twenty five years, though life has it's own way of taking up time in any case. I didn't know if these were novels, theological texts, apologetic tomes, or... just what to expect."
"Mere Christianity is a GREAT book, but DO NOT BUY THIS VERSION."
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Best Two-Hour Sports & Outdoors Short Reads

Jim Bridger "The Grand Old Man of the Rockies" (1922)
James Bridger, known as Jim Bridger (1804 – 1881), was among the foremost mountain men, trappers, scouts and guides who explored and trapped the Western United States during the decades of 1820–1850, as well as mediating between native tribes and encroaching whites.
Reviews
"It's a quick read but packed with interesting information."
"This book is a well written biography of Jim Bridger."
"Great history of the mountain man."
"Bridger was respected by the hardiest scouts and mountain men of the frontier."
"A great man about whom too little has been written."
"A great book about a truly fascinating person who managed to survive to a ripe old age under some very severe circumstances."
"A simply written bio of Bridger, but it tells his story."
"This is a very good book I highly recommended if you the book of facts is supposed to a novel."
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Best Two-Hour Education & Reference Short Reads

We Should All Be Feminists (Kindle Single) (A Vintage Short)
She shines a light not only on blatant discrimination, but also the more insidious, institutional behaviors that marginalize women around the world, in order to help readers of all walks of life better understand the often masked realities of sexual politics. Adichie, celebrated author of the acclaimed Americanah (Knopf, 2013), offers a more inclusive definition of feminism, one that strives to highlight and embrace a wide range of people and experiences. Her focus on women of color is also an aspect of the movement that hasn't always been given its due, and Adichie works in her own experience and life as a feminist within a more conservative Nigerian culture in an organic and eye-opening way.
Reviews
"She has made people deaf to anything but stereotypes about feminism sit up and pay attention and realize, "Wow this is mostly common sense" and "I see that all the time and I never thought about how that affects" us/them."
"Really shows that though it is OUR world, some persons feel that it is a man's world; with males and females alike subscribing to that view."
"I felt like I was having a conversation with a friend; one that I wasn't ready to put to rest so soon."
"As the mother of a little girl and a woman becoming more self-aware, this book has enlightened me and made me realize that I have been confirming all my life."
"She dabbles into the negative repercussions that gender norms have on both men and women, but admits that she is focusing mainly on women's issues."
"Super basic, but this could be a good place to start for a young woman interested in embarking on gathering her feminist background."
"Not only should this be read by all, I recommend memorizing it and reciting it to whoever seems confused about feminism today."
"It definitely helps you understand what women have to go through."
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Best Two-Hour Business & Money Short Reads

Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There
Before the weekend is over Eric will learn…. - What it takes to outperform 92% of the world’s salespeople. - That failing and being a “failure” are two very different things. - Why it’s important to celebrate success and failure. - The five failure levels and how to progress through them. - How to get past failures quickly and then move on. - That the most empowering word in the world is not yes… it’s NO! --Steven List, Backoftheroom.com. "If you're serious about living your definition of success add Go for No! The ideas shared are terrific and the unique story format that the book is written in makes it a delight to read." Richard Fenton & Andrea Waltz are the Courage Crafters. As professional speakers, trainers, and authors they also call themselves "Failure Philosophers" and "Reject-ologoists" and are experts on achieving courageous breakthrough performance through increasing failure rates and other unconventional approaches.
Reviews
"The advise comes through in a non-condescending way, and the story format makesnit enagung to read."
""No" is not an easy thing to hear; no one wants to hear it...unless, of course, you flip the script and "Go for No!"."
"This is such a great book for Network Marketing individuals!!"
"This book is a great instrument in changing the way you think, just make sure to incorporate initial action as thought without action is useless."
"Short and sweet."
"Absolute brain-changer."
"A friend spoke so passionately about it that I bought it and finished it in a day."
"I don't like story type teaching so. this wasn't for me."
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Best Two-Hour Romance Short Reads

Truth Be Told (Rogue Justice Novella Book 2)
In the last forty-eight hours, a child was a mute witness to a double homicide; an unidentified body has washed up on the riverbanks; and now, at the foot of a submerged bridge, two FBI agents have been found shot to death inside their SUV. Kendra Elliot has landed on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list multiple times and is the award-winning author of the Bone Secrets and Callahan & McLane series, as well as the Mercy Kilpatrick novels.
Reviews
"I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first novella, but “truth be told” I don’t like novellas and waited a long time before I finally bought both."
"Kendra Elliot writes great characters with an exciting story line."
"This is a very suspenseful and exciting story with a very sweet romantic love affair between husband and wife."
"Another great book."
"I enjoy reading all her books, they are not too long and exciting sometimes with a surprising end."
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the Rogue series."
"I have read every book she has written."
"The characters are well developed and the story flows well."
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Best Two-Hour Parenting & Relationships Short Reads

Are You Scaring Him Away? The Top 4 Reasons Why Men Lose Interest Quickly, Why Men Become Distant, The Real Reasons He's Not Calling (The Truth about his ... of commitment and sudden loss of interest)
Most women are very surprised when a man becomes distant, when he's afraid to commit or worse, when he just stops calling and runs away. - The Top 6 Reasons Men Lose Interest Slowly, but Surely. So make sure you avoid all of the mistakes you’ll learn about in this book.
Reviews
"I think the author was on point with his advice and truly believe that most women are fully aware of the mistakes we continuously make but let our emotions get the best of us and dive in head first."
"Good insight into what guys may be thinking."
"Great book ... very easy to understand and helpful."
"Very easy read and was filled with things I hadn't thought about."
"Good reminders though I don't believe that once over, always over ..."
"Good read."
"Totally read this!!!"
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Best Two-Hour Comic & Graphic Novel Short Reads

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe
Collects Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1-4.
Reviews
"At first I was hooked with what I thought was going to be a cool storyline but it hilariously took a turn into a silly marvel zombies type plot."
"Deadpool not quite as funny as usual but the story is interesting if extra-violent."
"Great comic first on my Kindle wanted to check it out and loved it Deadpool is definitely my guy lol."
"this is the only deadpool story I own and it's good but it the best part is that he finally avenged werecow."
"Great fun, good pace, awesome art."
"I would recommend anyone else to read if your in a slump for things to read."
"I felt they should have pushed more for interesting fights with how Deadpool would accomplish killing these characters."
"Original was much better."
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Best Two-Hour Travel Short Reads

My Sixty Years on the Plains: Trapping, Trading, and Indian Fighting
William Thomas Hamilton (1822-1908), also known as Wildcat Bill, was a Scottish-born mountain man, trapper, and scout of the American West. William Thomas Hamilton was born into a wealthy family in England but was brought to American when he was two years old.
Reviews
"The contents are too perfectly well described by the title to require much comment, although I will say that, having reached the end, I am disappointed that more attention wasn't paid to describing and explaining the art of trapping to us moderneers who haven't much of a clue beyond the obvious broad outlines. While many incidents are mentioned, it is often passed over so cursorily that, in hindsight, I'm not sure I always even knew,what the particular animal being trapped was. Since much of the history takes place in the northwest, from Montana to Washington, beavers are often mentioned as being the prey, but what was being trapped in other places is less clear to me--and in any case, I would have liked to have been told how the work was actually carried out in more detail."
"Lots of heir raising adventures of trapping, trading and fighting with the Indians over the last 60 years of the 19th century."
"He describes mostly his early life as a trapper criss crossing the American West."
"A great example of the trappers life, this book points out that all of the individual trappers had different experiences and different repsponses to the lives they led."
"Recommend to anyone interested in the mountain man era."
"The book tells the story from the point of view of a white trapper which was not always sensitive to the Native American point of view, but it is what it is and is a valuable historical account."
"This book was fun to read, kept me interested all the time."
"He was not shy about talking of his own abiities but it was an Interesting read."
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Best Two-Hour Arts & Photography Short Reads

Beginner's Digital SLR Crash Course: Complete guide to mastering digital photography basics, understanding exposure, and taking better pictures.
I was like you at one point - I was just a guy who had no clue how to use all the fancy features of my new digital camera, and it was an extremely frustrating experience. I decided I wouldn't settle for mediocre results, so I spent years of trial and (mostly) error to figure out all the tips and little known tricks that I'll help you learn in this concise digital photography guide. There's no point in having an expensive camera if you're just shooting in Auto mode, because you could have spent a tenth the money for the same results. If you don't take advantage of the more advanced modes that you'll master with this guide, you've wasted hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a tool you can't use properly. 11 More Things You'll Learn About Your Digital Camera In addition to all the shooting modes, I'll teach you everything you need to know about: Image size Image quality Memory cards Color space ISO speed Digital noise Histograms White balance Composition tips Photo storage tips Camera accessories for the (not so) beginner. I'm not promising that you'll sell out galleries in New York, but I guarantee if you follow these five simple principles that are covered in depth within this guide, you'll stand out from the crowd of beginners. Earlier this year I also held my first exhibition which led to my photos being covered by a local magazine, later featuring on the cover, which was a massively proud moment for me.I am however a little bit different from the standard photographer as I am registered as partially sighted due to a long term problem I have had with my optic nerves, so as you can imagine being able to still do photography is a very precious thing for me. I really hope you will take a look at my website Nigel J Bevans Digital Photography ( nigeljbevans.co.uk/) and if you're on Facebook, like my page there also Nigel J Bevans Digital Photography.When looking at my photos I would like you to remember that in my work there is a little piece from your book that has helped me produce each image you are looking at.
Reviews
"This "book" is so short that it hardly qualifies as a book."
"An excellent book for beginners."
"Very helpful in making the transition to digital."
"I have been using my DSLR for a couple years and found a lot of what I read repetitive of what I already know, but there were several points I was unware of or needed clarification."
"I really enjoyed reading this e-book because I hate technical stuff and it broke it down simply."
"Very helpful for a beginner!"
"This book looks at the basic functions in your camera and how you can best use them to your advantage."
"If you're like me and knew very little, this crash course is informative."
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Best Two-Hour Computers & Technology Short Reads

Machine Learning With Random Forests And Decision Trees: A Visual Guide For Beginners
Most books, and other information on machine learning, that I have seen fall into one of two categories, they are either textbooks that explain an algorithm in a way similar to "And then the algorithm optimizes this loss function" or they focus entirely on how to set up code to use the algorithm and how to tune the parameters. An overview of decision trees and random forests A manual example of how a human would classify a dataset, compared to how a decision tree would work How a decision tree works, and why it is prone to overfitting How decision trees get combined to form a random forest How to use that random forest to classify data and make predictions How to determine how many trees to use in a random forest Just where does the "randomness" come from Out of Bag Errors & Cross Validation - how good of a fit did the machine learning algorithm make? Gini Criteria & Entropy Criteria - how to tell which split on a decision tree is best among many possible choices And More.
Reviews
"I use Random Forests in my research and I wanted to have a better intuition and understanding of how this technique works."
"Great overview with sample code!"
"Still a very good read and I look forward to reading more of Mr Hartshorn's works."
"This book is a very good introduction on the topic, presenting, with well chosen examples, the most important concepts of machine learning."
"This is an excellent strategy because it covers all the essentials, while still leaving you enough time to dig into some application or play with a build as you go along (which is ultimately the point)."
"Now I can use random forest because I know the concept behind the algorithm."
"Previously, I have seen one or two useful diagrams in the scikit learn examples, illustrating the splitting result, but the author takes this idea to a whole new level with many diagrams illustrating fitting and over-fitting."
"A good material for you to catch the main idea of random forest with some examples in a short time."
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Best Two-Hour History Short Reads

Miracle at Coney Island: How a Sideshow Doctor Saved Thousands of Babies and Transformed American Medicine (Kindle Single)
In Miracle at Coney Island: How a Sideshow Doctor Saved Thousands of Babies and Transformed American Medicine , Claire Prentice uncovers the incredible true story of Martin Couney, the “incubator doctor.”. Couney ran his incubator facility for premature babies at Coney Island from 1903 to 1943 and set up similar exhibits at World’s Fairs and amusement parks across America, and in London, Paris, Mexico and Brazil. Claire Prentice is an award-winning journalist and the author of The Lost Tribe of Coney Island: Headhunters, Luna Park, and the Man Who Pulled Off the Spectacle of the Century.
Reviews
"I can't tell you how many times I've read about these babies at Coney Island and elsewhere while reading other things, whether it was books or magazine articles, or encyclopedias. It was very interesting...I'm always amazed at the types of things that people got away with prior to even the 1960's. Considering I've read so much about eugenics and the Nazis (and written about all of this and the disabled in papers), you would think nothing would surprise me at this point. Even though there are much stricter laws on the books concerning doctors, we still have people out there who have no degrees who present themselves as having the background and training to treat people with things like cancers."
"Dr. Couney created this innovative business model which allowed for his meticulous expensive care of preemies while not charging the parents a dime. The author's research proved he didn't go to medical school or train with preemies in Europe before coming to the US. The issue is not whether he took advantage of these infants or was a medically trained doctor but rather he proved that preemies could be nursed into healthy babies and were worth saving - against the attitude and recommendations of the medical community of the late 19th and early 20th centuries."
"Fascinating and well researched story of the incubator baby doctor, who exhibited (and saved) thousands of babies from the early 1900s to early 1940s!"
"Interesting book with a good view on the history of the baby incubator and the man who invented it."
"I would say that Martin Couney was a doctor in every sense --"First do no harm"."
"I had heard references to Martin Couney's exhibitions of premature infants for years and always been curious about how this had all happened."
"Interesting look at the precursor of modern neonatal intensive care units."
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Best Two-Hour Literature & Fiction Short Reads

All The Things I Never Said
Throughout the pages you will experience heartbreak, delight, sadness, and be reminded of what it was like to be a teenager. Mae Krell is a teenage girl, aged fourteen when published.
Reviews
"I was expecting more."
"Amazing. This book opened my eyes to many different things going on around me and different things within me."
"I could identify with the author`s poetry."
"I recommend it to anyone looking for poems about loss and heartbreak, or for anyone looking for a good, calming read."
"One of the most touching books I've ever read."
"I love this book!!!"
"It was okay could be better but it was good I'm just writing totake up avarice sui it says I finished it."
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Best Two-Hour Health, Fitness & Dieting Short Reads

Delay, Don't Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle
In this book, you will learn the science behind intermittent fasting, and also understand how to adjust the various intermittent fasting plans to work for your unique lifestyle. Gin is co-host of The Intermittent Fasting Podcast with fellowauthor and intermittent faster, Melanie Avalon.
Reviews
"I've been intermittently fasting for over two years now, having dropped 220 lbs in the first 17 months, and maintaining 190 of it over the past year. Gin is so well read on this topic, and I've always looked to her for troubleshooting ideas and encouragement when I've had troubles."
"This book on fasting by Gin Stephens is an excellent addition to the growing literature on the benefits of IF. It is a clear, succinct, and well-written introduction to the practice of intermittent fasting. * great chapter on OMAD (One Meal A Day) - as someone who is aspiring to this form of fasting, this was most helpful in my own situation."
"Great book for all who follow this Way of Eating."
"Beginning with Jason Fung's book, 'THE OBESITY CODE' and continuing on with his newest book have led me to believe that this is not just another diet but a new lifestyle that will help you improve your health AND lose weight."
"I have read many of the books she recommends such as the Obesity Code, Guide to Intermittent Fasting, and The Fast Diet....all of which I think are much more worth your money. I thought the Fast Diet did a much better job at that, by starting small and advancing to longer fast periods as you get more comfortable."
"I am down 10lb and over 8" in 10 weeks... honestly I quit measuring because I just feel so good. Dr. Fung does an awesome job in the Obesity Code explaining it in scientific terms."
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Best Two-Hour Self-Help Short Reads

Meditation: Meditation for Beginners - How to Relieve Stress, Anxiety and Depression and Return to a State of Inner Peace and Happiness (How to Meditate, ... for Beginners, Mindfulness Book 1)
With Meditation for Beginners - How to Relieve Stress, Anxiety and Depression and Return to a State of Inner Peace and Happiness you’re going to learn exactly how to meditate, how to use meditation techniques to calm your mind and how to practice meditation daily. The science behind the amazing benefits of meditation How to meditate in a way that works for you How to create a meditating routine How to make meditation a habit How mindfulness meditation can help you become aware of the present moment How to make meditation the most important activity in your day How to provoke a meditative state How to create an ongoing state of inner peace and happiness How to find time to meditate Guided meditation Mantra meditation Mindfulness meditation Body scan meditation Candle meditation Walking meditation Prayer meditation ….and much more! What is meditation The history of meditation The benefits of meditation for the body The benefits of meditation for the mind How meditation works The healing power of meditation Common obstacles to meditation Types and elements of meditation How to prepare for meditation How to practice meditation every day How to make the most of your meditation practice …and more! Meditation, meditation for beginners, meditation techniques, transcendental meditation, meditation books, how to meditate, meditation for beginners, how to meditate for beginners, mindfulness meditation, mindfulness, relieve stress, inner peace with meditation, meditation for beginners, meditation, daily meditations, zen meditation. “A stress free, healthy and positive life is available to anyone that is willing to change.” Living a life of peace, great health and happiness shouldn’t feel like something that is available to everyone but you. There were many years that I lived as a victim of circumstance completely oblivious to the fact that I had the power to choose the kind of life I wanted to live. One day, completely stressed-out by my situation, I made a decision to learn everything I could on inner peace, happiness and taking control of my life. Everything I write comes from the heart and my goal with every book is to help you live the stress free, happy life you were meant to live.
Reviews
"I particularly like the way the author provides an open invitation to try different approaches to meditation."
"This was a fairly good book for anyone who's considering adding meditation to their daily routine."
"Very clear and precise instructions, while allowing for complete personal freedom, to develop your own style of meditation."
"This is a great book for beginners and more experienced in mediation, covering the topic and exploring the idea of balancing and boosting your mind and body."
"It then defined the types of meditation, and how to go about starting a meditation routine."
"Very informative and easy to read for a beginner."
"nothing much in the book, I believe any youtube video of ten minutes on meditation is enough to get all the knowledge available in the book."
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Best Two-Hour Humor & Entertainment Short Reads

Awkward Moments (not found in your average) Children's Bible - Vol. 1
What began as a private online joke among interfaith friends quickly skyrocketed to meet the demands of the thousands of fans and critics of the controversial work. From the opening foreword by acclaimed author David G. McAffee , to the challenging commentaries and interactive games at the end, Awkward Moments Children's Bible is much more than an irreverent book for your coffee table! Young children learn a few Bible stories taken out of context and accept them without question. After decades of repetition and tradition, it's understandable that we might put our beliefs on auto-pilot and just nod as a pastor repeats the verses and ideas that are already familiar and comfortable to us. Awkward Moments encourages readers to really understand what is in their Bibles and think for themselves about the context of Biblical teaching. The 32 color illustrations and included commentaries will likely challenge some readers to reflect on how religion continues to shape the lives and culture of future generations. If readers happen to laugh out loud and enjoy the interactive puzzles and games in the mean time - it’s just an added bonus! - The Christian Post "So sick and tired of Noah's arkbeing portrayed as nothing more than a fun, pleasant animal cruise, itwas satisfying to finally see the waters filled with corpses, as theysurely must have been." Awkward Moments uses humor as an important educational tool, challenging believers and non-believers alike to really think about the Bible's contents and historical context." A few days later, Horus met a humanitarian relief worker from Spain who shared five simple words of wisdom that would change his life forever - "Empty stomachs have no ears." Horus realized that he was not meeting the very real needs of the people he was hoping to help - he was struggling to finding a purpose in his own life, as a self righteous servant of his Creator. To many Christians, the most important gift you could ever give to a man is a chance at eternal life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ - the Living Water.
Reviews
"Awkward Moments uses humor as an important educational tool, challenging believers and non-believers alike to really think about the Bible's contents and historical context."
"Irreverent. Funny."
"I love that this book points out the stories in the Bible that religious people typically like to cover up and ignore/pretend that these things didn't happen."
"Love the idea of highlighting those, not so well publicized, scriptures of the Bible will go a long way in opening up the eyes of many, with little actual knowledge as to what they're signing onto."
"So much fun to read and make fun of, and great verses to point out to silly Christians when they want to tell me the Bible says it's a sin to be gay, I can point out something else ridiculous the Bible says and see what they will do now. Lots of great verses at my disposal now next time some Christian wants to argue with me."
"And people wonder why there are topics the preachers don't touch on in Sunday services."
"Just received this today."
"This book points out such moral lapses in the mythology, and does so using the words of the Bible, with great humor."
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Best Two-Hour Cookbook, Food & Wine Short Reads

The Home Distiller's Workbook - Your guide to making Moonshine, Whisky, Vodka, Rum and so much more!
This eBook is now FREE* with purchase of the paperback version via Amazon's MatchBook service! I wrote this book to pass along the knowledge that was taught to me in the hills of Kentucky over 25 years ago. I’ve developed designs that can be used right in the comfort of you own kitchen or out back in the woods! The truth is that Moonshining, aka “Home Distilling” is a folk art that helped build this country. Cooking up spirits isn’t any harder then properly roasting a Thanksgiving turkey. Open up a whole new world of creativity and step into the hobby that is truly one of the founding traditions of our country. Maybe you are looking for a new culinary branch to explore, maybe you just like the idea of knowing how to do things for yourself, perhaps you just like to keep the old ways alive or maybe you are just tired of our government telling us what we can and can not do! After you read this you will understand just how easy it is to make your own Moonshine, Whiskey, Vodka, Rum or even alternative fuels. So if you are a customer please know that we honor and respect your choice to pay for our content. His father was shortly thereafter discharged from the Army and the family moved back to the Midwest where Jeff spent his early years attempting to recreate Huck Finn's aquatic adventures . From learning the art of Moonshining in the hills of Kentucky to getting lost in the jungles of Central America, fly fishing the Yellowstone river in Montana, white water rafting in the Sierra's or even single handing a sloop through the islands of the Caribbean.
Reviews
"A very excellent primer for those looking for specific information on the theory of distillation."
"The book is very informative, written in a light hearted manner but serious when necessary."
"Easy to read and understand."
"Easy read and simple solutions."
"A great start to distilling and a good read."
"Not much here that cannot be found for free on the net but I still enjoyed it."
"First of all, the book is tiny. Had I read the reviews more thoroughly before purchasing this I would have seen the warnings for everything I've listed here, noted the strange way the author responds to constructive criticism, and gone elsewhere. If you want a short and sweet guide to whiskey and distilling that actually provides all the steps you will need to make your first batch of whiskey or bourbon I recommend How to Make Whiskey: http://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Whiskey-Step-Step/dp/1480174408/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1EW7Q3MVSRZ54CEAREJD."
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Best Two-Hour LGBT Short Reads

Eight Nights in December: Gay Holiday Romance
Orphaned Lucas figures spending the holidays with his obnoxious roommate’s family in New York City is better than staying alone on campus upstate. This gay holiday romance from Keira Andrews features secret trysts, new adult angst, spinning the dreidel, and of course a happy ending. "Eight Nights in December is a story of being true to yourself, the miracle of love, and the acceptance of family." "A touching story about loss, love and being brave enough to be true to yourself.... As these two come together they will melt your screen as they melt your heart."
Reviews
"This novella had everything: holiday angst, a virgin, a sexually experienced yet closeted guy, a loving family, a jerkwad brother who turns out to be more than what he seems, and above all, the true meaning of the holiday season: love and togetherness. Nate is gay, but he's in the closet to his family."
"Having grown up with Jewish friends and having the privilege of being included during the Jewish Holidays, I was happy to be pulled into a wonderful holiday story."
"This was a great holiday story."
"Great easy and light read with all the heart a holiday book could desire... so many twists and turns... not the first book i have read from this author and by far not the last..."
"I enjoyed this book I can t wait to read more from this author."
"As others have mentioned, I too really enjoyed reading a Hanukkah themed story."
"There are so many reasons I LOVED this book, first is because as an Israeli and Jew I always like reading about Jewish characters, and in a sea of red, green and everything Christmas it’s a nice refreshing change to read a Hanukkah story with the same holiday vibe."
"When he’s invited to spend the holiday season with his college roommate Sam’s family he figures it’s better than being alone. When Lucas is caught in the trap he’s mortified but Nate soon clears things up and the two of them begin enjoying a holiday fling. A novella length book works well for me because I love being able to finish a story in one evening and this was one I didn’t want to put down. 😊) I have several longer books by Keira Andrews on my to-be-read (TBR) list and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work."
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Best Two-Hour Teen & Young Adult Short Reads

A Christmas Carol (Puffin Classics)
With a light-hearted introduction by bestselling author Anthony Horowitz, creator of the highly successful Alex Rider novels, most recently Snakehead . In the history of English literature, Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol , which has been continuously in print since it was first published in the winter of 1843, stands out as the quintessential Christmas story.
Reviews
"Pip's story is really a 19th century soap opera--love, loss, fights, tears, mystery, death, criminals, friends...pretty much whatever you could come up with."
"Although Oliver Twist experienced some rough times, and was an Orphan and left motherless, I suggest you read if you don't believe that Charles Dickens does do happy endings."
"This period of history, and the relationship between England and France during the terrible years of the Terror interest me, especially to discover how Charles Dickens, a social reformer, would read it."
"Charles Dickens knew how to write a book and I recommend it to anybody who's seen any of the programs rebroadcast each year on television."
"I can read the book with or without the narration or just listen to the narration."
"If Charles Dickens Were a Playwright, I'm Sure He Would have Written Some Magnificent Plays, But His Works Were Meant to be Read Not Visualized on the Screen. A Tale of Two Cities Was Written By English Author Charles Dickens (1812-1870. Dickens Received Most of the Background on the French Revolution From his Friend Thomas Carlyle. This is a Historical Fiction that Spans nearly 20 Years From the Time Preceding and During the French Revolution. The Main Storyline Characters Involve: Miss Lucie Manette (Main Character) "Spoiler Alert" (She Falls in Love and Marries Charles Darney). Doctor Alexandre Manette (Lucie's Father) "Spoiler Alert" "She Thought He Was Dead. He Was In Prison For 18 Years". Miss Pross (Lucie's Governess). Mr. Lorry (Dr. Manette’s Associate). Mr. Ernest Defarge (Dr. Manette's Former Servant). Mr. Charles Darney (Kidnapped French Aristocrat) "Spoiler Alert" "Abducted and Stashed on a Ship-Later Rescued, Charged With Murder, Marries Lucie Mannette." Mr. Stryver and Mr. Carton (Barristers Representing Charles Darney) "Spoiler Alert" "They Worked Tirelessly Trying To Get Charles Acquitted of Murder-And They Did". France Seems to Be Pretty Cold Blooded in this Era of Time, but I Guess History Backs That Up."
"As a middle school student, many years ago, this was required reading."
"It was hard to trust people during that time period."
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Best Two-Hour Craft, Hobby & Home Short Reads

On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals
With On Talking Terms With Dogs you can learn to recognize these signals and use them yourself to interact with your dog. Turid has a wonderful gift of making everything so easy to understand and relate to...(she has made) an enormous contribution to mankind in our ever-increasing knowledge of man s best friend our dogs. --Pamela Dennison, author of Complete Idiots Guide to Positive Dog Training and Bringing Light to Shadow. I personally owe Turid a great debt because her work validated my observations that dogs are trying very hard to talk to us.
Reviews
"What the book teaches is interesting and helpful to understand and communicate wit our dogs without using he force or aggression. Worth to read."
"This booklet may be small, but the information in it is very helpful, clear, and useful."
"Great book and a must read to all dog owners."
"Anyone interested in canine behavior should have this in their library."
"The definitive guide to dog body language and, by doing just a bit of reading between the lines, compassionate training."
"helps you learn from your dog and make a better you so you can help your dog live side by side with you and others."
"Its a short, but very helpful insight into how dogs communicate."
"I will just say it was okay..I hate to say this knowing she is the gold standard of dog behavior..just my experience reading this book."
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Best Two-Hour Biography & Memoir Short Reads

Miracle at Coney Island: How a Sideshow Doctor Saved Thousands of Babies and Transformed American Medicine (Kindle Single)
In Miracle at Coney Island: How a Sideshow Doctor Saved Thousands of Babies and Transformed American Medicine , Claire Prentice uncovers the incredible true story of Martin Couney, the “incubator doctor.”. Couney ran his incubator facility for premature babies at Coney Island from 1903 to 1943 and set up similar exhibits at World’s Fairs and amusement parks across America, and in London, Paris, Mexico and Brazil. Claire Prentice is an award-winning journalist and the author of The Lost Tribe of Coney Island: Headhunters, Luna Park, and the Man Who Pulled Off the Spectacle of the Century.
Reviews
"I can't tell you how many times I've read about these babies at Coney Island and elsewhere while reading other things, whether it was books or magazine articles, or encyclopedias. It was very interesting...I'm always amazed at the types of things that people got away with prior to even the 1960's. Considering I've read so much about eugenics and the Nazis (and written about all of this and the disabled in papers), you would think nothing would surprise me at this point. Even though there are much stricter laws on the books concerning doctors, we still have people out there who have no degrees who present themselves as having the background and training to treat people with things like cancers."
"Dr. Couney created this innovative business model which allowed for his meticulous expensive care of preemies while not charging the parents a dime. The author's research proved he didn't go to medical school or train with preemies in Europe before coming to the US. The issue is not whether he took advantage of these infants or was a medically trained doctor but rather he proved that preemies could be nursed into healthy babies and were worth saving - against the attitude and recommendations of the medical community of the late 19th and early 20th centuries."
"I had heard references to Martin Couney's exhibitions of premature infants for years and always been curious about how this had all happened."
"The delivery is a little dry at times, but you cannot fault the oftentimes miraculous story of the man who made saving premature infants his life's mission."
"Although I don't think he'd get away with doing this today, he saved a large number of babies and educated the public, and the doctors of his time."
"A very interesting book."
"Interesting book with a good view on the history of the baby incubator and the man who invented it."
"Fascinating and well researched story of the incubator baby doctor, who exhibited (and saved) thousands of babies from the early 1900s to early 1940s!"
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Best Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads

On Her Father's Grave (Rogue River Novella, Book 1) (Kindle Single)
In a small town like Solitude, Oregon, keeping a secret can be murder. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kendra Elliot has always been a voracious reader, cutting her teeth on classic female sleuths and heroines like Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Laura Ingalls before proceeding to devour the works of Stephen King, Diana Gabaldon, and Nora Roberts.
Reviews
"The backstory was enough to keep me interested in a new series."
"Good book about a woman cop who comes back to her hometown as a cop now."
"Both Authors, Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, are new to me."
"Good short read."
"Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh have teamed up to write a series of books that take place in a small town called Solitude. Her father, Chief of Police, has recently died and she has wearied of living in the big city of LA ... and she's especially tired of all the dead bodies she's had to deal with in her position in the police department. But the day before she is actually on the payroll, her uncle Roy, now Chief of Police, calls her in .... a teenage has been found dead on the beach."
"This is the second in the series I have read and again rated it lower because of the use of foul language which is totally not necessary for the characters to be using the f word."
"This was a quick read but it was entertaining and the characters developed quickly."
"Can't wait to read the next in this series ."
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