5 comments about Moving the Chains: Tom Brady and the Pursuit of Everything.

1. One of the best sports writers ever, Charlie once again writes with precision and incredible depth using the spontaneous wit that earmarks his writng style. Whether you are a Patriots fan, a Brady wannabee, or a curious west-coaster, you will find this book difficult to put down. I bought copies for myself, my 89yo father-in-law, my 35 yo son, and my 11yo grandson...all were pleased with comments ranging from "a great sports biograpy' to "Yowzer awesome".
   In the pursuit for everything, Peirce wins.
   5 stars for sure



2. As an aside, the other good book that talks
   a lot about Tom Brady is Charlie Wies fine
   book, "No Excuses". Brady simply is the best
   QB of his generation in the NFL and not a
   Media creation like P. Manning, who will
   never be fit to carry out Braids garbage!
   
   I rate Brady as the seventh best QB in Pro
   Football history right now, behind only:
   John Elway, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Phil
   Simms, Warren Moon and Johnny Unitas. Fol-
   lowed by; Doug Flutie, Russ Jackson, Otto
   Graham, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach
   and Bob Griese. Flutie, Moon and especially
   the Canadian Jackson did their best work
   in the equally good CFL, which predates
   the NFL by 11 years. Messy somewhat in
   the writing style of the co-author, but
   Brady in his own words is very good. Who
   wants to bet when the smoke clears that
   Brady will NOT be the best QB ever? I
   wouldn't! Probably two more Super Bowls
   coming his way in '09 and 2010!



3. this book is not the typical football book in which details of football startegy are dissected and analyzed.Instead it deals with how Tom Brady developed as an QB thru high school,the trials and tribulations of his days at Michigan and finally his arrival to the NFL and his eventual taking over the reins of the Patriots and the rest is history.Its not an book I would recommend for anyone looking for pure football strategy its more of an comprehensive look at an young qbs development thru several different areas



4. I found this book to be very interesting and a must read for every No. 12 jersey wearing Patriots' fan! It tells about the rise of Tom Brady and how he came to become the legend that he is through his hard work and dedication. It went behind the scenes of just what he does on the playing field and went into his personal life which I thought was interesting. It's a must read for every Patriots fan. It goes quick and I'm sure it will be enjoyed.
   
   Gerard Zemek
   husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"



5. First, the book is easy to read, it is interesting, the author has a good humour. This is a good beginning for any newcomer to the world of NFL.
   
   The style is ok, there are some great stories of the players of Patriots, but the author handles the subject of the book as a person without any mistakes, someone on a par with Mother Theresa. Brady is a great player and a great man, but there are too many words on his greatness, his ability to play as a teammate.

1 comments about Graven Images: New England Stonecarving and its Symbols, 1650-1815.

1. Particularly striking are the many plates which provide a rare insight into the artistic notions of a culture that generally frowned on decoration. As a document on early American notions of form, the books holds its own with the best studies of architecture, pottery and antiques that I have seen.

2 comments about Stalking Death.

1. Thea Kozak is back, and as feisty as ever! In this newest installment of Kate Flora's Thea Kozak Mystery series, Thea is still working on the healing process. With her gentle giant, Andre, close by, she takes aim, literally, at her insecurities and puts the past where it belongs. Great symbolism. Thea might be down, but she's far from out. She's not invincible, so while she falters at times and loses her edge, she is pugnacious to a fault and never concedes defeat. Much like an old Timex timepiece, Thea "takes a licking and keeps on ticking." I absolutely love that about her!
   
   Thea is hoping to enjoy the rest of her weekend with her new hubby, Main State Police Detective Andre Lemieux, when she receives a call from Suzanne, her partner at EDGE Consulting. It seems there is a sticky situation at St. Matthew's, a private New Hampshire boarding school. A female student athlete has accused another student (who just happens to be the grandson of one of the school's most generous benefactors) of stalking - and the school is in dire need of help to defuse the situation. What Thea discovers is that the school really just wants her to rubber stamp her approval of a letter they hope to send out to the parents, basically accusing the female student of fabricating the entire story and thereby holding the school blameless.
   
   A very cursory investigation reveals that the school neglected to follow its own procedures for dealing with accusations, and those who could corroborate the accuser's story were no longer at the school and hadn't even been questioned. Thea smells a coverup and steals herself to sticking around for awhile to sort things out. The school, however, isn't interested in real answers and sends Thea packing. The rejection gnaws a bit on her self-confidence. Has she read the situation correctly or is she completely off base?
   
   When the accused is discovered on campus with the female athlete's older brother standing over his dead body, things at St. Matthew's really heat up, and the school once again calls EDGE Consulting to help avert a crisis. This creates a quandary for Thea. Should she ignore the role those in authority at the school appear to have played in this tragedy, or should she just do her best to cover their behinds no matter what? She is conflicted about just how much useful information she can impart to the police without serving up her clients on a silver platter. She decides that the most ethical course of action is for her to investigate on her own so that she won't be offering up little more than gossip and innuendo.
   
   Thea quickly learns that searching for the truth at St. Matthew's is an unhealthy proposition, and she becomes even more worried about the welfare of Shondra Jones, the 16-year-old accuser. She has no idea that the things she has uncovered thus far are only the tip of the iceberg, and that something far more sinister is festering just below the surface, putting her life, and the lives of those around her, in jeopardy.
   
   Ms. Flora has created palpable suspense and a heart-pounding denouement! The issue of stalking is timely and is handled quite well. I beseech the publisher to bring us the next Thea Kozak Mystery as quickly as possible - her adoring public awaits!
   
   Carol Ann Hopkins 5/24/2008



2. This book was a page-turner from the first chapter to the last line. I was sad to see the end of the book because I wanted more. This book was gritty and humorous and I loved this combination in a mystery book.

3 comments about Little Women (Great Illustrated Classics).

1. Louisa May Alcott wrote many books, but "Little Women" retains a special place in the heart of American literature. Her warmly realistic stories, sense of comedy and tragedy, and insights into human nature make the romance, humor and sweet stories of "Little Women" come alive.
   
   The four March girls -- practical Meg, rambunctious Jo, sweet Beth and childish artist Amy -- live in genteel poverty with their mother Marmee; their father is away in the Civil War. Despite having little money, the girls keep their spirits up with writing, gardening, homemade plays, and the occasional romp with wealthier pals. Their pal, "poor little rich boy" Laurie, joins in and becomes their adoptive brother, as the girls deal with Meg's first romance, Beth's life-threatening illness, and fears for their father's safety.
   
   The second half of the book opens with Meg's wedding (if not to the man of her dreams, then to the man she loves). Things rapidly go awry after the wedding, when Laurie admits his true feelings to Jo -- only to be rejected. Distraught, he leaves; Amy also leaves on a trip to Europe with a picky old relative. Despite the deterioration of Beth's health, Jo makes her way into a job as a governess, seeking to put her treasured writing into print -- and finds her destiny as well.
   
   There's a clearly autobiographical tone to "Little Women." Not surprising -- the March girls really are like the girls next door. Alcott wrote them with flaws and strengths, and their misadventures -- like Amy's embarrassing problem with her huge lobster -- have the feeling of authenticity. How much of it is real? A passage late in the book portrays Alcott -- in the form of Jo -- "scribbling" down the book itself, and getting it published because it feels so real and true.
   
   Sure, usually classics are hard to read. But "Little Women" is mainly daunting because of its length; the actual stories flow nicely and smoothly. Don't think it's just a book for teenage girls, either -- adults and boys can appreciate it as well. There's something for everyone: drama, romance, humor, sad and happy endings alike.
   
   Alcott's writing itself is nicely detailed. While certain items are no longer in common use (what IS a charabanc anyway?), Alcott's stories themselves seem very fresh and could easily be seen in a modern home. And as nauseating as "heartwarming" stories sometimes are, these definitely qualify. Sometimes, especially in the beginning, Alcott is a bit too preachy and hamhanded. But her touch becomes defter as she writes on.
   
   Jo is the quintessential tomboy, and the best character in the book: rough, gawky, fun-loving, impulsive, with a love of literature and a mouth that is slightly too big. Meg's love of luxury adds a flaw to the "perfect little homemaker" image, and Beth just avoids being shown as too saintly. Amy is an annoying little brat throughout much of the first half of the book, but by her teens she's almost as good as Jo.
   
   "Little Women" is one of those rare classic novels that is still relevant, funny, fresh and heartbreaking today. Louisa May Alcott's best-known novel is a magnificent achievement.



2. My nine-year-old daughter loves this book, but I just want people to be aware that this book is a "specially adapted version by Lucia Monfried." It has 238 pages of fairly large type with illustrations added. I just saw that another version of the book (most likely the original) has 464 pages! Just wanted you to be aware and purchase the book that's right for you.



3. I bought this book for my 10 year old daughter & she loves it. Fast shipping - so we didn't have to wait to long.

5 comments about Just Above a Whisper (Tucker Mills Trilogy, Book 2).

1. I am a great fan of Lori Wicks novels, this was another great contribution to my collection.
   
   Just above a whisper reminds us how God can be seen through all our lives, through all lives circumstances and how his plan is best. I really enjoyed this read and can't wait for the final book!



2. This book has its flaws, which have already been well mentioned in other reviews. It was very good at times and I would recommend reading it without reading the book "Moonlight on the Millpond" which is it's prequel. This book is not Lori Wick at her best but it was a nice story. Read her books: Californians, Kensington Chronicles, Sophie's Heart, and The Princess.



3. This book was really dreadfully boring it had a good plot and good story behind it but nothing more just plain boring i had to skim through pages to get throut it....



4. The book seemed somewhat unrealistic because of the overly exaggerated fear that the main character hads. She seems very weak and scared. I thought it could have been a much shorter book, because it was somewhat slow paced. I usually like Lori Wick books, but this was definitely not one of my favorites. It wasn't a bad book, but I suggest getting a library copy or a used copy from Amazon.



5. While I didn't utterly loathe this novel, I found little to recommend in it. I read the occasional Romance Novel for diversion, and they almost always disappoint on several levels. Since this one is in the "inspirational" genre, I was hoping for a nice romance with the entertainment value of a historical drama, some romantic tension, and no sleazy sex scenes. What I got was 1) no drama, 2) no tension, and no "sex" at all... not even a stolen kiss. Somebody please buy this author a copy of "What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew...", and then perhaps her ensuing endeavors will have even a smidgen of historical flavour. The characters walk around slinging 20th century slang like "hi", "hello", and "OK" (well, the last one appeared in 1838 in reference to Pres. Van Buren, "Old Knickerbocker", but it wasn't in common usage as an affirmative until WW1). The female lead is referred to as having her hair "down her back": what?! Is she five years old?! Is she a prostitute?! Believe it or not, this is supposed to be 1839, but I wouldn't have known without reading the blurb on the back of the book. At one point another female character, who is only a few months pregnant, asks her husband, "Am I starting to show?" Excuse me? This is '39, waistlines are only just starting to come down from just under the bustline and are still very high, surmounting voluminous skirts. Think Little Bo Peep: very Dickens. Unless she's a "loose woman", she should be wearing stays (a corset), too. She's not going to "show" until about month eight, at which point she just won't go out in public. But enough on the historical gaffes.
   
   Did I mention no sexual tension? Sorry, but I call "no way". I'm a Christian, Bible thumping believer myself, but I still have hormones. I don't care how chaste a person is, he or she is still going to have some serious "feelings" when meeting the significant other of their dreams. I'm glad the leads didn't jump on each other ten minutes after meeting, but does it have to be such a yawn festival? Does the author think nobody had "the hots" in the 19th century?The leads are so tortuously boring that there isn't even a kiss of any kind until after the wedding! Look, people "made out" in the 19th century, ok? It was done in private (unlike today), but people is people.
   
   Perhaps the author thinks that it's "Christians" or "Believers" (as she terms us) who are free from sexual temptation. You'd think so, judging from the pompous, stuffed-shirt goody-two-shoes Christians populating this story. We can't go more than a page or so without the entire transcript of somebody's heartfelt prayer or sermonizing to either a fellow believer or seeker. Only a few pages into the first chapter, I was already irritated with the over preachyness of the writing. It's like reading a novelization of a Chick tract, complete with 20th century "Church speak" guaranteed to befuddle or exasperate anybody outside the "Christian ghetto". Which begs the question of the target audience for this book. If it's for believers, why all the preaching and salvation messages? If it's for a wider audience, with the hope of presenting the gospel to random readers, the Evangelistic jargon needs to be revised and explained. When somebody says "I'm saved by the blood!" it probably sounds like a Vampire moment to the uninitiated.
   
   A few years ago I read an outstanding "Christian" romance (sort of) named "Pascal's Wager". I highly recommend it and would read anything by that author. Lori Wick can't hold a candle to it (pun intended).

No comments about The Macrolichens of New England (Memoirs of The New York Botanical Garden, Volume 96).

1 comments about Sarah's Long Walk: The Free Blacks of Boston and How Their Struggle for Equality Changed America.

1. Sarah's Long Walk is a very well-researched historical view of a fascinating time in Boston history. As a native of Boston, I quickly became aware of how much I DON'T know about this side of Boston history as I read the book. It was a rare treat to be educated by the history and entertained by the well-recounted stories. I highly recommend the book!

No comments about AMC's Best Day Hikes in Connecticut: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails from the Highlands to the Coastal Lowlands.

1 comments about A Little Princess (All Aboard Reading).

1. This was my 1st grade daughter's first "Level 3" book. Although the story was somewhat different from the wonderful film, she loved it. The reading level was just right - not too hard, not too easy. And what a relief for her to break out from reading simple books with silly characters, silly plots, etc. Highly recommended.

4 comments about Moon Coastal Maine (Moon Handbooks).

1. After spending last summer in southern Maine, I was delighted to see this book. It provides information such as travel strategies and touring itineraries. The author lives on the mid-coast, but grew up around Portland.
   You know the format for these handbooks means you get solid information on an area. I'm looking forward to another summer in Maine where I'll see so much more with this handbook to guide me.



2. The Monn Handbook Coastal Maine was invaluable in planning and during our Sept. trip to ME. We used the info to make reservations at motels and restaurants and we were never dissapointed. It also included excellent craft shop recommendations and places to see that were really off the beaten path. I would recommend this guide book for anyone planning a trip to ME.



3. Don't even think about planning a trip to Maine without first reading the Moon's Handbook Coastal Maine. It is the best travel guide. The author offers lots of great information.



4. MOON HANDBOOKS COASTAL MAINE is yet another great book about the Maine Coast, with plenty of information about great shopping, dining, and recreational activities to help you look great for your significant other and/or your favorite celebrity. However, there is a flaw- the failure in the section on the Portland area to mention either any independent music stores (Bull Moose Music) or the Maine Mall. Overall, however, this is a wonderful book that anyone with geographical interests will love.