text
stringlengths 149
7.21M
| dataset
stringclasses 39
values |
|---|---|
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Crimson Hair Studio; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: I did my hair with Emily and it was horrible... It was just horrible.. The color wasn't right, and she was emphasizing that my hair was dark so she couldn't get it lighter AFTER SHE WAS FINISHED. She did this super weird orange color on me. I have showed her pics about what I want, if she couldn't do it on dark hair, she should inform me BEFORE she started. She told me to "trust her" and blame everything on me later. My requirement was simple, just to make it looks normal and they refused. They asked me to pay more if I want to get it done. Well, guys, trust me. They will tell you how good they are and once they put color on your hair, it's gonna be a sad story. Don't go to this place. The receptionist was EXTREMELY rude. You can go to this place if you want to pay them to ruin your hair and endure their rudeness in the meantime ..; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ai Ramen; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Obviously the staff here doesn't know how to cook. They overdone my ramen and it taste like... I don't even know how to describe it. It was disgusting. Plus the attitude was horrible. I asked for a cup of water and the staff there refused because "they sell water." Wtf? What kind of store doesn't give people just a cup of water? Not even mention that I'm a purchased customers. Ridiculous!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Jean Madeline Aveda Institute Salon; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: It's really cheap, and the environment was good. The skill was not so bad, but too bad that they don't do things like ombre, bleach, etc. Hope they can do more; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Century 21 Department Store; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Shittest customer service ever, staffs don't know what they are doing, dumb as shit. Would never pick up the phone. Plus dirtiest toilet in Philadelphia. Super Gross. So many defective products. They are selling worthless shit. Is there a -10000 stars?; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rice & Mix; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: this place taste good. My favorite is kimchi pancake, galbi stew and bibimbap. Everything is good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Parc; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: The restaurant itself is chic, but not fancy and luxury. The food is like meh. Does NOT worth the price at all, and $$ is like the maximum you should charge; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Dandelion; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: This blonde server had awful attitude and the food taste shitty. NEVER COMING BACK EVER.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Webb Cam; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: This place is just completely a rip-off, DO NOT GO THERE! Everything they sell is at least 30% more expensive than B&H, like the ilford darkroom paper, they sell it for $40 while others only sell $27. WTF??? And there's no return so once you realize you got tricked and paid something extremely overpriced but can't bring it back. Sorry, but I can see you closing soon; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: P S & Co; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: When I walked in there was like no customers and staffs were chatting over the counter. They had this snobby arrogant attitude which Was so annoying. The juice here is obviously overpriced - almost $15 for a bottle of juice and you don't get to keep the glass bottle. Any organic cold-pressed juice on the market is like under 10 and taste way better than this place. Plus the place and that glass bottle was so dirty that I can see the stains on the bottle.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Jean Madeline Aveda Institute Salon; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: I had service by this woman called Madisonc C, and she was so rude and she almost made me cry. It was fine at the beginning when coloring my hair, later on when it gets to hair cut, she just doesn't know how to deal with my hair bang. She got so impatient and upset and she gave me a crazy looking bang and she said "this is as good as it gets." I was being really nice I told her that this doesn't look good and I want to speak with an instructor if she doesn't know how to do it. She rolled her eyes and finally grabbed another lady who was telling her to do this and that and walked away. So I ended up with this student again who grabbed water bottle and sprayed all over my face to wet my hair bang. I was just trying to wipe my face and at that point I already wanted to cry very badly. Then she throws a towel that she used to wipe the table at me and tell me to use that to wipe my face.. Then she grabbed hair spray and sprayed that all over my forehead and it even came to my eyes. Plus, she poked my eyelid with her sharp nails, putting super hot heat on me for like minutes when I actually said ouch, no apologies at all. Those were absofuckinglutely assaults and she really should get arrested for that. This business is really not for you, trying to blame customers for your incompetence and even attack them for it? Shame on you.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hai Street Kitchen & Co; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: This place is so desperate. NEVER COMING BACK. I used to pay $10 to get the same stuff that now I have to spend $16,not even as good as before. You used to get four choice of veggies, now only 3. You used to get free extra rice, now you pay $1.75 more. You used to get student and military discount, also collecting stars for free burritos, no such thing now. Those are already upsetting enough but I just realized they even cut the amount of protein, now you have to pay $2.5 for extra protein to get the same amount that you used to get in regular portion. What the heck??? Just keep raising you price, and lower your quality, you are one step close to closing; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Buffalo Exchange; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: I came here couple times and got couple hundred bucks. They took most of my stuff from free people, UO, and topshop. Still, I think it really depends on the buyer and their mood. Sometimes I run into rude assholes who just have an attitude and wouldn't take anything or give me $3 for a winter wool jacket lmao. Once they paid me $10 for a very new boots that I paid $200 for... And another time they paid $13 for a cardigan which is $450 retail price. I guess it's better than nothing since Im not wearing them anymore...?; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shiroi Hana; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: As i walked I to this place, no one greeted me. A server was chasing a customer about not tipping her enough (15%). Ok I don't know how feel about that, so I left without dining; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Ok, this place taste ok, I'll admit that. But I'd never come back because the environment is disgusting, especially the bathroom. It's totally gross and the faucet is broken. Plus this place's price ain't cheap, it's just same as other restaurants that have much better environment. Period.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Very rude staff. No greeting, water arrived in like 10 minutes, did not get refill after emptying my cup, no thank you when handing me the receipt. The food is just ok, the environment is nice tbh. But I don't like rude servers. :); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Muriel's Jackson Square; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Great environment, great location, great service and food!!! I highly recommend blackened Mississippi catfish. Overall it was an excellent experience, and I'd return for sure!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Commander's Palace; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: I'm a picky person, but this place is amazing! Our Parisian server was very polite. Extremely friendly and caring yet knows his place, unlike some servers who would tap your shoulder and call you babe or acting snobby / condescending. The servers here actually notice smallest details like how many ice cubes are in your cup. The food was great too! I highly recommend turtle soup.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Conrad Miami; City: Miami Florida; Review: Nice hotel. We had a suite which was very comfortable with a great view. Staff is excellent and polite. Restaurants and bars were excellent as well. Parking is expensive, we were instructed to self park and told it was less expensive and it was at least the same as the valet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Residence; City: Franschhoek Western Cape; Review: This is our second visit to La Residence, we were so spoiled last year we returned for another visit. We were warmly greeted by staff with a glass of the residential Rosé, crisp and dry. Our bags were prompt;y delivered to our beautifully appointed room. All of the rooms are different with interesting decor and furnishings. Complimentary wine, coffee, snacks, tea, water etc in a wet bar as you enter with more spirits and wine than you can drink in one stay. A large bowl of fresh fruit is replenished daily and we received a split of Graham Beck Brut upon arrival. The bathroom is very larger with a claw foot tub and separate shower. The floors are equipped with radiant heat and there are large doors that open to a balcony overlooking the vineyards. The beds are comfortable and have high thread count linens. Turn down service includes, chocolates, filtered water at the bedside with candles scattered about the rooms. Hot water bottles are placed inside the bed to warm it up on cool nights. The staff anticipates your every need and is very happy to make any bookings for you. They have a complimentary car service to drive you anywhere in the town. No need for the wine train here! Edward the general manager has a great staff and although no present for our stay this year, Werner and Wes have been more than accommodating during our visit. Laundry is complimentary as well and arrives in a lovely basket covered with an organza wrap and a ribbon. Breakfast is also a treat with a cold buffet and hot breakfast of your choice. The staff is amazing and attentive. We will consider this our "home" whenever we visit Franschhoek!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection; City: Johannesburg Greater Johannesburg; Review: this is my third stay at this hotel and I would definitely recommend it! Now that Protea has merged with Marriott you earn points with Marriott as well. The staff is excellent, very welcoming and accommodating. The hotel itself is beautiful and it has a great bar and a magnificent breakfast/brunch. The location is perfect, come to many restaurants and the area is quite safe. If you need a place in Joburg, you will not be disappointed. I have another weekend booked for next weekend for a transit stay!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Victoria Falls Hotel; City: Victoria Falls Matabeleland North Province; Review: We definitely wanted to check out this hotel on a recent visit to the falls. Just a 1km walk to the park, this Old colonial hotel established 104 years ago is a classic. The hotel staff are well trained and accommodating to any and all of your needs. The grounds are lovely and a walk through the halls is a walk back in time. Zimbabwe uses USD for currency so not problems with currency, but expect to pay American dollar rates for everything. You will not be getting the benefit of the exchange rate as in South Africa. The buffet dinner is nice and food is tasty, lots of variety, but a little like a Disney Hotel. Rooms are nicely appointed and internet access is the best we encountered in all of Southern Africa (including big cities like Cape Town and Joburg). Apparently there was a techie convention here not so long ago and they were hooked up! Breakfast is also a buffet with a great variety of fruits, vegetables, omelets, cheese etc. Wild Horizons does most of the excursions and does a great job with transfers and activities; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bimini Big Game Club Resort Marina; City: Alice Town Bimini Out Islands Bahamas; Review: I just returned from a diving trip with Epic Diving in Bimini, Bahamas. Some weather issues, but no fault of the diving company or the hotel. The rooms are clean, beds comfortable, decent wifi and channel selection on the television. Nice pool area thought a bit cool to enjoy it. Shark friendly, no fished sharks allowed on the deck at Marina and there are several diving operations who offer shark diving. We were able to view many great hammerheads on our trip. Service in the restaurant is slow, but food is good, but not a lot of variety. Many fried dishes, lacking many healthy options.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Island House; City: Nassau New Providence Island Bahamas; Review: I attended and event at The Island House several months before and decided to stay overnight on this trip. It is a short drive from the airport in the business district. That being said there are quite a few low flying flights on landing approach overhead, but not disturbing. We were warmly welcomed by a young gentleman at the door and by Kiera at the front desk. Although we arrived early, our room was ready, the room was elegantly and tastefully appointed with a king sized bed, flat screen tv,lovely balcony overlooking the grounds, beautiful bathroom and amenities. We enjoyed brunch at Shima and dinner at Mahogany house that night. There is a very well equipped gym with state oft he art equipment. There is also a studio for yoga, barre, class and aerial yoga. Unfortunately we arrived after the classes were done, as they are offered in the morning. They have a cinema on site for movies and a beautiful pool. The coffee bar offers delicious coffee varieties as well as pastries, cocktails and sandwiches for a quick lunch, snack or tea. I recommend it, especially if you need to get away from Cable Beach or Paradise Island. The beach is not immediately accessible from the property but a short distance away.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marriott Plaza San Antonio; City: San Antonio Texas; Review: This is a lovely hotel with a historic building on site with lovely peacocks to greet you at the window for breakfast. The location is close to historic sites and next to La Villita which is a square with galleries,shops and occasional live entertainment. It is a short walk to the riverfront. Parking is expensive $30 for valet and $25 for self parking. The staff is lovely and helpful and there are coolers of infused water as you enter the building. The decor resembles that of a hacienda, the gardens are beautiful and grounds are relaxing and comfortable; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Casa de Hacienda La Jimenita; City: Pifo Quito Pichincha Province; Review: Lovely place conveniently located about 20 minutes from Quito airport. The property has 2 friendly French bulldogs Maya and Faris who al greet you upon arrival. The numerous species of hummingbirds frequent the porch. There are hiking paths around the property with llamas and local flora and fauna. The staff can arrange excursions for guests to the many sights around Quito. The rooms are large and the beds comfortable. Breakfast is included and the kitchen will stay open for late meals if needed with prior notification. Great for couples and families; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kigali Marriott Hotel; City: Kigali Kigali Province; Review: Great brand new hotel in Kigali with the great Marriott service you come to expect and love. The city is unbelievably clean, taxi was inspected on the way in. As a gold member we were upgraded to a lovely suite with a sitting room and half bath. The staff is friendly and accommodating. There is a great outdoor patio for drinks, appetizers and meals. The hotel is very environmentally conscious, plastic bags are forbidden in Rwanda so be sure to pack a reusable tote. You cannot even bring the duty free plastic bags into the country! I definitely recommend this hotel!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Driftless; Author: Visit Amazon's David Rhodes Page; Review: I'm about midway through and thoroughly enjoying how Rhodes can let the reader into the minds of these Western Wisconsinites, religious and athiests alike. His depiction of the Amish is a bit irreverent (and kinda hilarious), yet likely based loosely on real life experiences. His depiction of the cold, incompetent DATCP folk shows agency bureaucracy at its worst, and is probably something struggling farmers and folks dealing with factory farms will find eerily resonant. As others have mentioned, this book was either never proofread, or the proofreader should be fired, and that's the only reason I docked a star from this otherwise charming tome.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Suzuki Violin School, Vol 2: Violin Part, Book & CD; Author: Visit Amazon's Shinichi Suzuki Page; Review: Great deal, fast shipping on instructional book for my son's violin lessons.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Winsome Murder; Author: Visit Amazon's James DeVita Page; Review: Winsome murder was a fast read, and a gripping mystery, but too many coincidences and oversimplified Wisconsin stereotypes to give the reader a sense of plausibility.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music; Author: Margarita Engle; Review: I just borrowed this book through the Overdrive app, but may need to purchase it, as my daughter requests that I read this unique gem of a children's book to her every night. The text is beautifully written, the message is positive and hopeful for all little girls seeking equality, and the illustrations are high quality and bursting with color. Bonus that it's based on a true story too, so a good source of approachable historical education.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bird; Author: Visit Amazon's Crystal Chan Page; Review: Amazing, powerful coming of age story about a girl, her brother (bird, who passed away when he was five on the day she was born), her mysterious new friend, and her grandfather. Beautifully written, suspenseful story with powerful messages about parenting, adoption, race, and allowing kids to develop their own dreams and identities. Great factoids about geology and astronomy too (it's always good to see science weaved into a story in a non-contrived, factually accurate way).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Book of Unknown Americans; Author: Visit Amazon's Cristina Henrquez Page; Review: This book did a good job of descrbing the challenges that come with immigration, from language barriers to economic issues (it was set during the post 2008 economic crash) as well as the close friendships and dreams of hispanic Americans from diverse, unique areas of the world, from Mexico to Central and South America. Some of the writing could have been stronger, as I felt some parts lacked plausibility and detail (Maribel's statements and actions don't always match her injury; it's hard to believe Major remembers 9/11, given that its at least 2010, and he is 15; and how the ending plays out seems tragically coincidental) but overall it was still a worthwhile read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wave; Author: Visit Amazon's Sonali Deraniyagala Page; Review: A woman goes to Yala, Sri Lanka for the Christmas holidays with her husband Steve, her sons Vik and Mali, and her mother and father, where they get a hotel room right on the ocean. She is from Sri Lanka and her husband is from England, where they met in college while studying economics. Suddenly, a huge, 30 foot tidal wave comes toward the hotel and she tries to gather up her family, except she doesn't have time to knock on her parents' door, as they are in the next room. They try to escape in a Jeep but it tips over, separating her from her family as the huge wave levels the hotel, the adjacent forest, and everything around them. She is somehow able to grab a tree branch and survives. But her two sons, her husband, and her parents all die. Devastated from the tragedy of their sudden loss, she is in shock for a time, and won't leave her bed, and takes leave from her work as an economics professor. Later she becomes angry when her brother cleans out and rents her parents' home in Colombo to a Dutch family. She drinks too much and prank calls them and bangs on the gates of the property to get them to move out. Eventually she comes to accept the horrific, sudden loss and she uses the book to describe in detail their happy lives pre-tsunami, from the food they ate, to the vacations they took to the friends they spent time with. She gets a job as a professor at Columbia University in New York, and when the anniversary of the wave and family birthdays come, she chooses to remember them alone, so she can keep their memories alive. This is a powerful, emotional tale, but it's not depressing and sad throughout. It reminds you to be grateful for what you have, and to know that it can all be gone in a split second.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: MTech USA MT-113 Rescue Team Fixed Blade Survival Knife, Black Straight Edge Tanto Blade, Black Handle, 10-1/2-Inch Overall; Brand: MTECH USA; Review: CONS: Cheap plastic on the handle, thick blade, bad balance. Of course, I didn't expect super design and super quality as from my SOG for 100 bucks, but designers really missed something. Probably they tried to compensate bad steel with the thickness of the blade, but this really ruined the main idea of this knife. Also painting is not so durable. PROS: Construction of the knife is wise, probably copied from some other knife. I'm not sure that this knife can be broken. Very strong construction BOTTOMLINE: Forget about using this knife to cut products in a travel or like "military", blade is soooo sick. But if you need to cut the rope or open locked car door in case of emergency - this tool is for you.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: MTECH USA MT-225 Fixed Blade Knife 11.5-Inch Overall; Brand: MTECH USA; Review: Handle is too big and heavy as for me, even for me, because I have big hands. I've used big military combat knives and they was more comfortable. But in general it's ok.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Kettlebell Weight; Brand: CAP Barbell; Review: That's is really good kettlebell. - painting looks solid and durable - painting is grainy what is exactly what you need to hold it properly No cons so far. Really like it and bought second one. The only design flaw of all US kettle bells it's a ball size. exUSSR and french kettlebells, for example, much bigger (they are empty inside) and this is why they are much more comfortable. So you have to buy protection to your wrists.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bluesky Dream Motorcycle Riding Glasses Sunglasses Global Vision Goggles for Outdoor Activity Sports; Brand: ; Review: Before you'll spend time on my review I'd like to say that this unit was sent to me for testing by the seller with significant discount. I've tried to be unbiased, but please trust testing results and make your decision on your own See photos for details, PROS - well-made from soft plastic - a bit dark, so it's for bright sun - comfortable CONS - minor rainbow on the glass, but only if you'll look for it So I found no issues and have to set 5 stars, will use them while driving.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Himal 1 PCS Folding Collapsible Travel Hiking Walking Stick Trekking Pole with EVA Foam Handle; Brand: ; Review: Before you'll spend time on my review I'd like to say that this unit was sent to me for testing by the seller with significant discount. I've tried to be unbiased, but please trust testing results and make your decision on your own I didn't used it seriously yet, but this stick is lightweight, well-made and easy to assemble-disassemble. It folds to 3 sections and length can be easily adjusted. When it assembled, it looks very solid and reliable. So if it will survive for some time, I'll by few more for the full price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Becko Manual Open & Close Umbrella Long Umbrella with 24 Ribs, Durable and Strong Enough for The Wind and; Brand: Becko; Review: Before you'll spend time on my review I'd like to say that this unit was sent to me for testing by the seller with significant discount. I've tried to be unbiased, but please trust testing results and make your decision on your own. Quality see on photos. Good enough, not best, but good. Looks good. IMHO for this price perfect. The only concern is a plastic spokes and how they attached (see photos). The whole construction is soft and IMHO will not survive too long in case of wind. IMHO will be broken in the same time as umbrellas with 8-10 metallic spokes. Also I can notice some glitches with the lock. It's plastic (see photos), so you need to press it hardly to lock and unlock, nevertheless, it's minor issue.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: #1 Sports Towel: BEST Quick Dry Microfiber Travel Towel on Amazon! Perfect Gym, Camping, Golf and Yoga Towel!; Brand: Buddy Travel Bags; Review: Before you'll spend time on my review I'd like to say that this unit was sent to me for testing by the seller with significant discount. I've tried to be unbiased, but please trust testing results and make your decision on your own. I really like this towel. Quality is pretty good, survived washer without any issues. It's really small, when packed, but in fact it's big. Absorbs sweat perfectly, washed easily, very soft and handy. Nothing to say more, IMHO must have for a gym. Hate to wipe sweat with paper towels or usual big towels. This one is awesome; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lion Gears BM05S Hunting Club/Shooters Club/Bear Hunt/Wild Hunter BridgeMount Rail, Black; Brand: Lion Gears; Review: Okay, this is a junk which can not be used. Holes are off-center. Screws are too small to fit the angled mount they declared to be compatible (assemble your rail system) See photos.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Anne Klein Women's Three-Pair Pack Wide-Stripe Crew Socks; Brand: ; Review: Convenient purchase and good buy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: K. Bell Socks Women's Striped Three-Pack Crew Socks; Brand: ; Review: Good deal, got 2 I liked so much.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: adidas Originals Men's Seeley Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: My nephew loves these sneakers! He is a skater and so far they are holding up well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: This Well Defend 2nd Amendment Brand - Seal of 1791; Brand: ; Review: Son loves this t-shirt as he is very much an advocate of his constitutional right to bear arms.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fifth Sun Grumpy Cat Say No Mens Navy Heather T-Shirt; Brand: Fifth Sun; Review: Gave this to my son and he loves it! Grumpy cat to cool!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Women's Bamboo Viscose Nightgown - Luxury Sleepwear Texere (Romanciful); Brand: TexereSilk; Review: Very comfortable pajama. Feels good next to my skin.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Leyte Park Resort Hotel; City: Tacloban Leyte Province Leyte Island Visayas; Review: Seems cheap enough by US standards for an old Motel 6 but this is booked as a resort! Bring your own food - we waited 3 hours get chicken wings! Bring your drinks! The little refrigerator works but that is about all. It is almost midnight and we are sitting here in the lounge waiting for our room to be cleaned! At least Linda is still singing! The ONE plus in thos whole place! (expect for the floating restaurant a short walk way - that place is GREAT! Excellent food and service!) Four requests to clean room with sign on door ... still waiting... and waiting... time for one more drink ... glad I brought my own bottle of wine!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Casino; City: Cebu City Cebu Island Visayas; Review: Rooms delightful. Breakfast - exquisite -- all fresh fruits and large variety of everything! Piano bar was charming! We picked a quiet pre-holiday weekend - super discounted rooms with no loss of quality or service! Casino! I lost - she won! Food was great everywhere we tried - french, japanese restaurant and the buffet in the Casino. Hotel is NOT in the middle of anything but fairly close to most anything with a long walk or a short cab ride. Went to the mall - found a dentist and got two new crowns in 24 hours! It paid for the trip! Winner winner winner!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Alejandro; City: Tacloban Leyte Province Leyte Island Visayas; Review: The TV sucked!.....BUZZZZZ .... but otherwise everything was great! Good attentive service, happy waiters and waitresses, great food and close to just about anything you wanted in the downtown area. Good facilities for meetings and special events on 2nd floor and rooftop! WiFi was only in the lobby but it was solid signal - good enough for Skype to anywhere! Go to Lions Den for snacks or lunch and drinks. Go to Leyte Park for Linda! but stay at the Alejandro for good food and sleeping! They are at the top of MY list for places to stay on my next trip!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Orchard Cebu Hotel Suites; City: Mandaue Cebu Island Visayas; Review: new hotel with still a little construction going on. A new business shopping center close by is about a year away from completion. A couple of other high end hotels also nearing completion in the area. Cabs and jeepney up and down the street all the time.. short rides to Park Mall, SM Mall and SuperCat/SuperFerry. Cute little sort of Austrian cafe inthe lobby...good selection of imported beer was a great add-on to the free, 7 choice breakfast. All of the staff seemed freindly and helpful. Did a day trip to Bohol - well worth it booked through SuperCat ... hasslefree except trying to get a cab in heavy rain and finding a road that wasn't flooded ...but can't blame that on the hotel! WifFi everywhere... a bit intermittent but can't blame that on the hotel either... all Internet in the Philippines seems to be a little intermittent - kind of like most hot water supplies.....we stayed 8 days - mostly because we booked online with a prepay no-refund - good value! so what was wrong? I think when they ordered the beds, they only ordered box springs, no mattreses. We tried two different room. beds the same. Sleeping on the floor might have been softer! Big plus was Starburst Chicken restaurant next door with good food! Jolibee, Mercury Drug, Goldfinger nightclub and Kaona restaurant are a short walk away and everthting else was a short taxi ride. NOT much to do in Mandaue ... but if you brign your own air of memory foam mattress, the Orchard is a good deal! If they invest in comfortable beds, they will be competitive with the higher end hotels opening up near by.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leyte Park Resort Hotel; City: Tacloban Leyte Province Leyte Island Visayas; Review: Stayed here four or five times in the last 2-3 years! Most of the staff from the front desk to the laundry room all seem pleasant, friendly and even helpful! Previously we just stayed in various standard rooms for a few days up to a week. This trip we are staying in a cute little studio apartelle with bunkbeds big enough to hold two adults on the lower level if you are friendly enough! Room is cheap enough - about 16,000php ($350USD) per month plus we pay our own electric and water bill. Cable tv, assortment of electric appliances to cook with and a nice sized refrigerator and good aircon! Shower is great even if only cold water! Still same maid service just like regular hotel. Easy walk to Pier Tres (previously San Pedro Bay) or Barko for breakfast lunch or dinner and lots of new clubs at the entrance for food and drnk. The Veranda Cafe still sucks - BUT we stumbled on one waiter Jom and one waitress Jen who actually provided good service! They must have worked at Jollibee before to learn how to treat customers because they certainly get no training here! Too bad. If it weren't for their room service deliveries and sweet Linda singing six nights a week this place would close and no one would notice or care! The rooms are slowly being upgraded and the grounds improved With the additional options for food and drink LPR is certainly worth investigating! If only they would put in one more access point to extend their wifi beyond the lobby I would give an even more positive review; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Music Motel; City: Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin; Review: Did a little vacation in the absolute middle of NON-tourist season late April ... 40s, rain, alone...almost! The lobby looks like Christmas all the time! The room was fine and the breakfast buffet really was a throwback to a 50s diner... only it was self serve! Tiney, cozy, comfy ... met one other guest in from Tennessee ... that southern drawl way up here in Wisconsin just made everything seem even more friendly! When we were leaving the fire department had closed down both ends of the street! I guess they were washing the street or cleaning the hydrants or something... that was the most exciting thing going on all week! It was a great place to relax and chill out -- not sure I would like it as much in dead summer or winter when all the crowds arrive... but for off-season the service was still great!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Boston Billerica Bedford; City: Billerica Massachusetts; Review: interesting how many places offer free a breakfast and you get exactly what you paid for!! here the breakfast option was $10.95 (read the fine print!!!) but it was all fresh fruit, eggs, omlette, bacon, waffle toast juice coffee, all you can eat and a real human to seat you and look for chocomilk for the two year old! on the whole a good and pleasant experience! the pool is just fine! kid and i spent so much time in water mommy was getting hungry and crabby. fun! A major off weekend so very quiet, unpopulated and a good deal - $100 instead of normal $180-$300! beds excellent! would i go back? if i can catch an off-season deal again you bet i would!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: UMass Lowell Inn Conference Center; City: Lowell Massachusetts; Review: we wiggled around tight corners following my brother-in-law to the "hotel" parking lot. i heard it used to be real hotel, then a dorm and now a partial dorm and hotel - hard to say school was out of session so very very quiet - in fact quite boring. room looked like plain vanila motel 6 - two beds, one desk with chair, one TV local broadcast channels only - nice selection of channels be because it is the Boston broadcast zone. first night ok. no food no restaurant oh well 2nd night returning from a fairly exhausting and fun wedding about 11pm and ready for sleep we found the room had mot been cleaned. i called front desk to clean or change to clean room - lots of vacancies, easy. oh well they finally found key to housekeeping - OK clean sheets and towels. ooops desk folks not allowed inside room - rules or union? so we ripped off linen and tossed in hallway and made our own beds. two year old says Camping! next morning they finally notice all the stuff in hallway. no breakfast except coffee and sweet roll. no lunch service. no dinner service at least nice walking along canal to find restaurants no pool. clubroom closed. no students being dumb or being intellectual. expect both in a college town :). got neither! :( walking downtown is ok and pretty. driving is NOT fun and not pretty would i come back? no way! i thought maybe it was run as a U Mass student project! nope they contracted third party to screw it up! a student project would have at least been interesting!; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk; City: Banner Elk North Carolina; Review: This is an old Holiday Inn where all the rooms open to the outside if that matters to you. However, the hotel is attractive, clean, and generally well kept with a nice pool area. Check-in was professional but not overly friendly. Breakfast was better than most Best Westerns or other chain hotel's free breakfast offerings. Rooms can be a little noisier if you are close to the pool (open till 10:00) but all have a micro range and a small fridge. We generally stay at Marriott or Hiltons if available but would stay here again when visiting beautiful Banner Elk.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City; City: Charlotte North Carolina; Review: A very nice downtown hotel with an easy check-in and a great friendly staff. Restaurant and bar in the hotel. Room was fine with a good bed, decent pillows, and plenty of towels. Easy walk to many restaurants, and Time Warner Arena. Fair price for Downtown.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clarion Hotel Airport Conference Center; City: Charlotte North Carolina; Review: We have stayed at this hotel several times over the last few years and have found it a clean and comfortable place to stay for the money. We attend several Charlotte Hornets games a year and find this hotel a great alternative to the weeknight HIGH prices of the downtown hotels. It is a short drive to the lite rail parking lot to catch a 15 minute no hassle ride to the downtown Coliseum for the game. Several decent restaurants are a short drive away from the hotel. Restaurant on site but have not eaten at it, so cant comment.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Econo Lodge Walterboro; City: Walterboro South Carolina; Review: You generally get what you pay for and this is an inexpensive motel. After reading the good reviews for this property we decided to give it a try on our way back from Florida . Yes, they have a lot of flowers on the property that are very pretty. Shows they care! The beds are decent. However, the quality of the renovations to our room were disappointing. Just don't look at anything to closely. We had a bottom floor room that we could here most every sound from above and next door. Someone took a shower about 4 in the morning and it sounded like they were in our room. The people were not loud, just thin walls and floors. We finally left earlier in the morning than we had intended. Breakfast is either continental at the hotel or they will give you a coupon for the Waffle house a block or so down the street. We choose the Waffle House coupon and received one egg, one piece of sausage, grits and toast. It was fine for us. Coffee, hash browns, etc. or extra. You can also get a waffle and sausage with the coupon. We would not stay again, but for the money many guests will be satisfied. I think management is doing its best for this older facility.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops; City: Fort Myers Florida; Review: We enjoyed our 3 night stay at the Crown Plaza. The room was comfortable and clean. The IHG member continental breakfast was somewhat lacking for us and we ended up eating the Buffett in the dinning room and it was pretty good for $12.95 PP. Eggs cooked to order. However, the Happy Hour snacks in the member lounge were good along with reasonable drink prices. Their restaurant Shoeless Joe’s also has a great happy hour with $3 G&T’s and other drink specials. The hotel location is great for walking to restaurants and shopping. It is also a short drive to attend the Twins spring training games. Nice pool area and the staff was helpful and friendly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marriott s Villas at Doral; City: Miami Florida; Review: We very much enjoyed our February stay but two things to remember if you book here in the foreseeable future. There is a huge construction project directly across the lake that is years from completion. There is noise from the large equipment moving about, some dust, and hammering/banging from the condo construction. The other issue is the plane traffic noise that is fairly continuous as you are close to the Miami airport. However, on the positive side we had a beautiful and warm February week. The staff is nice and the pool, grounds and fitness center are well cared for. We went to the Trump National pool one day as you may also enjoy their facilities and it was of course very nice. Bring your credit card or cash because you can’t sign for Food/drinks. The resort offers a great shuttle service with very nice drivers that will take you over to Trump and also the new area called Downtown Doral with several restaurants and some shopping. Our favorite restaurant was a Cuban named Las Vegas Cuban (don’t let the name fool you as it is a small South Florida chain that is pretty authentic and we really liked it). Our other favorite restaurant was Cooper Hawk Winery and Restaurants a one mile or so drive from the resort. We ate their twice and every thing we had was delicious. All the wines served are their own and the ones we had were nice. Samples provided free! They also have a lot of nice wine accessories in their gift shop. We also ate at BLT in the Trump National Hotel for our more pricey meal of the week It has a beautiful view of the golf course from the outside dinning. This is an expensive restaurant with the average steak price around $60 plus salad, sides, etc. It was a nice evening and the food was good but not great. We are Marriott Vacation Club owners that made the mistake of signing up for the points presentation. Our primary sales lady was nice enough but after turning her down they brought in a insulting closer that pretty much told us how stupid we were for not converting to points. It became extremely unpleasant, unnecessary and went well over the the 75 minutes we were told it would last. Shame on Marriott for hard selling 70+ year old MVC owners. Never again! We would definitely come back to this resort despite the noise, but don’t recommend the Marriott Vacation Club presentation no matter how much money or other perks they give you. It will probably ruin your morning or afternoon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Big Joe Fuf Foam Filled Bean Bag Chair, Blue Sky Comfort Suede, XXL; Brand: Big Joe; Review: Ripped first week, which was disappointing. It is huge and that's nice. The dogs have taken it over. Stuffed with different sized foam-like pieces and it constantly has static!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cook Pro 10-Inch Stainless Steel Mesh Colander; Brand: ExcelSteel; Review: Actually 7 1/4 inch wide at the top. It looks tiny. Believe I will return it and look for a similar 8.5" version, like one I already own.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: OXO Good Grips Bag Cinch (3 Pack) - Assorted Bright; Brand: OXO; Review: They don't fit well on many bags. Maybe I'm using them on items that are too large.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Epica Clear Cotton Ball and Swab Organizer; Brand: Epica; Review: Nice size -- not too big. Lids are a bit loose (or rim on lid doesn't sit deep in the container) but I like it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Glasslock 11292 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set; Brand: GlassLock; Review: Everyone in my family is having a hard time snapping these closed. It's so frustrating. Wish I could return them or at least understand if this is normal. I was hoping they'd loosen up but that has not happened.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Silicone Lids - Set of 4 Different Sizes - Bowl Cover - Microwave Food Cover; Brand: Easy Lid; Review: Trying to keep food from splattering in the microwave. Nervous about using plastic so opted for silicone. Wash up easily; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Better Life Sulfate Free Dish Soap, Tough on Grease & Gentle on Hands, Unscented, 22 Ounces, 2406H; Brand: Better Life; Review: Love other products by this company, but this dish gel doesn't cut through grease at all. Wish it did because I think it's a safer alt to regular dish soaps.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: bambu Large Undercut, Bamboo Cutting Board and Serving Board; Brand: bambu; Review: Very nice quality. Like the sustainability of bamboo and the thickness of this particular product. Would buy again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Accutire MS-4350B Setpoint Tire Gauge; Brand: Accutire; Review: After I read some comments, I decided to buy it and I also bought this O-Ring that everyone was talking about. When I received my TP Gauge there was already some king of rubber so I didn't have to use that O-Ring. Overall this is simply the best TP Gauge! Recommend to anyone without a doubt!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Amazing Drying Towel Size 27x17; Brand: SendMeSolutionsProducts; Review: Bought because of the comments. I put it in the bucket full of water for couple minutes and once tried to unfold it, it was tearing a part and pieces were falling off of it. Also hand were sticky for 5 minutes with the first use. It does the job great though but quality is bad. And it wasn't the same as on the picture. There was no type/text on it. And label was different. Had to return it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mann-Filter CUK 8430 Cabin Filter With Activated Charcoal for select BMW models; Brand: Mann Filter; Review: Works and fits perfect!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mann-Filter CUK 3139 Cabin Air Filter with Activated Charcoal; Brand: Mann Filter; Review: Dealership wanted over $200 to replace the micro filters on BMW e60. I bought these from Amazon and replaced them myself within 3 minutes. These are exactly the same ones that I had in my car. Same code and brand. I also used Mann Filter for e92. Very good deal! On the picture you can see the original dirty filter and the box from a new one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RaThun High Power Error Free H8 40W Cree LED Angel Eyes Halo Ring LED Headlights for BMW E60 E61 E63; Brand: RaThun; Review: One of the halo bulbs stopped working on my BMW 328i e92 coupe. That is when I decided to replace both sides with LED lights. I've been searching for days and finally decided to go with this one. I'm more than satisfied! It's very bright, pure white. The most impressive thing is the quality. It's superb! Hints: if your car is now new and you live is a sunny California, then be very careful when taking out and installing lights because original wires' cover will crack easily. Most likely even if you will be gentle. Prepare to tape it with a tape (3M COMPANY 6132-BA-100 Plastic Electrical Tape, is the best one). If you own the e92 coupe then you are lucky because there is no need to take off the wheel and covers to get to the bulb. Simply open a hood and pop a plastic cover on each side by the headlight. The hardest part is to put the bulb in. Make sure that the fat part goes in first and hold the tiny part with two fingers at the same time. After locating a hole, push it. At this point, the fat part of the bulb will be released because there is no room for more that one hand. The other option would be to make some hooks from a hanger or some sort of a hard yet flexible material.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: P.I. AUTO STORE Tire Pressure Gauge; Brand: P.I. AUTO STORE; Review: It looks very cheap but works fine. Could be $10 cheaper though.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: P.I. AUTO STORE - Tire Inflator 12V DC Air Compressor, Portable Electric Pump, Digital Pressure Gauge, New Improved; Brand: P.I. AUTO STORE; Review: It looks very cheap but works fine. Could be $10 cheaper though.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: P.I. AUTO STORE - Tire Inflator 12V DC Air Compressor, Portable Electric Pump, Digital Pressure Gauge, New Improved; Brand: P.I. AUTO STORE; Review: It looks very cheap but works fine. Could be $10 cheaper though.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Automotive |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Wave Men's Waterproof Water Shoes; Brand: The Wave Water Shoes; Review: For the price these are great!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wave Womens Water Shoes Aqua Socks Pool Beach; Brand: The Wave; Review: For the price these are perfect!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wave - Mens Aqua Shoe, Grey 37134-9D(M) US; Brand: The Wave; Review: For the price these are great!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ssyiz Women's Workout Long Sleeve Yoga Tops Open Back Top Thumb Hole Shirts; Brand: Ssyiz; Review: Really cute, I love this top.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Best walking/running shoes I have ever bought! SO very comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DREAM PAIRS OFFICE-02 Women's Classy Mary Jane Double Ankle Strap Almond Toe High Heel Pumps New; Brand: DREAM PAIRS; Review: Adorable shoes. Very comfortable. Fits as expected. I bought the gold pair.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pink Queen Women's Removable Strap Wrap Pad Cheeky High Waist Bikini Set Swimsuit; Brand: Pink Queen; Review: Perfect for girls with curves!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Magpul PMAG Impact Dust Cover (6-Pack); Brand: Magpul; Review: as advertised; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: South Bend Dough Bait Treble Hook; Brand: South Bend; Review: as advertised; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Osage River Tactical Shooting Gun Range Bag; Brand: Osage River; Review: as described; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Survivor Filter Collapsible Canteens (33oz) 2 Pack (2L Total) - Durable Carabiners and; Brand: Survivor Filter; Review: as described; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Samyo Night Fishing Rod Tip LED Red Light Clip with Bite Lure Alarm Twins Bells Ring Red; Brand: SAMYO; Review: as described; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Dawg Targets 250 Target Roll - Florescent 3" Inch Adhesive Shooting Target Stickers; Brand: Big Dawg Targets; Review: as described; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Osage River Tactical Shooting Gun Range Bag; Brand: Osage River; Review: as described; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Wayanad Gate; City: Lakkidi Wayanad District Kerala; Review: the wayanad gate is a good hotel and close to major tourist spots... the rooms are very good and spacious ... nice decent hotel .... but restaurant service is not good... very slow service and majority of the items in the menu are not available....need to improve the breakfast with more selection..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Greenwoods Resort; City: Thekkady Idukki District Kerala; Review: We have stayed in this hotel last year it was good and neat so we booked the room again this year with higher Room.But the Room was very smelly and the bed sheets and towels are so dirty.we booked for 2 nights because of the smell we are unable to sleep....; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mercure Maurepas Saint Quentin; City: Maurepas Yvelines Ile de France; Review: Hi This Hotel Rooms are ok. but staff was not good.The break fast was very bad i had in my life.Only cold break fast some cold eegs and crosants.they serve hot break fast for tour coach drivers and tour guides in a seperate room. I will never recomond this hotel for a family...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Accord Puducherry; City: Pondicherry Union Territory of Pondicherry; Review: Accord was very welcoming, the rooms were neat, clean and the bathroom was also Very good. No worries on the staff courtesy, they were quite good. With complimentary breakfast, gym, pool, car parking and a good comfortable stay, this is worth the cost. No regrets at all. All staff are down to earth and good service.Thanks a lot for Team Accord for making our stay very comfortable.and the general manager Mr.Ravindra Raju is concerned Every thing and doing his job Excellent...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Presidency; City: Ernakulam Kochi Cochin Ernakulam District Kerala; Review: I had a wonderful experience at The Presidency Hotel. The hotel had a great staff with great service. The location was ideal for shopping and sightseeing. rooms are really well arranged and Cosy Good Clean Room, Good Service & Reasonable Tariff.Every food u order is tasty. The Town Railways station is very close to the Hotel with trains to different directions available through out.Guest Service was excellent. Front office Team,Ms.Manisha, Mr.Sandeep &Mr. Kannan was very welcoming. Bell Captain,Mr.Baiju was very helpful.I have continuously stayed in this hotel 3 times.when ever i am in kochi i will not look for any other hotel than Presidency for the service and the price.. I strongly recommend this hotel ...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel da Rocha; City: Praia da Rocha Portimao Faro District Algarve; Review: Its nice and clean Hotel in front of the beach. Wifi is booming! Our room was very big, bed was huge, & a large bathroom. All cleaned each day. We stayed on the 6th floor, with a very good - full view of Praia beach, Reception staff Claudia was very polite and very helpful... food was very good and the restaurant staff was very polite and down to earth..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Raviz Calicut; City: Kozhikode Kozhikode District Kerala; Review: I have stayed here just for 4 hrs ..before flying to Manchester..The hotel rooms are very good...but bit disappointed with the words of surya..(reception Staff)..all other staff are very good and down to earth..not that welcoming while the guest Arrives..need to improve that...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rossmore Hotel; City: Ilford Greater London England; Review: We have booked this hotel for 2 nights..but it was terrible..we have seen the pictures in the website and booked it..But its entirely different from the picture..when we arrived the receptionist said we have another property and your room is there.and she took us to the place like house..it was a house converted to rooms..and the house was full of bad smell and we are unable to sleep.i have up loaded the pictures..its like cheating showing good side of the hotel and accommodating in a house..; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hindustan Beach Retreat; City: Varkala Thiruvananthapuram District Kerala; Review: I have stayed here for 5 nights during my varkalatrip.. Its nice hotel with spacious rooms and staff all are very polite except the restaurant staff...food is not that great..nice pool great location just in-front of the sea..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Ambasciatori; City: Mestre Veneto; Review: Actually we have booked in delfino hotel ..but they transferred to this hotel . to Stayed 2 nights on a city break and the main advantage was the fact that it was ideally situated for transit from Marco Polo airport and also into Venice. The hotel is comfortable and clean although a bit dated but The receptionist who handled us were charming and extremely helpful.There are plenty of snack bars nearby which serve coffee and breakfast items. and also good restaurants about 500 meters.. Certainly-but it is not luxurious..will stay here again...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The ND Hotel; City: Chandrapur Chandrapur District Maharashtra; Review: My 2 days visit to this hotel is very bad..They have rented the Marriage Hall..and there was a marriage function going on and it was very noisy and unable to sleep..the bed rooms are not clean ..and the bed sheets are dirty..food was good..staff was not that polite..; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Suprabha; City: Warangal Warangal Urban District Telangana; Review: I have planned in this hotel for 2 days but shortened to one day..The executive room was very good with clean bed sheets and towels..But the A/C was not working its nearly 46 degrees..i have told the manager..but they haven't done anything..Later on i came to know that they will shutdown the A/c during day time ..and just on in the nights..so its not a A/C Hotel..and aim unable to sleep...staff was not polite at all..; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ruby Pride Luxury Hotel; City: Secunderabad Hyderabad District Telangana; Review: The location is great...The staff all are very polite and good break fast..Rooms are very clean..room temperature is good..as the A/c is working properly..running hot and cold water..kettle ,Bed sheets are clean and comfort..; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Bay Horse Inn; City: Brandon Durham County Durham England; Review: We stayed at this pub several years ago, and the accommodation was clean and comfortable, and the food was delicious. On our return last week, the accommodation felt like an old people's home in terms of it's decor, and the bathroom was none too clean. The 'shelf' by the side of the bed was wobbly, rendering it useless. Outside of the bedrooms, the ground was littered with hundreds of cigarette ends. The loos in the pub were disgustingly dirty. Breakfast was undoubtedly the worst I've ever had. The 'restaurant' stank of grease, and the tables were adorned with salt and pepper pots with paper stickers informing guests of their contents. The serve yourself element was a joke - sachets of tea and coffee were offered, but the water wasn't boiling so the drinks were vile. The full English breakfast was stomach-churning and swimming in grease - the black pudding didn't seem to have been cooked at all. Lunch service was equally bad, with the food swimming in grease and some very strange combinations on offer - I'm no Michelin starred chef, but I wouldn't consider fish, chips and mushy peas and salad to be a suitable combination. Service was slow, and the staff didn't seem to know what they were doing. We'd booked for 2 nights, and were delighted to be leaving after the first night. I wouldn't dream of frequenting this establishment again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Village Hotel Chester St David s; City: Ewloe Flintshire North Wales Wales; Review: We had a very pleasant stay at this hotel, and would have no hesitation in staying there again. The hotel was very well appointed, clean and comfortable, and the staff were very friendly, polite and helpful. The food was also of a high standard. This hotel offers great value for money.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel; City: Manchester Greater Manchester England; Review: On arrival at the hotel, it took us 40 minutes to check in, the queue was so long. It transpires that the management knew the hotel would be very busy for the two days of our stay, as they had brought the end of breakfast service and check-out times forward by one hour on the first morning of our stay. Why, then, did they not employ enough reception staff? The room was generally of a good standard, though the bed was not too comfortable, and the range of TV channels was very limited. Sound-proofing was little or non-existant, and we could clearly hear the telephone conversations of guests in the next room. The bathroom needed a little updating. There was no wi-fi, and the internet access was unreliable, though it cost £11.99 per 24 hours. Breakfast on our last morning was really chaotic as a result of the entrance to the restaurant being used by a very well attended conference - their delegates (and they were quite numerous) were being served hot drinks and bacon sandwiches in the guests' access to the restaurant. The sheer number of people present made for an uncomfortable experience for guests and delegates alike. The service in the restaurant that morning was very poor, and the insufficient number of staff were stretched beyond their capabilities. When returning to our car on check out, having paid £15 per night for parking, we found our car was blocked in by a member of staff. We had to report this at reception and wait for said member of staff to move her car. Apparently this 'backed-up parking' is common practice, which I find astonishing. It seems ludicrous for guests to have to wait to leave the car park and for staff to leave their duties to move cars. We chose this hotel for our stay, as we have always been satisfied with the higher end Accor hotels, but would not visit this hotel again, without assurance that the management makes better planning decisions.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lakeview Manor; City: Honiton Devon England; Review: This hotel is in a beautiful setting in a lovely part of the country, and the breakfast was very good. However, the room was cramped, dated and in need of a serious revamp. Given the setting, the views of rooftops from our room was disappointing, to say the least. There were no chairs in the bedroom at all, so we had to sit on the bed to watch the television which was ancient. The bathroom was very basic and had no shower facilities at all, making hair washing very difficult. We were booked in for two nights, but couldn't face spending a second night there, and left after the first night.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Macdonald Manchester Hotel Spa; City: Manchester Greater Manchester England; Review: Our room was very spacious, clean and comfortable, though the shower needed some attention. The sound-proofing is very efficient, and the facilities are excellent. The location is perfect for all the city centre amenities.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Occidental Lanzarote Mar; City: Costa Teguise Lanzarote Canary Islands; Review: This is a lovely resort hotel, with clean, spacious rooms, though there was corrosion around the tap in our bathroom, and the bed linen was never changed during the week of our stay. There are no irons provided in the rooms, nor are they available at reception, which is surely unusual for a 4 star hotel. The reception was insufficiently staffed given the size of the hotel. The food was generally of a mediocre quality, and was often tepid. The dining experience was akin to that of the school dining hall. On the whole, the staff were helpful and friendly, though many were rushed. The only bar open during the day was by the pool, in the open air. While there was a covered area, access to it, as with all bars and the restaurant, was not undercover. The only soft drinks accessible without going outdoors were from a vending machine, though most guests were on an all-inclusive package.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ibis Boulogne sur Mer Centre Cathedrale; City: Boulogne sur Mer Pas de Calais Hauts de France; Review: We've stayed at this hotel several times, mainly for its location. It's very handy for the Old Town, where there are good restaurants. The hotel is fairly basic, and the rooms are quite small, but fairly comfortable. The staff are always polite and helpful.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel Spa; City: Bristol England; Review: This is the first time I have visited this hotel, and would definitely make a return visit should I find myself in Bristol. The hotel is clean, comfortable and well appointed, and the staff couldn't be more helpful. The breakfast was excellent. The only downside is that the car park is fairly small, and spaces may be at a premium should the hotel be full.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Campanile Chartres; City: Chartres Eure et Loir Centre Val de Loire; Review: If you're in the area, I would highly recommend this budget hotel for an overnight stay. The staff on reception and in the restaurant were very professional, respectful, helpful and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for them to ensure our stay was pleasant, on a very hot Saturday. We'd booked a half-board package, and the menu choice was excellent. The food was well cooked and presented, and extremely tasty. I asked for a plate of cheese for dessert and was served a veritable cheese feast. The rooms were clean, cool and comfortable. I wouldn't hesitate to return to this hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Campanile Rouen Nord Mont Saint Aignan; City: Mont Saint Aignan Rouen Seine Maritime Haute Nor; Review: We've stayed at this budget hotel many times en route to other destinations in France and, until our recent visit, we have always been entirely satisfied with the service, food and facilities. On this occasion, however, we were really disappointed. The disabled facilities are quite a long walk from the main building, and the rooms are very tired and in need of refurbishment. We'd booked a half-board package, and the dinner menu was extremely limited. We had to pay a supplement to choose from the main menu. There was no cheese on offer on the dessert buffet - in Normandy! Unforgiveable. The waitress was surly in the extreme. We booked a similar half-board package at an updated Campanile the following week, and our experience was very different. The menu offered was fantastic, and included large platters of cheese. I would not stay at this hotel again.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mercure Telford Madeley Court Hotel; City: Madeley Telford Shropshire England; Review: Having stayed at this hotel three years ago, I was very much looking forward to our return. Since our last visit, the hotel has been taken over by the Accor group, who have changed little of the fabric of the hotel, thankfully, and made small changes to its day-to-day operation which have improved the service, which was already very good. The room was spacious, comfortable and clean. The dining room is beautiful, and only surpassed by the standard of the service and the excellent cuisine. A warm welcome is offered on arrival and maintained throughout the duration of the stay. I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Casa Hotel; City: Chesterfield Derbyshire England; Review: This hotel is one of the best we've ever enjoyed. The rooms are spotless, incredibly comfortable, and very well appointed. The service from check-in to check-out was superb. The staff are polite, well informed, friendly and respectful. The breakfast was second to none. I hope to revisit this hotel soon, and would recommend it to anyone. Little touches like free wi-fi, fresh milk and complementary mineral water in the bedroom's built-in fridge really make a difference.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sandbanks Hotel; City: Poole Dorset England; Review: A warm welcome awaits at this hotel from the reception staff and the initial impression is very favourable. However, the decor needs updating as it is rather tired and dated. The door to the balcony in our bedroom was ill-fitting, and needed sheets of newspaper inserted into the gaps to stop it rattling in the wind and to keep out the draught which was cooling the room considerably. There were no wi-fi codes offered on check-in, nor were there instructions provided in the room for internet access or the use of the television. The only menu available in the beautiful restaurant was a very limited Table d'Hote selection, with only one vegetarian option and three further main course choices. The starters and desserts menus were equally limited. The food was beautifully cooked and well presented, but the service was more fast food than fine dining. Crockery and glasses were removed from the table before food was swallowed, and the three course meal lasted less than an hour. The restaurant is very spacious, but the few diners in the room on the night we ate there were all bunched together in one small area, so we we could hear clearly everyone's conversations and the result was a less than relaxing evening meal. This hotel has four stars but, in my opinion, does not reach the standard expected of a four star establishment.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Inn On The Wye; City: Ross on Wye Herefordshire England; Review: We were warmly welcomed to this beautiful country inn, and had a very enjoyable stay. The new managers have great plans to upgrade the accommodation but, even as it stands, it is a really great place to visit. Our evening meal was beautifully cooked, tasted delicious and was very reasonably priced. Breakfast was equally tasty, and was comprised of locally sourced produce of a very high quality. The service is very efficient, friendly but unobtrusive, and nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough, and would definitely stay there again, should we be in the area. I wish the new managers well with their plans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel; City: Darlington County Durham England; Review: The location of this hotel leaves a lot to be desired, and the car park is woefully inadequate for a hotel of its size. There is no disabled access to the hotel's reception from the car park. On our first visit, we were given keys to a room which had not been serviced, and had a very limited choice of food and wine in the restaurant, though the food was well cooked and the waiting staff are excellent. The bathrooms have been refurbished to a high standard, but the hand basins in the rooms our party occupied were in a dreadful state and in urgent need replacement.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Headland Hotel Spa Newquay; City: Newquay Cornwall England; Review: We spent two nights at this gorgeous hotel recently, and had a wonderful time. The staff were very helpful, courteous and professional and always on hand to help without being intrusive. I couldn't recommend this hotel and its stunning location highly enough.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caerwylan Hotel; City: Criccieth Gwynedd North Wales Wales; Review: Lovely views but all other aspects were hugely disappointing. Our 'Excective' room had tired decor, a cracked window and was none too clean. There were water marks on the wall and the room needed redecorating. The complimentary fruit was by no means fresh. The TV on the wall was very last century. There was no desk as such, and no chair for laptop users. The lift to the first floor was very small, and would only accommodate one person with luggage. This place is unsuitable for people with mobility problems. We didn't eat in the 'hotel'. but saw that the wine list was very limited. There is no car park, which would surely pose problems in high season. The local facilities were sadly lacking, too.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Vine Hotel; City: Skegness Lincolnshire England; Review: The décor in the public areas of this hotel is woeful, with wallpaper hanging off the staircase and tired carpets. The décor in the bedrooms is over the top, and would not be to everyone's taste. The bathroom was adequate, though every time a toilet was flushed in a nearby room, the noise could be heard in our bedroom, which was not conducive to a good night's sleep. The full English breakfast was fine for those who wished to partake, but the continental breakfast was a joke, with no meat or cheese and microscopic, cold croissants, and expensive for what was on offer. Given that we are due to visit a 5* hotel on the seafront in a South Coast resort shortly, which provides a full English breakfast as part of the price for a mere £30 more than the cost of a night's stay in this hotel, I would suggest that prices at this establishment should be adjusted.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ibis Calais Tunnel Sous la Manche; City: Coquelles Pas de Calais Hauts de France; Review: This hotel is clean and comfortable, and the staff are very welcoming and professional. The rooms were well appointed and quiet. The continental breakfast was excellent. I would certainly stay at this hotel again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Redworth Hall Hotel; City: Redworth County Durham England; Review: We had a very good deal at this hotel with Secret Escapes. We had stayed here on a previous occasion, and had only one complaint which was noisy plumbing. The hotel grounds are beautiful, and the building is very impressive. The staff are very professional and welcoming, and the food in the restaurant is excellent, though the portions may be rather small for those who have a large appetite. The room we were allocated on this occasion, however, really let the hotel down. It was akin to an 80's extravaganza in the décor stakes and, furthermore, the wallpaper was peeling off the walls. The windows were none too clean, either, and there was ample dust in the room. The wing chairs were very comfortable, but very worn, and more suited to a care home than a 4 star hotel. The bathroom needed completely replacing, unless guests are happy with shell-shaped sinks. The towels were grey and worn, not the fluffy, white towels one would expect in a 4 star establishment. The website boasts Sky Sports available in the bedrooms, but this is not the case, and the range of channels is relatively limited. This hotel could be fantastic with an injection of cash to effect a much needed refurbishment, and the staff on site are well aware of this.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raithwaite Estate; City: Whitby Scarborough District North Yorkshire England; Review: This was our first visit to this gorgeous hotel, and it will not be our last. Before we even arrived, the concierge made a courtesy call to enquire as to whether we had any special requirements or if anything could be done to improve our stay. We were greeted by said concierge on arrival, and he couldn't have been more helpful, escorting us to our beautiful room and explaining everything we needed to know. The staff on reception were equally friendly, welcoming and professional, and we were checked in without delay. This was important to us, as I have mobility issues. The quality of the room was outstanding, from the cleanliness, the quality of the towels and linen and the tastefulness of the décor, and the bedroom and bathroom were extremely comfortable and well appointed. We had dinner in the restaurant where the ambiance was great, and only surpassed by the service of the staff and the exquisite food. Breakfast was also beautifully cooked, using excellent local produce, and very well presented. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff at this hotel, who do all they can to make the stay as enjoyable as possible. We have stayed at many hotels over the years, but I can honestly say I've never had a more enjoyable or relaxing stay in any other hotel in the UK. I cannot recommend this establishment highly enough. Well done to all concerned.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rockliffe Hall; City: Hurworth on Tees Darlington County Durham England; Review: This hotel is beautiful, and the grounds are stunning. The welcome is very warm, and the staff are very professional, helpful and faultless. The décor is beautiful throughout, and the rooms are extremely spacious and very well appointed. The linen, towels and flatware are all of the highest standard. The views from both The Orangerie and The Brasserie are delightful, and the food was equally stunning, with fabulous produce beautifully cooked, presented and served. Although the hotel was quite busy, we never heard any noise from fellow residents whilst in our room. I have never stayed in a finer hotel, and can't wait to return!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Cymyran; City: Holyhead Anglesey North Wales Wales; Review: We were given a very warm welcome to the hotel by a delightful young lady on reception, who was most helpful. The room was spacious, but the bedding and towels needed replacing as they had seen better days. It was a very hot day, and the room was stifingly hot, but no fans were available for us to use, sadly. The staff in the restaurant were very helpful and friendly, particularly Helen, but the two staff on duty could not speed up the service or improve the quality of the food. My main meal was almost inedible, and there were other complaints about the food served, too. This hotel has great potential, but needs a great deal of improvement.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bella Vista Hotel Self Catering Suites; City: Cobh County Cork; Review: We were very warmly welcomed at this establishment by the proprietor, Kevin, who could not do enough for us. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The suite we were given was clean, spacious and comfortable with a fabulous view over the bay. The on-site Chinese restaurant was reasonably priced, and the food very good. Warm scones delivered to our suite each morning was a great touch. There was ample parking, and the pretty town of Cobh was only a few minutes' walk away. Should we be in the area again, we would definitely stay here. Thanks to all the hard-working staff for their friendly and efficient hospitality - a real warm Irish welcome was shown to us.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rockliffe Hall; City: Hurworth on Tees Darlington County Durham England; Review: We have stayed at this hotel three times now, and cannot fault a thing. The service and facilities are fantastic, and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. The rooms are exceedingly well appointed, spotlessly clean and extremely comfortable. I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel, and will certainly be returning in future. Five star all round.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Redworth Hall Hotel; City: Redworth County Durham England; Review: This hotel is beautiful, and the staff wre very helpful, professional and welcoming. Our evening meal was absolutely delicious, and breakfast was also very good. I look forward to a return visit in the near future.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: AC Hotel by Marriott Birmingham; City: Birmingham West Midlands England; Review: We visited this hotel recently and were welcomed warmly by very efficient staff, who were very helpful. The public areas were well equipped and spacious, and the bedrooms were large, clean and very comfortable. The only problem we had was that the hotel advertises parking, which suggests that parking is on-site. Unfortunately, it isn't, rather an NCP carpark in The Mailbox which, while not far from the hotel, was very expensive and not convenient for those of limited mobility. We were given a 15% discount, to be fair, but an overnight stay was still £17.90, as opposed to £21 charged for other car owners. That said, I would definitely visit this hotel again, and its location is ideal for shopping, or for visiting Birmingham Arena etc. Our stay was very enjoyable, and I'd like to thank the staff for all their help. All that is needed is for the website to clarify the parking issue.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurys Inn Middlesbrough; City: Middlesbrough North Yorkshire England; Review: We stayed at this lovely hotel for one night, and have never had better service anywhere. All the staff were friendly, courteous and professional, but I'd like to give a special mention to Amy and her team In the restaurant who treated us like royalty. We were celebrating our Ruby Wedding Anniversary, and they made us feel very special. The food and service were outstanding. We will definitely return to Jurys Inn, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Next time, though, can you arrange for a Boro win, please?! Many, many thanks to all concerned.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cranbrook House Serviced Apartments; City: Nottingham Nottinghamshire England; Review: Our apartment was rather tired and in need of updating. Given that we paid £300 for a one night stay, with parking and breakfast package charged as extras, this was disappointing. The kitchen was rather small, with no dishwasher, yet it had a washing machine. This seems to me to be an odd choice for such short-term lets. We even had to dispose of our own rubbish, which I would have expected the cleaning staff to do. We have stayed in serviced apartments in other cities which were far superior, and less expensive. I would not stay here again, and would suggest there ought to be a member of staff on the premises at reasonable hours to deal with queries rather than someone on the end of a phone. It took numerous phone calls to obtain directions to the car park. The lift from the car park wasn't working, which is not ideal when luggage and/or shopping needs to be transferred to the apartment.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sony MDR-EX100AP/P In-Ear Headphone Earbuds (Pink); Brand: Sony; Review: Love these! Sound good and controls make my life so much easier. Another bonus the cushions never seem to come off like most other ear buds I've owned. Love sony headphones; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (7-Inch, White); Brand: Samsung; Review: I am an iPhone user, but I didn't want to pay the ridiculous price for an iPad with virtually no memory. So, I tried this. I can not think of a single time I used it that I didn't want to punch it in the face. However, it did look and feel nice and my mother loves it so much she got rid of her desktop. So.... Maybe it's nice for an android user?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 4 Pcs (Whole Set) Cheese Tabby; Brand: CHOIZE; Review: Cutest thing ever. Not too bad quality wise. Hope they last longer than my regular cat plugs did. Wish they had one that went in the charging port!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: V-MODA Crossfade LP Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone (Rouge); Brand: V-MODA; Review: Love the sound (especially when I have some good quality music not just some S***ty pop). But they are pretty uncomfortable. I don't have a particularly large head, but I have to wear them at max size. Also, just hurts the physical outside of my ears a bit and squeezes my glasses. So I guess they're just kind of small?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: V-MODA Speakeasy 3-Button Reinforced Cable (Gray) - VC-3SZ-GREY; Brand: V-MODA; Review: I got this to replace the cord my cat ate that came with my Vmoda headphones. At first it seems normal but then I noticed that the ports are much longer than the ones that came with my crossfades. Like it makes my phone get stuck in my pocket constantly. Then the one of my head touches the hood or collar on my jackets when I turn my head. Those are little things but man. Really annoying lol; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: John Paul Pet Tea Tree Treatment Dog Shampoo; Brand: John Paul Pet; Review: We have a 4 month rottweiler puppy and he loves to get dirty. The breeder we got him from at 8 weeks told us she uses John Paul Pet Oatmeal formula. Unfortunately when we got him, he was already a bit stinky so we went to the pet shop and they didn't sell the John Paul brand so we decided to try Nature's formula, oatmeal brand. We noticed he developed the wet dog smelleven though we would blow dry him. So we got wipes which helped for a little while. Finally I talked to a friend and she recommended the John Paul Tea Tree formula instead. Now our little puppy smells so nice and his coat is super shiny anf soft after every bath. We still have go bathe him every week bc we live on 1 acre of land and he gets into things as puppys are do. However it hasn't dried him out or anything. His coat is still shiny and soft.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KONG - Puppy Goodie Bone - Teething Rubber, Treat Dispensing Dog Toy; Brand: KONG; Review: I received a pink one. It appeared more flimsy than other Kong Toys I had purchased. Did not providr ad much of as a distraction as I had hoped. I will probably not buy again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gulpy Water Dispenser, 20 oz. - Assorted Color; Brand: Gulpy; Review: We already had a blue gulpy bottle and even left one with my brothers since they babysit him one day a week. I bought this one just to have a backup when the other one is being washed/dried. Since we have a super energetic 5 month puppy, we constantly take him out on walks, hikes, jogs etc to wear him out. Usualky when it's planned we can just grab the blue one and go but when it isn't we noticed we really needed to have a backup. Got the orange as pictued and so happy bc it makes it easier to remember which one we just used. I am surprised how many people were not aware this product even existed. Lots of ppl stop and ask us where we got it. Lol which works out since now I know what to get for our friends that also have dogs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hill'S Ideal Balance Crafted Dog Treats; Brand: Hill's Ideal Balance; Review: Our puppy always needs to pee right after his nap. He is 5 months and already 66lbs. Needless to say I can't pick him up anymore if he isn't willing to follow me outside to potty. Don't get me wrong, he is potty trained for the most part but if he gets distracted whrn he wakes up and starts playing, he sometimes doesn't make it to the door in time. So we got into the habit of luring him outside. These are one of the few treats that will stop him mid stretch and yawn and run to the door just to get a taste. They are a little larger than a quarter and we often break them in half.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Dog Treats, 3 Oz; Brand: Rachael Ray Nutrish; Review: There weren't that much in the bag so I probably won't buy them anymore. Our puppy loved them though and would practically inhale it, but the volume wasn't worth the price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KONG - SafeStix - Strong and Flexible Dog Fetch Toy with Safe, Durable Materials; Brand: KONG; Review: My 6 month old rotweiller is a heavy chewer. He used to just chew one ox tail chew a day and it would take him hours bt now he can kill one within 30 min. I couldn't keep buying him those so I had to find an alternative. I decided to give these a try...I have to admit, when I opened the box, it was a lot longer than expected and the design is bordering on obscene just as another reviewer mentioned. However he took to it as soon as I opened the box. I had bought another smaller version from a different brand that squeaks and it took some coxing for him to chew on that one versus his usual toys etc. I had to put peanut butter on that one bt this one he liked right away. It's kind of hilarious watching him carrying it since the length of this chew toy is almost as long as his whole body. I mainly bought it because he likes grabbing long twigs that fall from the trees in our back yard and figured this might be a better substitute. However of I had known what it looked like in reality I might not have as it really does give the wrong impression haha.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Yak Snak Dog Chews - All Natural Hard Cheese Himalayan Dog Treats - Long Lasting Dog; Brand: Yak Snak; Review: My puppy didn't really take to it, hence the four stars. However, it does last a long time, it didn't make him sick and no after-smell. Only wish my puppy would like it since he demolishes the white ox tails lol. Nevertheless, great product and service fot those who have dogs that would enjoy it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Large Squeaky Dogs Toy For Semi Aggressive Chewers; Big Tough 11" Interactive Pet Dog Toy For Small, Medium; Brand: TufToys; Review: I bought this for my 6 month old Rotweiler since he pretty much chews up a lot of his toys and his ox tail chews no longer last more than 30min. I get him bully sticks but due to the smell I don't give them often. Anyway, I bought it since it looked like a stick...although I have to agree with other reviewers that after pulling it out of the box it did look like an adult toy. Our Rottie didn't really took to it. He got tired and quit chewing on it. So needless to say lol it lasted the teat of time; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Barkworthies Cow Tail 100% Natural Beef Dog Chews; Brand: Barkworthies; Review: Definitely more expensive then the $25pack that I usually buy. Not to mention you get less than the other pack, but my 7mo old Rottweiler actually takes 2 hours to chew these cow tails versus the 30min he takes on the other one. These ones have a slight smell but not as bad as bully sticks so I'm good with ordering them. I switch it up giving my puppy these ones and the standard of tail ones to make these ones last; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Paul Pet Waterless Foam Dog & Cat Shampoo; Brand: John Paul Pet; Review: Works great and no weird after smell. Our dogs even smell better after; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Paul Pet Tea Tree Conditioning Spray for Dogs and Cats, Soothes and Conditions, 8-Ounce; Brand: John Paul Pet; Review: We bought this as our 3mo. old puppy really started to smell, Even when we washed him, so we decided to use this between baths so as not to dry out his skin. However after spraying him, he had the zoomies, and was rolling around the floor trying to rub it off, which apparently is normal for him because we got a German shepherd recently who doesn't. However after a few minutes it had a weird aftersmell. Couldn't stand it. So we stopped after first use; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Top Dog Chews OX Tails - 25 Pack; Brand: Top Dog Chews; Review: We have to get these every month because best value and they have no odor.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Allstar Innovations Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, Dog Toy, As Seen on TV; Brand: Allstar Innovations; Review: I have a Rottweiler and he absolutely loves this toy. He plays with it outside and has lasted for over 5 months now. It keeps him entertained for hours and exhausts to the point that he passes out quickly when it is bedtime. He barks at it though, so we have to take it away from him after 8pm just for our neighbors sake lol. I also bought one for my boss's dog and needless to say, greatest gift ever! We also got a rescuee female German shepherd and she loves it too. We had to get her own as this is our rottie's favorite and only toy he won't share; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Providence Engraving Custom Engraved Pet ID Tags with Swarovski Crystal - 1.5" Long x 1" Tall, Anodized; Brand: Providence Engraving; Review: Arrived quicker than expected but a lot smaller and thinner than expected. The color was nice a bright. We'll see how long it holds up; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Barkworthies 4 Oz Tripe Twist, 1 Pack, Small; Brand: Barkworthies; Review: My 50lb German shepherd loves these and inhales them. My 107lb Rotti was disinterested after the first time as it broke apart when he bite it. Ofc my German shepherd had a fun time trying to eat up his crumbs. Definitely not worth getting again though since it can be eaten within a minute; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Soft-Flex Gripper Ball Dog Toy; Brand: Hueter Toledo; Review: It just arrived today. Our two dogs played with it rather heavily and it already has a lot of bite marks on it. It reinflates so seems to be pretty durable. Our dogs can't get enough of it. Our Rotti even chases it on his own in our back yard, so it's a win win since he is the most hyper of our two dogs. He's in love with it so much that he brought it into his crate? Which only his most favorite get than honor lol. I'll update as to when I have to buy a new one. **update: it didn't last my Rotti's aggressive chewing. May have to find a more durable version; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JW Pet Whirlwheel Flying Disk Dog Toy; Brand: JW Pet; Review: Dog approved! Both our 60lb GS and 120lb Rotti love it. They are both just over a year old and we're just like their puppy selves when we went outside. Both are aggressive chewers and it held up to their chewing and even a game of tug of war. I will update once they break it but so far so good! They only play with it outside so that also helps with the durability.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JW Pet Company Crackle Heads Crackle Ball Dog Toy, Large; Brand: JW Pet; Review: My rotti loves it so far and even hides it from his sister our GS. Will update on how well it keeps up with his aggressive chewing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KONG Swirl Ball, Medium; Brand: KONG; Review: I received the orange one. Its been about a month since I bought this ball and it remains one of my dogs favorite chew toy as you can see in the pictures. Both bring the ball to bed with them. So far its kept up which is why I stick to Kong toys. I used to get the larger sized toys for my rottie but he doesnt like them as much so now I get both of them medium size toys.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pet Qwerks Animal Sounds Babble Ball Interactive Dog Toy, Makes Barnyard & Jungle Sounds When Touched; Brand: Pet Qwerks; Review: My 120lb rottie loves it so much that he actually ignored his dinner to keep playing outside with this toy and for a food crazy dog thats a miracle since no toy had ever been able to do that. Not even the other brand of talking balls. What I like is that the large isn't as big as the other talking green pet ball that it stretches his jaw or gets stuck and he has to paw it out. It also fits the jaws of our 60lb German Shepherd and she has a pretty narrow and pointy snout. Since he plays with it outside we have to clean it often bc the dirt clogs up the sounds but so far its kept up with 2 days of rough playing. It really tires out out rottie so he goes to bed a lot more easily now. We have to hide it during bedtime though. I will be buying more as back ups.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hyper Pet Flying Series Slingshot Interactive Dog Toys; Brand: Hyper Pet; Review: I probably won't buy this again because it barely lasted an hour of play with my 120lb rottie. He tore it to bits. It also doesnt fly very far - both my husband and I tried.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Multipet Look Who's Talking Dog Toy; Brand: Multipet; Review: It lasted well for our German Shepherd but our 120lb Rottie busted the battery / speaker pack within minutes. Our German Shepherd still chews on it though as the animal itself is fine, it just no longer makes noises.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball Dog Toy; Brand: Pet Qwerks; Review: These Pet Qwerks Babble balls are the favorite toy of our 120lbs Rottie. He won't even put it down for a snack. Guards it very jealously from his 60lb German Shepherd sister. He can play and play with it all day and it hasn't broken it yet. He also has the Animal one and boy drive him crazy to the point he passes out at night. We have to hide it from before bed otherwise if it makes noises he will wake up and want to play. For the price great to have a bunch as back ups. If you let your pups play with it outside youll have to remember to clean it otherwise the speakers get clogged. For a very aggressive chewer these balls lost quite a long time so very happy with these!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MultiPet Look Who is Talking Dog Plush 6"; Brand: Multipet; Review: It lasted well for our German Shepherd but our 120lb Rottie busted the battery / speaker pack within minutes. Our German Shepherd still chews on it though as the animal itself is fine, it just no longer makes noises.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: JW Pet Company Hol-ee Roller X Extreme 5 Dog Toy, 5-Inches (Colors Vary); Brand: JW Pet; Review: Great for tug of war with both our 120lb Rottie and 60lb German Shepherd. Surprisingly held up for both. Although I haven't let our Rottie sit down and chew on it, so it has lasted. Not sure if it will if I let him bring it inside since he is such an aggressive chewer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball; Brand: Omega Paw; Review: 4 stars because our 120lb Rottie destroyed the ball in one day but that was because I gave it back to him once we were inside (after washing it down ofc). Needless to say he went to town and within a few hours tore it to pieces. Although I may get another one since it did hold up pretty well outside and you know he loves a toy when he prances all through the yard with it and won't share it with his sister our 60lb German Shepherd. Ill just take it away from him after play time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball; Brand: Omega Paw; Review: 4 stars because our 120lb Rottie destroyed the ball in one day but that was because I gave it back to him once we were inside (after washing it down ofc). Needless to say he went to town and within a few hours tore it to pieces. Although I may get another one since it did hold up pretty well outside and you know he loves a toy when he prances all through the yard with it and won't share it with his sister our 60lb German Shepherd. Ill just take it away from him after play time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: KONG Squeezz Crackle Ball; Brand: KONG; Review: I bought so many of these in the past, however, prices went up so I stopped for a while and got new ones. They surprisingly last about 2 months with a 120lb Rottie and 60lb GS chewing on them before finally splitting. I am usually around so I am able to clean up the crackle bits but the inside ball and even the halfs are still great chew toys. Our dogs are very good about not eating the rubber, they just like tearing them but if your dog will eat it then I suggest to only let them play with this ball within eye sight.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nerf Dog Checker Squeak Ball; Brand: Nerf Dog; Review: My Rottie tore this to pieces in a few seconds. Probably won't buy it again; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Goughnuts - Interactive Dog Stick Chew; Brand: Goughnuts; Review: My 110lbs Rottie wasn't very interested in it. He played with it for a while, rolling it in the yard, pardon the dirty nose but he abandoned it a day later. Not really worth the cost if neittof my dogs like it unfortunately. I may try a different one when I feel like I can splurge on a maybe. However it does seem to work as my Rottie could not leave a male and he is a very aggressive chewer. My 60lbs GSD has very pointy teeth and did not make a dent either.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Highwave AutoDogMug; Brand: Highwave; Review: Its great for walks! Love it bc I don't have to throw away the excess water that they don't finish and since it is a combo it has shortened the number of stuff I need to bring on a hike with the dogs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Rose Garden Hotel Yangon; City: Yangon Rangoon Yangon Region; Review: Very nice stay at the Rose Garden Hotel in Yangon. The hotel is well maintained, very clean and with very good service. The staff is always welcoming and servicial. The room was clean, and when we asked for a change to have views to the pagoda they did it without complaint.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Temple Lodge; City: Kuta Kuta District Bali; Review: Let us start saying that it has been one of the best hotels we have ever been!! Location, environment, food, concept and company, with a very ecofriendly look. It has everything we like! The Temple Lodge is a really special place. It is located right next to a cliff with unbeateble views to Bingin Beach. Everything seems to be constructed with drift wood in a traditional Balinese design, which gives it a very natural look. The environment is very relaxing, and everything invites you to chill out. If you are dinning at the hotel, you will share the table with the other guests. Which we really enjoyed, because everyone is in a very relaxed mood and willing to share their travelling experiences. We had a very nice dinner there. The food is really good and natural!! I think they also offer a private dinner in the room if you want more privacy. We were staying in the Coral Suite. It is a very special room. Nice wooden bed. It has a balcony with views to the sea. Awesome to see the sunset from there, as it is west orientation. There are no windows or doors, so you basically sleep with the marine breeze. Amazing!! The beach is at a very convenient 5 min walk, down a stairway. Great surfing there!! Basically, everything a 10!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pristine Lotus Resort Inle; City: Nyaungshwe Shan State; Review: We spent two nights of our honeymoon in Pristine Lotus Spa Resort. The arrival by boat was very impressive. They are located near a big green hill and the channels to get there are full of lottus and lots of vegetation, so it was really nice! We were staying in the rooms with boat shape. We were lucky to get nice views, so it was super nice to stay in the room's terrace watching the sunset. The room had a welcoming look, everything made with wood, with a traditional look. The service was very nice and welcoming. The only bad things of the hotel was the food. The breakfast was ok, though. The food in the restaurant wasn't very good considering the price. And we ordered a Mohito that really tasted awkard (maybe it wasn't a good idea since the beginning :)) Overall it was a very nice stay and a very good value!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bagan King Hotel; City: Mandalay Mandalay Region; Review: We stayed three days as part of our honeymoon in Bagan King. To start with, they received us with the room prepared for honeymooners', full of flowers and a cake! The room was very clean, and the bed is confortable. The breakfast is very good, and being in the top floor with the walls open makes it very appealing. The service was very nice, preparing trips for visiting the highlights when asked and providing bicycles to visit the temples and the fort. The only con right now is that it is a little bit further away from restaurants than other hotels. But nothing that a taxi cannot fix. One day we had a very bad smell coming from the bathroom, but the next day was already gone... so nothing too bad. In general, we think is a great value!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amazing Bagan Resort; City: Bagan Mandalay Region; Review: Our stay in Amazing Bagan was very nice. Initially we weren't sure about the hotel, because it looks like a typical turisty resort. But once there we really enjoyed it. The room was clean and comfortable. The bathroom a little bit too old, but clean though. The garden area was really nice, and very well maintained. The breakfast was very nice and abundant. And the pool area was very relaxing after hours of tourism under Bagans sun. They rented, for a very reasonable price, electric bikes to do tourism. They were very nice with us, because we really made use of them and had to bring them back everyday totally uncharged (too many miles) to change them, and they never put a problem. It is an awesome way of sighseeing Bagan, very handy and very respectful with the environment (no pollution or noise). We think it is a very good value, and our stay there was fantastic!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Star Wars The Black Series Chewbacca Figure #04; Brand: Star Wars; Review: Looks great in my collection display; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars The Black Series Emperor Palpatine 6 Inch Figure; Brand: Star Wars; Review: Looks great in my collection display; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marvel Avengers Marvel Legends Infinite Series Agent Coulson, Nick Fury & Maria Hill 6" Action Figure 3-Pack [Agents of; Brand: Prannoi; Review: They look great in my collection display; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars The Black Series Rogue One K-2SO Action Figure 6 Inches; Brand: Star Wars; Review: Looks great in my collection display; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: S.H. Figuarts - Star Wars - Mace Windu; Brand: Bandai; Review: Looks great in my collection display; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Clachaig Inn; City: Ballachulish Glencoe Scottish Highlands Scotland; Review: Stayed for one night whilst walking the West Highland Way. This inn is in a stunning location and predominantly used by climbers. Our room was very, very shabby & the window opened over the kitchen roof so noisy & hot ! Terrible nights sleep. Breakfast was ok but chaotic as don't serve til 8.15 so everyone descends together & there is very little room. On a plus point the boots bar is great with a mega choice of beers, wines, ciders, whiskies & the atmosphere is great. Made up for the terrible accommodation! Food was great, game pie & chilli lovely.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ardlui Hotel; City: Ardlui Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Scotland; Review: Unfortunately we were given a room directly over the bar on a raucous Saturday night so had a terrible nights sleep, hence the poor rating. Not what we needed whilst walking the WHW. Room was small but great bathroom & overlooked the loch. Huge portions in the restaurant .. definitely recommend the smoked Haddock. Staff great but were surprised to see very young kids allowed in the bar late at night so was more like a creche & not enjoyable! Great breakfast, nice choice & again well cooked. Would stay again but request a room at the other end of the hotel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Highland Getaway; City: Kinlochleven Lochaber Scottish Highlands Scotland; Review: One night stay on the WHW, lovely friendly welcome. Room away from the main building with separate door. Very clean & best power shower on the WHW, as the owner said, will take your skin off ... Perfect ! Great bar & fun bar man, nicely cooked breakfast & great packed lunch. Would definitely recommend staying here. Only slight negative was being opposite the coop we were awoken by very early deliveries but didn't spoil a great stay x; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kilbride Lodge B B; City: Tyndrum Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Scotland; Review: Arrived absolutely soaking wet whilst walking the West Highland Way last week. Kate was absolutely fabulous & dried out all of our gear ready for the next day. Lovely clean accommodation & the best (Twinkliest) bathroom with the fluffiest towels on the WHW!! Great to have an option of scrambled eggs & smoked salmon for breakfast & fresh fruit salad. Left refreshed & refuelled the next morning with a great packed lunch x thank you Kate, you are a legend x; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Myrtle Bank Guest House; City: Fort William Lochaber Scottish Highlands Scotland; Review: Can only echo what others have said, this place is fabulous, spotlessly clean & great location. Dora is an absolute legend. Arrived absolutely soaked after finishing the West Highland Way last week to a lovely warm welcome. Dora kindly dried out our jackets & lent me her own coat so that I would be warm & dry heading out for something to eat ! (A little act of kindness that made my week .. thank you). Great breakfast with a view over the lovely garden & water. Perfect x; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Hobbit; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: Had to Read the Hobbit before seeing the newest Movie and of course already ready the Lord Of the Rings The book was amazing could not put it down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hobbit; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: Had to Read the Hobbit before seeing the newest Movie and of course already ready the Lord Of the Rings The book was amazing could not put it down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy - (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Return of the Ring, The Two; Author: Visit Amazon's J.R.R Tolkien Page; Review: Had to Read the Hobbit before seeing the newest Movie and of course already ready the Lord Of the Rings The book was amazing could not put it down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Boxed Set of 4 Books; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: Had to Read the Hobbit before seeing the newest Movie and of course already ready the Lord Of the Rings The book was amazing could not put it down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings Part 1); Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: Had to Read the Hobbit before seeing the newest Movie and of course already ready the Lord Of the Rings The book was amazing could not put it down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Saucony Boys' Baby Ride Sneaker (Toddler/Little Kid); Brand: Saucony; Review: Excellent shoes for my two and a half year old son! Nice and light weight. Great for climbing and running! We bought this brand and style for his first pair of shoes, and now he is on his third pair. We will keep buying them until his feet grow beyond available sizes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars Girls' R2D2 Dip Dye Speckle Jersey Double V-Neck T-Shirt; Brand: ; Review: A great shirt, but don't leave it in the dryer too long. The graphic will start to stick to itself. Really cute on!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cars Underwear for Toddler Boys 7-Pack (2T-4T); Brand: Handcraft; Review: Runs a bit small but super cute and wash well! My son loves them!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: COCOPEAR Women's Elegant Crossover One Piece Swimdress Floral Skirted Swimsuit(FBA); Brand: ; Review: This is a great suit. Super cute and good quality for the price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brooks Launch 4 Women's Running Shoes; Brand: ; Review: These are great shoes! They are comfortable for every day wear and take a beating. I put a lot of miles on my shoes each day. Buy them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Jambu Women's Bravada Platform Pump; Brand: Jambu; Review: This is a very comfortable, well-made shoe! I have been so happy with this purchase as I have been with most of the JAMBU shoes I have purchased in the past.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Women's WT10v2 Minimus Trail Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: These shoes are the lightest ever! Great for working out, running, or everyday wear. Depending how you tighten the laces you can get anywhere from a "fit like a glove" feel to a more looser fit. Great traction, no tripping,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Women's WT10 Minimus Trail Shoe-W; Brand: ; Review: I have a wide foot and absolutely LOVE this shoe! I use it for running because it is so lightweight, it feels like I'm wearing a sock. I have two pairs of these shoes and want a third, but there is not much selection for colors. The only thing I haven't been too happy with is that the rubber parts on the inside and outside of the widest part of my foot are starting to pull away from the fabric after owning them for about 7 months. I assume they will be able to be "glued" back into place..at least I will try that.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ALEADER Women's Lightweight Mesh Sport Running Shoes; Brand: ALEADER; Review: I love the fact that these shoes feel so light its like wearing a sock. Just wish the arch support was better.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Women's Wstro Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I love how lightweight the shoe is and that it comes in a wide width, although disappointed that it runs small.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Paracord Survival Bracelet with 20mm Compass Choose Your Color and Size By Bostonred2010; Brand: ; Review: Looks nice and fits well, but if you want this for anything other than a bracelet ... like as an actual compass ... keep looking. Facing north the "compass" told me I was facing east. Tapped it a little and then I was facing west. Tapped it again, and then I was facing north west. Hate to be stuck in the woods and have to rely on how many taps it takes to actually tell me the correct direction I am headed.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set with Door Anchor, Ankle Strap, Exercise Chart, and Resistance Band Carrying Case; Brand: Black Mountain; Review: I bought these along with a recumbent bike and wanted to wrap them around the front to work my arms while I pedal away on the bike at the same time. Work perfectly and I could not be more satisfied with the quality of these bands.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Schwinn Pillow Top Cruiser Bicycle Seat; Brand: ; Review: Good quality product here, but was not as soft as I had hoped. Bought as a replacement to my stock seat because I needed a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, this was NOT it. I got about 2 blocks away before I turned back and put my old seat back on. Not comfortable at all, and actually much worse than the stock seat I had.~ Ben Donley; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: This Man's Rattlesnake Bite Is a Warning to Everyone to Take Animal Bites More Seriously; Abstract: You wouldn't think a baby rattlesnake could do so much damage, but Austin McGee knows better after almost losing his finger to one.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Six photographers share their favorite Audrey Hepburn images in a new book celebrating the Hollywood actress 26 years after her death; Abstract: From playing cricket on set to posing in designer clothes, these stunning photos, all published in a new book, capture the timeless beauty of Audrey Hepburn, 26 years after her death at the age of 63.; Category: movies
Title: Amber Portwood strikes plea deal for alleged machete attack; Abstract: Amber Portwood will avoid jail in his domestic violence arrest if she sticks to her requirements.; Category: tv
Title: President Trump says UFC reception was 'like walking into a Trump Rally'; Abstract: Despite hearing boos, President Trump compares reception from crowd at UFC 244 in New York to one at a campaign event. "Plenty of MAGA ..."; Category: sports
Title: Meghan McCain confronts Trump Jr.: 'You and your family have hurt a lot of people'; Abstract: Donald Trump Jr., the president's son, defended his family after "View" co-host Meghan McCain suggested they were responsible for the lack of "character" in American politics.; Category: news
Title: How a car accident saved Jameela Jamil's life...; Abstract: While bedridden, Jameela Jamil put her life in context.; Category: tv
Title: Judge agrees Alabama Islamic State recruit is not US citizen; Abstract: A judge agreed Thursday with President Donald Trump's administration that an Alabama woman who joined the Islamic State group was not a US citizen, leaving the 25-year-old and her son in limbo in Syria. Reggie Walton, a federal judge in Washington, agreed with the government's position that Hoda Muthana's father was still a diplomat when she was born, making her ineligible for US citizenship, a lawyer for Muthana said. The lawyer, Christina...; Category: news | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Pet 'n Shape Duck 'n Rice Natural Dog Treats; Brand: Pet 'n Shape; Review: My dog has had some health issues in recent months and we must be careful of what we feed him including treats. I like the fact that these are just two ingredients, no fillers, wheat or corn products. It fits nicely in a small treat ball he has and he works for a long time to get the treat out of the center of the ball after he bites off the ends of the stick. Good products in general, I recommend these.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 6 Pack Latex Soccer Ball, Assorted Colors, Toys for Small Dogs and Puppies (Size: 2 Inch); Brand: Ethical Products; Review: My dog loves these balls, he has several older ones that are in excellent condition but I wanted to toss the ones I have repaired. These are absolute garbage. He played with the first one for less than a minute and the squeaker came off inside the ball. The same thing happened with the next two. I took some squeakers from old toys and pushed them into the balls but this proved dangerous since the make shift repair worked itself out of the ball within minutes. I have had difficulty finding balls that are soft latex and have a squeaker, I thought I had my answer with this company but the quality has gone downhill. Save your money.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: JW HOL-ee Roller Original Treat Dispensing Dog Ball - Hard Natural Rubber - Assorted Colors; Brand: JW Pet; Review: A great toy for keeping my dachshund busy. I add a chew toy inside the ball and he works for hours, I love the fact that it stretches and is very durable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JW HOL-ee Roller Original Treat Dispensing Dog Ball - Hard Natural Rubber - Assorted Colors; Brand: JW Pet; Review: A great toy for keeping my dachshund busy. I add a chew toy inside the ball and he works for hours, I love the fact that it stretches and is very durable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JW HOL-ee Roller Original Treat Dispensing Dog Ball - Hard Natural Rubber - Assorted Colors; Brand: JW Pet; Review: A great toy for keeping my dachshund busy. I add a chew toy inside the ball and he works for hours, I love the fact that it stretches and is very durable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Country Cascades Waterpark Resort; City: Pigeon Forge Tennessee; Review: Checked in around 4pm. The room we were given had unmade beds and covers all over the floor. So we figured it was an honest mistake and asked for a different room that was ready. When we got the new room there were marks in the toilet and a little bit of paper. When we folded the beds down there were holes in the blankets. We asked for new blankets and the new blankets also had holes. The manager seemed put out by hour requests. The advertisement showed a small table with two chairs in the room. There was a table but no chairs. The pool was advertised as heated but was very cold. There was a broken chair at the pool. The continental breakfast was so crowded there was no hope of getting in. We also received no maid service while we were there. When I checked out I told the manager how I felt and she acted concerned and said she would call me. SHe never called me. I called her and was told she was in a meeting. I left a message and she never called me back. Terrible time. A 6 or 7 story hotel also needs more than a few small table for breakfast.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Affordable Family Resort; City: Myrtle Beach South Carolina; Review: The bathroom tile was chipped up and it smelled like pee. The stove was rusting on the bottom and so was the fridge. The vent was falling out of the air conditioning over my head. The back room smelled like vinegar. The TVs were small and snowy. The toilet had rust in it. Management was rude when we asked for a clean sheet upon arrival and acted like we had gotten it dirty with food. We just pulled the bed back and the spot was there. Made you scared to ask for anything. The police came while we were there for something. The pool was very old. The whole place is just very old and hasn't been updated. I would say it was fairly clean looking but I have some bites on my torso that look just like bedbug pictures. I did not actually see any bedbugs though. It is a dump and does not look like the pictures when you get there. The lifeguards at the slides were so rude to my children that they wouldn't go down them. The slides were why I picked this place above other cheap places. Don't do it. If you have standards at all don't slum it. If you can't afford a nice place stay home. I will. Lesson learned. Oh, the beds did sleep good.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites Mountain Mile Area; City: Pigeon Forge Tennessee; Review: I tried to share this review once already and it didn't appear. Maybe you can't tell people there are bed bugs. People deserve to be protected. The room was clean. There was an old used coffee filter in the coffee pot, honest mistake. Could use updates for a 4 star hotel. However, we were not in there two hours and saw two bed bugs. I killed them and have pictures. The front desk person was nice but had no other rooms. We had to leave. A nightmare coming home in the night and showering and washing everything and praying we didn't bring anything home. We got a refund and extra travel points for our trouble. Room was in my mother's name. Sherry Carmichel.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Coral Beach Resort Suites; City: Myrtle Beach South Carolina; Review: I have been here mulitiple times. The last time was in October 2014. I love that they still have things like bars and karaoke open even in the off season. There outside grill is wonderful and so is the bar. I love the karaoke and line dance party on Friday and Saturday nights!! My kids who are 11 and 13 love it too and it seems family appropriate as long as you go in around 10 or so. I wouldn't have the kids out there until 11 some nights. Its clean. Its affordable. Well worth the money. Love the store there and restaurant. Love the starbucks. Everyone was nice but the bowling attendant.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Perry s Ocean Edge Resort; City: Daytona Beach Shores Florida; Review: This place smelled nice and appeared clean upon entry. The beds were a little hard and the pillows were nice but too thick for me. The grounds were clean and pretty. The hotel looks a little older but is still nicely decorated. The room was beautiful and amenities were plenty nice enough. Indoor pool with hot tub and fish pond with fountain. Outdoor pool was also nice. Seating was nice. Ocean front with ocean right in your back door, so close! They had shuffle board, corn hole and a tiki bar and free donuts in a nice breakfast area. Staff was nice. There was some confusion about our daily housekeeping. I don't know if it was because we went through a third party promotion. But we only received housekeeping one day and it was requested. Other than that it was perfect.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Ray-Ban Men's RB4181 Square Sunglasses; Brand: ; Review: these are great glasses for the price. Fit well and comfortable. The lenses are perfect for both sunny and overcast days.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Women's Belay Pants; Brand: Merrell; Review: I purchased theses in oyster to go with my tan and black ones. Wonderful for travel as they don't wrinkle. Can wear them as casual or when out to dinner.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hanes Red Label Men's Exposed Waistband Knit Boxers (Pack of Two); Brand: ; Review: Perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zhuanglin Men's Mesh Slip On Water Shoes Casual Walking Shoes; Brand: Zhuanglin; Review: Just tried it out yesterday. Perfect shoe for kayaking. Comfortable the entire time I was out on the lake.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Teva Women's Omnium Sandal; Brand: ; Review: Great shoes. Love the style, color and the fit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: adidas Performance Men's Galactic Elite M Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Great shoe and great price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Women's 505 Straight Jeans; Brand: ; Review: Perfect fit, Love them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Champion Women's Authentic Adjustable Jersey Short; Brand: ; Review: Nice shorts for around the house or working out at the gym.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skechers Women's Reggae-Jammin Sandal; Brand: ; Review: Comfortable to walk in right away.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Women's Around Town Post Athletic Sandal; Brand: Merrell; Review: Love Merrell sandals. They fit so well an last for years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chaco Women's Pineland Chukka-W Hiking Boot; Brand: Chaco; Review: Love the style and look so will wear a heavier sock with them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sunbeam Garment Steamer; Brand: Sunbeam; Review: For many years I have used the Sunbeam Garment steamer. My first one lasted many years until it finally gave up. I bought another one to replace it. I also taken these steamers out of the country. They are not dual voltage, but the places and ships I was on also had American outlets that you could use instead of their country outlets and power. I also have used power converters and a set of different plugs and it worked just fine. The second steamer also lasted many years until a part broke in the steamer and it was unfixable. I wanted to get another one, but the store I bought the other 2 from stopped selling Sunbeam garment steamers. I looked on the internet and found out that the Sunbeam still had the product, but they would not sell to the public you had to buy at a store. I found a store on the internet and tried to purchase it, but it was backordered. It never was purchased. I also found out that Sunbeam is no longer making this product which I am very disappointed. I tried other steamer brands, but the other steamers I have had have not been as good as the Sunbeam. The brands I have used is Conair which the 2 I have tired didn't steam enough and stopped working after the 1 year warranty which have been thrown away. I also tried a Tobie which spits so much you get water all over the floor and the clothes you are steaming gets really wet. And the last brand I tried is Rowena which you can find at all the stores. This one is okay, but it does not produce a enough steam. The Sunbeam it has continues steam and when you touch the trigger it sends a blast of steam on the wrinkle you trying to get out. It has always worked for me and has been the best steamer I have used. I was happy to find out that I could still could get this product on Amazon and ebay even though some of the product is used, but is new because someone did not like the product and returned it. I hope that the purchase I have made with Amazon will last a long time because Sunbeam has stopped making this product. I hope that Sunbeam gets the message that their garment steamer was a good product and they would start making it again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Conair GS16R Deluxe Hand Held Fabric Steamer; Brand: Conair; Review: I have had 2 of these steamers and they do not last very long. After 20 times of use after the 1 year warranty they stop steaming all together. I will never buy garment steamers from Conair ever again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Jumbl 1500-Watt Hand-Held Garment Steamer with Travel Pouch and Accessories; Brand: Jumbl; Review: This garment steamer works really good to get wrinkles out before you wear the garment. My favorite garment steamer is not being made any more and is off the market. I have tried a lot of brands and models of steamers and this works the best steamer that is available. It is great for home use a little to big for travel however when you have so much room and weight that you can travel on airlines. So I travel with one that is much smaller that it fits right in the slots in a roller bag and clothes on top. This one does not fit as well for travel, but for home use it is great. It would be better if it was made smaller for travel too. This is why it is given a four star rating instead of a 5 star rating.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dyson Home Cleaning Kit; Brand: Dyson; Review: I needed these dusting tools. However I do not own a Dyson. I have a central vacuume. These tools fit just fine on my central vacuume on my extension wands. I do not have any tools like this to dust high places and the bent one will work really well on ceiling fans and high bookcases and top of cabinets. These tools will fit any vacuume and if not you can find an adapter that will help you to fit. I have adapters, but with these tools I did not have to use them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Organize It All 10 Hook Metal Tie Belt Rack and Accessory Closet Hanger - White; Brand: Organize It All; Review: Really nice and strong; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Organize It All 0315W-B Belt Rack; Brand: Organize It All; Review: Nice hanger; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Dash Diet For Weight Loss Your Dash Diet Cookbook and Guide To Lose Weight; Brand: Aspen Sheets; Review: All the recipes are so easy to follow. If you tried to cook some of it,I am sure you will change your diet without you knowing it. I tried the Banana nut Pancake for breakfast which my family are happy to have it,salmon salad pita,rice bowl,and chicken cabbage stir fry for our Sunday lunch and i found all of it are tasty-irresistible-delicious meal. I don't really eat vegetables or fruits but because of my hypertension,my doctor suggests me to change my diet into non fat. It really hard for me because I know nothing about salads. But when I saw this book,I never hesitates to purchase it to tried my luck. So now,I am proud to say that I changed. I am now into a healthy non fat diet. And I don't suffer from hypertension anymore. I recommend this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ISIS: The Face Of Terrorism, Ideology, Goals Of The Terrorist Organization And How It Completely Goes Against Islam (ISIS,; Brand: Solomon Sansesif; Review: Well written it provides a nice overview of ISIS and its origins. It would greatly benefit from a map of the region, a table of contents and reference list to remind the reader of the many different characters at play here. The evolution of ISIS and the various terrorist groups is many faceted and thus confusing. The book presented the information in a clear and concise manner. This is not an easy book to read but it is, nevertheless, an important book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Self Help: The Unlimited Self: Get To Know Yourself, Feel Free And Satisfied in One Month! (Self Help, Meditation,; Brand: Amrit Bela; Review: Interesting and impressive how the author was able to compress all these ideas and thoughts in such a short book. These ideas make a lot of sense and I couldn't agree more than I already am now. I've been doing the exercises in this book and the effect is simply great.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zen Doodle Art: Unleash Your Creativity with ZEN Doodle Patterns (Doodling with Kathrin Davidson Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Kathrin Davidson; Review: I like this book, it actually shows some really cool tangles. Most of these books just talk about how zentangle started and that's it. This book shows really nice Zen patterns. The patterns in the book are easy to learn and relaxing to draw.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ebook,Andrew Johansen, iOS 9,iOS 9: App Development - The Ultimate Beginner's Guide!,COMPUTERS / Programming / General,TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING /; Brand: Andrew Johansen; Review: .This book will explain important ideas and concepts related to iOS 9 and Swift, the programming language used in developing apps. It is very powerful in a way that the speed and video graphics of a phone is at full speed. this book is a manual on how to maximize the benefits of IOS9. Loved the concept and the way it tries to explain things, so connecting the dots was pretty simple. You can easily be guided too if you are planning to develop an application using an iOS; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Teaching: Reanimating Education: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator! (Teach and Grow; Brand: Visit Amazon's Cory Spring Page; Review: this book is great for teachers, trainers and coaches at all levels, giving them detailed academic insights on what to teach, how to teach, and most importantly, how to spark the students' interests. There is no fluff and is a short, concise but full guide on education. Make sure you check out this book you are interested in developing your teaching skills and have a high interest in educating others.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Abraham Lincoln "Honest Abe"; Brand: Visit Amazon's Jack Johnson Page; Review: This book is pressed with top to bottom data about the considerable life and times of Abraham Lincoln from being a child, a sibling, a father to a lawmaker. The book served as an incredible reference to examine the life of Abraham Lincoln.i am really inspired by his fantastic life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Self-Discipline: Habits and Exercises to Develop the Incredible Self-Discipline of a Real Warrior: Achieve Every Goal You Set (Self; Brand: Visit Amazon's Michael Andrews Page; Review: The methods in this book will help you fabricate unimaginable self-control and improve as a you. This book will likewise appear and make you understand that accomplishing self-control can be fun and very fulfilling. It's truly a pleasant book to read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Green Smoothie Recipes to Lose Weight: 50 Delicious & Quick Superfruit Smoothies For Good Health - Kindle edition; Brand: Jenna Jolan; Review: This is a healthy, full of flavor that I wanted to try. This book will give you numerous delicious green smoothies recipes. It is easy tips and healthy recipes before mixing up a green drink. I don't need to buy everywhere starting today. This book is superb! A great help to keep you fit and healthy. I highly recommended this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Simple Liver Cleanse Formula; Brand: Visit Amazon's Jennifer Hayes Page; Review: This book shows a lot we are unaware of and the importance of cleansing your liver so it can do its job! Very useful guide in learning the benefits along with the perfect steps on getting and keeping a clean liver! I found it very informative and it has everything you need to know! I would recommend this book to everyone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meditation Techniques: How to Meditate for Stress Relief and Lifelong Happiness, Focus and Success Vipassana, Anapanasati and Recapitulation (Meditation,; Brand: Visit Amazon's Joschi Schwarz Page; Review: A wonderful book of meditation and relaxation, the author introduces us and enters in the right direction of relaxation and relieving daily stress, due to which by the way, and there are almost more than half the disease. In other words The given technology to help us improve your health and get rid of nervous tension. The book is just very suitable for beginners learning to people. I recommend to everyone this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Kindle_Store |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Fascinations Metal Earth Farm Tractor 3D Metal Model Kit; Brand: Fascinations; Review: Difficult to steer with that tiny steering wheel; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fascinations Metal Earth Drum Set 3D Metal Model Kit; Brand: Fascinations; Review: Makes a litre racket; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fascinations Metal Earth Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton 3D Metal Model Kit; Brand: Fascinations; Review: Lotsa bones; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ugears Theater Mechanical 3D Puzzle Wooden Construction Set Eco Friendly DIY Craft Kit; Brand: UGEARS; Review: Would I?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fascinations Metal Earth ICONX 3D Laser Cut Model Kit Classic Bon Voyage Bicycle; Brand: Fascinations; Review: Room for a passenger; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fascinations Metal Earth Penny Farthing - High Wheel Bicycle 3D Metal Model Kit; Brand: Fascinations; Review: Hard to ride; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fascinations ICONX Taipei 101 Building 3D Metal Model Kit; Brand: Fascinations; Review: Very tall; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Bear and the Dragon; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom Clancy Page; Review: An avid Clancy fan, I pre-ordered this book, waited patiently. The result, disappointment. This book does not seem like it was even written by Clancy. The prose is different from his other books. The plot is disjointed. Maybe Clancy is too busy. I hope the next one is better. Otherwise, the next one may be the last I read.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Black Box (A Harry Bosch Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Connelly Page; Review: Connelly does it again. The Black Box is another great Harry Bosch mystery. It holds your attention, has twists and turns, then ends with a surprise result.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: W is for Wasted; Author: Visit Amazon's Sue Grafton Page; Review: This W installment of Sue Grafton's A-Z titled Kinsey Millone mysteries is as good and as well written as any in the series. I can't wait for the next installment. There aren't many words that start with X, so Grafton may need to get creative with the next title.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World; Author: Visit Amazon's Margaret MacMillan Page; Review: Outstandingly well-written account of a key event. In history that continues to affect the world. Few people understand the impact on the world of the 1919 Peace Confrrence. This book lex plains that impact.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Missing You; Author: Visit Amazon's Harlan Coben Page; Review: Once again, Harlan Coben demonstrates his skill a master storyteller. The premise of the story is pretty creepy, especially if you belong to an online dating site. If you have read his other books and liked them, you'll like this one too. If you have never read Coben and you like mysteries, you'll probably like this book and want to read more of his books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Spies of Warsaw; Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Furst Page; Review: I bought this book after seeing the BBC show it was based on. This is an outstanding book that got me interested in Furst's night soldiers series - a perfect mixture of suspense and WWII history.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ALAN FURST; Author: Rita Bookman; Review: I love Furst's night soldiers series. They are extremely well written with great suspense mixed with history.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Stranger; Author: Visit Amazon's Harlan Coben Page; Review: Harlan Coben is a great storyteller. I am a big fan. The Stranger is as well written as any other Coben book. It starts with an interesting idea: Nothing you do on the internet is secret.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Paris; Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Furst Page; Review: Alan Furst again does an excellent job of painting pre-WWII Europe. Interesting characters are presented against the backdrop of the dark time just before the war.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Paris (Thorndike Press Large Print Core Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Furst Page; Review: Alan Furst again does an excellent job of painting pre-WWII Europe. Interesting characters are presented against the backdrop of the dark time just before the war.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Bonvino Wine and Spa Badacsony; City: Badacsonytomaj Veszprem County Central Transdanub; Review: Hotel Bonvino proved to be a good choice to spend Easter. We enjoyed every moment of our stay: excellent food (I love salmon!!!) (they offered even gluten-free cake), the hospitality of the staff, the wellness facility, and the wine-tasting evening programme with the un-plugged concert of Tamás Kontor. We'll definitely go back some time ...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Villa Bongiovanni; City: San Bonifacio Province of Verona Veneto; Review: The building is nicely restored with a big and well-maintained garden. The room was comfortable and clean. The host was always ready to help us and recommended good restaurants to try. The breakfast was fine with a good variety of choices. A good location for those who would like to explore the area of Lake Garda and the neighbouring cities. Thanks for the generous hospitality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Firenze; City: Rome Lazio; Review: Simple but clean and in really good location for everyone who'd like to visit the sights in the centre. The breakfast is not varied but acceptable. The room was OK and the bathroom wasn't small either. Good choice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Oliva; City: Veszprem Veszprem County Central Transdanubia; Review: Ideal location, friendly staff, prefect breakfast choice, nice decorations, comfortable rooms. What else can a visitor want? Guests can have dinner in the hotel's restaurant that is simply fabolous. I highly recommend this place to everyone visiting Veszprém.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Albergo San Biagio; City: Montepulciano Tuscany; Review: We spent some nights at this hotel and were very satisfied with the rooms and the service. The staff were kind, friendly, and helped us with everything. e.g. They recommended us good restaurants in the neighbourhood.The breakfast is very good with a wide selection. The hotel is ideally located since the city centre can be reached in 10-15 mins on foot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bio Agriturismo Il Vigno; City: Caprese Michelangelo Province of Arezzo Tuscany; Review: It is a fantastic, incredibly peaceful retreat deep in the Tuscan countryside with breathtaking views over mountains and valleys. Just like the setting in a fairy tale :) The drive up the narrow, winding road was a bit of an adventure, but it is definitely worth it! After a welcome drink from Alice (a nice touch, thank you) we were shown to our spacious rooms (bedroom, living room, bathroom). The amazing hosts (Giulio and Alice together with their lovely dog, Pedro) were very very friendly and did everything to make us feel at home. We liked the products (honey, jam) of local farmers very much. Il Vigno is out in the country but in the neighbourhood there are many places to visit such as Anghiari, Arezzo, Cortona, Castiglione del Lago. We highly recommend this place and you will fall in love with Il Vigno the minute you arrive!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pension Antoni; City: Cesky Krumlov South Bohemian Region Bohemia; Review: It is an ideal place for those who would like to enjoy sightseeing and dining out in this lovely town. The rooms are spacious and you have a wonderful view over the river from the terrace. The staff were friendly and helpful. The whole place is clean and nicely decorated. Good value for money.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Condado Hotel Barcelona; City: Barcelona Catalonia; Review: We spent 4 nights at the hotel and were absolutely satisfied with the accommodation and the service provided. The rooms were clean and spacious. Excellent value and an ideal starting place for tourists who want to dicsover the city.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Shock Doctor 838 Ultra Back Support; Brand: Shock Doctor; Review: First extremely small sizing, barely got it on. The bars look rigid but aren't, light rubber only. Belt is very thin and rolls in the front. I returned it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Woods 500 Watt Portable Work Light, Yellow; Brand: Woods; Review: Came with broken bulb. Bought replacements at Lowes; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Amprobe BAT-200 Battery Tester; Brand: Amprobe; Review: Works well took 2 mths to get from it china; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Detachable High Pressure Handheld Shower Head - With Water Saving Ionic Filtration Showerhead for Dry Skin and Hair; Brand: ZenFresh; Review: Awesome. Saw it on FB for $30. Same thing. Less water, stronger shower. I'm guessing the pebbles setup a venturi effect creating more water pressure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AUTOTOOLHOME Precision Pin Vise Model Hand Drill Set with Twist Drill Bits Set of 11; Brand: AUTOTOOLHOME; Review: Perfect for what I wanted. I vape using vaporesso tank. Even tho they claim coils are "self-cleaning" they aren't. I was using a jewelers screwdriver which in reality was packing the powder more. This removes it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Krishna The Mall; City: Nainital Nainital District Uttarakhand; Review: Overall nice hotel mainly on Mall road, u can very well enjoy views of Naini Lake and M all road from your balcony/window. Good staff/kitchen ppl who r ready to help you always. In short, A budget hotel with good amenties..; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Everest; City: Nainital Nainital District Uttarakhand; Review: Best budget hotel with above average services. A trendy hotel with all basic amenities. Its placed on Mall Road itself and give awesome views of Naini Lake. Nice staff and food as well. overall nice experience; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nitya Resort; City: Calangute North Goa District Goa; Review: A good budget hotel with nice rooms and on good location on main Calangute road. Food was very good. Cleaning of rooms daily was good. Room services were also fast and good. Overall, a nice stay at Nitya and will recommend to others as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bhawna Clarks Inn Agra; City: Agra Agra District Uttar Pradesh; Review: Overall a nice hotel with good staff and average food. Room was nice with all required things in place. Staff is also cooperative specially when we tried contacting them again and again to stop the music after 12am on the roof side party. They tried alot to low down the music and after much struggle they got suceed. Thanks for ur hospitality.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hail Himalayas; City: Shoghi Shimla District Himachal Pradesh; Review: We went there to celebrate New Year 2017, and we had 2nights stay. Let me start with the way towards Hail Himalayas. When you take a sharp left turn just before Sadhupul,real adventure starts. Its a small Kaccha road towards the camps that a single car can go at a time. And it got very scary at somepoints specially when someone is coming from another side. I would not recommend to travel to that road after sunset. But once you reach Hail Himalayas, you will be amazed to look around the property which a proper nature camp with all necessary things available. Its a well maintained camps , And the best ones are : Mountain Luxury. We just like everything Bonfire, Camps:Both Luxury and Mud House, New Year Party DJ, Activities for adults and kids both; except Food options. I would like to suggest they should have more options available in their Food Menu. Thanks a lot Hail Himalayas for making our new year start a good one..; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batra Hotels and Residences; City: Srinagar Srinagar District Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir; Review: A very good hotel in terms of Food, Services, Cleanliness, Basic Amenities etc. Location is little far from Dal Lake, but you can enjoy walking down the lake.. Its only 1Km. Food was very good, Breakfast consists of many food items. Rooms Decor was also good with all necessary things in place. We found it very reasonable as compared to the services provided by them. We didn't face any problem staying there and were thankful to them for providing best services.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Grand Abdullah; City: Pahalgam Anantnag District Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir; Review: It is a very basic kind of hotel. Although staff is very helpful and they tried their best to provide best services, still not up to mark. Views from Room was good in front of mountains. And near to the Horse Riding spot and main market. but This hotel lacks basic amenities. There was No Central heating in rooms. Not 24X7 hot water, Electricity constraints, Very Small TV present in room. They should enhance their facilities and provi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Heevan Retreat Gulmarg; City: Gulmarg Baramulla District Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir; Review: Heevan Retreat is at the best location in Gulmarg. Rooms and cleanliness are good no doubt. Only problem we faced was with the quality of food and service we get, we are not satisfied. We sent back food again and when repeated it's again the same. With no taste, no salt, nothing in food. Also in this snowy winters, you don't have any other option going out for food except being in hotel only. Hot water was also not available in morning because of what it wasted our 2 hours, later they let us use another room. Overall a bad experience with such a high price room tariff.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn Ocean Palms Goa; City: Calangute North Goa District Goa; Review: We had 4nights stay at Ocean Palms and all of those were just awesome keeping in mind all aspects, and ignoring a few. We booked up with MMT, and got a very good deal. Pros: -Great Location : Everything nearby, Plenty of eateries, shops nearby -Awesome Food: Breakfast spread was very good(Having alot of varieties). We also tried Al-carte menu which was also reasonable and tasty. -Clean Rooms: Housekeeping was very good. There was No need to tell them to clean your room, Room was at the best when you arrive back in hotel after day well spent -Good Pool: Pool is a little small however properly managed. -Palm Suites & Palm View rooms are bigger one with nice views. Cons: -Location is not nearby Beach. Its around 15mins walk to Calingute beach. - Not a 4star property but definately managed like a 4star.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Le Divorce (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: All About Eve (1950); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gigli (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Something's Gotta Give (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Revolutions (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Secondhand Lions (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Missing (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Reloaded (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love Actually (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Jury (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Johnny English (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cold Creek Manor (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cheaper by the Dozen (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The School of Rock (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Radio (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Intolerable Cruelty (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Valmont (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Smile (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Matchstick Men (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kim Possible: The Secret Files (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: West Side Story (1961); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gothika (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Home at the End of the World (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mean Creek (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Head in the Clouds (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Legend of Suriyothai (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shadow of Fear (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Aviator (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Nature Breeze Ladies Vivienne-01 Quilted Knee High Motorcycle Boot; Brand: Nature Breeze; Review: My daughter loves her new boots. She's been asking to wear mine for months. She finally has a pair of her own and loves them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Disney Girls' Frozen Silver-Plated Crystal Snowflake Pendant Necklace, 18"; Brand: ; Review: My daughter hasn't taken this necklace off since the day after christmas. She was in love at first sight. The blue is a bit light, but she loves it, so obviously, so do I.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: adidas NEO SE Daily Vulc K Kids Casual Footwear (Little Kid/Big Kid); Brand: ; Review: My son wanted a pair of shoes like his Dad. I picked these out to give him for christmas. He loves them and can't wait to show them off at school.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Buckin' Papa Ever T-Shirt; Brand: ; Review: My dad loved this gift from his grandkids.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JJF Shoes Kids Girls Mango21 Dual Buckle/Zipper Quilted Mid Calf Motorcycle Boots; Brand: JJF Shoes; Review: My daughter loves these new boots. They fit her perfectly and they are adorable; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Steampunk Glow in the Dark Heart Charm Pendant Ladies Jewelry; Brand: Lifetime; Review: This necklace is bigger than I expected, but it is SO pretty. The detail is wonderful. My daughter loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fargo (1996); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Game, The (1997); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Godfather: Part III, The (1990); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rocky III (1982); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Damien: Omen II (1978); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sixth Sense, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Insider, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: World Is Not Enough, The (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Anna and the King (1999); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Light It Up (1999); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Usual Suspects, The (1995); Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shawshank Redemption, The (1994); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reservoir Dogs (1992); Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Goodfellas (1990); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Few Good Men, A (1992); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hurricane, The (1999); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seven (a.k.a. Se7en) (1995); Genres: Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Carlito's Way (1993); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Donnie Brasco (1997); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Berkshire Inn; City: Pittsfield Massachusetts; Review: I stay in a lot of precious boutique hotels: luxurious, expensive, and pretentious, and I like them. For this trip, I looked for just such a hotel (or inn, or b&b), but by April, when I made my reservation, everything even close to pretentious and expensive in the Berkshires was booked. (Not too mention, inns in the Berkshires seem to have a prejudice against children under 12.) So, it was with some trepidation that I booked two rooms at the Berkshire Inn for our family (two adults, a 10-year old and a 13-year old). In hindsight, boy am I embarrassed by my snobbery. I really, really, really liked this place. Sure, the carpet is worn and a the decor and bedspreads a little shabby, but if you can put that aside, you will find something much more charming and valuable than all the marble baths and decorator window treatments you can imagine. This place is real. The physical property is humble, but the owners are doing a marvelous job creating a place that provides a clean, comfortable, welcoming bed and breakfast at an amazingly low cost. Specifically: - The Inn is spotlessly clean and the grounds are well maintained. - The pool is lovely. - The family who owns the Inn are pleasant, helpful and sincere. - The breakfast is simple, but well thought out. A variety of cereals and sliced English muffins, mini bagels and breads (including, for example, whole grain bread, not just white), doughnuts, good coffee from one of those machines that makes one perfect cup from extract in your choice of brew styles or flavors. Cartons of half-and-half, not just tiny pull tab containers. My only suggestion is to consider providing hard-boiled eggs for the carb-conscious. - The location is just minutes from the center of Pittsfield, which has some terrific restaurants (we especially loved Brix) and the Pittsfield Colonials Independent League Baseball Team (owned by the City of Pittsfield). All in all, I was charmed, and now, my all too spoiled children know what a motel is. Or at least, what a motel used to be, back in the day . . .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Andrew Hotel; City: Great Neck Long Island New York; Review: If you're looking for a contemporary hotel in Nassau County, your choices are limited, generally ranging from stodgy to dumpy. In the City, The Andrew would never make it, but it's an ok compromise for the Great Neck, Garden City, Roslyn, etc., area. The vibe is funky, modern, a junior suite served us perfectly. My complaints are that it is dark, could use repair (lots of chipping plaster and even a place in our room where it looks like a fist went through), and decorated with dark brown carpeting and fabrics. Somehow, all that brown never looks clean to me, even if it is. I also found a bobby pin that wasn't mine on the floor, and there's a vague oniony-cigarettey smell. All that said, I would stay here again, given the options (after first looking again for something better).; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Highmark Steamboat Springs by Mountain Resorts; City: Steamboat Springs Colorado; Review: The "excellent" level reviews do not lie. Our family of four LOVED staying at the Highmark on our recent ski trip. The rooms are luxurious and clean: marble kitchens and bath, high end appliances, flat screen tv's in every bedroom and the main living area. Even more terrific is the staff, who think of everything, from first night dinner for those arriving late, thoughtful dinner reservations and suggestions, and provision for a fully stocked kitchen on arrival. The Highmark is only a short walk from the gondola and base station, and Highmark even has a ski valet in Gondola Square. They even gave us a (very good quality) complimentary bottle of champagne on New Year's Eve. We'll be back!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highmark Steamboat Springs by Mountain Resorts; City: Steamboat Springs Colorado; Review: We've recently returned from our second post-holiday ski week at the Highmark, and it was again EXCELLENT. The property is modern, clean and well-appointed, but what really makes it so special is the service. From the marvelous guest services manager to the young men who run the ski valet to the drivers, everyone is charming, courteous and amazingly helpful. Thanks for another terrific stay!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City Express Merida; City: Merida Yucatan Peninsula; Review: I recently stayed here for 5 days with my teenage daughter. We are from the US, and we were in town for an international girls baseball tournament. City Express was the official tournament hotel. We had a great stay. City Express is not fancy, but it's comfortable, friendly and SPOTLESSLY clean! The hotel staff were helpful and welcoming. They washed endless scruffy baseball uniforms, getting them incredibly clean at a very low rate. Every morning there was a continental breakfast: fruit, yogurt, microwaveable pancakes and pastries. Excellent coffee. And to top it off, it's in a very safe neighborhood. Most of the team was happy to see Dominos and TGIF Friday's in easy walking distance. I would have preferred a slightly less Americanized set of options, but so it goes. No pool. Small gym with a stationary bike, treadmill, and elliptical. Free Wifi and nice business center. Really a great little hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Andaz 5th Avenue; City: New York City New York; Review: Stayed here recently as a family of four (including two teenaged children). We had asked for a two bedroom suite, and we were upgraded to a terrace 2BR suite. Even without the upgrade, it is clear that the room would have been spectacularly luxurious in a taut modern sort of a way. The 2 bathrooms are large and beautifully appointed with a rain shower and foot bath. The two king beds (one per bedroom) have excellent quality linens and down comforters, and the sofabed in the living room was reported by both my children to be comfortable. The room also has a mini kitchenette with full refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, microwave and nespresso machine. Our upgrade added a huge outdoor wrap around terrace (200 or so sf, I would guess), with breathtaking city views. We ordered two breakfasts and an afternoon cheese/fruit platter from room service during our stay. The food was excellent quality and farm sourced, if pricey. We did not order lunch or dinner, but the tell-us-how-to-prepare it option (pick protein (chicken, fish, beef, etc.); pick cooking technique; pick veg and technique; pick sauce) looked great. Our only complaint was spotty service. After we made coffee in the coffee machine on day 1, no one replaced the mugs, so we had none for day 2. When we called to order a cheese plate for 6, they were stymied and at a loss for how to proceed as if no one has ever ordered appetizers here before. Our car was brought up from the garage an hour late . . . . If they get these little things worked out, the hotel will be paradise in NYC.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wayne Bed Breakfast Inn; City: Wayne Pennsylvania; Review: The Wayne Inn was perfectly located for our 2-day 4 college sweep through the Main Line (Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and UPenn). Bob made our family of four welcome and comfortable, and he kindly accommodated our breakfast preferences in his delicious breakfasts. Thanks for a great stay!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Olde Rhinebeck Inn; City: Rhinebeck New York; Review: We had a marvelous stay while college visiting (Bard and Vassar) in the area with our two teenaged children. The 1700s structure is meticulously restored, elegantly and comfortably furnished, and spotlessly clean. A refrigerator for guest use was much appreciated, as were the unbelievably excellent multi-course breakfasts (including delicious banana bread and juice left for us to warm a 6 am departure - thank you!), and our family made happy use of the various games made available for guests. Even our electric car was cheerfully accommodated with a designated space and use of the outdoor Christmas light electric feed. If our daughter ends up at college in the area, we will be back!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club; City: New York City New York; Review: Great new New York option. The hotel is ideally located on 57th St. at 6th Avenue, and apart from slightly beiges rooms, a delightful choice. Excellent fitness room. Friendly, helpful staff. Fast and delicious room service. Quiet. Charming mid-century modern furnishings updated with graffiti art. Nice suite options. I would definitely stay here again and recommend it to ours.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Charles Hotel; City: Cambridge Massachusetts; Review: Some once beautiful hotels do not age well. Somehow, The Charles has escaped this fate. It remains as fresh, as appropriate to its setting and clientele, and as elegant as ever. The rooms are stately without being stuffy, clean and modern without being antiseptic, and as comfortable as any hotel I've ever encountered. The bars and restaurants are among the best in the area, and the location is an easy walk to almost every part of Harvard. Still delightful in every way.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Vitale a Joie de Vivre hotel; City: San Francisco California; Review: This elegant, sleekly modern hotel is perfectly located on the Embarcadero, just across from the Ferry building. It somehow manages to be both contemporary and sumptuously comfortable, but it is the staff who really make it great. Most significantly, I stupidly managed to leave an assortment of very valuable jewelry in the room safe. Before I could realize my mistake, the housekeeping staff notified me that they had found "items" in the safe as they were doing their post check-out cleaning. I called the front desk, and they were able to arrange an insured courier to deliver the items to my next destination. It would have been easy for some or all of my jewelry to "go missing" at many steps along the way, but every piece arrived back to me. I would have loved this hotel even without that experience, but wow am I impressed now!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Basecamp Boulder; City: Boulder Colorado; Review: I wanted to adore this transformed old-style motel, and I almost did. It’s a cute concept, with “indoor camping” rooms, a climbing wall, fire pits, and mini brew pub. Alas, the regular room we stayed in, while cutely decorated with light fixtures that looked like camping lights and witty, locally-themed wall hangings, was not particularly clean. The carpet needed a vacuum, the shower had dirt rings in the tub, and the bathroom had mystery stain droplets on the ceiling. That said, we enjoyed the climbing wall and ping pong table, and had a good night’s sleep. Might stay again if in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Holiday Villa Beach Resort Spa Langkawi; City: Pantai Tengah Langkawi Langkawi District Keda; Review: It is one of the best leisure spot in Malaysia where you get something of everything.Neat and tidy room, courteous and always smiling staff, efficient room service,sumpous breakfast, beach site and spick and span lawns. An ideal family retreat.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Sandra Palace; City: Thekkady Idukki District Kerala; Review: We are an elderly couple and went on a budget tour of Kerala. We stayed in Hotel Sandra Palace on 17th September,2012. We are moved by the courtesies shown by the hotel staff on our arrival at the Reception as well as on departure. The rooms have dream like facilities and view and could rate them to a five star hotel room. The location of the Hotel is at Tea point opposite an ancient Church, left side leading to the Lake and right side to the main Market. We were very overwhelmed by the courtesy and offer for help at every stage. The house keeping and its staff are outstanding in performance. The breakfast and dinner in its restaurant is also exceptional in quality and promptness. We were supposed to check out at 11.00A.M 0n 18-9-2012 but due to strike against price hike of Diesel in Kerala were stranded. The Hotel staff allowed us to stay till 3.00p.m. without charging any thing extra which we will always remember.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Singaar International; City: Kanyakumari Kanyakumari District Tamil Nadu; Review: We are an elderly couple and during our trip to Kerala stayed in this Hotel on 18th September 2012. We found the staff at Reception stone faced without any smile or warmth expected at such places. The rooms are elegantly furnished with all expected facilities viz. A/C, Mini fridge, lockers etc. The room service is prompt and efficient. The location of the Hotel is not conducive for tourists as the major tourist attractions are distant from this hotel. One has to hire conveyance for going to the main beach,Vivekanand Memorial ans Sunset point which is quite inconvenient. The hotel is undergoing renovation and the corridors are filled with bulding material and dust which is not a pleasant sight.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Green Ridge Holiday Home; City: Munnar Idukki District Kerala; Review: We are an elderly couple and stayed in this Hotel for three days beginning 11th September 2012. The hotel is ideally located and has spacious rooms,helpful staff and attention to cleanliness. It has a Coffee Shop on the ground floor but its rates are comparatively high for a budget tourist. The breakfast mainly consists of south Indian food items which are very good and light. The room service is lousy and it is advisable to go out for tea and snacks .For vegetarian food Anna Poorna restaurant located opposite the hotel is an excellent choice for North Indian food.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Soma Palmshore Beach Resort; City: Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram District Kerala; Review: We are an elderly couple and during our visit to Kerala stayed in this Hotel on 17th September, 2012. On arriving the Reception staff garlanded both of us and offered coconut water which was very impressive. The rooms in this hotel are quite spacious, neat and well furnished. The staff of the hotel is very cooperative and helpful. The Resaurant of the Hotel is verty attractive & offers multi-cusine. The service is prompt. The location of the Hotel,however, is not suitable for senior citizens as one has to walk over a steep gradient. Although it is located on the Beach but one has to climb up and down a number of steps to go to the beach and return.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ramada by Wyndham D MA Bangkok; City: Bangkok; Review: It is a budget hotel for middle class to stay.It is located in the middle of a shopping area and one can walk around in the nearby shopping Malls. The staff is very well behaved and helpful. The Breakfast spread is extremely sumptuous and will compare with any five star hotel.The Hotel has a restaurant and bar as well as a taxi call service.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Thunder Group Japanbargain S-3362, Wooden Rice Miso Soup Bowl With Lid 45-35; Brand: Thunder Group; Review: Most beautiful small bowls. A pleasure to hold and use. Great for portion control, too. Holds about 5 oz / 150 ml.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: IKEA FRAKTA Carrier Bag, Blue, Large Size Shopping Bag 2 Pcs Set; Brand: IKEA; Review: Just as expected. Good for recyclables.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Equity by La Crosse 29005 Outdoor Thermometer and Humidity Wall Clock, 10", Brown; Brand: Equity by La Crosse; Review: Still working a year later. On covered porch through all seasons.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: InterDesign 35330 Clarity Stackable Organizer Holder, Clear; Brand: InterDesign; Review: Great for holding knitting accessories.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kings Brand Bronze Finish Metal Hall Tree Coat & Hat Rack with Branches; Brand: Kings Brand Furniture; Review: Fits in small corner. Holds a lot and is stable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: ; Brand: Dr. Dre; Review: classic cd. best songs are dre day,let me ride,nuthing but a g thang,lyrical gangbang, and stranded on death row.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Master P; Review: pretty good double disc. has a cool cover. best songs on disc one are till we dead and gone f/bonethugs,get your paper f/e-40,war wounds,soldiers riders and g's,and mama raised me. best on disc two are goodbye to my homies,eternity,let's get em and ghetto life.total stars for album=4.5; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Dr. Dre; Review: good beats and raps. good guests on the album. best songs are, f**k you f/ snoop & devin the dude,still d.r.e. f/snoop,xxplosive f/kurupt,hittman,nate dogg,& six-two,big egos f/hittman,next episod f/snoop,forgot about dre f/eminem,what's the difference f/eminem & xzibit, and some l.a. n**gaz f/time bomb,mc ren,king t,kokane,knoc-turn'al,xzibit& defari; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Limp Bizkit; Review: pretty good cd. best songs are my generation,rollin,getcha groove on w/xzibit,take a look around, and rollin{urban assault vehicle}w/method man, redman, and dmx; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Ice Cube; Review: awesome cd. has a lot of good hits by ice cube. top 5 in order 1.it was a good day 2.late night hour f/pusha t 3.bow down w/westside connection 4.check yo self f/das efx 5.once upon a time in the projects these aren't the only good songs theres plenty others go get this cd!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hybrid Theory; Brand: Linkin Park; Review: good cd, better than meteora top 5 in no order 1.papercut 2.one step closer 3.points of authority 4.crawling 5.in the end; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: DMX; Review: ok cd from dmx. best songs are who we be, we right here,and i miss you f/faith evan{a deep song about his grandma}; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Snoop Dogg; Review: mostly crappy. has three good songs. beatiful,from tha chuuch to da palace and what i need f/luda and goldie loc; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: DMX; Review: decent cd better than his last. best songs are where the hood at,get it on the floor f/swizz beatz,we go hard f/cam'ron,we're back f/eve and jadakiss and ayo kato f/magic and val.we bout to blow f/big stan and shot down f/50 cent and styles P are okay. overall dmx's fifth album gets 3.5 stars; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Juvenile; Review: pretty good.the best songs are in my life f/mannie fresh,bounce back f/baby AKA birdman,down south posted f/wacko & skip, it ain't mines, and slow motion f/soulja slim{r.i.p.}; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: King of Crunk & Bme Recordings Present: Trillville & Lil' Scrapp; Brand: Trillville; Review: ok cd but it has too many skits. best on trillville are neva eva,get some crunk in yo system f/pastor troy,weakes link. some cut sucks so much it was way to overplayed. the best on lil' scrappy are head bussa and no problem; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: 50 Cent; Review: ok cd, suck a*s lyrics, best songs r candy shop,in my hood, disco inferno, just a lil bit and hate it or love it remix; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Master P; Review: good cd + all star line up =3.5 stars 1.hook it up{4/5}-bonethugs,master p,and silkk the shocker 2.ghetto vet{3/5}-ice cube 3.what the game made me{4/5}-jay-z f/memphis bleek & sauce money 4.from what i was told{2/5} boring song- soulja slim{r.i.p.} 5.lets ride{3.5/5}-eightball and mjg 6.i got the hook-up!{4/5}-master p and sons of funk 7.hooked{3.5/5}kinda boring-snoop doggy dogg 8.down with you{1/5}slow r&b song-montell jordan 9.shake somethin'{1.5/5}sucky beat-mystikal and mia-x 10.i don't want to go{1/5}r&b-mo b. dick f/o'dell and sons of funk 11.would you hesitate{5/5}-c murder 12.itch or scratch{3/5}kinda boring-fiend f/mac and prime suspect 13.keep it real{1/5}r&b-mechalie jamison 14.who rock this{4.5/5}good combo-mystikal and ol' dirty bastard 15.bump and grill{4/5}slow beat-ugk f/n.o. joe 16.tell me what you're looking for{3/5}full blooded sucks- kane and abel f/gotti and full blooded 17.call it what you want{3/5}ok-steady mobbin 18.what you need{3/5}-the commission 19.drama{1/5}skull duggrey sucks-skull duggrey 20.we got it{3/5}fiends screaming hook sucks-mr. serv-on,fiend,magic,and big ed{r.i.p.} 21.bang or ball{5/5}best song-mack 10 f/road dawgs,the comrades,and allfrumtha i; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: N.W.A.; Review: awesome compilation my faviorites are straight outta cpt,boyznthahood{remix},bow down,only in california,color blind,final frontier,we want eazy, f tha police,alwayz into somethin',& the last song. my advice is you should buy it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Cash Money Millionaires; Review: good cd but some of the songs are boring except project b&*%h. the best songs are project b*&%h by juve,lil' wayne, and big tymers and win or lose by rappin 4 tay; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: BG; Review: ok cd. b.g. was better on cash money.my world{iwant it} is a classic and like that w/ soulja slim is good to. some of the other songs are okay but not that great.good enough to get 3 stars. top 5 in order 1.my world(i want it) 2.like that f/soulja slim(r.i.p.) 3.do what ya wonna do f/bigg gipp and six shot 4.get wild with it f/ying yang twins 5.street n*gga f/T.I.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Snoop Dogg; Review: snoop dogg is not topp dogg of no limit.this cd is of. some good songs. best songs are buck em,down 4 my n*ggas,bitch please,symphony,and don't tell.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Usa United State of Atlanta; Brand: Ying Yang Twins; Review: suprisingly good. it's nuthin like me and my brother. it's way better. best songs are live again f/adam levine of maroon 5, the walk,hoes,badd f/mike jones,put that thang down,my brothers keeper,and wait remix f/lil scrappy,free,busta rhymes,and missy elliot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The End; Brand: Three 6 Mafia; Review: good cd best songs are body parts,money flow,late night tip,gotcha shakin and where da killaz hang.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Complete Series Megaset; Brand: Jane Seymour; Review: I was reacquainted with Sully (Joe Lando) in Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman on reruns through our local cable company. It was hard just seeing random ones not being in order, so I found the Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman: Complete Series on Amazon and bought it. Great price and it is has been wonderful watching the series in order and re-watch my favorite episodes. The Complete Series also included the two movies made after the series was canceled. I purchased it primarily because of Sully!!! :) Joe was a perfect fit to play Sully!! The story lines and all the cast are wonderful. I really enjoy the historical facts that they work into the shows. This was a great investment!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Death Race; Brand: Jason Statham; Review: The only reason I watched this movie was because of Jason Statham!! It had a bit of a Mad Max feeling. Over all I liked it. I like anything Jason is in!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fury 2014; Brand: ; Review: Brad PItt and Shia LeBeouf did a great job in this movie. I feel that the historical authenticity was excellent. The end didn't correlate with Pitt's character's beliefs throughout the movie, so for me the end was just HOLLYWOOD!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Outlander - Season 1; Brand: Caitriona Balfe; Review: I loved it!! They were so good that I watched all 8 episodes in one evening. I have also started reading the book series. I was nicely surprised how close the tv episodes stayed to the book with only minor changes here and there. There are some very difficult parts of the story that were hard to read in book one and will be extremely difficult to view on the tv episodes, but I am 100% invested in the love story and adventures of Jamie and Claire Fraser!!! Diana Galbaldon did what great writers do, bring characters and events to life within us, along with all the emotions. I've cried, literally four times now, laughed, gotten so intense that I didn't think I could bare any more and I just finished book two!! Onward I go into the series, but it does make me wonder beyond book three where the story can go without loosing the love story of Jamie and Claire. Oh the anticipation of it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outlander: Season One - Volume Two; Brand: Sam Heughan; Review: I love Outlander Season One, all of it!! I can't wait for Season Two!! I hope that Amazon will air it sooner than Outlander Season One Volume Two!! I don't want to wait that long!! : ); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guardians of the Galaxy; Brand: ; Review: My students really wanted me to watch the Guardians of the Galaxy movies over Christmas break so I watched the first and second. They were much better than I anticipated!! Now it is fun having conversations with my students about the characters etc. Well worth my time. : ); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Guardians Of The Galaxy Region Free; Brand: Chris Pratt; Review: My students really wanted me to watch the Guardians of the Galaxy movies over Christmas break so I watched the first and second. They were much better than I anticipated!! Now it is fun having conversations with my students about the characters etc. Well worth my time. : ); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Guardians of the Galaxy [Blu-ray]; Brand: ; Review: My students really wanted me to watch the Guardians of the Galaxy movies over Christmas break so I watched the first and second. They were much better than I anticipated!! Now it is fun having conversations with my students about the characters etc. Well worth my time. : ); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Me Before You (BD); Brand: Emilia Clarke; Review: A breath of fresh air in the movie world!! It makes you laugh, think deeply, warms your heart, and makes you cry!! A GREAT MOVIE!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Enemy of the State (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Basketball Diaries (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen Days (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Bedroom (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Platoon (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ben-Hur: Collector's Edition (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Man Who Wasn't There (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blood Simple (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nosferatu: Original Version (1929); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fishing With John (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Once Were Warriors (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down by Law (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fled (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Life Is Beautiful (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Radio (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Good Girl (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hell House (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stevie (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Capturing the Friedmans (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Trainspotting (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 3 (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Steel Magnolias (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: High Crimes (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Touching the Void (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Exorcist: Restored Version (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Clockwork Orange (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shining (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Like Me: Season 1 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Futurama: Vol. 1 (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Don't Say a Word (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Futurama: Vol. 2 (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Butterfly Effect: Director's Cut (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Futurama: Vol. 3 (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Godsend (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Futurama: Vol. 4 (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saved! (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Connie and Carla (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The 10th Kingdom (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ringu (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Passion of the Christ (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Citizen X (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ju-on: The Grudge (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harold and Maude (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: May (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Onibaba (1965); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Galaxy Quest (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Evolution (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blessed (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Village (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Forgotten (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Open Water (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mr. 3000 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Days (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saw (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Exorcist: The Beginning (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Devil's Playground (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Grudge (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miracle (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Children of the Corn (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finding Neverland (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iron Jawed Angels (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Elephant Man (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Close Your Eyes (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Straight Story (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lawrence of Arabia (1962); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eulogy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rudy (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: This Is Spinal Tap (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bowling for Columbine (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sling Blade (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mary Poppins (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Darkness (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Soul Survivors (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hook (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Boys (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Man Without a Face (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beaches (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Overboard (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Paycheck (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tommy Boy (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Goonies (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The 6th Day (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Bride (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Collector (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries (Widescreen) (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Final Destination (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Baby (1987); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coming to America (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The First Wives Club (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Face/Off (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Advocate (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gothika (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ju-Rei: The Uncanny (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In Good Company (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The School of Rock (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Constantine (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: They Came Back (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: It's a Mad (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: O Brother (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hostage (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dark Water (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hitch (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Dead Zone (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hide and Seek (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monk: Season 2 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1974); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Family Man (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flatliners (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Friday Night Lights (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: While You Were Sleeping (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darkness Falls (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spaceballs (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: GoodFellas: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inner Senses (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A League of Their Own (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1972); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terms of Endearment (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Basic Instinct (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Jacket (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of Angels (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Big Lebowski (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ween: Live in Chicago (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ring Two (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tootsie (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sin City (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ring (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Lies Beneath (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phenomenon (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blade (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indecent Proposal (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Million Dollar Baby (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Philadelphia (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Haunting (1963); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Marathon Man (1976); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Guess Who (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hills Have Eyes (1977); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dora the Explorer: Super Silly Fiesta! (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Firefly (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Guarding Tess (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bodyguard (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping With the Enemy (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rushmore (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Space Cowboys (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dying Young (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dora the Explorer: Pirate Adventure (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Finding Forrester (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Knight's Tale (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nell (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lost Boys: Special Edition (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Client (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Baby Einstein: Baby MacDonald: A Day on the Farm (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Total Recall (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dora the Explorer: Meet Diego! (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Baby Einstein: On the Go: Riding (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Turner and Hooch (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Dog Crate Dog Cage Pet Crate 48 Inch Folding Metal Pet Cage Double Door W/Divider Panel Dog Kennel Leak-Proof Plastic; Brand: BestPet; Review: I purchased for my Pomeranian Puppy to keep her safe and secure. The pink color is perfect for my baby Pom, the only concern I have is her chewing the material but providing plenty of chew toys should keep her occupied and with proper supervision she will be fine as her puppy years will be over before I know it. The folding play pen will be used for many years as she will only get to be 5 pounds. Great for home, travel, parks and beach's as it comes with ground hooks to secure safely...... Love this!! A+; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Petmate Curvations Luxury Pet Carrier, Small, Pink; Brand: Petmate; Review: I was hesitant to order site unseen but after reading great reviews decided to order, very happy I did. I have a miniature Pomeranian puppy who sleeps in a crate at night for her comfort and safety. I loathe the plastic crates, quite institutional I think, finding this on Amazon was a delight. My Princess Gucci loves it, very cute and fashionable, safe and comfy for my precious puppy. Worth every penny and shipped quickly. A+++ Grade; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Pet Stroller/Carrier/Car Seat; Brand: BestPet; Review: Everything was great about this Pink Pet Stroller from price, shipping fee and color. I returned it as it wasn't for my pet, she needed a taller stroller and one she is able to see out of. I was offered a free shipping return label to return, this I appreciated very much, awesome customer service!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Petmate 27835 Quilted Bed Novelty, 30X40 In; Brand: Petmate; Review: I was very surprised at the quality and size of this beautiful doggy bed, WOW!!! Love it and best of all my two furry babies love it too, fits to doggies perfectly; one 20 pound doggy and one puppy who is 4 pounds, they have plenty of room to play and roll around, so if you are looking for a small or medium size pet bed this isn't it. The country style motif is very attractive!! Love this great buy!! X-Large Pet bed is well worth the price $$$ >>>>> Grade: A++++<<<<; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Puppia Authentic Vivien Pet Harness; Brand: Puppia; Review: I received this item quickly in a small for my Gucci. It's super cute and well made, top-notch quality. Gucci has received compliments at her groomers and doggy park. My Gucci is a fluffy pomeranian, she looks adorable in it ... grade A++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed for Dogs & Cats; Brand: MidWest Homes for Pets; Review: Fits perfectly in Gucci's pink crate and fits nicely in her puppy pen also. I washed it many times and it holding together nicely, no lumps or clumps. Super soft and totally pink!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs; Brand: Safari Pet Products; Review: My furry red sable Pomeranian requires a few good brush-outs a day and this grooming tool makes it easier, as comb lifts up to expose hair that needs tossing into trash. Fair price!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Adjustable Angel Wing Net Pet Dog Cat Safety Mesh Harness Leash With Lead Leash S Small Size Pink; Brand: EMART; Review: I've received dozens of compliments concerning this Angel winged harness, such a fabulous purchase and accompanied by a matching leash, you can't beat the deal. I want the yellow Angel Harness as well. The safety hook for leash and pet car seat is durable and quite safe. Gucci grades this a A++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UP Collection Polka Dot Ruffled Dog Bikini, Pink and White; Brand: UP Collection; Review: My Gucci will look fabulous on our trip to Vegas!! Lounging near the pool sipping sparking water and checking out the crowd!! Can you say "Fabulous Baby".; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snoozer Console Pet Car Seat Cream Fur; Brand: Snoozer; Review: I ordered hot pink, and it arrived perfectly as shown, "Gucci" loves cruising the city with high views, soft seating and a safety leash, so if Gucci's happy, I'm happy too!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SKL Hot Pink Pet Dog Leash with Sparkly Rhinestone for Cats or Dogs (Leash S); Brand: SKL; Review: When ordering matching collar, this came free, I was quite surprised at the quality and bling on this leash, a "MUST" order for any small pooch pet owner with female pets. Can you say,"Fabulous" .....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sentry Natural Defense Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs; Brand: SENTRY Pet Care; Review: A natural alternative to flea control, a fair purchase price, arrived after a few weeks. To keep flea's at bay without toxic poison this is a good way to rid flea's from your pet and home. Has a pleasant scent like potpourri did not bother our family at all as our olfactory scent set did the job, killed flea's, so happy campers here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tetra 1.8 Gallon Waterfall Globe Aquarium Kit; Brand: Tetra; Review: I purchased a few months ago but finally put together in April, very easy to manage and results are pretty! My betta "Angel" loves it ample swim space, crystal clear water is perfect. The waterfall gives a pleasant sound, not loud or harsh, the pump is silent which is great! The filter which I washed before use worked perfectly. Happy fish, happy customer (;; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arthritis Pain Relief for Dogs - Natural Herbal Remedies with Antioxidants and Vitamins for Improved Wellbeing; Brand: Ricky Litchfield; Review: My pet "Gucci", is 2 years old,she had a back injury from taking a tumble while chasing squirrels in the back yard. After 3 days taking 1 pill a day, she has become frisky and happier. Prior she could not lay on her back with all paws up, she was very sore and cried ):, I took to vet who placed her on Metcam, which of course helped,but I wanted a natural remedy. I'm so happy with this product, also there customer service is awesome. Now she rolls around and jumps without intense pain. A extra benefit is her red sable coat has become shinier!! There was no harm mixing Metcam & Ricky's pain relief. After being off Metcam for 1 1/2 weeks she continues to be active, happy and chasing squirrels again! o:; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rubit Small Heart Aluminum Dog Tag Clip; Brand: Rubit; Review: Perfect for my furry baby, had ordered a large on another site and it was to big- this is great!! Going to order another for my pom baby. My doggy weighs 20 pounds perfect size doesn't drag on ground/floor.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PUPTECK Fashion Cute Design Puppy Dress Girl Dog Clothes Apperal Summer Shirt for Small Medium Breed; Brand: PUPTECK; Review: 4TH Of July cuteness. Ordered large great around waist, long in the torso, but it was ok. My pet weighs 11 pounds ample room, not tight.comfy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HomeoPet Cough, 15 ml; Brand: HomeoPet; Review: It did not work for my pet. My pom gets this dry honking cough 2 X a year, I was hoping this would help. I always end up back a Vet for Temiral-P and cough serum perhaps it will work for your pet?; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Buddy & Lola Probiotics for Dogs Chew Treats for All Breeds and Sizes - Natural Dog Probiotics Improve; Brand: Buddy & Lola; Review: My pet has stomach issues liken to colitis. Excess gas, diarrhea- (bloody) (mucous), and gurgles in tummy. Since starting these 1 a day tiny snacks, she's much better. Food triggers can vary so this help with flare-ups. I tried another similar brand to these but she vomited, bad reaction. Very grateful for this product. My pup is very picky but likes the taste of tiny duck chew bones. Thank you Mega Daily Probiotic's by Buddy & Lola! Taking product for 2.5 weeks- successful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Midwest Cat Playpen | Cat Cage Includes 3 Adjustable Perching Shelves & 1 Shelf-Attaching Cat Bed & Wheel Casters; Brand: MidWest Homes for Pets; Review: Very easy to put together, it comes assembled just needs proper alignment of sides and top. Certain areas seem kind of weak, so I added zip ties to those areas. I'm rather bummed tray doesn't slide out for easy cleaning as stated, if anyone can explain to me how it works please do so. It's large, sturdy, my kitten will enjoy playing & sleeping etc. It's for occasional use when we're out or when extra supervision is needed. It's very heavy but does come with coaster's for easy moving. The gated entrance does seem rather weak, so just to be sure I will clip to ensure our kitty doesn't try to escape. All and all a good purchase, and would order again. >^..^< Meow 4 STARS= Tray doesn't slide out as stated?????; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: High Crimes (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Swordfish (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather Trilogy: Bonus Material (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Donnie Darko (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cash Crop (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: State and Main (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Force 10 from Navarone (1978); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reservoir Dogs (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: High Fidelity (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clerks (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bad Boys (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wizard of Oz: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Psycho (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wonder Boys (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Scent of a Woman (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snatch (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypse Now (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caddyshack (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Swingers (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enemy of the State (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Field of Dreams (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: City of Angels (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Big Lebowski (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Run Lola Run (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scotland (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Siege (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Voice (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clear and Present Danger (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Man on the Moon (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best in Show (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dungeons & Dragons (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Life as a House (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Summer of Sam (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Fistful of Dollars (1964); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heavy Metal 2000 (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: My Son the Fanatic (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scooby-Doo (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: For a Few Dollars More (1965); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American History X (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Usual Suspects (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Good (1966); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magnolia (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Swimming with Sharks (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tomorrow Man (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Further Tales of the City (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Black and White (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Can Count on Me (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Red Violin (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Emperor (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SLC Punk (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen Days (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hurlyburly (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jason X (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Contender (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Seven Samurai (1954); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tape (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Identity (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pianist (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Serendipity (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Fears (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Reloaded (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Road to Perdition (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vertical Limit (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: One Hour Photo (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy Returns (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Hawk Down (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The 6th Day (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: We Were Soldiers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: U-571 (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Cider House Rules (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Little Odessa (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 8 Mile (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Behind the Sun (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Waterboy (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phone Booth (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Broadway Damage (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Red Dragon (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Panic Room (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Old School (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ring (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rushmore (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Election (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Man Who Wasn't There (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Windtalkers (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Intacto (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sexy Beast (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wild Strawberries (1957); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Boogie Nights (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leaving Las Vegas (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Wife is an Actress (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stir of Echoes (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: On the Waterfront (1954); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Do the Right Thing (1989); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Taxi Driver (1976); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Deer Hunter (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rashomon (1950); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Psycho (1960); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Irreversible (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Band of Brothers (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Experiment (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Following (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cool Hand Luke (1967); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The City of Lost Children (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The House of Yes (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Roger Dodger (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Throne of Blood (1957); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Salem's Lot (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Crazy Pete’s Car Wash; City: Broomall, PA; Review: This place is the Bomb!!!! Owners Ralph and Bill, are a pleasure and a joy!!!!! My second time here, I used to patronize a car wash on Baltimore Pike. Not at all happy with them!!! I will continue to patronize this car wash and tell others!!! You should come here!!! You will not be disappointed!!!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Michael's Restaurant & Diner; City: Bensalem, PA; Review: My mom and I really enjoyed our lunch today. My mom had the tilapia and I had the broiled flounder with crabmeat. Everything was to die for!!!!! We really enjoyed the food and the service. Alexa S. is a great server and is super nice. We always enjoy our time here!!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Parx Casino; City: Bensalem, PA; Review: Parx Casino is a great casino!! Its location is wonderful. So many sights to see and places to eat and shop around the Parx and in Bensalem. The employees here are friendly and kind. They are always willing to assist you with whatever concern you have. The security employees greet you with a smile. I always have a great experience here!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Club House Diner; City: Bensalem, PA; Review: The Club House Diner was okay. The food was ok. I had stuffed mushrooms with crabmeat and my mom ordered tilapia. My food was ok. My mom enjoyed the tilapia. I have tasted better food then what I had, but it was ok. The menu listed three mushrooms, I had five on my plate. I am not complaining!!! I only paid for three. The service was great. Mert is a great server and we have no complaints about him. He was very cheerful and smiled the entire time. If you go there, ask for Mert. He's great!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Carrabba's Italian Grill; City: Springfield, PA; Review: My experience here was very good. My mom had her favorite meal, the tilapia and I had Tuscan grilled chicken with grilled asparagus. My mom' s side was mashed potatoes. My mom and I both enjoyed our meal. I loved the fact that beside each entree, it listed the calories. I wish all restaurants and eateries would do the same. I would have selected the salmon, but when I saw it was 850 calories, I opted instead for the Tuscan grilled chicken, which was 290 calories. My only complaint was that I wished Carrabbas had more seafood options. I realize their specialty is italian dishes, though. I only saw two seafood options. I wish they had more, like, maybe 5 choices of seafood. My all around experience was good. I will definitely dine here again and I will encourage my friends and family to do the same.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tutto Fresco - Italian Eatery; City: Wilmington, DE; Review: I dined there today with my family after attending a funeral for my uncle. The restuarant is very spacious. We started out with a pizza type bread for a hors d'oevres. Then they had as an entree, chicken marsala, shrimp scampi, penne primavera, fettuccine alfredo, etc. The dishes were good. I only wish that they had been hotter, because they served us buffet style. Also they had as choices, cheese cake and chocolate cake. The servers were wonderful!!!! They were warm, funny and friendly. They kept returning to see if we needed anything else. Ambiance was great!!!! This is a good spot for a large crowd. I would recommend this place for the space and the decor. Also service was great!!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: LongHorn Steakhouse; City: Springfield, PA; Review: My mom and I patronized this spot. It was our second time here. This location is new, it opened here in July 2018. The area is great and the inside of this restaurant is extremely picturesque. Its a great place. A nice atmosphere and decor. The servers are extremely polite and attentive to you. I ordered Napa grilled chicken with a caesar salad and sweet potato. The Napa chicken was way too salty but I ate it. The caesar salad and the sweet potato were good. I would suggest not ordering the Napa chicken. My mom ordered salmon which she enjoyed. She ordered the loaded potato soup. She disliked the soup, saying too much cheese in it. I would suggest ordering the potato soup if you like cheese. Also the salmon is a great suggestion here. On another visit, I ordered the shrimp on a skewer. This is a great dish!!!! Our server, Khrenda M. was very polite and nice to us. She checked on us quite often to make sure we were okay. This is a nice place to go. I do recommend it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: GIANT Food Store; City: Havertown, PA; Review: This Giant store is outstanding. They have wonderful employees and the store itself is so bright and inviting inside. Whatever food item you are searching for, it is super easy to navigate the Giant aisles. A Starbucks here, and a Beer and Wine section. There is a Citizens Bank here, not just the ATM, but a real bank with real employees. I have two complaints though. The parking lot is not big enough, because they share the lot with other businesses, such as Panera bread and a hair salon. Also the bathroom isn't always in the best condition. Other than that, the store is one of the best in the area!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Junes Breakfast; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: I tried this restaurant only because it was a block from my church and I was starving to death. I went there on a Saturday for take-out and the line was not long. I looked at the menu and I first decided I wanted a BLT and then I decided no, because I didn't want any bread. So then I decided on turkey bacon and grits. The wait wasn't long and I should have checked my food before I left. I ordered a platter and it was $8.64. I couldn't believe how high that was, just for three slices of turkey bacon and grits. Lo and behold they had put cheese on the grits and I do not like cheese on grits and so I went back. I told them I only wanted butter on my grits and the turkey bacon. I asked for butter on the side and they put the butter on the grits. I decided they cannot follow instructions and then I left with my updated order. The food was okay, but I will definitely not be back. $8.64 for bacon, grits and a juice is outrageous!!!! NO WAY!!!! NO MORE!!!!!!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rapco Automotive Centers; City: Upper Darby, PA; Review: The way I found this place is through my brother. At first, I was a little skeptical about it, because everytime we turned around, something was wrong with my brother's 2003 Chevrolet Equinox. For a while, I thought it was this place, because my brother would always come back and forth here. One thing was wrong with the car, then it was two things and so forth. The first time I entered this place was when I needed a tire since I had blew the tire on my 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. We came here, instead of going to the dealer, since the dealer was too far where I had blew the tire and this place was nearby. It was on a Saturday and we spoke to Miguel. Miguel was very professional and asked what was wrong and could he help us? Also he explained the place closed at 12 noon on Saturday and we had to bring it in as soon as possible. I ended up calling Roadway Assistance and they put on the donut after an hour waiting and then we rode on to RapCo. We made an appointment for Monday, since it was too late on Saturday, it was after noon and on Monday, they fixed the tire, I bought a new tire from them and they mounted it and I was out in a flash!!!! I have since been going there, quite frequently with my other car, 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. It is the same story!!! I am quite pleased with this repair place. Steve, Miguel and Joey are simply the best!!!!! They listen patiently because I ask a lot of questions and they are always so polite!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City Line Deli & Frank's Catering; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Hello. I visited this establishment last Saturday since I was super hungry and I wanted breakfast. I was interested in something light. I opted for the chicken noodle soup and hot tea. The soup was good, however I am not sure what came out, something that I could not digest. The tea was good, I liked that I asked for honey and lemon on the side, and they did just that. I would return, but I would order something else.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: LongHorn Steakhouse; City: Springfield, PA; Review: I recently returned back to this location because of my mother. We are not red meat people, we are seafood people, however we are drawn here because of the location, the decor and the atmosphere. My mom ordered salmon again, her favorite meal here and I ordered parmesan crusted chicken this time. Needless to say, the chicken was not good at all. I left most of it and just ate the strawberry salad that I ordered, minus the strawberries. I have figured out that this place is known for its specialty, steak, which I heard is to die for and they are not known for other food dishes, such as chicken, turkey or seafood. They don't fake steak just like the commercial says!!!!! Our server, Kiara was dynamite, however we had to keep hunting her down, as she was bombarded with many tables!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chick-fil-A; City: Springfield, PA; Review: This place is fabulous!!!! I dined there once long ago and the food was delicious!!! I recently went back yesterday, Saturday, March the 9th and we ordered take-out. Orded grilled chicken nuggets and waffle fries. Absolutely delightful!!!! We went around 3 pm and the shopping center was packed!!! It was the first warm day in a while and a lot of people were taking advantage of it. I will be back!!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Folcroft Diner; City: Folcroft, PA; Review: Hello. Folcroft Diner is a superb diner. It is situated in a convenient location, right on Chester Pike, which makes it easy to travel to. My first time and it certainly will not be my last time. My family dined there on a recent Sunday afternoon, Palm Sunday. My mom ordered pancakes, my brother ordered turkey with stuffing and I ordered broiled scallops. Our waitress, Amanda was the bomb!!! Every order was large portions. My brother had to ask for a box since they gave him so much turkey with all the trimmings. Along with my scallops, I ordered for two sides: asparagus and a baked potato with butter on the side. I am greedy so I ate all of my food and I did not need a box. Our food was simply divine!!!! Amanda, our server, came back several times to check on us and to make sure we were satisfied, whether we needed anything else and to make sure all was well. My family and I will definitely be back!!!!! One of the best diners in Delaware County!!!! Whoo hoo BABY!!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Folcroft Diner; City: Folcroft, PA; Review: Hello again!!!! I visited the Folcroft Diner on Sunday, May 5th and this time our server was Amber. Amber was kind, gracious and pleasant. Our food was wonderful again with generous portions. Amber visited our table, again and again to ensure that we were satisfied. Our past server, Amanda, visited to say hello to our family. Angela, the manager and owner, visited to say hello also. A Great Cast, all of these individuals!!! We call them the three A's. Amanda, Angela and Amber. We will visit again and once again we were happy and full. I tried the Irish Creme Coffee and it was to die for!!!! I wish I had that in my own house. We will be back!!!! These people care about you, the public and the planet and they are not afraid to show it!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hungry A; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Hello. I visited this place on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. It was Election Day. My first time here and I was greeted immediately. I'm not a celebrity, but here you are treated like one. I asked for a menu and I decided to order the turkey club salad. The servers explained how it would look and how much it was and what the order entailed. I didn't wait long and when my order was ready, I received turkey and tomatoes with bacon on a bed of lettuce. Everything was cut up nicely and served well. I decided on french dressing as my choice of dressing. The owner, Bruce asked if I were eating in and I opted for take-out. I will eat there another time. They have stools and tables that you can eat from. This place is a rare find. I have passed it so many times and finally decided to stop. Visit here and you will not be dissatisfied.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: the Alloy King of Prussia - a DoubleTree by Hilton; City: King of Prussia, PA; Review: I visited this hotel during the week of May 18th, 2019. I stayed one night, on a Thursday night and I checked in on Friday, May 17th. I was greeted with a warm cookie upon arrival. The warm cookie was very welcoming and so delicious!! When I received it, I was so hungry so it tasted so good!!! I was there for the Christian Development and Research Conference. Our speakers were dynamite!!!! Dr. Sabrina Black was off the hook!!!! My stay was very pleasant and all of the amenities were great. My deodorant conked out on me and I was able to purchase more at the gift shop, a recommendation by Front Desk staff. CJ Moses and Dahnaya Sanders were most welcoming, accommodating and most helpful. They always had a pleasant demeanor when I saw them. I asked for a blanket and the blanket arrived in a timely manner. The only thing was that there was no bulb in the lamp near the window. Also, I took advantage of the fitness center around 5 am and it was open and ready. I had a superb 45 minute workout!!!!!My visit was wonderful and I am looking forward to staying there next year for the conference.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Folcroft Diner; City: Folcroft, PA; Review: Hello again. Its Krystal. The family and I visited Folcroft Diner again on Saturday, 5/25/2019. Once again, a pleasant experience. My mom ordered sierra mist, tilapia, applesauce and mashed potatoes. My brother ordered flounder, baked potato with butter and applesauce. I ordered bbq pork ribs, home fries and cole slaw. Everything was doubly delicious!!!! My brother once again could not finish his meal and took a box home with his meal and the rolls. All of us ordered the chicken orzo soup. Superb soup!!!! Melina was our server this time and she was truly outstanding. She checked back with us, asking if we needed anything else. I asked for more iced tea with lemon and my brother had as his beverage, lemonade. We were most pleased with our visit. We asked to speak with Amanda, our previous server and she was most accommodating as well as our previous server, Amber, who was on maternity leave. We will return again. Angela, the manager, was on hand and the family said hello to her. WE LOVE FOLCROFT DINER!!!!! They always make us feel welcome!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Imperial House; City: Upper Darby, PA; Review: Its Krystal girl again. Had a taste for Chinese today, so I decided to try this place. I opted for take-out and I called and placed my pick-up order. When I arrived about 15 minutes later, my order was ready. I ordered small shrimp fried rice without onions, $5.30, the lady said. The lady was busy when I arrived with other orders so I waited. When my turn came, she said shrimp fried rice, I said yes. She handed me my bag with the shrimp fried rice, fork and napkins. She smiled. I was so hungry about this time, I almost ate the bag!!!The shrimp was good but the rice was a bit too salty. I enjoyed it and ate it all, probably because I was so hungry but a little too much salt. I would suggest to them, less salt. The service was good. The location in Upper Darby is wonderful. I will try this place again, just not shrimp fried rice.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Booker's Restaurant and Bar; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Hello everyone!!! This is my first time visiting Bookers. Family went on a Sunday, June 9th. We had made a reservation, utilizing Open Table at 1 pm. We arrived before 1pm. We observed outside seating as well as inside seating. We met the maitre d and we were shown to our waiting table. Our server was Saron, who was extremely pleasant. She asked if we were ready to order and we said no, we needed a few minutes. We finally decided and Saron returned. My mom ordered shrimp and grits, my brother ordered crab cake sliders and I ordered crab cake benny. My mom enjoyed her shrimp and grits, eating every morsel. My brother enjoyed his crab cake sliders and I enjoyed my crab cake benny. My order included poached eggs but I declined them. My order included the crab with hollandaise sauce and home fried potatoes. We enjoyed our food and the service was good. This is a great place to network if you have a small business like I do. I will return to network here and in the area around Booker's. This is not a place for a intimate or romantic dinner. Very noisy here!!! However that was ok as we stayed for brunch. Enjoyable dining experience and plenty to see and observe!!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: T-Mobile; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Hello, its Krystal again. I am reviewing T Mobile today and yes I am a huge fan of Steve D., Retail Sales Associate. I have been a T-Mobile client since 2004 and I must say Steve D. is second to none. Everytime I stop in this location and I patronize many locations to pay my bill, sometimes I pay online, when Steve is on duty, Steve D. gets the job done. He is always kind, patient and knowledgeable. The man knows his stuff!!! He always makes sure I am comfortable with everything. I recommend Steve D. to all and to anyone who has any type of concern. Steve D. is the Man!!! T-Mobile; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FedEx Office Print & Ship Center; City: Springfield, PA; Review: I like coming to this location because it is convenient. Also I like the area and I am a constant patron of everything around here, such as the Police and Fire Credit Union across the street and Long Horn Steakhouse. I arrived today because I wanted to order business cards for my new business. I didn't know that I could place my order myself on their computers. I did and Angel, an employee, was incredible!!!! I had plenty of questions and Angel was patient, kind, knowledgeable and answered all of my questions without getting sick of me!!!! He assisted me when I became stuck. I walked out of FEDex with my business card order that I scheduled to pick up tomorrow. Also Liz, an employee was equally as kind and patient. I asked her questions about my online saving items and she explained. I understood and thanked her. I had a great experience at FEDEX today and I am looking forward to picking up my business cards tomorrow!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Country Squire Diner; City: Broomall, PA; Review: The family and I patronized Country Squire Diner on Saturday, June 15, 2019. We saw the movie, "Shaft" at Edgmont Movie Theatre and then we decided to eat here. We really enjoyed "Shaft". My mom ordered turkey stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. It was $15.99. She received her choice of salad or soup. She chose the soup du jour, which was chicken with rice. She said she enjoyed it. My brother ordered the corn beef special with french fries. He enjoyed it. It was $8.99. I ordered the grilled chicken kabob with a salad. It was a tossed salad with thousand island dressing. It was good. It cost $13.99. Beverages: my mom, ginger ale, bro, lemonade and myself - iced tea with lemon. My brother ordered take out dessert, which was chocolate chip cheesecake. I sampled it and it was good. My mom loves tilapia and she always orders it wherever she goes but they don't carry it here. We also had rolls and butter with our order. My mom asked for softer rolls. And our server, Jen W. said they did not have softer rolls. Jen W. offered to put the roll in the microwave, but my mom said that was okay - she didn't want to inconvenience her. Jen W. was polite and accommodating. We asked for extra straws, extra napkins, etc. Jen W. was friendly and engaging. We will visit again. See you!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Regal Edgmont Square; City: Newton Square, PA; Review: Hello everyone!!! The family visited Saturday, June 15, 2019. We had decided to see, "Shaft". Shaft features Samuel L. Jackson as the current John Shaft, Richard Roundtree as his dad and the original Shaft and the grandson of Richard Roundtree, the youngest John Shaft, Jessie Usher. Also Regina Hall who played the young Shaft's mom. Everyone in this movie was top-notch. The sound was phenomenal - the theme from Shaft, Isaac Hayes' creation was tremendous!!!! I always loved that theme. I was humming it throughout the movie!!! When the movie was over, I was up and dancing!!!! The only complaint I had about the movie, "Shaft", is there is way too much PROFANITY!!!!! I love the location of Edgmont and I like ordering tickets online. I like the idea of reserved seats. We didn't visit the concession stands but we visited the bathrooms. Very clean. I was just surprised that there was no trash can in the bathroom. I had to go outside the bathroom to put my trash in a trashcan. My only complaint about this experience was that the auditorium, Auditorium 10, where we viewed "Shaft" was not cool. It didn't feel like the air conditioning was on. At one point I thought I would have to remove my lightweight jacket. I didn't though. I enjoy the comfy recliner seats which I always recline and I feel like I am in the comfort of my own house. I will be back because I like the area. Its quiet and peaceful. Peace out everyone!!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Weave Bar; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: I have patronized The Weave Bar for about three years. This place was a blessing because my previous stylist had issues with lateness. This place is a godsend. Mon-Wed, by appointment only and Thurs-Sun are all walk-in days. My mom also patronizes The Weave Bar. My stylist is Deniece and she is always professional and my hair always looks beautiful when she is finished. My mom started with Zakeeyah and she loved her, but she no longer works there. So now her stylist is Makeda. My mom loves Makeda. Makeda is quick, always on time, usually early and my mom is in and out!!! We patronize the one on 52nd Street and I have patronized the one in Germantown once. The Weave Bar has a buzz-in system and you cannot just walk in, unless you are buzzed in. Inside the salon is comfortable and they have an upstairs as well as a downstairs. My mom and I used to visit on Wednesdays but now we visit on Mondays. They use an online appointment set-up. And one must leave a debit or credit card # in case you cannot pay in cash and they can charge your card. Also if you are more than 15 minutes late, they will bill 50% to the card. They need their customers to call if they are going to be late or cancel. This way someone else can have the appointment. Also if you decide to come on a walk-in day, plan to arrive early and then go upstairs and give whoever is at the desk, your name and then they can assign you a stylist or if you would like a specific stylist, you can do that as well. I cannot speak on the hair that they sell because I always bring my own hair. The only thing is that they are a little pricey, but I have heard other salons charge a lot more. I pay $164.00 for Terra Short Hair. My mom and I will visit The Weave Bar as long as they are in business!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Upland Diner; City: Upland, PA; Review: Hi everyone!!!! The family visited Upland Diner on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019. We had dinner, we arrived around 3:30 pm. The hours here everyday are 6:30 Am to 9:00 Pm. There is ample parking here, many places to park. Inside the dining area is small, we didn't expect, judging from the parking lot. On busy days, this fills up pretty fast. On Sundays, it gets busy around 10am, because they are receiving folks from Sunday worship services and on Friday evenings around 5 pm, it usually is busy. Other than that, most other times are good. We lucked out and it was not busy. We arrived and we were shown to a table quickly and our server, Katie arrived swiftly to take our order. Katie was kind and sweet and met our every need. When we asked for extra napkins, more beverages and utensils, Katie complied. Mom ordered her favorite food, tilapia, with 2 sides of apple sauce and mashed potatoes. My bro ordered broiled flounder with sides of apple sauce and onion rings. I ordered stuffed shrimp with crabmeat with sides of sweet potato fries and apple sauce. Our beverages were lemonade, iced tea and coke. My mom and bro ordered from the Senior menu and had a choice of soup and salad. My mom selected shrimp bisque and my bro selected italian wedding soup. I selected stuffed potato skins as my appetizer. We enjoyed every morsel of our food. The senior tilapia was $9.99 and soda was $2.25. The senior flounder was $9.99 and lemonade was $2.30 and the onion ring side was $1.25. The stuffed shrimp was $15.85 and iced tea was $2.25. The stuffed potato skins were $6.99, but I received an upgrade of $3.00. Our total bill was $46.88 with sales tax of $2.82 and the grand total was $49.70. Since mom and bro ordered from the senior menu, they received a choice of dessert: rice pudding, tapioca pudding, ice cream or jello. My mom selected cherry jello and bro selected rice pudding. They had a choice of eating in or take out. They opted to eat dessert at the diner. My side hustle is driving for Lyft and I decided to visit Upland Diner because I dropped off a rider there. She was a server there, Christina. I saw her today and spoke hello to her. She remembered me as being her Lyft driver and when I dropped her off, I expressed an interest in dining there. She was nice and pleasant as were all of the employees there. Our family had a wonderful dining experience there and we will visit again. If you give respect, usually you will get it back. Have a wonderful day Yelp family!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wawa; City: Clifton Heights, PA; Review: I have patronized this location of WAWA for quite some time!!!! Its busy, starting around 6 am and doesn't skip a beat until close to 2 or 3pm. They have a nice parking lot and there is a gas station here. The employees are super friendly, but Mary Angela, Chris and Lenay are my favorites. Other great employees are super people also. Chris with the light colored hair, Lucille -the manager, Pam and Niecy. I always order oatmeal with raisins every morning and Mary Angela and Lenay put the raisins in the oatmeal. They watched me do it and now every morning the raisins are placed in my oatmeal. The bathrooms are usually clean. The prices are reasonable and if they run out of something, they always apologize. Everyone is greeted with a hello and have a good day. This is a super spot. No wonder there's a WAWA on every other block. Whoever thought of this idea, WAWA, the individual is not a millionaire, or billionaire, they are a trillionaire!!! What a smart person they are!!! I wish I had that idea first!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meenan; City: Upper Darby, PA; Review: My family has been patronizing Meenan for many years. My dad decided to purchase oil from them years ago and my mom has since carried on. My dear dad is no longer amongst us. May his sweet soul rest in peace. My family has never had an issue with Meenan. When they schedule an appointment, Meenan is always on time, they start and complete their job and they are out in record time!! They always leave receipt in door and we do not have to be at home!!! That is the best part!!! I wanted to give a shout-out to Paula in the accounts payable department. They no longer accept payment in person. Paula disclosed that to me when we bumped into each other at Planet Fitness in Drexel Hill one Saturday morning. One of my jobs is Personal Fitness Trainer. But when Meenan did accept payment in person, Paula was our go-to-person. Paula was always friendly, pleasant, sociable and a huge asset to Meenan. Paula has been a faithful, loyal and dedicated employee of Meenan for over thirty years. I miss going to the office. I always paid the bill for my mom and Paula and I would talk forever - we played catch up on all of our favorite activities. Meenan, please give Paula a raise, she deserves that and more!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Drexel Hill, PA; Review: Hello! This is my favorite CVS location because of convenience and distance. I love the self serve checkout lines. The only thing that I do not like about the self serve checkout lines is if they say bills only or no cash, only credit/debit. Today was the first time that I had an issue with the self serve and I have been coming here for years. I scanned my extracard and then I scanned my first item. No problem. I tried to scan my second item and it wouldn't scan. The scanner was like frozen in place. I tried several times, but to no avail. There were about two other customers in the other self serve lines, so I decided to hop over to the associate who was helping someone else. I hopped over to her line and waited patiently. When it was my turn to be waited on, don't you know I forgot my wallet, silly me, I apologized to the associate and I flew outside to retrieve my wallet. When I arrived back inside, there was another customer in line with the associate. She had an issue. So I patiently waited again. This time, Neha rang up my purchases again. She was so nice and attentive and patient. She smiled the entire time. I apologized again to her for not having my wallet and inconveniencing her. She smiled and nodded. I also wanted to do another transaction with my Serve card. I added money to it and she assisted me with that, with no issues or problems. I was very happy and satisfied when I left CVS. Good night all!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Xfinity Store by Comcast; City: Havertown, PA; Review: This location is relatively new in Havertown, Pa. It is located in the Quarry Shopping Center, surrounded by Giant Supermarket, Lowes and Vitamin Shoppe and Franklin Mint Credit Union. I believe this spot services a lot of customers that used to go to the location on Parkside Avenue. This also services customers who used to patronize the Comcast location in Drexel Hill, near the Acme Supermarket. I usually have a good experience here. Most of the employees are polite, always with a good morning or hello and may I help you? They occasionally will hold the door for you when you come in and when you leave. Sometimes they even offer you a bottle of water. I asked about a restroom and I was quite surprised when they said I could use it. I thought the bathrooms were only for employees. I come here to pay my mother's bill. I always use the kiosk. They have two of them. They are user-friendly. If you need assistance, a Comcast employee would be happy to assist. They usually have people on the front desk as soon as you walk in and towards the back near the kiosk. It is spacious and features all the latest equipment from Comcast/Xfinity. I wanted to spotlight Michael Williams - Xfinity Sales Professional. Our family had an issue with an adaptor box not owned by Comcast but by Zenith. I explained the issue to Mr. Williams and he assisted me once on Monday, August the 5th and once on Tuesday, August the 6th. He conducted himself in a professional manner and was cordial throughout our interaction. There have been other employees who deserved an honorable mention, but I feel Mr. Williams deserved to be showcased as a commendable employee.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wells Fargo Bank; City: Lansdowne, PA; Review: Hello everyone!!!! I am writing this review to give a shout-out to one person only. Rasheedah Hatchett/Branch Manager/Assistant Vice President. This young woman deserves a lot of commendations. I had the pleasure of meeting this young lady yesterday, Monday, August 5th. When I arrived at this branch, I seated myself and waited for someone to assist me. I waited for only a few minutes, when Ms. Hatchett approached me and asked if I needed assistance. I said yes and she escorted me to a desk. She asked, "How may I assist you today", with a smile and I proceeded to explain to her my concern. Ms. Hatchett addressed my concern. It was related to my auto loan with this institution. She patiently called the proper department and patiently waited until whoever had her on hold was free. It was more than a few minutes, but Ms. Hatchett continued to wait patiently. She definitely has more patience than me. I asked could I ask her something else, since she was on hold and she said yes. I had another issue with feedback. I wanted to express positive feedback about a Wells Fargo employee and she said it would be better if I called because I couldn't email the correct department because I do not have a checking or savings with them, only a vehicle loan. I couldn't use the same user name and password that I use in my online banking for my vehicle loan to submit feedback. This I feel was simply odd and Wells Fargo has this business card that says Your feedback matters - Share your compliments and complaints so we can better serve you. Then it gives you a # 1-844-931-2273 - Call 1-844-WF1-CARE, or talk with a banker at any Wells Fargo banking location, visit us @wellsfargo.com/feedback or write to us- for addresses, go to wellsfargo.com/addresses. I called the 1-844 # and was placed on hold for a time period and I spoke to one person and then the first person put me on hold because I was not in the right department and then they transferred me to another person and they said they could not address my concerns because I wanted to commend someone at a branch and not the auto loan department so they could not assist me. They then said that I would have to call the executive offices because they no longer handle positive feedback. I was on hold for the third person for about five minutes. My phone was making funny beeping noises and then the connection was terminated. It amazes me that Wells Fargo had these options on a business card and when you utilize them, it cannot be accomplished. Talking to a banker is not going to go anywhere because they will just politely listen, try email only if you have a checking or savings account or the last option to write to Wells Fargo for addresses is a waste of time, because you can goggle and get the addresses. So I am impressed with Ms. Rasheedah Hatchett, not at; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Five Below; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Hello! Five Below is just what it is. Everything is $5.00 and under. This store is not my go-to store. I rarely come in here. I always forget about this store. In my mind, it doesn't exist. I always shop at the dollar store. This is my go-to store for everything that is less expensive. Whoever invented the dollar store, is a genius!!! I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart! I do not like shopping for anything, but I can stay here, in the dollar store, all day. I wanted to review Five Below to explain why I shopped there. One of my side hustles is driving for Lyft. I am tired of holding the phone in my hand. So I decided to purchase a car mount. I was thinking of going to Walmart, Target or Best Buy. Also Amazon and E-Bay came to mind. I explained my dilemma to one of my Lyft's passengers, Bailey, and she suggested that I try Five Below. I said thank you, and I said why not, it will only be $5.00. So low and behold, I travelled to Five Below on Monday, August 5th after a Lyft ride. They had a variety of car mounts. The one that sits on the dashboard, a magnetic one that adheres to the phone that sits in the car vent, another one that sits in the vent but that does not obstruct your air, plus others. The first one, I decided to try was the one that sits on the dashboard. Well I tried to put it together myself, but that didn't work, so I headed back to Five Below. I asked one of the associates for help and she proceeded to put the device together. She was having trouble, so she called over Genevieve. I forgot to get the first lady's name. Well Genevieve had no problem and handed back the device. I said thank you and headed back to the car. The device would not adhere to my dash. I headed back to the store and Genevieve said perhaps because it is so hot!!! And my dash felt like fire!!!!! I decided that must be it, because the device adhered to the desk in Five Below. Then I decided on another car mount. I said I would try the magnetic kind. I didn't try that one until Tuesday, August 6th when I decided to drive for Lyft. That didn't work either because my phone is old and my phone has a case that is old and the case is embedded to the phone. So I couldn't take off my case and didn't because after I finish driving for Lyft I want my case back on my phone. The magnet would not adhere to the phone case. So then after I stopped driving for Lyft that day, I headed back to Five Below. I made another even exchange and this time I decided on the one that does not obstruct the air flow but sits in the car vent. I purchased that one,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Comcast Service Center; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: I am quite pleased with Comcast/Xfinity today. We called Comcast because we needed assistance with our television in our kitchen. The television is small, Zenith brand and our recent problem is that we can only view 3 channels: Channel 6, Channel 29 and Channel 57. We called Comcast to ask for their assistance. We called on three separate occasions. On each occasion, they sent a signal to our tv but that didn't work. Then on the third try, the person on the line asked what type of box we had and we said Zenith. We don't have a Comcast box. So that is the problem. A signal from Comcast will not work, going to an alien box, Zenith. The customer service person suggested that we bring the box to a Comcast store. And they would exchange it for a Comcast box. I took the Zenith box to a Comcast location, on Township Line Road and the employee told me that it was a Zenith box and not a Comcast box and that I had two options. They couldn't take back the box because it was Zenith. I understood that. But then he said, I could either purchase a box from Walmart or Best Buy and it would be about, approximately $25.00 or rent a Comcast box from Comcast, which would be anywhere from $2.99 to about $6.99 a month. And if we needed someone to hook up the box, it would be about $50.00 on our bill. We opted to rent a box from Comcast. On another occasion, I went back to Comcast and picked up the box. I then went home and tried to hook the box up myself. It was relatively easy to disconnect the Zenith box. I followed the directions that Comcast gave me to the letter. When it said to connect the HDMI cord to the TV port, I clearly could not find a port on the TV. Our TV is an old one!!!! We called Comcast again and arranged an appointment so that someone could install the Comcast box. Ryan C. was our Tech. Ryan was excellent!!! We had great conversation and Ryan told me after I asked that he had been working for Comcast for seven years. I was very interested in the process and I asked Ryan a lot of questions. Ryan said he didn't mind and would be happy to answer any questions that I had. Ryan explained to me after going in the basement and after going outside that he would have to run a wire from the kitchen to the basement. I was taking notes on this, but Ryan was kind enough to draw a picture for us. This is the picture that Ryan drew that is depicted in this review. The picture shows that the tv is in the kitchen and my mom's tv is upstairs and the modem is shown. Ryan shows me how this device in the middle powers my mom's tv and the modem, but the device is not supplying power to the tv in the kitchen. Ryan; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Applebee's Grill + Bar; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Hello Yelp Family!!!! I am a member of the Outreach Ministry at my church. We pass out tracts to people that we see and meet. Our group decided three weeks ago that we would like to fellowship at a restaurant. One of the ladies in the group suggested that we go to Applebee's. She was referring to the location on City Line Avenue in the City Line Shopping Center. But our church has visited that location several times and I have patronized that location with my family. So we, it was two other ladies and myself, decided to try this location in Havertown, on West Chester Pike. This Applebee's is surrounded by Staples, Acme, a cleaners, etc located in the Manoa Shopping Center. We arrived around 1:20 pm today, Saturday, August the 17th and we were promptly greeted by a host. This gentleman showed us to a table and promptly a server came over, introduced herself and asked us if we wanted anything to drink. One of the ladies asked for mango ice tea, the other lady asked for raspberry tea and I asked for frozen lemonade, classic flavor. I was checking out the calories on the menu. We then proceeded to order when our server, Nesrine W. came back with our drinks. One of the ladies ordered a quesa burger, the other lady ordered a strawberry salad with all of the trimmings and I ordered the bourbon blackened chicken and shrimp. All of the ladies enjoyed their food. My chicken and shrimp were simply divine. I am not a big fan of Applebee's, I would have selected another restaurant, but Applebee's is making a believer out of me! There is plenty of parking here. The restaurant was clean. The atmosphere was light and quiet, probably because we selected a time when many other people were not there. I have enclosed our receipts which we paid for separately. My bourbon chicken and shrimp were $17.49 and the frozen lemonade was $3.49. The mango iced tea was $2.99 and the quesa burger was $7.99. The raspberry iced tea was $2.99 and the salad was $12.99. I am also enclosing photos of our food. Please check them out. I would visit again, perhaps in three months. Good night Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Regal UA Main Street Theatre; City: Manayunk, PA; Review: Hi everyone!!! Family visited this theater on Sunday, August 18th, 2019. We decided on "Hobbs and Shaw", from the Fast and Furious series. I ordered our tickets online and we arrived early. I believe it was $9.95 for a senior and $10.50 for an adult. We opted to see a matinee at 1 pm. We arrived extra early, around 11:45 am and we sat in the parking lot waiting for the theater to open. We watched three employees knock on the door and they were allowed to enter. I went to the door several times to see when they would open. There is no sign on the door, advertising start times for the movie theater to open. I also saw another moviegoer knock on the door. I asked him what time does the theater open? He said I hope before 1 pm. HIs movie started at 1 pm. I didn't think to ask him was he seeing the same movie we were seeing. It turned out it was. I saw him in the auditorium. When I went to the box office, I explained that I had bought my tickets online and I produced my booking number. If you order tickets online, just produce your booking # which you find on your email and you can print out the tickets beforehand. The box office clerk directed me to go inside and to speak with another employee. I did and I gave my booking #. The young lady keyed it in on the theater's phone and it didn't register, twice. It had an error message. She relayed the message to another employee who tried it too. Didn't work and then we walked back to the box office. The employees just told me to go in because I knew my assigned seats because I had it all written down in my email. Before that we used the restrooms and they were clean! Also we visited the concession stand and ordered a large barrel of popcorn which wasa $8.89 and a medium blue raspberry icee which was $6.79. The receipt is listed in my photo here. Also the icee looked like a large. It was huge!!!! I proceeded to get the butter at another spot and napkins and straws. We then walked to our movie auditorium. It was Auditorium 2, with Section F, Seats 16-18. The auditorium was clean and airy. We found our seats and settled in. The seats are so comfy!!! Recliner high back rocker seats!!! Love them!! Could fall asleep here without a problem!! Idris Elba, Dwayne the Rock Johnson and Vanessa Kirby were super in this movie!!!! I eagle- eyed the Rock and Idris the entire movie!!! What hunks these men are!!! Whoo hoo!!! The movie was empty, except for, I counted about six people in the auditorium!!! The sound was mind-blowing and the action is non-stop, leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire movie!! My kind of movie!!! Parking is great here, plenty of places to park. Brianna, the young lady who helped us with the booking part; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Folcroft Diner; City: Folcroft, PA; Review: Hello Yelp Family!!! The family visited Folcroft again on Sunday, August 19th. Our server this time was Lauren. Lauren was a brand new server. She was friendly and kind and always had a welcoming smile. We were seated in a booth, our favorite place to sit over a table. Lauren came over, introduced herself and asked if we wanted to start with drinks. She had already handed us the menus. My mom and brother chose ginger ale and I chose water with lemon. We had decided on our dinner choices when Lauren returned with our drinks. My mom decided on her trusty baked tilapia with two sides: apple sauce and mashed potatoes with gravy, my brother decided on fried flounder with apple sauce and onion rings. I decided on broiled stuffed shrimp with crabmeat, with asparagus and a baked potato with butter on the side. Lauren brought back our choices about fifteen minutes later and she also brought dinner rolls. I forgot to mention that all of us ordered from the small portions menu and we all ordered specials with a choice of soup or salad. My mom and bro opted for alphabet soup and I opted for crab bisque. Simply delicious!!! My mom and bro enjoyed their soup also. We all had ordered specials so the dessert was included. Mom chose cherry jello, bro chose rice pudding and I selected tapioca pudding for take-out to eat later at home. Please check out the photos of the food posted and also our check for the food. Everyone enjoyed their meal here again. I had asked Lauren about Amber, Amanda and Angela. Angela is the manager and Amber and Amanda are servers there as well. Lauren, because she was new, didn't know them. I asked to speak with Angela and Lauren was worried that we were not satisfied. I assured her that we were content with everything and I only wanted to ask Angela about Amanda and Amber. Angela came over and told us that Amanda and Amber were doing fine. Folcroft is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They never close!!! The atmosphere is always inviting and everyone, including servers and other customers are always nice!! We had another terrific experience here tonight!!! SEE YA YELP FAMILY!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planet Fitness; City: Ridley Township, PA; Review: Hello Yelp Family!!! I have been a member of Planet Fitness since August of 2013. I started out at the Drexel Hill Location which is smaller than Clifton Heights and I had a white card. Then I upgraded it to a Black Card and moved over to Clifton Heights. Clifton Heights is smaller than the Ridley Park location. This Ridley Park location is home for me now. The white card is $10.00 and you can only visit one gym which is your home. The black card is $20.00 and enables you to visit any Planet Fitness location anywhere in the world where there is a Planet Fitness. There are also guest passes. It has been a sheer joy for me to work out here. This is a find, as I have been in the past, a member of Living Well Lady, Bally's, Fitness Together and Curves. I enjoy working out at 4am in the morning six days a week, Monday morning thru Saturday morning, 1 hour to 1and a half hours either dancing on the treadmill or doing ab work- pushups, crunches, leg lifts and sit ups. This gym is well maintained. It is open constantly. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That was the main attraction for me here to find an overnight gym. The gym is always clean and they have towels and solution to clean the individual machines. This Planet Fitness at Ridley is relatively new. They have been here for approximately five years. Wendy's, Home Depot, ACME, Citizens Bank are all within walking distance. Lol!! I don't see too many folks walking though!!! The gym at this location has two floors full of equipment: treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, arc trainers and weight equipment, such as free weights and your heavier weights. There is plenty of space to work out - no one has any reason to be on top of you, if you know what I mean. A big airy spacious gym!!!There are TV's to watch on the first floor and TV's to watch on the second floor. There are chairs and tables to sign up with employees for interested first-timers. There are massage chairs near the front of the gym, plus hydra beds. The ladies locker room is a good size. Plenty of lockers for everyone!! However, the rule is to use your lock for the one visit only and to take it with you, because they don't want anyone moving in. No reason to - plenty of lockers to go around. The bathrooms are near the lockers, with four stalls for the ladies. There are four showers to use after your invigorating workout. My only complaint is that they only have one changing room. There should be at least two of those. I forgot to mention about the parking here. There is a huge parking area, with parking all around the club. If you enter the front of the club, there is parking and if you enter on the side of the club, there is parking. Aaron Bramble, Club Manager is the perfect person; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Omnia Nail Spa; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Hello to My Yelp Family!!!! I want to talk about Omnia Nail Spa. My mother has patronized this salon for about 20 years and counting. They are located in the City Line Shopping Center. They used to be at another spot in the shopping center, but they moved to their current location in the center because they needed more space. 18 years in the old spot, about 3 years in the new. They will be gaining more space because Hair Cuttery, next to them are closing; this location only. The other locations of Hair Cuttery will still be there. I recently started patronizing Omnia because of my mom. I have been coming here for about two years now. My mom loves the employees here, who are mostly bi-lingual. The other language besides English is Vietnamese. There are a lot of employees here. I think about twenty. It may be more than that. My mom's nail tech is Jonathan, and my nail tech is Kim. My mom pays $30.00 for her nails and I pay $40.00 for my pedicure. Omnia accepts cash or credit/debit card. My mom gets the gel manicure and I get the sport pedicure with exfoliating scrub with paraffin. Kim is wonderful. We always laugh and have fun during the procedure. Kim puts my feet in paraffin bags for about 15 minutes and my skin feels super smooth. You can also get your arms and hands in paraffin. I haven't done the arms and hands yet, but I will one day. I have been getting the sport pedicure for about a year now. I started out getting the Essential pedicure which includes shape, cuticle trim, massage, callus treatment and polish, which was $25.00. In my opinion, the services are expensive, but so worth it!!! I love the fact that an employee cleans up each pedicure station before the next customer sits down. This employee meticulously cleans the station, sanitizes it and leaves fresh towels and instruments for the nail tech to work. The atmosphere here is light and airy. Everyone here is nice. The ladies that work the front desk are polite. Jonathan takes his time with my mom's nails and Kim does the same with my feet. I don't get my fingernails done because I have spots in my nails and they will show through the polish. An important part that I would like to mention is that if you mess up your polish, like I do a lot, you can return and they will fix it for you free of charge. Either go back the same day or the next day and you will not be charged. They also offer free beverages. They have wine and non-alcoholic beverages such as orange juice, hot tea and bottled water. They serve it in a large attractive glass. There is a lot of parking in the shopping center. However it tends to be crowded and a lot of traffic especially anywhere between 12 noon to about 6 pm any day of the week. The trick is to let in and get; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Regal Plymouth Meeting; City: Conshohocken, PA; Review: Hello Yelp Family!!!! The family visited this theater on Sunday, September 1st, 2019. We have patronized this theater before, just didn't write a review. The theater is in Plymouth Meeting and this area is very well maintained with plenty to see and do.There's a Ruby Tuesday and a Cracker Barrel nearby. I didn't visit either one today, but Mom and I visited the Ruby Tuesday months ago. The theater is very noticeable from the outside and the architecture makes for a beautiful picture. Inside I found the kiosk to place my booking# so that we could obtain our tickets. I purchased the tickets online - with $11.45 for a matinee regular adult and $10.25 for a matinee senior. We decided on Angel has Fallen with stars Gerard Butler and Morgan Freeman. Gerard and Morgan are super hunks!!! Yes I said that about Idris Elba and Dwayne the Rock Johnson in Hobbs and Shaw. This movie was action-packed from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie!!!! The movie theater inside has a huge concession stand plus a booth where you can take individual pictures of yourself, your family or whoever or whomever. The staff at Regal Plymouth Meeting was friendly and congenial. One of the ladies from the concession stand attempted to assist me with my ticket purchase. I explained that I purchased the tickets online and then was directed to the kiosk where I keyed in the booking # and voila' there were three tickets for the family. The employee who took our tickets was very nice also. We were talking about the movie before we went in. The bathrooms are a nice size and they are clean. The concession stand is run efficiently, and has popcorn, slurpees plus other finger food. We were in Auditorium 3 and the rooms were nice-sized with high back recliner rocker seats. These seats were ultra comfortable!!! All three of us, Mom, bro and myself reclined our seats to our individual comforts and tastes. I had brought two blankets for myself and Mom and wrapped up in my blanket and I was so comfy and happy with my bucket of popcorn. Yes you can go to sleep here -its that comfortable!!! We three shared the popcorn. The air-conditioning was wonderful - and yes you can feel it. We loved it!!! The sound system and movie track were outstanding!!! It was a matinee so there were not many folks partaking at this time. When we left though, the people were coming in!!! The parking is wonderful and plentiful, with many handicapped spaces available!!! Thisi is one of my very favorite theaters!!! I don't have a negative comment at all about this place!!! We will return very soon!!! Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Home Depot; City: Folsom, PA; Review: Hello again Yelp Family!!! I wanted to review The Home Depot today. I patronized on Monday, September 2nd- Labor Day this year. I only intended to purchase a bulb for the ceiling fan in my room. Instead I walked into a bevy of good folks!!! First of all, this particular Home Depot location is huge!!!! It is located in a great location in Ridley Park, surrounded by Planet Fitness, Citizens Bank and Acme to name a few. The parking lot is spacious - plenty of room to park. When I arrived in the store - the entrance, I was met by Home Depot fellow employees. There are many departments and sections here - Hardware, Cleaning Products, Plumbing, Construction, etc . I decided to ask an associate where the lighting bulbs were, because I would be walking the entire length of the store, because I did not see the Lighting section. I then asked an associate who stopped what he was doing to assist me . I asked, where are the bulbs, for the ceiling fans? He showed me where they were and even scanned the back of the sample that I had in my hand and promptly handed me the brand new bulbs that came two in a pack. I was so happy and then I went over to pay and I was greeted by another employee - Amy. Amy was smiling and was so friendly and congenial. Amy works in Customer Service and she told me she wasn't busy so she could assist me. She said she wasn't going to make me walk to self-serve check-out when she could help me. Amy rung up my purchase - it was $3.15. We talked the entire time. We traded life stories. We had many things in common. Amy asked for my business card because I am a Personal Trainer. I also handed her an Avon book and My Daily Bread. This Home Depot visit was a pleasurable experience for me and it certainly will not be my last!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! The family visited Famous Dave's after running errands. We opted first to go to Chick F-ilet, but it was way too crowded, and this is on a Tuesday around 4 pm in the afternoon. We visited on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. I was starving like Marvin, when we came here. This was our second choice because Chick F-ilet was crowded. I didn't feel like driving far because I was so-so hungry!!!! Aaliyah was our server and she first brought out chips, which was a conversation starter. It took a minute for us to decide, so Aaliyah gave us plenty of time. She asked our drink choices and Mom selected water, bro selected Dr. Pepper and I selected unsweetened iced tea. After Aaliyah brought us our drinks, we decided on our entree's. Mom decided on catfish, since she is a seafood person and cannot live without tilapia being on the menu. So catfish was the only seafood she could select. Bro decided on a pork sandwich and I decided on a baked stuffed potato with broccoli and cheese. Everyone enjoyed their individual choices. I immediated mowed down my food with no end in sight!!! Delicious!!!! I didn't finish my iced tea and I asked for a carry out iced tea. Aaliyah was gracious and brought us everything that we asked for. The parking is plentiful and Famous Dave's is located in the shopping center along with Chick f-ilet, Target, Ichiban Buffet, LA Fitness, etc. The atmosphere at Famous Dave's was light and airy. Not many customers were there though, everyone was at Chick- fi-let! It was about 2 tables including us there. The place is a nice size, being a perfect location for a party. My friend, Pat, had celebrated her birthday there, back in May and we were present along with Pat's enthusiastic and amusing family!!! The bathrooms were labeled Pointers (Men) and Setters (Women). We got a good kick out of that!!! We probably will not be visiting Famous Dave's in the near future, since Mom cannot live without her seafood. She likes to patronize diners with more choices of seafood on the menu, such as flounder, crab, oysters, shrimp and scallops. Ok Yelp Family, see you next time and Good Night All!!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Police And Fire Federal Credit Union; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Police and Fire Federal Credit Union recently moved from the City Line Shopping Center - 7604 City Avenue in August 2019. Its new location is conveniently situated one block away. The new location hosts a larger expanded parking lot, 24 Hour Walk-Up ATM, Safe deposit boxes, Instant Issue Debit Cards, Self Service Coin Counting and friendly staff to assist you. I visited on opening day and it still has that new aroma, on September 14, 2019. I have patronized as a member here since 2014. I became a member after my stint as a Security Officer for Allied Universal, among others. Police and Fire gives you service, value, convenience and trust. Two employees who deserve a shout-out are Austin J. and Ms. Denora L. J. These two people are always friendly and knowledgeable. When I visit and they are in, I can always count on their timely assistance. This new location has the same set-up when you arrive. The tellers are on the window and the Branch Representatives are sitting at their respective desks. If you need assistance at the desk, there is a kiosk to sign in. Your name and what type of assistance you need, with a loan, an account, or something else. Check out the photos of the new location. Good night Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walmart Supercenter; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good morning Yelp Family!!! I visited Walmart yesterday on Saturday, September 14th, 2019. I have to say that this Walmart used to be my go-to place for inexpensive items. I like Walmart because they sell everything under the sun!! There is a huge parking lot here. My experience here yesterday was not amazing or amusing at all!!! I usually walk out of this Walmart with a great experience. So sadly to say, NOT THIS TIME!!!!! I wanted to purchase mints in the big plastic tin that they usually have in the candy aisle. I went to the candy aisle and there were no mints!!!!! I was on the floor, on my knees looking for the mints!!! No mints there!!! So then I proceeded to go to the aisle looking for body spray. The glass case that houses the spray and the cologne, Walmart keeps it locked! Ok, then I find an associate and I ask her to please unlock the glass case. She informs me that she does not have the key and that someone, an employee, took the key home. I asked her, is there more than one key? She shakes her head and says, "I'm so sorry, no, there is not another key." I then decide to leave because I have not found anything that I needed or came to purchase. I then made my way to the Walmart in Glenolden on Macdade Boulevard. Needless to say, this Walmart had the mints, I bought two containers of them: red peppermint. My mom loves them!!! And the body spray was not locked up!! I purchased that as well. I will not be returning to this Walmart in the near future!!! However, I must add that whenever I ask an associate here for something, they are usually polite and pleasant. Walmart of Glenolden, will be my go-to-store from now on for less expensive items. See ya Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Walmart; City: Glenolden, PA; Review: Good Afternoon Yelp Family!! I just finished writing a review for the Walmart in Springfield, 400 South State Road and I decided to write a review for this Walmart. I left the Springfield Walmart and I high-tailed it over to this Walmart in Glenolden. I was so exasperated with the one in Springfield!! I had had it!!!!!! I arrived at the Walmart in Glenolden and I immediately made my way to the candy aisles, where I spotted the red peppermints in the big container. I purchased two of them, they still had a lot left over, so then I proceeded over to the body spray section. Enroute to there, I asked an Associate, LaChaunte B. where the body spray was housed and where was the Aleve- that was for Mom. LaChaunte immediately informed me that the body spray was in Cosmetics and that the Aleve was in the Pharmacy section. LaChaunte B. was most accommodating, polite and friendly. She seemed genuinely happy to be of service. I had to write this review on behalf of LaChaunte B. People in general, not all, are so quick to point out the negative and never state the positive. I enjoy writing these reviews and giving credit to the people who deserve it the most!! I hope the next time I shop at this Walmart in Glenolden, I encounter LaChaunte B. Shopping experiences would be a whole lot nicer and pleasant when people like LaChaunte B. are around!!! Parking is plentiful here, as there is a big parking lot. Til next review Yelp Family!!!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Springfield Diner; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! The family visited The Springfield Diner on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. We arrived around 1:33 pm, according to our receipt. Surprisingly, there was not a long line in the foyer. The foyer is usually crowded, especially on a Sunday morning or the weekends, period. One thing that is especially nice about The Springfield Diner is that there is a big parking lot and people are using moving in and out. So there is no long wait to park if by chance you arrive on the weekends and there are no empty spots. We were seated immediately and this made for a fine start, because usually when we visit we give our last name and wait like everyone else. We were seated in a booth and Krasi, our server, immediately asked for our drink choices. Mom and Bro, Sierra Mist and I selected an Iced tea with lemon. We needed more than a few minutes to decide since we were so undecided on our meal selections. We signalled to Krasi and he came over. Mom selected Open Roast turkey with mashed potatoes and apple sauce, Bro decided on roast beef and swiss cheese triple decker club with fries and I decided on the catch of the day which was broiled tilapia (Mom's favorite) I was so surprised that she didn't order that. My two sides were corn and spinach with rice. I had selected a special, so I had a choice of soup or salad. I opted for salad with french dressing on the side and no onions. Mom opted for chicken noodle soup. Mom had originally said she would order a short stack of pancakes but she changed her mind. I also changed my mind because my first choice was french toast. What made me change my mind was because of the special you received soup or salad and your choice of dessert: tapioca or rice pudding, cherry jello or chocolate or vanilla ice cream. I opted for the tapioca to take out. Our food was good. We usually enjoy our experience here, especially if we do not have to wait long. Bro needed a doggie box since he couldn't finish his meal. I enjoyed everything except for the spinach with rice. I wouldn't order that again. The atmosphere at The Springfield Diner is light and airy, I always say that, don't I, LOL! Not a lot of diners when we went, that was ok with us. We received our orders quick! When I was still eating my salad, our meal choices arrived. So then I was eating salad with my tilapia, spinach with rice and corn. That was alright with me!!! Krasi was very attentive and polite to us! We left him a nice tip! Mom was happy since we were originally going to Chick filet on MacDade and we decided to visit here, since we haven't been here in a while and this is Mom's favorite diner. The total for our dinner was $46.32. Good experience, Yelp Family - Good night!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Regal Plymouth Meeting; City: Conshohocken, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!!! The family again visited this theater on Saturday, September 21st, 2019. We decided on Rambo - Last Blood, starring Sylvester Stallone. Stallone is at his all-time best, sparing his enemies nothing!!! Don't mess with Rambo!! If you hurt him or someone he loves, he will spare no expense and no mercy and you will be paid back dearly for messing with his loved ones!!!! Sylvester Stallone has been around a long time and he still HAS IT!!! You Go Boy!!!!This time around, the kiosk was down when we arrived. I enjoy going to the kiosk instead of standing in a long line. I am able to access my tickets by keying in my booking #. I asked the manager about the kiosk and he said it was down since last night and he was calling someone to have it repaired. So then I went to retrieve our tickets from the box office. I love the reserved seating here. This way for example if you arrive after your feature movie, you don't ever have to worry about having a seat. After that, mom and I visited the restroom. I must say that I do not appreciate going out of the restroom to put something in the trash. The trashcan for the women's restroom is located outside the bathroom around the corner. This makes no sense to me! What if you have a lot to unload in the trash!!! Anyway, I made my way to the concession stand and ordered our customary bucket of popcorn, where we share three ways around: mom, bro and myself. Of course, lots of butter and lots of napkins. This time, we didn't order a drink. It is too high!!! Popcorn was $9.42. We then made our way to our auditorium, auditorium 6 was where our movie was playing. A nice size, it was much bigger than the auditorium that we saw "Angel has fallen." We settled into our seats, I 17, I 18 and I 19. We had our popcorn and we adjusted our seats and our blankets. We love the high-back rocker recliner seats!! Of course there are way too many coming attractions, but the best thing about this is you can use this time to use the bathroom or go back to the concession stand if you desire. Our movie finally started and we were all enjoying it!! About half through the movie, the lights came partly on. We were wondering why and I was looking around. It took a minute, but finally the lights went off altogether again. The movie was great!! We all enjoyed it, but didn't enjoy the interruption of the lights coming on midway through the movie. I asked the attendant why were the lights on and he said it was the sound system. It had to be adjusted. We ordered two senior tickets which were $10.05 apiece and one matinee adult ticket which was $11.45. The total for the tickets was $36.05, where I purchased the tickets online. Plenty of parking here, as Regal has a; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chick-fil-A; City: Plymouth Meeting, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!! The family visited this location after seeing, "Rambo - Last Blood" at the Regal Plymouth Meeting movie theater. My brother informed me that this Chick-fil-A was inside The Plymouth Meeting Mall as he had visited here and my mom and I, this was our first time here, but not our first time at Chick-fil-A. We have visited the Springfield and the MacDade Boulevard location. Of course there is a large parking lot because Chick-fil-A is in a large mall - Plymouth Meeting Mall. There is a bit of a walk to Chick-fil-A from the parking lot, as I was concerned about my mom walking such a long distance. There was a line, as expected, as we were here on a Saturday about 3:14 pm in the afternoon.We opted to dine in as opposed to take-out. My bro and I waited in line while my mom relaxed in a booth. My mom and bro ordered the medium chicken sandwich meal which came with waffle fries and a drink, they ordered Sprite and a Coke. Each meal was $6.99 and the sub total was $13.98, the tax was $.84 and their total was $14.82. I ordered the market salad which came with strawberries, plus other ingredients. I had a choice of dressing and I chose italian. I ordered the frosted caramel coffee for my choice of beverage. Needless to say, I didn't enjoy the salad and I will never order another salad from Chick-fil-A again. The waffle fries from mom and bro and the frosted caramel coffee made up for the not too good salad. Chick-fil-A also carried a Cobb Salad and a Spicy Chicken Salad. My total was $8.39 and the coffee was $4.29 and the sub total was $12.68 and the tax was $.77 and the total was $13.45. Samantha, my cashier, was charming as she smiled when she handed me my order. The noise level here was average, as we didn't really hear other parties around. I had heard that because this Chick-fil-A was inside of a mall, that the food here was more expensive. Well they weren't kidding!! I can't speak for my mom and my bro, but I don't see myself visiting this location again any time soon, not because of the higher priced food but because of the atmosphere. I just didn't have a good feeling about the place. Is it because its fast food? I don't think so. I have had better dining experiences at McDonald's and Wendy's! Have a great night, Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Regal Downingtown & IMAX; City: Downingtown, PA; Review: This is my first time visiting this theater. I bought my vehicle from Jeff D'Ambrosio - Downingtown, located @1221 E. Lancaster Avenue, right near here, so I always wanted to check out this theater. The theater did not disappoint. It is huge and there is plenty of parking. Family went on a nice fall morning, Saturday, October 12th, 2019 to see a matinee feature. Our movie, "Gemini Man" started at 11:50 AM. It felt good going to see a picture in the fall. We were always visiting movies this previous summer. There are restrooms in the front of the theater and towards the back, where the movie auditoriums are, on both sides. I bought our tickets online, which usually happens, because then we can select our seats ahead of time, I love the reserved seating arrangement. Also this helps if you arrive close to the movie time, which happened today and this arrangement saves a lot of time. When we arrive, I instantly go to the kiosk and key in booking # and tickets arrive swiftly. A senior ticket is $10.80 and a matinee adult is $11.80. Then on to the restrooms. Restrooms were clean and there was a trashcan in the restroom, unlike Plymouth Meeting Regal, where the trash can is outside the bathroom. Then we visited the concession stands, where we purchased our customary bucket of popcorn. Of course, we made our way to the butter stand, where we generously dressed the popcorn with loads of butter. I am not counting calories here, one time that I do not concern myself with my career as Personal Trainer. I want to enjoy the movie, and enjoy we do, indulging in our large bucket. The popcorn was $9.53. Thats the same # I received for my rewards for purchasing tickets. I agree with previous reviews that the items at the concession stand are overpriced. We proceeded to make our way to Auditorium 7 where we saw Will Smith in Gemini Man. I enjoyed the movie. Will Smith did not disappoint. He still has it going on!!! Whew!!! The sound system was fantastic - as we saw it in 2D format. The air in the theater was good, not too cold or hot! We had our trusty blankets in tow and we covered up. The seats were recliner type, which I absolutely adore, as I always feel like I'm in my very own living room. I will visit again. Another thing I like about this theater is that it is airy and smooth like a Chick filet Caramel Iced Coffee!!! Plymouth Meeting was my favorite, Downingtown Regal is now my favorite. See ya - Yelp Family!!! Have a blessed evening!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Texas Roadhouse; City: Downingtown, PA; Review: Family visited after viewing, "Gemini Man", with Will Smith @The Regal - Downingtown. This was our first time here. This place reminds me of Famous Dave's Barbecue in Springfield, PA. It has a country look and a country aroma in the air!! When we arrived, we asked for a booth and were promptly shown to one. Montana, our server, asked what our drink choices would be. I opted for hot tea, Mom, a ginger ale and Bro, a coke. The drinks were $2.89 apiece. The menus were on the table, lunch menus. We arrived about 3:31 pm. on Saturday, October 12th, 2019. We needed a few more minutes to decide on our choices for lunch. I asked for a hot tea and Montana brought coffee. However I politely declined it and asked for hot tea. Montana brought it promptly. The hot tea was priced at $2.89. Mom decided on fried catfish, applesauce and mashed potatoes with barbecue sauce for the catfish. The catfish was priced at $11.99. Bro decided on the same entree with sweet potato as a different side along with applesauce. I decided on the country vegegtable plate. The plate was priced at $9.99. I chose chili, buttered corn, caesar salad with caesar dressing and a sweet potato. I also asked for a child size water, because most restaurants bring out those huge glasses and I only wanted a small glass. We enjoyed our food. Mom asked for more rolls. She enjoyed those!!! My buttered corn was spicy and so I asked after the meal to speak with the manager. Kelly offered a replacement, and I selected a baked potato with butter on the side to go. Kelly visited during the meal to make sure we were content with our orders. Thats when I should have spoken up. Well I will next time!!! Our grand total was $45.20. We also met Katy Anne, the owner and manager. Kelly, Montana and Katy Anne were gracious towards us. I will not visit again, since I am a seafood buff and there were not many choices for seafood, but I expected that and that was ok. I liked Famous Dave's better. Both places have about the same choices or similar selections of food items. Average noise volume, plenty of televisions to view. Someone had a birthday, so the staff sang and gave them a treat. The restrooms, they called them outhouses were nice size and clean for the most part. Only they ran out of paper towels when we visited and there were no hand dryers. Parking is plentiful here. Good night -Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Costco; City: Glen Mills, PA; Review: Hello everyone -to my Yelp Family. I visited Costco for the first time in my life today as a Personal Shopper for Instacart. I have been shopping since July of this year. I really enjoy it!! Its one of my side hustles. I get to meet nice people, the customers that I shop for and I enjoy adventures, I get to drive to places that I have never been. Some of my customers have beautiful homes and I enjoy shopping for them and delivering the groceries to their respective homes. My experience at Costco started out good. I realized that I am not a member, but my customer, James, is. I showed the membership on my Instacart app to the Costco associate who was stationed at the front door. She smiled and waved me on. I proceeded to look at the items that my customer, James requested. It was only 7 items and I proceeded to shop. The store is super huge and it is clean and neat!! I enjoyed myself immensely, just walking around the store. I was able to locate most of the items on the list. The ones that I couldn't locate, I asked the store personnel. Everyone was super nice - the associates. I also enjoyed tasting the various samples that they had throughout the store. I hadn't had any lunch, so the samples were my lunch. Simply divine!!! I was finally finished shopping and I headed to the checkout line. I opted for the self-service check out. It was super fast and there were not many other customers in line. I waited in line and then it was my turn to checkout James' order. First I had to scan the membership card again, which was on my phone, in the Instacart app. It wouldn't scan and then I asked the associate that was stationed for assistance. He had been eyeing me the whole time. I felt very uncomfortable around him, especially like it seemed he didn't trust me. I told him I needed assistance with scanning the membership on the phone, because it would not scan. He gave me a strange look and looked at the membership on the phone and suggested that I get the app. I said no, because this is someone else's order and that I am a Personal Shopper for Instacart. He acted like he didn't believe me. I said to him, you are acting like I'm a criminal! He reacted and said, "I am not supposed to be doing this, " but he used his access to grant me access so that I could proceed to pay for the groceries with the Instacart card. He acted like he was doing me a favor! I was incensed when I left Costco!!!! I was so embarrassed!!! People were looking at me like I was a troublemaker! I was shopping for my Instacart customer!!! I have not mentioned the associate's name here, because I do not want to throw him under the bus, like he threw me under the bus!!! However I decided to write; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Regal Downingtown & IMAX; City: Downingtown, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!! I was excited today to come here again on Saturday, October 26th, 2019. This time the selection was "Black and Blue", starring Naomie Harris and Tyrese Gibson. This film was truly exciting - it had me on the edge of my high back recliner seat, eagerly anticipating the next move. Naomie Harris is my new Female Action Hero. This woman is a Bad Momma Jomma!!! She didn't disappoint in the least!!! Tyrese Gibson was equally as good!! I enjoyed watching the two of them immensely!!! The soundtrack was good!!! Auditorium was airy and light!! There were two females sitting right in front of us and we couldn't believe it - they talked during all of the coming attractions and they didn't shut up until the movie feature started. Out of all of the seats that they could have sat, they just had to select the ones near us!!! Unbelievable!!! Also, while the movie was playing, one of the young ladies kept pulling out her phone. Amazing!! This never ceases to amaze me, why people spend their money to see a movie and end up staring at their phone instead!! Anyway, I ignored them once the movie started and it was only when I noticed them was when they pulled out the phone, since it was lit up!! Our barrel of popcorn was huge and it didn't disappoint us!! It seemed like the barrel was larger than the one we had for Gemini Man with Will Smith. We finished the entire barrel!!! We were sitting in Auditorium 3 with seats I 8-10. We practically had the entire room to ourselves! It pays to see movies earlier - matinee movies. We settled into our seats and our blankets - we truly made ourselves at home!!! After the movie, we headed to Dunkin Donuts which was nearby in the next shopping center over!! We will be back to see Terminator - Dark Fate with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton. Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Regal UA King Of Prussia ScreenX, 4DX & IMAX; City: King Of Prussia, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! The family visited this theater this time and we opted to see, Terminator- Dark Fate. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton were phenomenal!! I thoroughly enjoyed their performances!! I have never visited this theater, my first time and this is my last time!! Outside the theater looks inviting and thumbs up, but when you enter the entrance, thumbs down!! This theater is so small, I expected larger, because of the King of Prussia area and the area is known for people who have fat wallets!!! The concession stand was small and the bathrooms were small!!! We purchased our tickets online, thank God and we were able to put in our booking number and scoop up our tickets. Thank God for online booking!!! The bathroom was not clean and the popcorn did not taste the best! The ticket taker was the highlight of the day and saved the day!! He was extremely professional and nice!!!The gentleman at the concession stand was eating and drinking when he waited on me. When the family reached the auditorium, which was #1, we were again disappointed! Auditorium was super small, we were seated in Row K, where we had reserved seats, 1, 2 and 3. We went to sit down and there was no recliner seats. We couldn't recline at all, I was so disappointed about the no recliner seats. We are a tall family and our legs were squished behind Row J -the seats in front of us. It was a too-tight fit and I had to end up switching seats with my brother, because he was so uncomfortable, he had no room to stretch his legs and we traded seats so he could sit in the aisle seat, where there was no restriction and plenty of leg room. The movie took forever to begin. Our movie was scheduled to begin at noon. Of course the previews start first. Alas, the previews didn't start until 12:10 pm and so we were twiddling our thumbs because while there was sound and music, all the time we were waiting there was no picture. We waited from 11:45 am to 12:10 pm to see a picture on the screen. No, the room was not light and airy. We used our blankets because it was cool in the auditorium. We did not mind that, we enjoy wrapping up and reclining in the seats. But we couldn't recline here. There was some renovation going on. They are working on the IMAX part of the theater. Alas, this is my first and last time here!! I will not be back!!! They need to renovate the bathrooms and the concession stand and Auditorium 1 and replace the worn outdated seats with comfortable high back recliner seats like Plymouth Meeting and Downingtown!! See ya Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: LongHorn Steakhouse; City: Bala Cynwyd, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! The family decided to go to dinner tonight after viewing, "Terminator - Dark Fate at the theater in King of Prussia on Saturday, November 9th, 2019. Mom and I have visited the Longhorn in Springfield but this was our first time at this location. First off, there is plenty of parking and a big parking lot. When we walked through the doors of Longhorn, the decor is magnificent. Whoever selected the colors were rightly focused and on point. I was wondering if we were going to wait long for our food. That always seems to be the case at the Longhorn in Springfield. We were seated after about 10 minutes near the entrance and the hostess handed us our menus. The server took a while to get to our table, but when he did, he asked for our drink choices. My mom selected water, bro sprite and I selected decaf coffee. We needed time to select our dinner choices, so our server, Stephan B. left and returned later. My mom selected the farmer's market chicken with mashed potatoes and a side of sweet potato, bro selected fried shrimp 12 count with a house salad, sweet potato and sprite. I selected Redrock grilled shrimp, broccoli, baked potato with butter on the side and decaf coffee. My order was $2.99 decaf coffee, shrimp was $14.99 8 count. My mom's order was $12.99 and bro's order was $2.99 the sprite and the 12 count fried shrimp was $16.99. The total amounted to $54.01. My brother's salad arrived shortly after we ordered. Needless to say, our entrees', took forever to arrive. We waited over 30 minutes for our food. I asked our server what was the hold-up? He replied that there was a big take-out order of 12 people and that impacted our wait. After we ate, we enjoyed the food, but the wait was entirely too long!! We got up out of there!!! I do not believe that we will visit this location again!!! Its a nice spot and a good location, but the wait for food is not good!! Save yourself some time and eat somewhere else Yelp Family!!! See Ya - until the next review!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Burger King; City: Clifton Heights, PA; Review: Hello to My Yelp Family!!! The family selected this location to eat today, after running around all day, doing errands. I enjoy the Big Fish, thats why we opted to come here today, on Friday, November 1st, 2019. They have a parking lot. Its not big, but enough space if there is not a crowd of folks coming in and going out. We ordered after waiting in line. But wait, stop, we didn't wait at all today. There was no one in line today. But there were customers dining in the dining room. My mom ordered the Big Fish medium meal with fries with a Coke and I decided on the chicken fries, 9 pc medium and a drink. The associate who rang up our order didn't smile, but she was efficient. When our order was ready and I asked for ketchup, another employee obliged and gave us extra ketchup as there was none available on the serving table. They proceeded to fill up the ketchup bin. We picked up our cups and filled up our cups with Coke and Fruit Punch. There was a problem with the overhead TV and there was someone there to repair it. We ate our food, which was good, however I do not anticipate visiting this location again, anytime soon. We like Burger King, just not this location. The atmosphere was not comfortable and not accommodating! I felt like a fish without water! Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Giant Food Store; City: Clifton Heights, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family! I had to write this review to Send up a Huge Thumbs UP to Suzanne Tavares. This woman is stellar first class!! Ms. Tavares works in the Customer Service department of this Giant. I observed Miss Tavares closely as she worked. One customer was irate with her and gave her a considerably hard time about the fact that Suzanne was by herself and no other associate was around to assist her. This customer complained that there should always be two people behind the counter. This complaining went on for about 2 minutes, until another customer in line told him to stop complaining to say if you don't like it, go someplace else! The complainer stopped complaining and then it was his turn to be waited on. Suzanne never skipped a beat, never lost her cool and was overly patient and helpful with this complaining customer, a man. I was happy to see that Ms. Tavares performed her job well, never got mad and continued to smile the whole time!! Ms. Tavares should get the employee of the year award, not employee of the month, but employee of the year - 2019. I had to give her a shout-out, Lord knows she deserves much more!!! You go girl!!! Also Mr. Robert Hans was pleasant when I encountered him and asked him a question. My go-to-Giant location is the one on Township Line in Havertown, but I end up here when I am perusing this area. Good night Yelp Family, till my next review!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swiss Farms; City: Drexel Hill, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! My mom and dad started patronizing this place long ago. My mom gets the orange juice coolers and fruit punch coolers and always get them double-bagged. The employees that work here are always super efficient and friendly!! I am also surprised just like a Yelp reviewer that this experience of a drive-thru supermarket has not caught on!!! It reminds me a little of Instacart, because of not shopping yourself and leaving the shopping to someone else. Also the fact that they bring you the items to your car. So very convenient!!! We visit this location about three to four times a month. We always have a thumbs up experience!!! If you have never been there, you should start shopping there. You will not be sorry!! Good night Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Poppi's Cafe; City: Drexel Hill, PA; Review: Good evenng Yelp Family! I have visited Poppi's twice on takeout. The first time I ordered grits with butter in it and turkey bacon. The second time I ordered oatmeal with raisins in it and turkey bacon. I enjoyed both takeouts. I discovered this place while patronizing the Chinese eatery here in this shopping center. Also I knew about it when I took Mom to Swiss Farms to purchase her orange juice coolers. There is a good-size parking lot here and the decor inside of Poppi's is inviting. The owner is charming and nice. The staff - the servers are friendly. Both times I was invited to sit at a table while waiting for my takeout orders. The second time I ordered chicken fingers for Mom which came with french fries, pickles and we opted for barbecue sauce, I ordered a third item, a chicken cheese steak for a family member which came with pickles and a bag of potato chips. The pickles were in a little cup. I enjoyed my order and my family enjoyed their orders. We will visit again. The next time we will order and enjoy our food there at Poppi's Cafe. Til next time- Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ACME Markets; City: Folsom, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!! This review is just a shout-out for Mike D. the Meat Manager. The prices are way too high here and the only time I advise to shop here is when they advertise sales or have sales. Mike D. is one of the most pleasant employees I have come around in a long time. I have had two encounters with Mike D. Each time Mike D. exceeded and then some. The first encounter I needed Chicken Drumsticks, the family pk and there were none on the shelf. Take into account, it is 6:30 am in the morning on a Tuesday. Mike D. offered to prepare them for me in the back. And Mike D. brought out two family packs of drumsticks for me. I asked for two. The second time, I needed the same thing and there were some on the shelf, just not the family pack. Mike D. remembered me from the first time and prepared the same thing for me, and gave me a deal, because I said that one pack was too expensive, $10.52 and I am used to purchasing one family pack at Giant for $4.62. The time once again is early morning. Mike D. you are the best and thank you for going above and beyond! My go-to-supermarket is Giant and the only reason I shopped here is because it is close to the Ridley Planet Fitness where I work out every morning and it is close to Wawa where I patronize every morning before work and it is convenient for me to stop at both locations before heading to work. Good night - Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dollar Tree; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! I have patronized Dollar Tree many times and at many Dollar Tree locations. I have visited this location numerous times and this time I must say that I will probably not visit this location in the near future. I visited on a Saturday, December 14th. There were a lot of customers in the store and the parking lot was crowded. Of course, because people are buying items for Christmas, so this is not at all unusual. I only needed a few items, such as two Christmas cards for family members, pocket tissues, hefty storage bags and some baby powder. Needless to say, I raced through the store and prepared to stand in line to pay for my items. I was deciding which line was the shortest and I must say, there were no short lines. I decided to use the process of elimination and decided on this line near the door. The sales associate, Rasheeda was speedy and was getting people in and out the door. I salute her for this. The gentleman in front of me needed balloons and I mean a lot of balloons. No one else and thats including me expected Rasheeda to leave the cashier station and proceed to blow up balloons for the customer in front of me. Rasheeda is then blowing up balloons and we, all of us, other customers, are patiently still waiting in line and waiting for Rasheeda to finish. It took forever because the gentleman customer needed at least fifteen balloons. None of us could understand why someone else in the store could have blown up this man's balloons. We, the other customers started talking and commenting, saying it wasn't fair like we had to wait so long. We didn't get in another line, because all other lines, about two total were busy also. It would have been ridiculous to get out of line and wait in another line since then we would have to go at the back of the line. The lady behind me complained and went over to Rasheeda. Rasheeda was understanding and agreed with us that we should not have to wait so long and that someone else in the store should have blown up the balloons. Its Christmas time for one thing and all stores are crowded now!!! Finally Rasheeda came back and apologized to all of us. We told her that it wasn't her fault, but someone else should have blown up the balloons. She agreed with us and she said that she has been working there for three years and that she asked the corporate people to hire someone for the balloon job. That was a waste of time, she said because no one listened to her. I decided to write about my experience here, to alert other potential shoppers about this situation. Good night Yelp Family!! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lowe's Home Improvement; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! I always like visiting this Lowe's Location on Township Line. It is near the Giant, Chipotle and Panera Bread. There is also an Infinity - Comcast, a Vitamin Store and Franklin Mint Credit Union all located in the Quarry Shopping Center. There is plenty of places to park here, with quite a few handicapped spaces available. Also the Lowe's itself is quite large inside. Regarding home improvement, you can pretty much find anything known to man here. My experience with customer service has been good here. I have never had a poor experience with an associate here. The associates always ask, "May I help you? I am sorry to hear that some customers here have had poor experiences, judging from previous reviews. Also the restrooms are usually clean and the paper towels are usually plentiful in the dispenser. When I visited this time, the family needed LED bulbs for our lighting fixture in the bathroom. I am happy to report that we took the bulb to Lowe's to make sure that we purchased the correct size and watt and when we installed it at the house, it was the correct one!!! Thank you Lowe's and Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ichiban Seafood Buffet; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! My family used to visit this location when it was Country Buffet. One day we decided to try this location again with the new Ichiban Buffet. We were not disappointed. The food is good and the expense of it all is not bad. We have visited Country Buffet several times and several times since it has been Ichiban Buffet. On Monday, December 23rd, Mom and I visited and we partaked of the lunch menu. 1 Lunch Buffet was $8.99 and the Senior Lunch Buffet was $8.49. I visited the buffet twice, each time for the Won-Ton soup which was delightful and a salad the first time. The second time, I opted for a main course selection and another bowl of won-ton soup. My mom visited twice also and she opted for fish with vegetables and the second time she opted for pumpkin pie and more veggies and more seafood. The receipt is listed in my pictures so you can view the total prices. We both enjoy patronizing this location. The drinks are provided by servers which you order when you first arrive and pay for your meal. They always ask if you would like water or a drink. The bathroom was pretty clean with enough paper towels in the dispenser. My only complaint about this place is that the food is not always hot enough. Other than that, we enjoy Ichiban Buffet!! Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Regal UA Riverview Plaza IMAX & RPX; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!!! My family and I have visited the Riverview Theater many times in the past. However they have renovated it and it looks very nice inside. First off, there is plenty of handicapped spaces, which is a great asset. When we arrived inside, I stopped at the kiosk to retrieve our tickets. The kiosk is right in the lobby, near the box office. The ticket taker was there to instruct us where our seats were, since we have not visited this location in ages. We were instructed that our seats were upstairs. I asked about the concession stands and he said we could patronize downstairs. We bought our popcorn, a bucket of popcorn with butter that you layer on yourself. Mom and I visited the restroom. It was ok. Good thing I noticed that there was no toilet paper in the one stall. Is it me or is it a new thing for theaters not to place trash cans in the restrooms? I have visited several theaters and this is not the first theater that there were no trashcans. We then used the escalator to get to our seats. I chose the stairs. There are two floors at this location. I did not know that they had a concession stand on the second floor and a bathroom on the second floor. Had I been aware of that, we would have waited until we arrived at the second floor to purchase our popcorn and partake of the restroom. The first floor houses Auditoriums 7 through 15 and the second floor houses Auditoriums 1 through 6. We were in Auditorium 3. It was a good size area. However I was so so disappointed that there were no recliner seats. The seats were comfortable though, I just preferred to recline back. My mom was not happy at all with that fact and the fact that the theater had two floors and it was a lot of walking. Our seats were L1, L2 and L3. We saw, "Knives out" with Christopher PLummer, Jamie Lee Curtis and Don Johnson. The movie is rated PG-13. A classic who-dunit. It was a comedy and it was hilarious! I enjoyed the movie. My mom was not keen on it though. I do not believe that we will return in the near future, because of all the walking and no recliner seats. There was a gentleman seating one seat over in the same row that we were and he laughed the entire movie. I was nearby and it was funny to hear him laugh all the time!!!! The young man employee who came to clean when we left was very congenial. Before we left the theater, we used the restroom and the water looked like it would overflow in the sink. We told the maintenance people before we left. Riverview is ok, I'm not a fan and this was not the best theater that I have visited. Plymouth Meeting Regal and Downingtown Regal are still my favorite two theaters. NO other theater has come close in competition with; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Giant Food Stores; City: Broomall, PA; Review: Good afternoon to my Yelp Family!!! I visited this Giant for the first time today. I knew about it, but I had forgotten to check it out. I went to the car wash in Broomall and then I went to the Giant. When I arrived at the shopping center, there were hardly no cars in the lot and the Giant sign was gone. Then I remembered, lo and behold, Giant -Broomall had moved. So then I goggled the address and Goggle Maps directed me to 2180 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. I rode past the Starbucks and the Dunkin Donuts and then I was prompted to make a right turn, where Royal Farms is. I was saying to myself, where is Giant? But I kept riding and there was Giant at the bottom of the hill. You have to go down an incline to see the Giant. The parking lot is huge and there was a LA Fitness right next to Giant. There are quite a few handicapped spaces. I parked and then I hi-tailed it to the store. This store is huge- goodness! You can get lost in there!! Restrooms are down the aisle 14 and they are clean!!!!! Hallelujah!!!!! Then I retrieved my checkout-scanner from the front of the store and then it was on!!!! I found just about everything on the list and the few things I did not find, I asked a manager. Everyone was super nice!!! They have about 10 self-serve checkout counters, it could be more than that!! The way you scan your scanner to check out your items is different than all of the other Giants. The young lady at self-check-out had to be called many times, since she was obviously into her phone and nothing and no one else. Another reviewer of this Giant spoke about this in her review. That was the only negative thing about this Giant. I would have given Giant 5 stars, but because of this inattentive Giant self-checkout clerk, I am only giving 4 stars. Also when I was departing from Giant, I purchased a scratch-off for Mom. Giant has new machines for scratch-offs, lottery numbers, etc. Its user friendly and efficient. My mom enjoys 1000 loaded for $10.00. Good night Yelp Family, until my next review!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: GIANT Food Store; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I had to update my review to give a shout- out to three Giant employees: Julissa, Ever and Toni. Julissa and Ever both work in the Customer Service Department and sometimes you will find Julissa working at Customer Self-Checkout. Julissa and Ever are both friendly and nice, personable and warm. They are both ready to assist with whatever concern you may have. They are both an asset to Giant -Havertown. I wanted to add another name here: Toni, who works at the gas station. Toni is always kind and gracious!!! Toni always smiles and makes everyone feel welcome!! Toni is a joy to be around!! Till next review, Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!!!I have patronized this location for several years now. I am a true fan of Dunkin Donuts. I love their decaf hot coffee with choices of pumpkin, coconut caramel, white hot chocolate and gingerbread flavors. I also love the iced coffee with the same previous flavors. My mom usually orders medium blue raspberry coolata, a croissant and two glazed donuts. I had to write this review because on Saturday, December 14th, 2019, I stopped there for coffee around 4:07 pm. My mom and I had just gotten our nails done at Omni Nail Spa in the City Line Shopping Center. I was exhausted and wanted to go home fast but Mom and I decided we wanted to stop for coffee first. What a bad idea that was at this location today!!!! There were two employees working, count two employees, a young lady and a young man. I have never seen that at this location, only two people working!!!! Both employees were working the drive-thru. I never patronize the drive-thru. I prefer to go inside a business. Anyway, it was a lady customer in front of me and one gentleman customer behind me. We waited for fifteen minutes to be serviced, to no avail!!! We Waited and waited and waited!!! Finally the lady came over and took the lady customer in front of me, her order. Then while she was preparing it, she was still waiting on people at the drive-thru. Finally she returns with the lady customer's order. By then it was 25 minutes that I had been waiting. The man customer that had been behind me left and two people that were behind him left. I thought about leaving and I don't know why I didn't but I continued to wait. Finally the lady employee came over and took my order. They never apologized for the long wait!!! But I could clearly see it was because they were short-staffed. I placed my order and it took about ten minutes until she returned with my completed order. The only positive thing about this experience was that the lady employee smiled. She had a beautiful smile and that is probably why I stayed. I will not return to this location for awhile but yes I still patronize Dunkin, just other locations. Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Home Depot; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good afternoon to my Yelp Family!!! Family visited The Home Depot on Thursday, December 26, 2019 around 11:48 am. We had to kill time while waiting to see a movie "Knives Out", at the Riverview Movie Theater. My mom wanted to purchase a new toilet seat so there we went. This was your typical Home Depot, where I had never patronized this location in South Philadelphia. They have a nice size parking lot and this location is the typical size of a Home Depot. We found my mom a cart, she likes pushing them even if she never purchases anything. Then I looked around for a store employee and asked where were the toilet seats?The young man checked his scanner and then told me what aisle to find toilet seats. We walked over to the location and found the toilet seats. They had a variety. My mom wanted a padded toilet seat and then she decided on one. The price was $17.98. We then made our way to the self serve check out. The total, with taxes came to $19.42. We paid for the item with cash and we left as fast as we could to make the movie at 12:30 pm. Our experience was positive and we would patronize this location again. Incidentally the movie, "Knives Out", starring Christopher Plummer, Jamie Lee Curtis and Don Johnson was just ok. It was nothing to write home about. See ya, Yelp Family!!! Till we meet again!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!!! Yes I visited this location today, Friday, December 27th, 2019, to pick up some lunch for the family. Parking is plentiful here. I didn't use the restroom so I cannot comment on that. Was running errands all day and decided to pick up the family's favorites from here. My mom enjoys filet of fish. So I ordered the meal with fries. My mom likes her fish (Plain) (As in no cheese, no tartar)and a Sprite. I also ordered a quarter pounder meal with fries with a drink. I have not had any issues with this location. The staff is usually quite nice. I decided not to use the self-serve kiosk because sometimes I screw it up (the orders). I decided to order at the counter and the young lady was kind and warm. She smiled and took my order. This was a carry-out order. My order did not take long at all. It was ready in record time. I proceeded to obtain all my items such as ketchup in the packet, straws and napkins. Micky D's has come a long way Baby!!! The way they have revamped this establishment is nothing short of amazing!!!The curbside service and the dine-in experience where staff actually brings you your meal at the dining table. I am also impressed with the customer service. There was a time when you could go to a Micky D's and no one says nothing to you, no smile or no may I help you? It looks like those days are yesteryear. Granted, some Micky D's may still have one or two irate and sarcastic employees, but in general the staff is quite friendly, attentive and polite. My hat is off to Corporate for instituting these changes and it looks like it is working!!! You go Micky D's!!!!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Holmes, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I am always in this area because I am a consistent consumer to Planet Fitness - Ridley location. However, this was my first time visiting this location of McDonald's. On Saturday, December 28th, Mom and I stopped here for a filet of fish sandwich for her. I always go inside. I never patronize the drive-thru. I prefer going inside. Inside, this Micky D's has the newer setup. They have the self-serve menu kiosk and staff delivering meals to patrons who declared the option of dining in. When I walked inside, there were two employees taking orders at the counter. The place was pretty empty. This was around 12:55 PM on a Saturday. The young lady who took my order never smiled the entire time that I was in her presence. I could tell that she didn't really want to be there. I asked her about the parfait and if they had more than one selection, she said no. The parfait is called fruit n' yogurt parfait and it comes with vanilla, granola, blueberries and strawberries. I really do not feel I will order the parfait again because I am not crazy about strawberries. I would give this review a higher rating but the young lady employee was not friendly. It is my opinion if you have a job that involves serving the public, you should put your best foot forward and smile and be game ready!!! The transaction is really not about the employee, its about how they treat the customer and in treating that customer, would that customer return. Its such a shame that some staff really do not seem to get it! Some customers will not return to that establishment because of them and their attitudes! I hope they wake up and figure it out before its too late! Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wawa; City: Folsom, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! I visit this Wawa everyday on my way to work. I work out from 4 am to around 5:30 am, cop a shower all at the Ridley Planet Fitness and leave to grab my breakfast here. Kelly and Eileen are always a delight!! They take care of me everyday. I order either a medium or a large oatmeal with raisins. I get gas sometimes when I need it, a banana, a peach yogurt and a chicken caesar salad with dressing for lunch. The oatmeal and banana is breakfast and the salad and yogurt is lunch. Kelly and Eileen are friendly and engaging everyday. I enjoy coming here to see and converse with them. Then I pay for my order and either Linda or Donna are there at the check-out counter. Linda and Donna are great people as well!!! They always say have a nice day and always have a smile. There is a nice size parking lot and and a bathroom that is usually clean. Sometimes it can be cleaner. There were a few times that soap was needed in the dispenser by the door but that was it. I do not visit the restroom everyday I come here. This Wawa is usually well-stocked with items. I believe there was a time when they didn't have raisins for my oatmeal and that lasted for a week, but since then they always have raisins. Sometimes the bananas don't look all that hot, with brown spots on most of them or mainly green bananas. I like my bananas golden yellow with no brown spots. All in all, this is my favorite Wawa and the most convenient one for me from my favorite gym location, Planet Fitness in Ridley Park, Folsom, PA 19033. Alright Yelp Family, get some rest and I shall do the same!! Till next review!! See you all next time!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Motions Dance & Fitness Shoppe; City: Drexel Hill, PA; Review: Hello and Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I have patronized Motions about five times now all for my praise dancing for church in Philadelphia, PA. I have purchased white palazzo pants, white bodysuit, black palazzo pants, black bodysuit, a four quarter piece white skirt and half soles. I was referred to this shop by the director of our Praise Dance Ministry. I enjoy praise dancing and I enjoy praising my Creator Lord and Saviour, the Almighty GOD!!! I could dance all day!!!! This store is moderately priced and whats great about it is that our ministry receives a 10% discount every time we shop there and mention our ministry. Motions is located in Drexel Hill, near a car dealership and across the street from Pilgrim Gardens Shopping Center that houses a Dollar Tree, Ross, US Post Office, Chickie and Pete's, Mo's, UPS, a cleaners and other stores. Motions is easy to miss because when you are driving you will miss it especially if it is your first time there. It is located in a center where other businesses are. I missed it the first time I tried to locate it. But when you do find it, it is a FIND!!!! Parking is good. It is located on the second floor and there is an elevator and of course the stairs. The staff are congenial and they are great at helping you find whatever you are looking for! There are two changing rooms which are reasonably large. You have plenty of room to change and there are mirrors there so that you can see and adjust your clothing to fit you. I am enclosing my receipts so that you can get a feel for the prices here. I will return when I need another outfit to dance in. Til next time - Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Dollar Zone; City: Holmes, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! I am definitely a fan of One Dollar Zone. I am a big fan of The Dollar Tree chain but I feel that One Dollar Zone is definitely one up on Dollar Tree. They have so many different items that the Dollar Tree chain does not carry, such as Avon Deodorants for Men and Women. Also they have croissants, they are sweet and buttery. Dollar Tree does not have these items. One Dollar Zone is bigger and better than Dollar Zone!!! I truly love this store. However I do not visit that often because I visit Planet Fitness and when I leave the gym, One Dollar Zone is not open. So I usually visit on Saturdays or Sundays. They are located near the Macdade Mall in a huge shopping center. Parking is plentiful here!!! There is an Acme, Citizens Bank, Snipes, Retro Fitness, Ruby Tuesday, Sonic, etc. Across the street is a McDonald's. The only negative thing that I have to report is that the sales associate is not friendly at all. She doesn't smile and she never speaks unless you speak to her. The only way you know how much your bill is, you have to look at the register and see what the total is. NO Customer Service skills at all!!!! Every time I visit, this lady has waited on me. That will not deter me from coming here though. I like this Dollar Store, where everything is a dollar, not like Family Dollar - where the name is false advertising and everything is not a dollar. Some things are $2.00, $3.00. $4.00 and $5.00. Til next review - Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Regal UA Grant Plaza; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! Family decided to come here to see a movie, "Just Mercy" with Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. Family has patronized this theater many times over the years and decided to come today. The last time we were here, they didn't have the recliner seats. They were oh so comfortable!!!! Our auditorium was fairly large. We were seated in Auditorium 7, with seats G1, 2 and 3. The movie was great. Mr. Jordan and Mr. Foxx should be nominated for Academy Awards. Both blockbuster performances!!! There is plenty of parking and many other stores nearby such as the Dollar Tree and Perkins. I wasn't thrilled about the bathrooms, I thought they could have been cleaner. At least the trashcan was in the bathroom and you didn't have to look for it. I wasn't thrilled about the kiosk not operating correctly. You had to swipe your Regal rewards card and I had left mine home in another bag. I asked the box office about that and the young lady there said she wasn't sure about the kiosk not operating properly. I prefer and I am used to visiting the kiosk to obtain my tickets by booking #. The concession stand employees were good and animated. After purchasing our customary bucket or barrel of popcorn, we proceeded to have it buttered and someone was directing it. Apparently the butter machine was having some issues. It was an ok visit, however family and I will not be patronizing for some time. Good night Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trader Joe's; City: Media, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I visit Trader Joe's to purchase one item, the Breakfast Trek Mix. It comes in a large plastic bag with 10 individually wrapped trail mixes. They taste great!! I learned about this item when I worked for Main Line Security and I was working in the Northeast Shopping Center near Grant Avenue. Dollar Tree is there along with other stores. Also it is a steal, it is only $4.99. The problem is that I do not come here often. I should and I am going to try harder. It is a brand new year, 2020 and a brand new century. My reviews are usually lengthy, however this one is going to be short. The associate that waited on me was very friendly. Most of the staff here are nice and polite. Okay good night Yelp Family!!! Til the next review!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!!! I have been to this Dunkin' several times and each time that I have been here I have had no issues. Everytime I come here, I order a medium hot decaf coffee with a flavor, such as pumpkin, white hot chocolate, gingerbread, caramel or mocha. I love the coffee, its always fresh and hot!!! The Dunkin Donuts I went to in the Roosevelt Mall, I asked for the same thing and the coffee was lukewarm. So I don't feel like I'm going to that Dunkin' anytime soon!!! On the coffee cup, it says do not microwave. I'm thinking it says that because when I put my cup in the microwave and kept on the top, it spilled over in the microwave. This time I tilted the top of the cup sideways and placed the coffee in the microwave. It worked this time, it didn't spill over and my coffee was piping hot!!!! I did that because when I arrived at work at the school, the coffee was not as hot and I wanted it hot again like it was when I picked it up this morning. The lady that took my order was RegOne A. was great!!! She smiled and was very polite, while taking my order. I will be back!!! This Dunkin' is convenient, because it is on my way to school. Take care, Yelp Family - til next review!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Folsom, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! This is one of my favorite locations. The staff are cool and efficient. They know my face and ask me if its been a long time, where have I been? I always order my favorite decaf medium hot coffee with a flavor, now the flavor I always ask for is coconut caramel. IT is truly Delicious!!! I could drink that flavor all day and night long!!! Great staff, ample parking lot. They open at 4am, which is convenient for me, as I am leaving the gym way after that time and can stop by here before work or play. Okay, Yelp Family, Good night!! Til next review!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! My family and I usually visit this location on a Saturday. We visited this Saturday, January 18th, 2020. My mom decided on a croissant toasted with butter, two glazed donuts and a medium blue raspberry icee. I always order my trusty medium decaf hot coffee with a flavor. I chose one of my favorite flavors, coconut caramel. The staff here is great!!! They always smile and are polite. The staff know me by face, not by name and I always receive a nice welcome here. This is one of my favorite locations, as I usually visit Dunkin' at least 3 times a week at various locations, usually on my way to work, from the gym. They have a nice sized parking lot and the inside is usually clean and neat. There is a Rita's Water Ice next door and the Pilgrim Gardens Shopping Center is across the street. Good night Yelp Family!! Til the next review!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good Afternoon Yelp Family!!! This CVS Location is right near Dunkin' and there is an Aldi plus a gas station all in the same development. This CVS is not my favorite, but it is close to home and it serves its purpose when I am close to home and I cannot make it to another CVS location. The employee that was at the check-out counter is always polite and respectable. This location usually has what I need. What I needed today was some snacks because I was on my way to church because the church was having a special program because of Martin Luther King's Holiday. The daughter of one of the Little Rock Nine was present. Little Rock Nine was the slogan given the students who integrated an all white school. The lady was interviewed and she was gracious enough to answer questions. This occurred on Monday, January 20th. The presentation was very interesting and whoever was there (the audience) was in for an entertaining time. There are a lot of parking spaces here, since there are so many businesses here. Ok Yelp Family - til next review!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Drexel Hill, PA; Review: Good evening and Hello to my Yelp Family!!!! I thought that I had completed a review about this Mickey D's location, but I discovered that I had not, so here goes!! I visited this location yesterday, having visited this location many, many times in the past. I decided to visit today, yesterday, Saturday, January 25th, 2020 because I wanted to redeem my survey. My mom ordered her customary Filet o' Fish sandwich plain, no tartar sauce and no cheese without fries because she never finishes her fries and my brother ordered a quarter pounder with cheese and I opted for chicken fingers without fries. We all love fries, but we all discovered that fries go straight to our middles, if you know what I mean, Yelp Family!!! Anyway, we placed our order at the service counter and Tommy was our associate who took our order. I make say, Tommy was so efficient and polite and I told him I liked his style and I told him I write reviews on Yelp and Google and I was going to give him props! Tommy suggested because I wanted to use my survey receipt, Tommy suggested that we get 2 for 5$, my 10 Mcnuggets with barbecue sauce and 1 quarter pounder with cheese as our 2 for $5.00 and then we could use the survey receipt which was buy one, get one free any large sandwich and I said excellent since I had not thought of that option. The filet o' fish and the quarter pounder were the two sandwiches that went with the survey option. Anyway our total was $9.32 and I am enclosing our receipt. Alas, Tommy specifically placed in our order the fish sandwich, no tartar sauce and no cheese. We proceeded to obtain the usual napkins and straws for our order. We went to the car and we gave Mom her sandwich and when she bit into it, I saw white sauce - tartar. I immediately took it back into Micky D's, explained to another associate the mistake and it was immediately corrected with a plain fish sandwich. I explained the mistake to Tommy because Tommy was assisting another customer at the same time I was explaining the mistake to another associate. Tommy said he put the order in just like I said and I told him I know you did because he repeated it several times and he explained that sometimes in the back when they are preparing orders, mistakes can be made. I said it was okay, that everyone makes mistakes, including me, Yelp Family and as long as I received another fish sandwich plain, everything was fine! I would have given this review a 5, but because of the mistake I am rating this review a 4. However Tommy gets a 5 STARS!!!!! WAY TO GO TOMMY!!! We will return to this location in the future. Our hearts are sad now hearing the news of Kobe Bryant and his daughter!!! Good night Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rite Aid; City: Drexel Hill, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! My mom is a Rite-Aid Fan. I am a fan of CVS. However Rite Aid seems to be the only place that carries her Keri Lotion. We always seem to patronize this Rite Aid location to obtain her favorite Keri Lotion. Keri is ok, but I opt to use other lotion, right now I am using Dollar Tree lotion, such as Cocoa Butter or Aloe. This Rite-Aid is in a convenient location, right near Bond Shopping Center and the Citizens Bank and Dollar Tree and CVS that I personally visit quite often. Jeff, our sales associate for this visit was helpful, pleasant and efficient. Jeff had a pleasant smile for us. Anyway, Yelp Family, Mom was happy with her visit and her Keri Lotion. She shopped for other items as well. I am enclosing our sales receipt. Okay Yelp Family, we are still in shock over the loss of Kobe Bryant!! Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Elkins Park, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! This location of Dunkin' is near Cottman Avenue. Its one of the nicer locations. When you first arrive at this location, it may be difficult to park, tail first. But if you park head first, there is no problem. I like to back in when I visit spots like these, I call it doing the hard work first and when I exit my vehicle, the hard work is done and all I have to do is drive right out when I return without a lot of maneuvering. Its great!! The parking lot is spacious, with parking on all four corners of the Dunkin'. When I arrived in, the employee was helping someone while I waited. The woman employee did not smile but when I was waiting my turn, another lady comes up and takes my order. She smiled and was pleasant. I always order my trusty Medium decaf hot coffee with a flavor. But then I decided I wanted a little more,so then I decided on a large hot coffee decaf with a flavor, coconut caramel. I was in and out about 4 minutes tops. I would return again because of the convenience of on my way to work. Good night Yelp Family!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walmart; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!!I have not patronized this Walmart location in a hundred years. This area used to be my stomping ground when I was employed as a Supervisor/Lieutenant for Vector Security Services at the Giant on Grant Avenue. It was good to be back today, taking care of items and errands when I got off from work. I was able to run a few errands in a short amount of time! To God be the Glory!! There is a huge parking lot here and this Walmart location is huge! Buffalo Wild Wings, Famous Footwear and Long John Steakhouse are some of the other businesses in this large shopping center off of Roosevelt Blvd, home to some of the worst car accidents in history!! Some refer to the Blvd as the worst highway in Philadelphia! I am not crazy about it myself. Thats probably why I have stayed away from this area. I prefer to take Route 95 when I venture up this way. I have received a few, too many for me, Red Light Tickets on the Blvd, which are $100.00 apiece. Thats too much money for me and it is certainly not chomp change for me, none whatsoever!!! On this visit, an associate named Tonia was quite helpful and friendly towards me in the self-checkout line and I wanted to give Tonia a positive shout-out for her efforts! They were deeply appreciated. It is so much easier to smile than it is to frown! The bathroom in the customer service area (the women's room) there was a sign on it that said, closed for cleaning and womenfolk would have to use another restroom in another part of the store. I have not visited this Walmart in ages so I didn't know where the other restroom was. I asked an associate where it was and I had walked past it, not seeing the sign that said, Restrooms. Anyway, I had a positive visit and I will return again in the near future. Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Police and Fire Federal Credit Union; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I wanted to give a positive shout-out to Omar D. I was here on Friday, January 31st to pay a loan payment that I have with these people. I was there about 2 pm and it was great! NO line!!! I said to myself, hooray!!! I picked a great time!! I walked right in and right up to a teller window. I wasn't expecting that!!! The associate was Omar D. He had a smile and was so pleasant!! Also he was immaculately dressed!! I complimented him and he said thank you and explained that he and his co-worker dressed up on Fridays. I said to him, usually people dress up Monday - Thursday and Fridays are dress-down days. He replied yes that is true. Anyway, I believe that it is wonderful that Omar D. and his co-worker dress up on Fridays. Omar D. was attentive, friendly and polite when I explained my transaction. I haven't visited this location in a while but it was good to be back here. There is a drive-up ATM on the premises, as well as an ATM in the branch. Large parking lot that houses Dunkin Donuts, a chinese eatery, Aldi supermarket, etc. Wawa is across the street. This is a busy area!!! Its a good time when I come to this area!! Further down on Grant Avenue, you will find more shops and other fun things to see and do!!! Check it out Yelp Family!!! Til the next review!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walgreens; City: Glenolden, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!!! I usually do not patronize Walgreen's Drug and Pharmacy, choosing instead to patronize my favorite drugstore, CVS. Mom and I decided to stop here because it was on our way to the One Dollar Zone and the CVS was across the street. I certainly was not aware that this location of Walgreens stays open 24 hours every day. Great information, so the next time I need a close drugstore I can come here. Also the CVS on State Road and Lansdowne Avenue is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Mom only wanted a few items, such as Cod Liver Oil vitamin pills and she purchased two other items. I must add that the sales associate was not friendly, as she didn't speak when we placed the items on the counter. I spoke to her and she was asking if we had a rewards card, not bothering to speak first and then to ask if we had a rewards card. I said no and then she asked was I interested and I said yes and then I keyed in my phone number and then she asked for my name and then I was asked was the spelling correct and then the machine asked for my birthdate, which I do not like revealing to anyone, not even a machine and then some other prompts and then I was told that they did not have anymore rewards cards and that I could key in my phone number from now on whenever I enter any Walgreen's location. My transaction was completed and Mom and I prepared to leave and we put our Walgreen's cart back. As we were leaving I heard the sales associate speak to the next customer behind us and I wondered why she didn't speak to us or give us the same treatment as she gave this other customer. The store is a fair size because I have seen larger Walgreen's. There is a nice size parking lot, with plenty of parking for customers. Okay till next review, Yelp Family!! See ya!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beautyland Beauty Supplies; City: Lansdowne, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! I used to come here for years but I stopped coming here because of an employee. The employee was nice for the most part but if you had to return something, this employee took it back but wasn't thrilled about it. They had a little attitude. I like the area and the location of this beauty supply store but I gave it a rest and I needed a rest. I used to live around here and this was my go-to-all around beauty supply store. Chanel is the best thing and person here. She always smiles and always has a professional air about her. She is extremely helpful and is very knowledgeable about hair. I always look for her when I come here. I trust her and her judgment. For awhile, Chanel was not employed here and I truly missed her. She has been back here for awhile now and I am so thankful and appreciative for that fact. I sincerely hope that she never leaves again!!! I used to patronize Hair, Hair at the City LIne Shopping Center and sometimes I patronize the Barclay Beauty Supply Store in Upper Darby. I arrived back here on Wednesday, February 5th, because my mom needed rollers and Isoplus 24 Hour Holding Spray. It was great to see Chanel again!! She had not forgotten me, LOL!!! Anyway, we talked briefly and I spoke with the owner who I hadn't seen in ages. He said to me, "Long time, no see." He remembered me also, LOL!!! There is a parking lot here, which they share with The Empire Diner. McDonalds, Goodwill, Auto parts store, CVS are all neighbors and all across the street. O well, Yelp Family, I will be patronizing this place again. Its good to be Back Home!!! Good night Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Elkins Park Free Library; City: Elkins Park, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! This was the first time that I visited this library and I must say that I fell in love with it! I love the location. It is so very peaceful here. I could come here all the time that I needed library services. I stopped here because it was convenient coming from work. I needed to print out some copies for a new job that I am considering working for. First of all, I got lost coming here. My GPS told me that the library was on the right side of the street and it was on the left side of the street. I must have circled up and down the block about three times. Then I asked a postman and he told me how to get here. Thank God for the Post Office Carrier!! There is a nice sized parking lot here. I arrived and two ladies smiled and spoke when I acknowledged them. I immediately went to the computer area and proceeded to complete my assignment. It turned out that the pages that I needed to print, would not print and then I asked for assistance. The one lady came over and assisted me when the paper did not appear out of the printer, we both thought that there was no paper in the printer, but that wasn't it, there was plenty of paper in there. Then she came over to the computer that I was working on and saw what I was trying to do and then we tried again to print, I had spent $1.60 on this print job. I ended up receiving change back because I only needed 4 pages and I had tried to print eight pages. The bathroom was clean and neat. I will be back to this library, Yelp Family!! I'm a fan!! Good night!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! This is one of my favorite Dunkin's. I always order a hot decaf medium or large hot coffee with a flavor, this time the flavor was coconut caramel. I love that flavor, I could drink this coffee flavor every day. I usually order a medium, today, Saturday, February 8th, I ordered a large, because I needed a little something extra. Samina wasn't there today, she is my favorite here. She always gets my order correct and usually chips in a free glazed donut, if I want it. That goes to my mom. The service today wasn't good, I received my correct order, but the staff didn't smile and say, May I help you? Anyway I arrived, said my order and then I left to use the restroom. My coffee was ready when I returned. The restroom was clean. A nice parking area with Mattress Giant and Raymoor and Flanigan, across the street. Staff that I am used to, is always on point, with Samina being the best!! The manager is great!! Very nice and friendly!!! Good night Yelp Family, til the next review!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ACME Markets; City: Bala Cynwyd, PA; Review: Great afternoon to my Yelp Family!! First of all, I patronize this location for sheer convenience. My go to store is Giant. I was coming home from work and I decided to navigate a different route. My mom wanted several items and since this was on the way home and I did not feel like going to Giant since that was out of my way and area. When I arrived I went to Customer Service to purchase a money order and then I proceeded to roam the aisles. I purchased spring water, Pam cooking spray and chicken drumsticks. Then I went to the Self-check out line and paid for my items. I was waiting for the associate to scan my water so that I would not have to pick up the entire case and put it on the check out screen. The associate, plus other store personnel were busy doing some other transactions and one of them explained that to me. I waited patiently and then the Acme associate came over and I explained about scanning the water. Kiki proceeded to pick up the water. I told her I could have done that, but I explained why I didn't and asked isn't there a self-serve scanner at the register. Kiki said no and I said well Giant does have a self serve scanner. I informed Kiki that I write reviews for Google and Yelp and that I would be reviewing this store. No, I am not at all impressed with this Acme location and I rarely come here only for sheer convenience as I have already expressed earlier in the review. Okay, Yelp Family, Great night - til the next review!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Royal Farms; City: Broomall, PA; Review: Good evening to you Yelp Family. My family visited on Saturday, February 8th, 2020. I decided to come here to visit the gas station. My main reason to stop here was because the family wanted to visit the Giant which is nearby. This is not my first time patronizing a Royal Farms, but it was my first visit at this location. I'm not impressed with Royal Farms, it is not a WAWA. In my opinion, Royal Farms is competing neck and neck with WAWA. However, in my opinion, Royal Farms is nowhere even close to Wawa.. Wawa has nothing to fear!! Anyway, I paid for my gas inside the Royal Farms and then went out to pump my gas. The associate, Christin was friendly and smiled. Smiling scores huge points for me! I had to go back into the Royal Farms, since my gas purchase was less than $20.00, I had change coming. Christin was polite again and I left with my correct change. I did not purchase any food items or anything else here, just purchased gas. I must say that I am not scampering back here no time soon!!! Wawa is still number one in my book!! Good night Yelp Family, til the next review!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Upper Darby, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! I have been patronizing this location for years. We stopped here because my brother wanted two quarter pounders with cheese and an apple pie. My mom also ordered her filet o-fish plain, ( no cheese, no tartar). When I arrived, the lady that waited on me, was waiting on another customer. The lady associate smiled when she saw me and asked me, May I take your order? I have heard and read many reviews saying how rude the staff is and how unprofessional the drive-thru staff are and I am happy to report that the lady associate that took my order was friendly and polite and the other staff were polite as well. I had no issues today, whatsoever with pleasantries. I stated my order and I walked away with my order in 5 minutes. My visit was short, brief and sweet. There is a staff member here who cracks me up with his comments about everything all day long. He always makes me smile!! Thank you Micky D's for a productive visit today!! Yelp Family, good night, til the next review!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Penrose Diner; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! The family and I have been patronizing The Penrose Diner for years!!! This is the first time that our family has set foot in the diner for about ten years or more! It was so great to be here!!! My dear dad used to bring us here all the time, especially after seeing a show at the Spectrum or Vets Stadium. This was back in the day - Yelp Family!!! My all-time favorite meal here is Stuffed shrimp with crabmeat. This is to die for!! They had it on the menu, but we all opted for breakfast. Mom had her traditional buttermilk pancakes with turkey sausage, Bro had french toast with scrapple and I ordered a deluxe waffle meal with orange juice. My meal included ham, pork bacon and turkey sausage links. Everything was delicious!! Joyce, our server was very attentive and polite. We were at Table #4. Our order # was 891637. Our total bill was $42.61. We will definitely return for another meal. We enjoyed ourselves immensely!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen; City: Upper Darby, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! I do not believe that I have ever set foot in this Popeyes Location. This location used to be a Burger King and I patronized them many times here. I am not a huge fan of Popeyes, choosing instead to patronize Chick f-ilet, Micky D's or Dunkin' for fast food. I decided to visit this location because Mom and I were in the area, after visiting the hair salon, The Weave Bar, on Monday, February the 17th, 2020. I wanted to try the chicken sandwiches that I hear everyone raving about! I ordered three sandwiches: Mom, bro and myself, one apiece. As I was waiting for my order, lo and behold, a male customer is waiting for his order, as well as other customers. I started to talk to the one male customer. He seemed friendly. He explained to me that he decided to visit this location, because the one on City Line Avenue, was crowded, he said the line was out the door!!! So then, his friend, started berating the Popeyes staff, saying that they were too slow with their orders and complaining that they would never visit this location again. Albeit, the speech wasn't clean at all, I do not use profanity and this was all this male customer was spewing out. I was amazed because my order did not take long. I mean it wasn't real quick, but it was a reasonable wait time, considering the number of customers in line ahead of me who were all patiently awaiting their respective orders. The Popeyes associate called out my number, Number Order 25 and I thanked him and asked for napkins. He obliged and I said thank you and away I went. When I bit into my sandwich, it was delicious! IT was worth the wait and the hype!!! Only negative thing was the sandwich had mayo in it and I am not a fan of mayo. I always say to hold the mayo. So this was my first time ordering a chicken sandwich at Popeyes and I didn't realize that the mayo came with it, unless you specified differently. I will visit this location again, I will give them another try, yes Yelp Family!!! Mom and I ate and enjoyed our chicken sandwiches. We will be back! Good night to my Yelp Family, till the next review!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! I patronize this location quite often. I must report that one time that I went to this location, I ordered my usual hot decaf medium coffee with a flavor, coconut caramel and the coffee was lukewarm when I arrived back at the car. I debated whether I should take it back and I elected not to because I didn't want to be late for work. Today, when I visited on 2/21/2020, I must report that the coffee was simply delicious!! It was a fresh pot of decaf and it was incredible!! The coffee was hot, delicious and wonderful! I wanted more and I was so disappointed when I arrived at the last drop! I wish coffee were bottomless!!! The cashier was qingmei z. and they were friendly and polite. I was so impressed by the coffee, because it was not lukewarm. This location is convenient because I pass it on the way to work. They have plenty of parking and it is located near Roosevelt Mall. When I visited the bathroom in the past, it was clean. This is a great meeting place, many folks congregate here to text and do research on their tablets and lap-tops. Plus many folks meet here for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick snack. A great place just to drop in for a second, grab whatever and keep it moving!!! Good night, til the next review!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Panda Express; City: Wyncote, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! I was here because of co-workers who wanted to eat here. This was first time at a Panda Express. I have always wanted to go there, but I never tried one. The highlight of this visit was the Firecracker Shrimp. It was delicious, but too too hot for my tastebuds. I immediately drank the Lemonade after trying it. I ordered an egg roll, shrimp fried rice and chicken and broccoli. My co-worker paid for my order. I thought that was so so nice!!!The associate that let me sample the Firecracker Shrimp was wonderful and polite. There is plenty of seating here and it is situated in a large mall area. There are aplenty of parking spaces here. I will visit again, Yelp Family!! Til the next review!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!!I I used to patronize this location all of the time, when I was doing Security work. But I haven't been to this location in about 10 years. I visited this past Saturday and of course there are different staff. I ordered my trusty hot decaf coffee with a flavor, medium. My coffee was ready in minutes and my brother ordered hot chocolate and donuts. My mom also wanted two donuts and her blue raspberry coolata. One of the customers was talking to me about the blue raspberry coolata ( he was talking about the color) and I stated thats for my mom! The staff was polite and professional. There are enough tables there to sit and eat, and drink. There's also room to be on your ipad or tablet or laptop. The parking is good, and I agree with another reviewer that when its gets crowded in there, there is no where to go, because of the way the place and the line is set up. I enjoyed my short visit and I plan to visit again!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good Morning to my Yelp Family!!! I recently visited this Dunkin on State Road. I had no issues here. I was reading through the reviews on this location and there are no good reviews, everything was negative. The gentelman who took my order was polite and my large decaf hot coffee with coconut caramel was ready immediately. Another employee prepared it for me and it was ready in minutes. The employee was nice and professional and handed me the coffee and said, "Here you are, ma'am." I am disturbed by the negative reviews here and I am happy to report a positive visit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chick-fil-A; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good Afternoon to my Yelp Family!!! I recently visited this location on Aramingo Avenue. I ordered the grilled chicken nuggets with waffle fries. I ordered a small order. I believe there were about 7 nuggets. I always enjoy the food here. This is probably my favorite of all the fast food places. There is a lot of parking here and there were a lot of tables in the eatery. Chloe, the cashier, smiled and was warm and polite. I will definitely visit this location again. See ya! Yelp Family!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Turning Point - Media; City: Media, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! The family visited The Turning Point today, Saturday, February 29th. Wow! This year is going fast and the third month of the year is already upon us! I checked out this breakfast, brunch and lunch spot yesterday. I decided to drive out to Media yesterday to find a Wawa because I needed gas and lo and behold what a WAWA find it was!! I love Wawa and this has to be a superWAWA. Plenty of gas pumps and plenty of parking around. I am so thrilled that the renovation for the most part has ended. It seemed like ages that this area was under construction. I recall the days when I used to drive around here and a huge sign was posted saying that all businesses were open. Good thing, because the stores looked closed to me. There are so many great businesses around, Miller Ale House, the other one is in Springfield on Baltimore Pike, Michael's, TJ Maxx, Petco, Sprint, AT&T, SuperCuts, Five Guys, an exercise spot, AMC Granite Run Movie Theater, McDonald's, etc. You will not get bored here!!! I consider The Turning Point quaint. What drew my attention was the fireplace. I could have curled up there on the floor all day! It was so nice and warm, and in my opinion was the best detail about the place. The dining area is small but it is roomy and cozy. The Turning Poing does a lot with a little!!!! Our server was Stephanie and she did not disappoint. Stephanie was attentive to our every need. Mom ordered three plain pancakes and pork sausage, bro ordered cornbread french toast and ham, I ordered cinnamon apple french toast and pork roll. Our beverages were ginger ale for mom, bro hot chocolate with whipped cream and I ordered cookies and cream hot chocolate. I made a reservation using the Yelp wait list and that truly is a smart idea! Thank God The Turning Point utilizes this option!! Our table was set for 1:49 pm and we arrived around 1:52 pm. We waited about 10 minutes and we were seated. A nice lady offered my mom her seat and then another couple offered their seats for all of us!! We are not movie stars, but we were treated like one!! It was great!! Ernest, the manager, announced our table was ready with my name, and then we were seated in a large booth. We had plenty of space for our belongings and there was plenty of space for the food on the table. I liked that they had a coat hanger near our table so we all hung up our coats and that was great because we had more space and didn't have to worry about space being utilized for coats! When our food was ready, we dove in and ate. Everything was great, so tasty!!! The only negative thing was bro ordered ham and he said it wasn't enough, so Stephanie brought him some pork roll. He was happy then. A gentleman named Richard G. came over; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I am reviewing another Dunkin' location. I visited this location when I was in the area for the orientation relating to a job. This location is on the small side, however it is fabulous. This Dunkin' is located in a shopping center, so there are plenty of places to park. I arrived around 7:23 Am on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020. I ordered my large hot decaf hot coffee with a flavor, Irish Creme Swirl. Rita B. was the cashier and she was polite and fast. I had my coffee in my hand in a matter of minutes. It was super hot and good!! Just the way I like and enjoy my coffee!! I enjoyed my visit here and I will definitely return. Good night Yelp Family!!! P.S. I am a Personal Trainer utilizing a unique gift from God - interpretative dance on a treadmill. Please check out my fundraiser: [url]; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Giant Food Store; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! My family and I are definitely Giant Clones. We shop here, and other Giant locations every time we need to supermarket shop. This is a convenient location, which is in a shopping center, that is home to Staples and Verizon. There is a huge parking lot here. My family patronizes this location or the location in Havertown, which is on Township Line Road the most. We are torn between acknowledging which one of these two are the best!! Lately I have been visiting the Giant in Broomall on West Chester Pike, which used to be located in a shopping center on Springfield Road. This location is much larger and better than the old store on Springfield Road. One thing I like about this location is there they always have scanners available when you first walk in at the Springfield location. At the Havertown location, there were many an occasion when family and I walked in and there were no units charged up. And I am talking on both entrance sides of the store. This was frustrating as this had happened too many times, at least four times. It was a pain because then we had to scan everything at the register and that took too long!! This Springfield branch office/location is one of my favorite locations. Have a great night - Yelp Family! Til the next review!!! P.S. I am a Personal Trainer and I have a fundraiser. The link is [url] Please donate, share, like and comment.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: GIANT Food Store; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!!! I wanted to add to this review, another employee, Maydi. You can find Maydi at the Self- Checkout. Maydi is quite helpful, polite and efficient whenever I see her. I didn't want to leave her out - Yelp Family!! Til the next review!!!! Check out my Gofundme/Fundraiser: [url]; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Woodlyn, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I visited this location because I decided to take another route to work and this was on the way. I have visited this location often in the past, sometimes around 5 pm on a Saturday, but mostly I visit in the mornings around 6:30 am. When I visited today, I am inclined to agree with another previous review on this location. The reviewer said that the ladies/staff do not smile and do not seem happy to be there. The men/staff smile and they are friendlier than the women. Yes, customer service needs to be improved here. My coffee was good and hot and I had to wait a little bit so that they could make fresh decaf coffee. I notice because I am a decaf drinker, some places, not just Dunkin' might not have a fresh pot ready, or a pot period. They usually, always have caffeinated coffee ready. The wait was worth it in this case, because once again, it was good and hot, just the way that I like it. I probably will give this location a rest and visit other locations, hoping that in the meantime, the staff will work on their customer service skills. Other than that, my visit was ok. Good night, Yelp Family - till the next review!!! Please check out my Gofundme/Fundraiser [url] Please share, like and most importantly, please DONATE! Thanks in advance.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Glenolden, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!!This is one of my favorite locations. The staff are nice and they always get my order correct the first time!!! I am always fortunate to get this particular lady employee. She is great!! I do not know her name, but she is the best!! She always remembers me by face and can tell if I have not visited the location in awhile. We always have a five minute conversation and then I am on my way to school. I look for her all the time, when I visit this location! My large decaf coffee with a flavor is always spanking hot, everytime!!! This time the flavor was Irish Cream. I love it!!! I visited at a great time this morning, I beat the morning rush, it was about 6:30 am when I arrived. I was in and out, I went inside, I do not particularly care for the drive-thru. I am not a drive-thru person, I personally enjoy going inside. I know that the drive-thru is always busy though and I can see why. Good employees and great products - great coffee!! Its a WIN-WIN SITUATION!! I will be back very soon!!! Thanks Dunkin, for another great visit!!! Good night, Yelp Family, til the next review!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dollar Tree; City: Broomall, PA; Review: Good Morning to my Yelp Family!!! How are you today? I just wanted to complete this review of Dollar Tree. I visited this store on Saturday, March 7th. This is my all time favorite dollar store and dollar tree. I love it because it is so huge! They have everything! Yes there are times that they might not have something, such as hot chocolate, knee support, etc. However this does not mean that the store is lacking. It merely means that they ran out of stuff. They are not the only store that runs out of stuff. That is not unusual!!! I like the availability of items here. This Dollar Store is located inside a shopping center in Broomall. It houses an Acme, a Home Goods, A Barnes & Noble bookstore, TJMAXX, Citizens Bank, T-Mobile, CVS, a thrift store, Five Guys, etc. There is plenty of parking here. Inside, there are a good number of carts available to put your items in from shopping and they also have hand carriers for only a few items. The associates are friendly for the most part, once in awhile, I get someone who doesn't say hello. But I enjoy shopping here to get most of my favorite items that I like for a bargain/discount price of only $1.00. Ok, Yelp Family, stay tuned for the next review!!! Please check out my fundraiser/gofundme https//www.gofundme.com/f/krystique-personal-fitness Please like, share, comment and please DONATE!!! Thanks in advance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Drexel Hill, PA; Review: Good evening to all!! I'm sure by now, anyone reading my reviews knows I'm a big fan of Dunkin'. LOL!! I have reviewed quite a few of them on Yelp. Dunkin' is my go to place for coffee. I love it -could drink it all day, but I don't drink it all day. LOL! I ordered my standard customary hot decaf coffee large with a flavor, this time it was irish creme flavor. This is one of my favorite locations. Yes its small, but the staff is fabulous!! Everyone that works here, seems eager to please and they always smile when you come in and order. I do not know their names but I know their faces. Great all-around good people!! Good size parking lot, with a Chickie and Pete's across the street and the Pilgrim Gardens Shopping Center right next to that. Dollar Tree, Ross, Post Office, UPS, Chinese place and a Cleaners all included here. This is a great area to shop and dine. Oh I forgot to mention, Moe's Southwest Grill, which is in the same shopping center. Okay Yelp family, good night to all and see you in the next review! Gofundme link: [url] Please like, share, comment and donate. Thanks in advance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Giant; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!! My family and I have patronized this location for many years, but I have not reviewed it until now. This Giant, in my opinion, is small, compared to other Giant Locations. Also, it is quite easy to miss, when you are driving, bussing, or walking to it. If you do not know its there, it is easy to miss. This Giant is located in the shopping center where Police and Fire Credit Union, Panera Bread, Mandee, and an eye store chain reside.This Giant is nestled in the far away corner on the right. There is plenty of parking since it is located in a shopping center. Fed Ex, Massage Envy, Long John's Steak House is directly across the street in another shopping center. The Giant associates are friendly, most of them, but one associate in particular, I have never seen this person smile. Thats a shame, because he knows his job. With the Corona Viris pandemic, toilet paper seems to be a rarity and a thing of the past. I have shopped at several Giant locations and found the shelves where the toilet paper was supposed to be stored, the shelves were cleared and empty. I plan to be at one of the Giant locations in the early morning, since thats when the items are stocked and then get the t. paper and get out. Okay, Yelp Family, good night to you! Til the next Yelp review! Please Check out the gofundme.com [url] Please share, like, comment and PLEASE DONATE. Thanks in advance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Target; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good afternoon to my Yelp Family! This is my very first time, reviewing a Target. Target used to be my go-to-store in my heyday! Now, I rarely patronize Target. Howver, this is about to change, based on my experience here today. As the whole country knows, or should know, if you don't know, you must be under a rock, that the entire world is being plagued by a virus - Corona Virus. Schools are closed, they are talking about - Governor Wolf sent a mandate closing bars and restaurants. This is all to prevent the potential spread of the Corona Virus. The two things that are nonexistent because of the virus, people are purchasing sanitizer and toilet paper like theres no tomorrow!!! My family has enough toilet paper, but I do not want to procrastinate and wait until we are all out! Someone told me that I would find toilet paper here and alas I did. I was so so happy that I snapped a photo and posted it to FB. I would like to help as many folks as I can!!! I didn't get the sanitizer, but the toilet paper I did get. So one out of two is not bad!!! Also I proceeded to the self check out line and Anne, Target associate, was stationed there. Anne asked if I needed a bag for the toilet paper and I said yes please!!! Also Yelp Family, due to the scarcity of toilet paper, only one per person can purchase one pack. Anne was polite, professional and kind. I will definitely visit this Target again!!! Good night Yelp Family!!! Please check out my Gofundme/Fundraiser [url] Please like, share, comment and donate. Thanks in advance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good afternoon to my Yelp Family!!! How is everyone doing? I hope people are destressing and being active and not worrying about COVID -19. I visited this location yesterday after once again trying to donate blood to the American Red Cross. I had the wrong date, family, so I will make another appointment. The Red Cross needs everyone's blood, its a severe shortage! Its always a severe shortage though - 365 days a year!! They call me and email me constantly about donating. I have a question though. The news media is telling everyone to stay in, the ones who do not have an essential job. Then in the next breath I hear, please donate to the American Red Cross. How can we donate if we are supposed to stay indoors, family? I have been a donor since 2003. Anyway, Yelp family, this review is not about the American Red Cross. I arrived at Dunkin and ordered my customary hot coffee decaf large with coconut caramel swirl. It was wonderfully hot!! Just like I like it!! I was serviced by the usual young man that works there. He remembered me! He knows me by face, not by name. Lol!! Thats okay. While I was there, I interacted with another lady customer who smiled when we both made eye contact. We both agreed about the Corona Virus, COVID-19, that we should take one day at a time and not worry or be concerned about tomorrow! Tomorrow might not come, so we agreed, lets just be concerned about the present - today and tomorrow, if it comes, we will be prepared for tomorrow with God's ultimate help. It was so wonderful to interact with another fellow believer. I hope that I meet up with her again so that we can share life stories. Anyway, Yelp Family, this Dunkin has ample places to eat; tables and chairs, and there are bathrooms for customers. Its a good size Dunkin and this Dunkin is housed in a shopping center and there is plenty of parking available. There is a post office here, Outback Steakhouse, Famous Footwear is here, a nail salon, plus other shops. I had a great visit here at this Dunkin' location and I will surely return. The Coffee was so very good and hot!!! Okay, Yelp Family, we will close and I will say to my family to have a great day!!! Til the next review!! Please check out my Gofundme/fundraiser: [url] Please like, share, comment and please donate. Thanks in advance.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ShopRite of Glenolden; City: Glenolden, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!!! A friend and I decided to shop here because we were in the area. We had just left Walmart nearby. There is a Forman Mills right next door. This Shop Rite is located in a large parking lot, which translates into many parking spaces. I do not recall ever patronizing this Shop Rite, however I recall dropping off a Lyft customer when I drove for Lyft last year. Shop Rite is not my go-to-grocery store, Giant is, however we were looking for convenient location today. Since we are currently in a Corona Virus-Covid 19 crisis, I did not feel like travelling from store to store and from place to place. For one thing, only supermarkets, pharmacies, such as CVS and Rite-Aid and convenience stores, such as Walmart and Dollar stores seem to be open. And the other thing was I was riding with a friend and I did not want her to ride me all over the place, I thought that would be inconsiderate of me. However Z. is a good person and friend and she said she didn't mind driving me if I wanted to go to Giant. Thankfully and Praises to God, I found everything that was on my shopping list. Z. bought some items also. I bought hot cross buns, pretzels, rice and orange juice. There was an associate who greeted us when we arrived with sanitizer wipes to wipe down the carts and use for our hands. She was a welcome sight, as I was looking for wipes when we entered the store. The store is closing an hour early, everyday due to COVID-19, @10 pm and they open everyday at 7am. I had a good experience here and I would definitely visit again. Good night, Yelp family, til the next review! Please check out my gofundme: [url] Please share and donate if you can. Thanks in advance.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: US Post Office; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good afternoon Yelp Family!!! I have been patronizing this Post office quite frequently since I have been out of school and working because of Covid - 19 and the Corona Virus. I have been working out and walking/running/dancing at Crowell Park. So when I have something to mail, I have been visiting this Post Office. I have known Steve for quite some time, an employee here. And I also know the other young lady employee who works here, Clerk 96. Steve and Clerk 96 are always cordial, polite, friendly and professional when I visit this Post Office. I have recently visited to purchase stamps and money orders. Sometimes there is a wait and other times the wait is not long. The Post Office is located in a shopping center that is home to Outback Steak House, Sun East Credit Union, Dunkin, Famous Footwear and U.S. Nails; a nail salon. There is ample parking here and a new place has opened up in the shopping center: Mission BBQ. I usually stop at the Dunkin' when I visit the shopping center and I purchase my customary Decaf Hot Large Black Coffee with a flavor. On my last visit here, which was Thursday, March 26th, there were no employees waiting on customers and it was after 9 am, because they open at 9. Hours here are 9am to 7pm Mon-Fri and 9am to 4 pm on Saturdays. I was not able to edit the hours listed here on the Yelp page. It said everything was locked. There were at least 5 people in line, including me and we were all practicing social distancing. I decided to ring the bell, but before I could, Clerk 96 comes out. I know I usually hear employees in the back, they can be loud sometimes and they are casing mail in the back. I know because I used to be a Postal employee, however I never worked here. This location resulted because of Springfield Mall. Apparently, the mall didn't extend the space any longer to the Post Office, so the Post Office built this brand new location. Okay, Yelp Family, have a blessed day, til the next review!!! Please check out: [url] Please share and donate if you can. Thanks in advance.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wawa; City: Upper Darby, PA; Review: Good Afternoon to my Yelp Family!!! I have visited this location of Wawa quite frequently, but have neglected to write a review. Well, here goes!!! This is a relatively new Wawa - I believe it opened either in 2017 or 2018. This area, of Upper Darby, definitely needs a new Huge Wawa and that is what this is. Its Huge!! It has a gas station and there are at least fourteen pumps, it might be more. I enjoy visiting this Wawa because of April and Eva. Both young ladies work as cashiers. April and Eva are always pleasant and a joy to see! They both conversate with their customers and they do their best to make you feel welcome. I used to visit this Wawa quite frequently when I patronized the Drexel Hill Planet Fitness. Now I am a member of the Ridley Planet Fitness in Folsom, PA, where Aaron is the best manager there. I miss Planet Fitness so much. All of the gyms are closed because of Covid- 19, the Corona Virus. Anyway, whenever I visit Wawa in the morning, I purchase my medium or large oatmeal with raisins. I enjoyed my visit here today. April was not working today. Eva was working, but I didn't get a chance to say hi to her today. I missed seeing April. Shannon, the Manager was there. I had not seen Shannon in a long long time. It was great to see her. I was in and out today. There was a long line, however someone opened up and I was the next one in line and I paid for my oatmeal and I was out of there. I was on my way to Crowell Park to walk. Okay, Yelp Family, have a blessed day!! Til the next review!!! Please check out my Gofundme [url] Please share and please donate if you can. Thanks in advance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: US Post Office; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I have been patronizing this Havertown Post Office for quite some time, but I have never thought of posting a review until now. Go figure!!! Well now, thats out of the way, so here goes! Joe C., Clerk #24, usually services me when I visit this branch. There are times when Joe is not working, because he is on vacation, but when he's working, we always have an entertaining venture. You would think that I'm a star like Beyonce, but I am just a regular, ordinary individual. However, I get the star treatment here every time. Its funny, when I visit the Wawa in Clifton Heights on Bishop Avenue, I receive the star treatment there also. Its funny because, a customer who doesn't know me from Adam or Eve, overheard the conversation and said to me, "Just go with it." I just smiled at him. I had two transactions today at the post office, purchasing a money order and purchasing stamps. Of course I had to put Joe to work. I asked for African-American stamps, Miss Gwen Ifill, and Joe of course, remarked, never heard of her. Well, after about ten minutes of engaging conversation and back -and -forth messages, he finally retreats to the back and comes back with Miss Gwen Ifill stamps. "How many do you want, he asks", 100? He has about 10 pages of them. I said one, which equalled to 20 stamps. Then he asks me, if I am on FB and I say Yes. He knows my name and claims he cannot find me. I knew that wasn't true. I write my name on a piece of paper and he claims he cannot find me. I said, send me a friend request. Well anyway, he finally finds me and sends me a friend request. I just wanted to remark to everyone reading this, that Joe does his job well, and he has lots of fun doing so! Also a shout out to Jim. I enjoy visiting this Post Office, even when Joe is not working. Everyone is cordial and polite. I used to have a Post Office box here, however I had to close it, because I was not using it. Ok, Yelp Family, Good Night and til the next review! Please check out my Gofundme: [url] Please share and please donate if you can. Thanks in advance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good Afternoon to my Yelp family!!! Hello again! Yes, it truly amazes me that I have never reviewed this CVS. I have patronized this location about a zillion times. This CVS is cool. Everytime that I have visited this location, the employees have treated me very well. I was so happy to visit this location, today, because I visited the CVS location on Macdade Blvd and it was crowded, about ten people in line. I did not feel like waiting in line, since I did not have a prescription to fill and pay for. I merely wanted to load my prepaid card. Yes, I know I can do that online. However, since Z. and I were out, running here and there, I decided to do it today. Z and I had been out walking at Crowell Park and we decided to visit this location after the Macdade location was so crowded. Gregory assisted me today. Gregory, along with another employee had on masks because of Covid -19, the Corona Virus. It seems funny to me to see people in masks because of the virus. Once upon a time, if you were to see people in masks, you would swear that they were robbing the store. Not anymore. This seems to be the new norm. Gregory was polite and helpful. I was telling him how the location on Macdade Blvd was crowded. I said maybe the CVS-Macdade Blvd location was giving something away, maybe thats why so many people were in line. Anyway, I had a pleasurable visit. I was in and out. Nobody was in line. The place was a ghost-town. This location has a parking lot, with a good amount of spaces. This CVS is a nice size, not too large and not too small. Okay, Yelp Family, til the next review, have a great evening!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Target; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good Afternoon to my Yelp Family!!! I visited this location on Wednesday, April 6, 2020, around 11:50 AM. I was looking for hand sanitizer and Aleve. Suprisingly enough, this location actually had hand sanitizer. I was skeptical because I have not been able to find hand sanitizer for months. Thats because of this Covid - 19, Corona Virus. Thank God, my experience today was not like the toilet paper issue. I always enjoy coming here. It seems to me that they have some things that the other stores do not, for one thing, the cart escalator. Whoever thought of that is a genius. Sometimes I feel like I only visit is because of the cart escalator. Regarding the hand sanitizer, only one per customer. I found the Aleve and then I went to the self- checkout and paid for my items. The associate there was helpful and polite. Okay, Yelp Family, til the next review!!! See ya next time!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 7-Eleven; City: Yeadon, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!!! I visited 7 Eleven today, on Saturday, April 11th, 2020, because I wanted some chips. I was feeling hungry and this place was on the way home. I am not a fan of 7 Eleven, by no means. I always find another place to patronize, such as Wawa or Dunkin. I enjoy Wawa because of the oatmeal with raisins and I enjoy Dunkin because of the hot and iced coffee. This 7 Eleven is one of the few spots open now because of Covid - 19. I find that 7 Elevens are relatively small, compared to Wawa. I bought Nacho Doritos and a Slurpee for Mom. I wanted a small bag of chips, but they only had the flaming hot doritos and I am not a fan of anything hot. I have patronized 7 Eleven for money orders, the one in the Northeast. They also have scratch-offs and you can play the lottery here, so thats a good thing. The parking is ok. It cannot be too many people parked here, not enough parking spaces. I felt safe today, because I parked right next to a police car. My event was uneventful. I will visit again, just not right away. If I can find a Wawa that is conveniently located, then I will definitely choose Wawa. Good night Yelp Family, til the next review!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: CVS Optical; City: FOLSOM, PA; Review: Good afternoon to my Yelp family!!! I have patronized this CVS only a few times. Thats funny because I am always in this area because of Planet Fitness - Folsom. But thanks to Covid 19, that has been changed. All Planet Fitness gyms are closed until further notice. I visited today because I wanted to see if they had the peppermints in a container. Z had expressed to me that they might have them. Z is a Sister- Church -Friend. We usually shop at Walmart for the mints, but they were out of stock. So then I decided to come here, because I also wanted to add money to my Serve card. Sharon, the associate who assisted me was extremely polite. Sharon was manning the store and answering the phone. Even though Sharon was multi-tasking, she was quite adept. There was no shame in her game! I applaud Sharon for all of her efforts. Its people like this who don't complain and still do what's required of them plus a lot more. I also say a shout out to the other employees at this CVS. They were equally helpful and quite friendly. I will definitely return to this location and I recommend this CVS to anyone needing assistance with anything! These people will go out of their way. Have a blessed day Yelp family! Til the next review - See Ya!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ACME Markets; City: Holmes, PA; Review: Good Evening to my Yelp Family!!! I have never patronized this Acme and I am always in this area because of my association with Planet Fitness - Folsom. I haven't visited this area in a month, simply because all of Planet Fitness gyms are closed because of Covid 19 - the Corona Virus. I decided to visit this Acme because I had just left the Dollar Zone and the Citizens Bank ATM. I am not at all thrilled with Acme, my supermarket of choice is Giant. The prices are way too high for me at Acme. I do not mind coming here when there is a sale. Today, the hot chocolate was on sale, 2 for $5.00. While I feel that I could have gotten it cheaper at Giant, $1.75 or $1.00 at the dollar store, I was here, so I just went with it. Also, sometimes the dollar store does not have hot chocolate in stock. Also I needed a money order and I know Acme sells money orders just like Giant. It seems funny seeing most of the store personnel in face masks. I had just left Walmart in Glenolden, not too far from this Acme, and only a few of the employees were in face masks. Also Walmart limits how many people can come into the store at one time. This is happening because of Covid 19 and because of the social distancing and the hope of keeping people safe. I went through the self -serve checkout to purchase my hot chocolate. I went to Customer Service to purchase my money order and Marge was the Associate who assisted me. Marge was pleasant and cordial. She answered my question about my Serve card and if I could load it there. Another associate said no because it was not listed on the notification panel. My experience here today was positive and I cannot say if I will visit again, because I prefer Giant. However, if I am in the area and I need money orders or a quick purchase, I will not hesitate to visit again. Okay Yelp Family, have a great evening and be blessed!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Broomall, PA; Review: Good afternoon to my Yelp Family!!! I have patronized this CVS location many times, but I have never written a review. I visited this CVS location on Thursday, April 16th, 2020 because I wanted to purchase peppermints in a container. The Walmart in Glenolden, where I usually purchase them, were all sold out. This CVS had 4 containers of them. I was so elated!!! I purchased three of them. I didn't want to be greedy, I left one for someone else. Also, I wanted to purchase vinegar and baking powder. CVS had the vinegar, but no baking powder. Oh well, thats ok, I guess, folks are baking more because of Covid 19. Check -out time was relatively quick. I was able to go to self-checkout. I checked myself out and while there I spoke to a CVS associate. The CVS associate was extremely nice and polite. I asked for extra bags for my mom and the young man obliged. Also the Lady associate was most helpful. CVS is my first choice of pharmacies. Rite Aid, I usually do not patronize, only for Keri Lotion, because of Mom liking it. I just found out that Walmart carries it too. Walgreen's is ok. Not a huge fan! But CVS is my first choice of a pharmacy and my shopping experience was nice and uneventful. I was in and out and I was able to obtain all of my items except the baking powder. I will definitely be back to shop again!!! Til the next review!! Good night everyone!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Good afternoon to my Yelp Family!!! Hello again! I have patronized this CVS many many times and I have never reviewed this location. I was hoping to see Diane, my favorite employee here and she was here today. Diane is the best thing/person about this store. When Diane is not here, I am not happy. Diane and I always conversate about The Bachelor. I have not watched the Bachelor in years but I am watching it now. The theme of this one is, "Listen to your Heart." I watched the first two episodes and it seems okay. Diane said she was not watching it. Also, another employee told me where the red peppermint mints were. He was very polite. I bought two containers of them. My family eats them like they are going out of style. I had a pleasant visit today. I also added funds to a prepaid card. This CVS has a pharmacy, no drive-thru and a nice size parking lot. There is also a Santander ATM here. I will definitely return. Diane and I had on masks because of the Corona Virus and I will be happy when we do not have to wear them anymore. Anymore, Yelp Family see you and til the next review!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Havertown, PA; Review: Hello to my Yelp Family!! I visited this CVS location on Thursday, May 7th, 2020. I had visited two other locations today and neither one had the peppermint red mints in a container. I had visited the location on Lansdowne Avenue in Drexel Hill, and they did not have them. Then I went to the one in Broomall; the Lawrence Park Shopping Center and they did not have them. This was surprising since the CVS in Lawrence Park usually has them. So this CVS in Havertown on West Chester Pike was my third and final stop and Praise God, they had them. I was so happy and so elated!!! My mom loves them!!! I used to purchase them at Walmart and the containers were larger, so recently, everytime I visit Walmart, they are out of them and plus I do not like waiting outside to go inside. Walmart only allows a certain amount of people in the store at one time because of Covid 19 and the social distancing policy of 6 feet. The parking here is good!! There are about five parking spaces and when you leave the parking lot, you have to enter the street right smack back on West Chester Pike. Oh course you have to wait till all the traffic is clear. You can also make a left and go around the block. There is also a lot across the street from the CVS with additional parking spaces. This is great, because once the five parking spaces fill up near the store, then a customer has the option of parking in this additional lot. I was assisted by John, the sales associate, on duty today. When I visited on Friday, May 15, 2020, I was assisted by David, another sales associate. David was kind, professional and polite. The CVS is a good size, not too large and not too small. I had a good experience today and I will return in the near future. I like the Extracare Card, which you use everytime you purchase something. You can add the coupons and discounts online. Its a wonderful option and those coupons and discounts come in handy!!!!! Til the next review, Yelp Family!!! Have a blessed day!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Broomall, PA; Review: Good afternoon to Yelp Family!! I like the location of this CVS. There is a nice size parking lot. I like the setup of this CVS. It is a larger size CVS and there are steps when you enter. I like the fact that they have a self-checkout counter as well as a live cashier. I loaded money onto my Card and I bought my customary red peppermint puffs here. They were available, there were about six containers there. I checked out and then I remembered that we needed Pam, non-stick cooking spray and 3oz cups for the bathroom. No Pam in stock, I guess because people are staying home because of Social Distancing the Corona Virus and they are cooking at home. They didn't have the 3 oz cups either. Oh well, that was ok, since I purchased other cups, but my mom didn't want them. I will return, probably after Memorial Day!!! Have a blessed day and weekend!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swiss Farm Stores; City: Broomall, PA; Review: Good evening to Yelp Family!!! Yes, I stopped here today to pick up some pint coolers for my mom. She likes the fruit punch and the orange juice. They didn't have the oj, so I just purchased the fruit punch. Susie, the associate, was so nice and friendly. I felt bad when I told Susie, one fruit punch and she went in the cooler and got it. Then I told her I wanted three more and then she had to walk back. I apologized to her, and told her I should have said four all together. She was a trooper about it and said she was getting her steps in . I like this location. My mom and I usually visit the location on Baltimore Pike and the one on State Road and Lansdowne Avenue, near the Citizens Bank. There was construction on West Chester Pike and there was only one lane going. But with all of that, I had a great experience today!!! Thanks Susie, I will be back!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dunkin'; City: Drexel Hill, PA; Review: Good afternoon to Yelp Family!!!! I patronized this location on Monday, June 15th. I have visited this location many times. I like this location, but when I visit, there is usually only one employee here. The gentleman is always so nice and polite though. He had a lot of customers, in front of me, but handled everyone like a champ!!! I would have given this location more stars, but because of the lack of the employees, that's why only three stars. I was thinking if they had more help, then they could service more people quickly. I enjoyed my visit here today. It was a good experience. There is a Dairy Queen nearby and a Perkins next to that. Upper Darby High School is across the street. This location is adjacent to State Road, where there is a Citizens, CVS, Planet Fitness, Acme, Dollar Tree, T-Mobile, Starbucks, etc. all nearby. The parking is ok. There are about five spaces right in front of the Dunkin and more parking is in the back. Have a blessed day, Yelp family!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Wynnewood, PA; Review: Good afternoon Yelp Family!!!! How is everyone doing? I have visited this location a number of times but I have never reviewed this location. This location is in a very convenient area, right on Lancaster Avenue in Wynnewood. There is a Giant, Wells Fargo Bank and a DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) in the big shopping center. This CVS is located in a shopping center as well. There is a Chinese Restaurant here as well as a UPS. There is a Sunoco gas station across the street. This CVS is well - stocked and it is light and airy. I was looking for my customary peppermint puffs in a container and there were none. I will just visit another location and get them. Derick was the associate that assisted me, when I asked to load my prepaid card. Derick was helpful and polite. I went on my way. I was content. Ok Yelp Family, have a blessed day!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walmart Supercenter; City: Springfield, PA; Review: Hello to Yelp Family!!! I thought that I had written a review about this Walmart but I guess I didn't. I used to patronize this location quite frequently before Corona, but since they never seem to have the big container of red peppermints I stopped visiting. Usually I visit the Walmart on MacDade Blvd, they usually manage to have them. This location is extremely convenient and is home to Burlington Coat Factory, DSW, Marshalls, Joann's, K and G, Old Navy, Five Below, Smashburger, etc. The location is near Baltimore Pike, which everyone seems to know about. The parking lot is huge. A Planet Fitness is in the back, its brand new and its beautiful!!! The parking lot is huge back there. I had a pleasant experience at Walmart today. They had everything I wanted except for workout gloves. I found them at Five Below for $5.00. That was a pleasant surprise!! One of the lady associates was extremely helpful today at Walmart and I forgot to get her name. The merchandise is not plentiful, like it used to be, because of Covid 19, but they had just about everything I needed. Okay Yelp family, have a blessed night!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Home Depot; City: Broomall, PA; Review: Good evening to my Yelp Family!!! I have patronized this location of Home Depot several times, but this is the first time that I have attempted to write a review. The family's Tall Oscillating Fan ceased to function on Monday night and I knew today that I was going to go out on Wednesday morning to purchase another one. My errand travels brought me to Broomall, where I wanted to stop at the Giant/Broomall and grab a few things. The new Giant, near the Royal Farms. Enroute to the Giant, I stopped at the Home Depot to purchase a tall Oscillating Fan. After visiting the restroom, I thought I would need assistance to find the fans. I have not visited this location in a while and I didn't have a clue as to where the oscillating fans would be. It just so happened that when I left the restroom, I saw the ceiling fans and I assumed that other fans would be nearby. They were. I saw plenty of box fans and about six tall oscillating fans. They were by Lasko. And they were on top, like on the top wall. I grabbed my fan and off I went to find the self checkout. I found it and I was lugging my fan. I paid for it and happily, I left with my new Oscillating Lasko fan. When I arrived home, my brother and I read the instructions and assembled the fan without any problems or issues. It was a cinch!!! No tools were required, just our eyes and hands. Now the family is back in business!! We have a brand new lightweight Lasko oscillating fan. We are good and happy now!! Have a blessed evening, Yelp family!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CVS Pharmacy; City: Woodlyn, PA; Review: Hello and Good Evening to my Yelp Family!! This is my first time venturing into this CVS Location and by far it will not be my last!! I decided to visit this location because I wanted to check out the Cricket (ITs a large one leading up to Chester). So then I kept going on Macdade Boulevard and decided to stop here, because I always like the red peppermint puffs in a container that CVS sells and my mom absolutely adores them!! Thank God, it was like Christmas there and they had a million of them!! I have never seen so many at a CVS location! I bought four of them and I asked the associate, Rosanne, and she pointed them out to me. Rosanne was pleasant and helpful. She actually walked me to the location of the puffs. Then I went to pay and she asked was I signed up for Carepass. I am, but I was not registered in the system. I explained that CVS is taking $5.00 out of my card every month. Rosanne showed me the register and my address and phone number were incorrect. Rosanne corrected them in the system and I explained that originally I had signed up, using my mom's account information, since she is the one who will benefit from the prescriptions, since she is currently obtaining them. Rosanne gave me the CVS Carepass number to call, which I didn't want to call, because I knew it would be an automated service and I would be on the phone all day. I enjoyed my visit today and I will be back. A nice sized parking lot and a nice size inside of the store. It looks like they have everything. Rosanne is definitely an asset to this store location. Have a great blessed night - Yelp Family. See ya next time!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dollar Tree; City: Woodlyn, PA; Review: Good evening to Yelp Family!! This is the very first time that I have patronized this Dollar Tree location. It is gigantic size and it has a large parking lot which is housed in a large shopping center. I only needed air fresheners. The Dollar Tree that I have been patronizing did not have any the other day in Folsom, near the Wawa on Kedron Road and Macdade Boulevard. The young lady clerk that rang me up was cordial. I enjoyed my experience here, as they seem to have everything. It reminds me of the Dollar TRee in Folsom. They have items no other Dollar TRee has. Dunkin Donuts and CVS are nearby. They are currently renovating the Dunkin Donuts store in this area. Okay, Yelp Family have a blessed night!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kohl's; City: Morton, PA; Review: Good evening to Yelp Family!!! I have visited this Kohl's location many times, it still amazes that I have never reviewed it until now. I decided that since I am a Personal Trainer and I need to make another video, I know I needed another outfit. I realize no one wants me to wear the same outfit twice in a video. I couldn't find the Women's Active Wear section, so I asked a store clerk. She told me near the store entrance and sure enough there it was. I could find the Men's Active Wear with no problem. I had browsed in a Kohls location before, on West Chester Pike, but I had decided not to purchase anything since I could not try it on. The fitting rooms are currently closed because of Covid 19. I hate that, because I prefer to try clothes on before I buy. I decided on two tops and a pair of shorts. Everything was name brand, Nike, and I did not set out to purchase any name brand clothing. No name on clothing is fine by me!! One sports Bra was $30.00, another sports bra was $19.60 and the shorts were $25.00. My total was $74.60. I paid cash and the receipt had the nerve to say I saved by $15.40! It didn't seem like I had saved anything. I used my rewards card and that didn't help one penny! Also the receipt said, Krystal, thanks for being a Yes2You Rewards Member!! The nerve of them!! Anyway, I don't feel that I will be back anytime soon, since I cannot try anything on. The one sports bra, medium was too tight, but I used it for the video and the large sports bra was okay, however I will get a larger size next time. I was not at all impressed with these purchases!! I plan to sell my purchases on Ebay. Well anyway, Yelp family have a blessed night!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Green Leaf Restaurant; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!! I have been patronizing this diner for many moons. I used to like to go when Diane was on duty. Diane used to be a waitress there and she worked there for a very long time. I understand that now Diane is retired. I like coming here for breakfast, but my mom and I have patronized this diner for lunch. I love the french toast and my mom enjoys the buttermilk pancakes. Recently a Pastor from my church was kind enough to invite all of the members who participated in a Soup MInistry to an early breakfast. On my visit yesterday, I purchased a Chef Salad with french dressing, no green peppers, no shredded cabbage and a roll with butter. Another name for the salad was a julienne salad. I had ordered take out and I called it in before I arrived. Jessica was nice. Jessica was the one that took my order over the phone. I also ordered three beverages: cranberry juice, Crush orange soda and an Orange Juice. When I arrived home to eat the salad, Mom wanted a portion. I also ordered French dressing for the salad. It was good, however the gentleman who used to prepare salads is no longer there. I could tell there was a difference, because the salad used to come in a different container and the lunchmeat was arranged so neatly in the styrofoam container. I also asked for a menu and I am including it here in my pictures. Have a great evening, Yelp family!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wawa; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!!! I patronize this Wawa every 6 months, only coming then because I go to the dentist around here. I like this location, centrally located and much needed here!! This is a great location, people need it a lot and it is super convenient! It is a huge area and the best part about it is the eat in area where you can actually sit down. There are so few WAwa's where you can actually sit and eat your food. This is not in service now, because of Covid 19. Boy! I will be so glad when this virus thing is over!! It is affecting everything and everybody!! I could not find the hash browns. I wanted it to go along with the oatmeal and raisins that I ordered. There are two places where the hash browns could be. I saw the one place, but I didn't see the other place. I asked a clerk and they told me where the other one was. Social distancing was in effect and I didn't have to wait long to pay. I paid and and I was in and out. The young lady associate was nice!! Well Wawa, you will see me again in 6 months!! Have a blessed evening!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: wok my way; City: Upper Darby, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!! I have visited Wok my way about three times now. I enjoyed the food everytime that I visited. I usually order won ton soup and egg rolls. This time for the family, I forgot to order egg rolls, but I ordered the Happy Family, chicken and broccoli and Won Ton Soup. The family enjoyed everything as I didn't hear any conversation while we were all eating. I have always picked up my food here. This time I ordered the food online through an app. I believe that the app was Beyond Menu. I usually call. Ordering online was so nice and convenient. Everything was right there, the menu. Just click and pay. I liked the fact that I could pay in person. There was that option. Usually I only see the option of paying by card and thats it, no option to pay in person if you pick up in person. The place was clean. It is near a cleaners and Dunkin and a gas station. The downside of this place is that there is not much parking, they do have a parking lot, and if you are lucky enough to park, there is a not a lot of room to get out. You maneuvre over and over again!!! It can be a real pain!! You have to back up if you do not back into the place initially! And when you do back up, you are backing up into a lot of traffic on Township Line and it can be very congested and crowded!! Please just take your time and you should be just fine!! The upside of this place is that the food is good and reasonably priced!! Have a great night Yelp Family!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Country Club Diner; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Good evening Yelp Family!! I discovered this diner when I was a Security Officer at the Giant Supermarket on Grant Avenue. I was a Supervisor and I was responsible for the schedule and for the payroll and my mom and I always ate here because I had to physically take the payroll to this particular office. I don't remember the location though. I lasted for three months, it was hectic and frenzied. I did obtain several promotions, Lieutenant and I was asked to become the Captain. I declined because of too much travel and too much responsibility. These people wanted me to work like a blank and I refused to do that. I wasn't supposed to have a family to come home to. The food here is good. When my mom and ate here, we always cleaned our plate. The bathroom was usually clean and neat. The diner is spacious and plenty of room to be seated. The waitresses were pretty nice and we usually asked for the same waitress. I also stopped by here a few times when I became a Substitute Teacher. I subbed for the middle school across the street, Woodrow Wilson Middle School. And I would come here to pick up my food instead of it being delivered. I needed to get out of that school, so this was a wonderful reprieve. There is a big parking lot here. Also during Covid 19, Kristin, a waitress, said they were closed for a month and when they opened up, it was only for Curbside Pickup. They would have had outside dining, but there were no more tents. People had bought them all up. A good experience today. They only have take out. They are supposed to open back up for indoor dining, the day after Labor Day. Good night, Yelp Family!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rite Aid; City: Ardmore, PA; Review: Good Afternoon to my Yelp Family!! It is Sunday, August 30th, 2020. I cannot believe how fast the time is going. It is almost September and the fall. Good riddance 2020, I will be so glad when this year is over! I was so happy when the new year came in, now I will be glad when it is over! I believe I have patronized this location one time. I visited on Friday, August 28th, since Mom wanted some Keri lotion. I bought one Shea butter and two Daily Moisture Original Lotions. The store associate was friendly. I was on my way to donate blood and this was on the way. I stopped to talk to a lady who was outside and I explained to her that I was a Personal Trainer and was she interested in dance, because I host a dance class on moxie every Thursday evening @7pm. She told me that she had problems moving and that she was not able to do anything intense. I explained that we can do less intense and she said thank you. I decided not to bother her anymore and then I paid for my three items and left Rite Aid and headed to my blood donation appointment. There is a big parking lot here and inside of the Rite Aid is pretty large. I usually patronize CVS. I am not a Rite Aid fan, I only visit to buy Keri for Mom. I cannot find it anywhere else. Well okay, have a great night, Yelp Family!! See you in the next review!; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with food recipes as follows:
Title: berthas meatballs; Review: This is sooooo easy, I had some sauce in the freezer so all I had to do was to make the meatballs and drop them in. These meatballs are delicious and have a fairly light texture, my 2 young children and DH loved them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: two minute miracle microwave fudge; Review: Totally yummy, sooo easy. I didn't have any nuts so I mixed in a couples of tablespoons of peanut butter. I didn't last long in our fridge!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: surprise carrot cake; Review: A very easy cake to make in a food processor, I grated the carrots in the FP, removed them from the bowl, mixed the other ingredients in the FP, added the carrots back, then I actually followed the recipe! This cake presents really well when sprinkled with the icing sugar as suggested.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: rocky road; Review: So easy to make and so yummy. I followed the basic recipe but as I was making this for christmas I put in some chopped red and green frog lollies (jelly Candy)and some chopped nuts. I will definately be making this in the near future, thanks for posting; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: banana nut bread for the bread machine; Review: very easy to make, I used the yeast free setting on my Breville bread machine and it was baked perfectly, the only trouble that I had was that it stuck in the tin and broke when I was trying to remove it. It tastes great.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: to die for pork spareribs; Review: Thanks for posting this recipe, a very yummy way of serving ribs, my children even ate them and they usually turn thier noses up at everything.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: crock pot chops that will make you eat til you pop; Review: for some reason my star rating didn't appear with my review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: eggplant aubergine moussaka; Review: This really is good! I made a couple of changes, after salting the eggplant I sprayed it with olive oil and baked it in the over for about 20 minutes, along with cooking the meat sauce out totally, this cut the final cooking time down to 25minutes. Not being a fan of allspice I didn't use it. My children and DH all came back for seconds and this is definately a keeper. Thanks for posting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: potato pancake; Review: Very easy to make, good texture but next time I would not include the onion or garlic salt.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: new york hot dog onion sauce united states; Review: Yummmm, I'm from Australia and we dont usually put relish on our hotdogs but I thought I'd try this one. I served it to the parents at my sons birthday party, and everyone really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: cheaters vanilla slices australian; Review: What an easy vanilla slice, made it for an afternoon tea/childrens birthday party. I made the recipe up as is and got heaps of positive comments but next time I think that I will try lattice biscuits and maybe put some passionfruit in the icing, Thankyou for posting this recipe; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: hummus among us; Review: Very fast and easy to make, liked the addition of parsley as I haven't used it before in this dip. I did substitute Tahini for sesame oil. It was a huge sucess.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: mojo walleye; Review: Great recipe, DH really enjoyed it and asked me to make this again, the kids thought it was a little spicy. I only had time to marinade for 1.5hrs, and I cooked the fish on a grill. Thanks for posting this yummy recipe; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: gluten free awesome chocolate chip cookies; Review: A very easy cookie to make, and it did taste good, I will make these again, Thanks for posting this recipe; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: lemon garlic chicken and potatoes; Review: A very tasty, easy to prepare meal,DH and the kids say that this one is a keeper. I didn't have baby carrots and new potatoe so just used regular, and I thickened the sauce with corn starch instead of flour as DH is gluten intolerant. Thanks for posting this yummy recipe.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: an australian white christmas; Review: An Ausie christmas favourite, thanks for posting, I couldn't find my recipe; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: diet cola chicken; Review: DH and I really liked the flavour but niether of my kids liked the flavour, go figure. I added some onion flakes and a little pepper.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: beef chow mein; Review: A dish that the whole family enjoyed, the flavours are fantastic. I didn't have snowpeas, bamboo shoots or mushrooms, but I did add red and green pepper, and some green onion. Thanks for sharing this recipe; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: dilly beloved chicken bake; Review: so easy and the family ate it without too much protest.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: pad thai with chicken and shrimp; Review: Yummy, only had rice vermicilli, didn't have any shrimp and used cashews instead of peanuts, still tasted great. Next time I will stick to the recipe, this one is a keeper. Thanks for posting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: asparagus cob dip; Review: I love this dip, and so it seems did my guests as there was nothing left on the platter at the end of the party. I made the mixture up the day before and refrigerated it in a microwavable container, then I heated up the filling slightly before putting it into the cob.It worked perfectly Thanks for posting this recipe.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: vegemite on toast; Review: Total comfort food and one that I have used on more than one occasion as a hangover cure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: morrie s sausage casserole; Review: A great family meal, everyone liked the flavour,7yo has requested it again. I stewed the apple in the microwave otherwise cooked as per instructions, served with creamy mashed potatoes and brocoli.Thanks for posting; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: italian potato salad; Review: So easy to prepare, and so tasty. I served this at room temperature with a roasted chicken and a green salad. I think I will be making this salad a lot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: kittencal s moist cheddar garlic oven fried chicken breast; Review: very tasty, didn't have seasoned crumbs, so I used some italian herb mix in the crumbs. My whole family enjoyed this meal. Thanks for posting it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: piquant chicken with basil oamc; Review: made this up and put it in the freezer for a couple of months. We ate it last night and the whole family enjoyed it, I served it with potatoes and veges. This one is definately going to be a regular dinner at our house. Thankyou Pamela.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: basic pancake syrup; Review: The syrup was definately a hit.The kids could not tell this from store bought. Dont think I'll bother buying syrup again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: bread pudding in the microwave; Review: We needed a fast dessert, this was certainly fast to put together, I didn't have raisins so I substituted with sultanas. I served with ice cream it went down really well. I will be holding on to this recipe.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: spinach salad with mustard bacon dressing; Review: This one was a winner with everyone. Served it Christmas Day (Australia) along with prawns, roast pork, ham and a few other salads. Yum; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: cranberry feta and walnut salad; Review: Made this for our Aussie Christmas day. It was delicious, and still tasted great the next day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: best ever banana cake with cream cheese frosting; Review: I baked this yummy cake a couple of days ago, there is not very much left. After reading some other reviews I baked it in a bundt tin and halved the icing quantity. This one will be baked often in my house!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: chocolate brownie cupcakes; Review: These cupcakes are wicked in their depth of chocolateness. I used dark chocolate chips in them as this is my favourite chocolate. They really are a female fix up food.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: cottage pie simply the best; Review: This is a really good recipe, I really enjoyed the addition of mushrooms, which I have never had in a cottage pie before. The kids ate it all up which of coarse made me really happy. This will be a regular on our menu. Thanks for posting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: best twice baked potatoes; Review: These really were wonderfull. I microwaved the potatoes and followed the recipe except for mixing the crisp bacon through the potato. DH was really impressed. Thanks for posting this recipe; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: easy crock pot lasagna; Review: A very easy, very tasty crock pot dish. My whole family loved it. This will be a regular on the menu and I don't think I'll bother making Lasagna in the oven again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: savory potato bake; Review: I've made this recipe twice now for different company, and both times it was enjoyed by all. This one is a keeper. Thankyou FlemishMinx for posting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | food |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Word Origins ... and How We Know Them: Etymology for Everyone; Author: Visit Amazon's Anatoly Liberman Page; Review: This book makes one realize that there are two kinds of etymologies: the one that tries to explain terms like "hackney" and "jack-o-lantern"; and the one that tries to explain terms like "hand" and "bring". The first makes you search through medieval tomes and books about ancient crafts; the second causes one to delve into ablaut series and next to unpronounceable Proto-Indo-European (PIE) words that look more like formulas (which they partly are). The first yields a number of anecdotal and often amusing stories, the second dry-as-dust formal word derivations. The author, although acknowledging the existence of the second, is clearly much more interested in the first; PIE figures only sporadically in the text and does not even occur in the index. This approach makes the book a juicy read, especially on "funny" English words; the sections on ablaut series etc. lack the same flourish and are mercifully small. Yet even in the juicy part there are quite a number of promising paragraphs that lead nowhere. For example, on page 101 we learn that "Cockney" has an interesting origin, but that origin is never revealed. Much too much to my taste is attributed to sound symbolism (page 212: the b in "to beat" is suggested to be "imitative (echoic)" of the beating action; the argument is that out of 115 synonyms of "beat, strike" about 20 begin with a b) or explained as "baby words" (pig - big - bag for "swollen things"). I think such claims are warranted only when supported by similar phenomena from several non-Indo-European languages. I personally cannot find back any of these sound symbolisms in Hebrew, the only Non-IE language I know well. Latin "capere" (to take), Finnish "kappan" (to seize) and Hebr. "kaf" (hollow hand) may very well be related (and I think they probably are) but I don't hear any sound symbolism in them (page 43). For that matter, Hebr. "khataf" (he grabbed) sounds much more like seizing. The editing is far from perfect; one problem is that the Old-English/Icelandic letter "thorn" (a p with an upward stick like a b) is often printed as a p (f.e. page 83). In summary, the subtitle "Etymology for Everybody" is fully justified, but it is a limited form of etymology.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ecstasy and Me My Life as a Woman; Author: Visit Amazon's Hedy Lamarr Page; Review: True to the subtitle "My Life as a Woman", the book reports only about those aspects of and events in the life of the author, Hedy Lamarr, in which the fact that she was a woman played a major role: marriages, sex, and movies, in about equal parts and in considerable detail. Her achievements and her patent in electronics are not mentioned at all, not even hinted at. Although the over-all story is roughly chonological, there are many flash-forwards and flash-backs. Whether the narrative can hold up agianst these, is a matter of opinion; I could have done with a little less. The main time line starts with her birth and shows repeatedly how here life was influenced by the movie "Extasy" she made when she was 18 years old (hence the title). It ends with the infamous shoplifting affair, of which she gives a vague account, clearly unwilling to tell the whole truth, but equally clearly unwilling to lie. This tension is, to a lesser extend, discernable throughout the entire book. The book ends with about eighty small paragraphs of personal wisdom and advice. Not high literature but definitely a good read, if you are interested in H.L. or in the Hollywood movie industry of 1935-1965.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Zuni Enigma : A Native American People's Possible Japanese Connection; Author: Edmund J. Ladd; Review: In this book Davis defends the premise that about 1350 AD (not BC!) a group of Japanese pilgrims went to America, mingled with Indians (Anasazi or their neighbors) to form the Zuni. The book lists those aspects of Zuni and Japanese culture and language in which the author sees enough correspondence. Common cultural features, however, do not always prove relationship: both the Egytians and the Meso-Americans built pyramids. I also find the linguistic part unconvincing; if anything it suggests a long-range relationship of both languages to Eurasian. Worse, I think a serious problem with Davis' thesis is that 14th century Japanese pilgrims would have known about writing, and it is very hard to believe that they would have given it up. And even if they had, one would expect remnants of script to appear ornamentally. As the author says in the last paragraph: "These finding may nor be conclusive, but together they are suggestive." Whether it is more than that is doubtful.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Bug Hunter's Diary: A Guided Tour Through the Wilds of Software Security; Author: Visit Amazon's Tobias Klein Page; Review: The book is almost exactly what the title says: 7 reports of finding, exploiting and reporting bugs in famous pieces of commercial software, for example Sun Solaris, the FFmpeg multimedia library, and Active X. Each report consists of four sections: 1. how the bug was smoked out; 2. how it was exploited to gain kernel mode control of the machine; 3.how it was remedied; 4. and what lessons were learned. Section 1 is reported in detail; section 2 is sketched only, for legal reasons; the interesting part about section 3 is how long it took the powers that be to correct the bug (actually correcting it was usually trivial); and section 4 is of course the point of the exercise (of reading the book, except that is is also entertaining by itself). To someone like me, who is more interested in preventing the bugs from creeping in in the first place (I worked on the error handling in the first version of Minix in the 1980s), the book gives plenty of insights too. The lessons from sections 4 are not summarized in the book, but Appendix A gives extensive bug hunting tips, and by holding them to a mirror they turn into bug prevention tips. A small gripe: it is a pity that the time lines in the various sections 3 are not to scale.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Symmetry and the Monster: The Story of One of the Greatest Quests of Mathematics; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Ronan Page; Review: This is a history book about the history of research into group theory and the discovery of the "Monster", not a book about that Monster. The math has been simplified beyond recognition, and even after reading up on the subject in the Wikipedia and with a PhD in computer science, I could not make head or tail of it. The first problem is that the author does not make clear what he means by "a symmetry". We learn that the "zillions of symmetries" of the Rubik cube are "generated by 90 turns", which in the lines above are compared to "symmetry operators". This suggests that the 24 turns (4 on each of the 6 sides) are the operators and that the positions that can be achieved are the symmetries. But operators in a (mathematical) group have the property that the combination of two operators is again an operator in that group, so any configuration can be achieved with a single (compound) operator. So are all these operators "symmetries"? I find it confusing. Symmetries are also explained as permutations, but the relationship remains vague. A second problem is that the level of explanation is very uneven: the root sign is explained, but the j-function is written out without any explanation. We learn a lot about the people around the Monster but next to nothing about the Monster itself, except that it is 196,884-dimensional, but that's already on the cover. Does it have a geometric representation, like a cube? Or is it just a network of symbols? (Does a network of symbols have symmetries?) If it can be geometric,it must have sides. Are all sides the same length like in a cube or a dodecahedron? How big is it if the length of the shortest side is 1 unit? Answers to such questions would have brought the Monster much more close to home. Perhaps the subject is too complicated to allow a popularized treatment, in which case sticking to just the history is OK. But it would have been nice to see at least an example or two of representatives of the simpler symmetry groups. Some examples are given, but they are not assigned to groups. And it would have been nice to be told what position in the periodic table of symmetries Rubik's cube occupies, probably the most complicated symmetric object any of us can relate to.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Reference Grammar of Korean: A Complete Guide to the Grammar and History of the Korean Language; Author: Samuel E. Martin; Review: The basic reason for giving the book five stars is that it provided tons of information not available elsewhere in English; one may quibble about the presentation, but that fact stands. Although it is a very thick book with small margins it actually consists of four parts: a grammar of 347 pages, treating all the ins and outs of the structure of Korean (and there's a lot of it); an appendix of 67 pages, listing, for example, all verb stems ending in -, and many other word classes; a grammatical lexicon of 542 pages, listing dictionary-wise all forms and endings, with translation, examples, and historical background; and an index of 76 pages. As I said, encyclopedic. Its use of romanization instead of Hangeul has been reviled by many reviewers and it is indeed an eye sore. But the present-day Hangeul symbol set was designed for modern Korean, and cannot represent many Old and Middle Korean syllables. Scribes of old were not restricted to a fixed set of consonant combinations, and could write on their paper any combination of double or even triple patchim if they needed them. (Recently a Unicode set for Old and Middle Korean has been established.) Using the romanization, however ugly, allowed the author to freely write down any historical, hypothetical, or partly incorrect form he needed for his explanations. For example, the stem of to help is tow but that cannot be written in Hangeul. So first I deducted one star from the five because of the ugly romanization (the use of e for a sound that is more like the o in hot still irks me no end) but I'm beginning to see the usefulness of the Latin alphabet over the Hangeul one for scientific linguistic purposes. So the star returned. Another thing that kind of annoyed me is that the author describes the speech of the educated Seoulite rather than Standard South Korean. They differ in subtle points: the is mostly pronounced as , producing f.e. for ; and the infinitive has - only after , so we find for . Oh well, anybody who can read this book will get over that. I liked very much that the author has consistently indicated which syllables and endings cause tensing of the following consonant when applicable. Again Hangeul does not shows this, but you still have to know it when you want to learn the language properly. I definitely find it worth every Eurocent.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Cabin Fever (Diary of a Wimpy Kid book 6); Author: ; Review: I bought this for my 7 year old Grandson and he loved it. He brought it to school and was so happy to show it off to everyone. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid is very popular in school so he was very excited it was his book and did not have to return it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wreck-It Ralph: The Junior Novelization; Author: Visit Amazon's Irene Trimble Page; Review: Grandson was happy to receive this book. He is 8 years and taking it to school to show his friends. Has lots of pictures and just perfect reading for an 8 year old; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Everything Kids' Football Book: The all-time greats, legendary teams, today's superstars--and tips on playing like a pro; Author: Visit Amazon's Greg Jacobs Page; Review: My grandson who is 9 is a football fan and enjoyed looking through the book. He thought it was very interesting; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The New American Heart Association Cookbook, 7th Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's American Heart Association Page; Review: Lots of recipes and easy to make..; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The New American Heart Association Cookbook: A Cookbook; Author: Visit Amazon's American Heart Association Page; Review: Lots of recipes and easy to make..; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Miracles Are for Real: What Happens When Heaven Touches Earth; Author: Visit Amazon's James L. Garlow Page; Review: This is a great book for understanding that God still performs BIG miracles. I also like the fact that it is true.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: McKenzie (Montana Skies); Author: Visit Amazon's Penny Zeller Page; Review: It was a good Christian work, but lacked some of the substance I'm used to. It did not keep me very interested, but I did finish it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reservations for Two; Author: Visit Amazon's Anne Patrick Page; Review: I liked the book because it is entertaining, non-violent, and has no cursing. It is a book anyone can read without offense.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: High Desert Haven (The Shepherd's Heart); Author: Visit Amazon's Lynnette Bonner Page; Review: This book had all you could expect for entertainment: drama, substance, suspence, love, and faith all bound together to make for a book that is hard to put down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mystery Ranch; Author: Max Brand; Review: I liked most of the writing, but it was a little weak in spots. The connection between the girl and brothers did not come off as reasonable.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: River's Recruit (The Sanctuary Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Charlotte Abel Page; Review: The book was interesting and kept you wondering what was going to happen next. At times, it was hard to put down.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: From Ashes to Honor: First Responders Book #1; Author: Visit Amazon's Loree Lough Page; Review: The story was written very well from secular views to religious viewpoints. A few things lagged, but that is to be expected. I did not like the ending!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chase: A Novel (Crime Scene: Houston); Author: Visit Amazon's DiAnn Mills Page; Review: It was very interesting and the storyline as well as the characters were woven together in such a way that made you not want to put the book down.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wanted: A Leopold Blake Thriller (Leopold Blake Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Nick Stephenson Page; Review: The writer did a good job of keeping the action moving which kept my interest as well. I will read another of his books.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Trouble at the Red Pueblo (A Spider Latham Mystery) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's Liz Adair Page; Review: The writing was good without foul language and sexual content. There was a little much fantasy close to the end, but what the heck - it was for enjoyment.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold River; Author: Visit Amazon's Liz Adair Page; Review: Good story line that was not too confusing. It was nice to read a love and suspense story that had no foul language and no sexual descriptions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: LN LUCIANO NATAZZI Men's Cashmere Topcoat Modern Ticket Pocket Trench Coat Overcoat; Brand: ; Review: Like the writer of the previous comment, I was also experimenting with cheaper coats as who doesn't want to save if they can. BUT nothing compares to this little beauty! I love this coat! The price is totally worth it as it looks very elegant. I bought it for my father who has a small frame and this company carries small sizes. Wonderful Seller too! Very fast shipping! Very happy customer!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sakkas Petite High Waist Stretch Pencil Skirt with Shirred Waist Detail; Brand: ; Review: Love love love these skirts! I am a 4 and the size Large fits like a dream! I got them in three colors! They are all perfect! Thank you so much!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sakkas Above the Knee Stretch Pencil Skirt with Four Button Detail; Brand: ; Review: Love love love this skirt! I am a 4 and the size Large fits like a dream! Thank you so much!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sunrise Outlet Men's Solid Color Cotton Blend Dress Shirt Black; Brand: Sunrise Outlet; Review: These shirts are wonderful! I got two colors and they look great! Thanks! I will be shopping here again! I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JOTW Ladies Metallic Dark Blue Simulated Pearl Style Necklace Earrings and Matching Cross Bracelet Jewelry Set (X-319 X-1874); Brand: JOTW; Review: I love these Beautiful Necklace and Earring Sets! What a surprise! These necklaces are substantial, but not overwhelming. Just perfect! Thank you very much!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: WinBook TW802 Tablet, 8-Inch 32 GB Windows 8.1 with full-size USB port, IPS Display; Brand: WinBook; Review: Great tablet, great purchase!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winbook Tw801,Winbook Tw800,Winbook Tw802 Tablet Keyboard case, IVSO® Winbook Tw801,Winbook Tw800,Winbook Tw802 Bluetooth Keyboard Portfolio; Brand: Gambolex; Review: Good!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Navitech Grey Fine Point Digital Active Stylus Pen Compatible With Acer Predator 8 / Acer Iconia One 10 B3-A10; Brand: Navitech; Review: Great product, works on all my windows devices (pc, tablet and phone), flawless!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SoundBot? SB510 HD Water Resistant Bluetooth 3.0 Shower Speaker, Handsfree Portable Speakerphone with Built-in Mic, 6hrs of; Brand: Soundbot; Review: Love it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pwr Adapter for Asus Transformer Book-T100 Charger: UL Listed 6.5 Ft Extra Long Power Cord T100TA T100TAM T100TAF T100HA; Brand: PWR+; Review: Works as advertised; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Untold History of the United States; Author: Oliver Stone; Peter Kuznick; Review: I would definitely recommend this book as it filled in many side incidents that I was unaware of. If you are a conspiracy fan this will give you more material to possibly give you grist. The greatest problem is that it was not a scintillating read. It read like a dry text, thats why I gave it 4 stars rather than 5. You have to be motivated to plod through it. Having a degree in Intelligence and an MA in national security studies, I pushed myself to read it, and enjoyed it. I'd recommend to history buffs primarily.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Argo: How the CIA and Hollywood Pulled Off the Most Audacious Rescue in History; Author: Antonio Mendez; Review: It was a great read. Having followed the liberation of the hostages, this cleared up a lot of false information that the government rammed down our throats, ostensibly for good reason. I'd recommend it to anyone and especially those who remembered the incident.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Introduction to Emergency Management; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael K. Lindell Page; Review: It was a textbook and read accordingly. As I live on Long Island and am part of an EM group, it filled in a lot of the gaps in my knowledge of the upper echelon. I'd recommend it to those starting to actively work in an EM group.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association; Author: Visit Amazon's American Psychological Association Page; Review: I used it once or twice for reference, but did not read it through. It's not the type of book that appeared interesting to me. It was an obligatory reference for a course I was taking, and one that should be kept at hand if writing for publication.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gideon's Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad; Author: Visit Amazon's Gordon Thomas Page; Review: Having worked and still work with some Mossad agents, this filled in great gaps in my knowledge of their background.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Post-American World; Author: Visit Amazon's Fareed Zakaria Page; Review: He writes as well or better than his program on Sunday TV and I'm addicted to that and his Time magazine articles.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Assassin; Author: Visit Amazon's Ward Larsen Page; Review: It was a fast read and I couldn't put it down. I stayed up until five in the morning to finish the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hitler: The Pathology of Evil; Author: Visit Amazon's George Victor Page; Review: It was a textbook for a course and it fleshed out my knowledge of one sick MF. It seemed well referenced.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Pines (Wayward Pines); Author: Visit Amazon's Blake Crouch Page; Review: Really, really good! Surprising twist, you would never expect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Town (Wayward Pines); Author: Visit Amazon's Blake Crouch Page; Review: Loved it! Did not want these books to end!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mind Readers (The Mind Readers Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Lori Brighton Page; Review: Good book. Would love to see this series made into movies; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Consequences; Author: Visit Amazon's Aleatha Romig Page; Review: Amazing! Just as good as the first book! Couldn't put it down!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Convicted (Consequences); Author: Visit Amazon's Aleatha Romig Page; Review: Love this series! These books make you feel so many emotions!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Premier Inn Bristol South; City: Bristol England; Review: Nice clean room,REALLY comfortable bed & pillows, big TV & spotless bathroom. Evening meal offered wide choice & excellent value for money & the staff were extremely friendly; ditto the breakfast, with a wide range of cereals & beverages followed by a good old English fry-up which set us up for the rest of the day !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Premier Inn Oxford South Didcot Hotel; City: Milton Abingdon Oxfordshire England; Review: Stayed for three nights before collecting daughter from Reading festival. Nice and central for visiting local attractions in Cotswolds during our short stay. Room was in excellent condition, exceptionally clean and looked as though it had recently been refurbished, bathroom spotless, as always with Premier Inn, bed and pillows were extremely comfortable. One major gripe though- NO AIR CONDITIONING !!! Room was very stuffy, although fan was provided. Had to sleep with window open, which was a bit noisy with frequent trains and location on main road.Nice big t.v. in room. Had dinner & breakfast deal which was good value, loads of great food and service was generally good, although had to wait a long time for main course on last evening. Could not find fault with much else, would definitely recommend and would stay again if in the area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Southwood House Bed and Breakfast; City: Wick Gloucestershire England; Review: Found this B&B on the Internet- most other accommodation was fully booked, as it was University of Bath open weekend. Pleasantly surprised; nice secluded location, facilities clean & tidy with en-suite shower room, & well stocked tea & coffee making facilities. Hostess even provided fresh milk upon our arrival. Could perhaps have done with a couple more pillows, just a minor criticism... Woke up to a lovely view, plenty of wildlife & birdsong. Breakfast was excellent, freshly cooked & plenty of, really hearty, which set us up nicely for the day. Managed to catch a few minutes with Carol the owner before our departure, & got to meet Daisy, her beautiful Golden Retriever... All in all a pleasant stay, would recommend & would probably stay again if in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oak Farm Barn; City: Bury St Edmunds Suffolk East Anglia England; Review: If you only stay at one B & B in Suffolk MAKE IT THIS ONE !!! Lovely setting, so clean and comfortable, and breakfast to die for. We were made SO welcome from the moment we arrived, with a nice cuppa and cake ( very thoughtful and much appreciated ) and Tracy & Jack were so obliging throughout our stay. Our room was tastefully decorated, the bed was so comfortable and the linen spotless. Plenty of storage space, and tea/coffee making supplies replenished daily with ample supplies ( not like SOME hotel chains that I could name ! ) Nice en suite, with towels, shower and hand soap all provided, very thoughtful... I really cannot praise this place enough, and would definitely stay here again, without hesitation ! Thank you Tracy and Jack for making our three nights so memorable !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rosemullion; City: Falmouth Cornwall England; Review: Last minute booking due to ill health of a family member, and boy, what a revelation this place turned out to be ! Gail and her fantastic, friendly and enthusiastic team made us feel soooo welcome and valued from the minute that we arrived, until the minute we left... Everywhere was spotless. with our room being maintained to a very high standard each and every day, and the breakfast is to die for - freshly cooked to order and SUCH generous portions, with prompt and friendly efficient table service and a great range and variety to choose from each morning. Plenty of parking, and very central for Falmouth town itself - you can walk there within ten minutes maximum. However, our room overlooked a particularly busy road, which could be quite noisy at times, but this was to be expected as the weather was very hot, and we had to sleep with the windows open. However, the bed was EXTREMELY comfortable, and we were asleep almost immediately our heads hit the sumptuous pillows ! Just one minor niggle ( although I am being VERY picky here ) was the size of the bathroom - which could be quite cozy if you are built like me ! That said however, it was adequate, and once again was always spotless throughout our stay... So overall...10/10 and would DEFINITELY stay again and certainly recommend to anyone looking for a comfortable and friendly place to stay ! Thank you Gail and all your lovely ladies for a fabulous break !!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Pacific Club Resort; City: Karon Beach Karon Phuket; Review: Stayed for 2 nights at the end of October. Overall fantastic value for money. Stayed in the 1 bed suite, large, very comfortable and excellent view. Service excellent, food good and staff v good. Negatives... it is set back from the road so does make it very quiet. However even using the short cut, you do have to walk up a short road. At night it is only partially lit making it feel a little unsafe and there are a few dogs near the property which bark at you. I would give it 4.5/5, if they can make the road fully lit and keep the dogs away would have given it 5/5, especially for VFM.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rainbow Hotel; City: Wanhua Taipei; Review: Stayed 2 nights last week. Taipei was cold and wet. Hotel is great location in young "Shinjuke" area of Taipei. Only a couple of minutes to MRT. Booked Standard Room and was a bit disappointed so spent 20SGD a night to upgrade to better, bigger room and was worth it. Is a standard 3 star hotel, but good service.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sun Moon Lake Apollo Resort Hotel; City: Nantou City Nantou; Review: Stayed one night at the Apollo. Sun Moon Lake is a small undeveloped place with only about 5 hotels & 5 "bed & breakfasts" however they are building at least 3 more. Apollo itself we had nice, no frills 3 star room overlooking the lake. Was very peaceful, is central so restaurants, Starbucks, bus stop all just downstairs. We had complimentry dinner which was pasta, nothing special. People on front desk not very friendly, but ok. Sun Moon Lake is a nice place to relax, walk around, cycle, go on the lake, but not much else. However in the evening the jetty, waterfront, and nearby path is tastefully illuminated making it nice for romantic walks; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kinabalu Pine Resort; City: Kundasang Ranau Sabah; Review: Stayed for just one night at PIne Resort. Took Minibus up from KK, is uncomfortable and drivers tend to drive fast, but is cheap at only 20MYR. The resort itself is nice, clean, relaxing with good view of Mt Kinabalu. However, you have to eat at the resort or drive to find another restaurant as in Kundasang there is nothing apart from fruit and vegatable stalls. Therefore is a nice place to use a base if you are simply climbing the Mountain or on a tour or exploring the area. Go for the deluxe room, its worth it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Jesselton Hotel; City: Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu District West Coast Division Sabah; Review: Stayed 2 nights at the Jesselton and really enjoyed. Staff and service was excellent. We stayed in Deluxe room which was roomy, clean, nicely decorated with a "old world feel". We had room service from the Italian Restaurant downstairs, excellent. Its inbetween Jesselton Point for boats out to the Islands and Centrepoint for Shopping, both about 10 mins walking distance, so ideally located. Only cost us 265MYR a night which is around 120SGD a night which I feel was excellent value for money.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Citadines Sukhumvit 23 Bangkok; City: Bangkok; Review: Stayed 3 nights at Citadines 23. Rooms large with LCD TV, HDMI DVD player, partition to "lounge area", cooking area, nice bathroom with rainfall shower. Very new, clean. Is along Sukhumvit 23 which is quite a touristy, expat area. Hotel has free Tuk Tuk service to local BTS station, although it centrally located to get to most things. The best thing is we only paid 80SGD for the room, which is fantastic value for money overage. I would strongly recommend this hotel to anyone; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Central Boutique Angkor Hotel; City: Siem Reap Siem Reap Province; Review: Good location, great service, nice rooms & pool. New hotel, only opened for 7 months.Should try and hide the rubbish/recycling on the left hand side as you walk upto the pool. Very enjoyable stay!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pavilion; City: Phnom Penh; Review: Stayed in room 7. You must try it, massive colonial room with balcony overlooking the pool. Only negative is the aircon didnt seem to work in the room. But overall, good service, comfortable, but somehow after the Blue Lime, I was a litte disappointed. I dont think it felt as homely, more like a plush backpackers hangout, with the guests not seeming that socialable; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Admiral Suites Bangkok by Compass Hospitality; City: Bangkok; Review: After reviews in TA, decided to stay here. Rooms bit, stayed in the deluxe suite. Yes the interior is not luxurious, but bed comfortable, everything works. Location is good, along Soi 22, service excellent. And what other people said, you have Parrot Cafe downstairs which has excellent food and very reasonable prices. But here is the thing, stayed for 3 nights, including breakfast, wifi, transfer to the aiport and paid 1000HKD or 4200 Baht, which I dont know many other places that can offer that value!; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Juice VHS; Brand: Omar Epps; Review: Hood Classic, I watch this movie every chance I get and I repeat every line of this movie. I have to say the best part in the movie is when Que and Bishop are in the school having a heated words. The 90's had some of the best movies and Juice is one of the best movies out there.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Above the Rim VHS; Brand: Duane Martin; Review: Damn! what a movie its a great situation what do you do when your life is on the line and you have the talent to make it to the NBA. Kyle mess around with the wrong people and he was lucky to live to play at Georgetown. Tupac played a role in the movie and he did a very good job.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Menace II Society; Brand: Tyrin Turner; Review: I never heard of this movie until 08 lol yea im very late, but when I saw the movie it was on B.E.T. so I dashed down stairs and watched the real version on the computer. The movie is very good and I enjoy those types of movies but I do have to say the negative images in those African American movies is starting to get to me. I do enjoy some of the positive things in the movie.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wood VHS; Brand: Elayn J. Taylor; Review: O man the first time I seen the wood it was in 2000 and I laugh very hard. The wood is about three friends one of them is getting married and they all have flashback about their Middle school and High School days. I would say itz a guy film, you how there are chick flicks while there are guy movies too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Paid in Full; Brand: Mekhi Phifer; Review: Come man how can you not like this movie. I like the plot of the movie when dude went from positive to negative, but the sad part is brothers really do the things you seen in this movie. I would break the movie down in a few words trust, money, revenge, and domino effect. I have to give it up to Cam he did his thing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Klipsch KF-26 Icon Dual 6 1/2" 2-Way Floorstanding Speaker (Each)(Black Ash); Brand: Klipsch; Review: Excellent sound quality. Got a great deal for a pair from Amazon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VideoSecu One Pair of Side Clamping Bookshelf Speaker Mounting Bracket with Swivel and Tilt for Large Surrounding Sound Speakers MS56B; Brand: Featured Brands 4; Review: Excellent product. I used these mounts to hold my energy cb 10 bookshelf speakers.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elite Screens Manual Series, 84-INCH 4:3, Pull Down Manual Projector Screen with AUTO LOCK, Movie Home Theater 8K; Brand: Elite Screens; Review: Value for your money. No complaints. I love the slow retract system.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: J-Tech Digital (TM) 2 Ports HDMI 1x2 Powered Splitter Ver 1.3 Certified for Full HD 1080P with Deep Color; Brand: J-Tech Digital; Review: Excellent product. Works well with my set up. Splits the signal from my AVR to my TV and projector; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twisted Veins HDMI Cable 3 ft, Premium HDMI Cord Type High Speed with; Brand: Twisted Veins; Review: Awsome product. Where else can you get a 50ft HDMI cable at this price point. Very good build quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Optoma HD141X 1080p 3D DLP Home Theater Projector; Brand: Optoma; Review: This is an excellent home theater projector. Set up was very easy. I am projecting this on a 100inch elite screeen and the picture quality is amazing. I hooked it up to my 7.2ch AVR to complete my home theater set up. I have been using this for 2 weeks now and I have no complaints. I can't wait for my DLP link glasses to be delivered.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JayBird BBX1MB BlueBuds X Sport Bluetooth Headphones - Black (Discontinued by Manufacturer); Brand: Jaybird; Review: Great product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Garmin nuvi 2757LM 7" GPS Navigation System w/Lifetime Map Updates (Certified Refurbished); Brand: Garmin; Review: Excellent product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Viewsonics VSIS-EU Cable TV Ground Loop Isolator; Brand: Viewsonics; Review: Works perfectly. When I connected my cable TV to my pre amp, I observed buzzing sound on my speakers. This solved the buzzing sound.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Hosa YPP-111 1/4" TS to Dual 1/4" TSF Y Cable; Brand: Hosa; Review: unusable at all. i bought 2 of these to use only 2 outputs for my monitors and sub instead of 4. the female 1/4 inputs on these splittlers isn't even remotely snug, so what comes out of my speakers is sometimes fine and sometimes nothing and sometimes crackly and sometimes cutting in and out like someone is unplugging them (very unhealthy for speakers by the way). so yes, I paid money for something that actually hurt my speakers, I have bought about 6 cables from Hosa, these are the first that have been terrible. but, when you're talking about the health of my very expensive monitors or my ears... I will never buy anything from Hosa again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hosa CPP-105 1/4" TS to 1/4" TS Unbalanced Interconnect Cable, 5 Feet; Brand: Hosa; Review: these were unusable. these fit so poorly that when music played the vibrations would make the connection go out. i ended up cutting the ends off and making a new cable. complete garbage. was laughing with a friend saying i got "Hosa'd" seriously worst cables ive ever had. and I've had a bunch; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Samsung OEM 3.5mm Tangle Free Stereo Headset with Microphone for Samsung Galaxy S4/Galaxy S3/Note 3 - Non-Retail Packaging; Brand: Samsung; Review: bought from before and figured i was safe because they were official then, this time they are not. they are made in vietnam (so the label says) knockoffs. they sound horrendous. and I don't know about you but I have given up on finding official samsung headphones. every one on amazon seems to be fake.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: SanDisk Ultra 32GB UHS-I/Class 10 Micro SDHC Memory Card With Adapter - SDSDQUAN-032G-G4A; Brand: SanDisk; Review: works great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iZtouch IZSP-006 Green 1280x720P HD H.264 Wireless/Wired IP Camera with Two-Way Audio IR-Cut Filter Night Vision Pan/Tilt Control QR Code; Brand: iZtouch; Review: lasted a month until it stopped working at all and while it worked I regularly had to reset it so it could recognize the wifi. definitely not worth it even when it worked. BTW you'll notice the 5 star reviews are all made by people that recieved this for free. don't fall for these bs reviews; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Kicker 40CSS684 6"x8" Component Speaker System; Brand: Kicker; Review: arrived with one blown speaker out of the box and the one good one sounds so awful. I've never been more dissappointed with afternarket speakers. I put the stock 20w speakers back in and they sound so much better. I'll never buy a kicker product again. I suppose if you like high mid range to take over a mix maybe these are for you.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Loose Ends (The Acer Sansom Novels Book 2) - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Oliver Tidy Page; Review: I loved the whole series......; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lions of Lucerne; Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: A Great read......I loved the book and didn't want it end!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Path of the Assassin: A Thriller; Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Brad Thor writes 'can't put down until finished' books...I'm hooked!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cold Blooded II - Killer Moves (Nick McCarty) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Bernard Lee DeLeo Page; Review: I want not sure about reading this series but after the first book I was hooked! This book was as good as the first....can't stop reading the series.... love it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fix (Memory Man series); Author: Visit Amazon's David Baldacci Page; Review: Once again DB has come through with another great read! Loved it; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: BodyJ4You 20 Pieces Plugs Set Mix Colors Acrylic Single Flare 12G-20mm Gauges - 10 Pair; Brand: BodyJ4You; Review: good; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit-Jeans; Brand: ; Review: as advertized; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: as advertized; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wrangler Authentics Men's Classic 5-Pocket Regular Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: as advertized; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: as advertized; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway - Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack; Brand: Learning Curve; Review: This is a very well-made track and a welcome addition to our Thomas and Friends wooden railway set. As we added more engines, we found we quickly ran out of track. This set added the extra pieces we needed to make many different configurations, and keeps my grandson busy figuring out new routes for his trains.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway - James the Red Engine; Brand: Learning Curve; Review: James the Red Engine by Fisher-Price is a well-made toy and my grandson was very happy to add it to our growing collection of Thomas' engine friends!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway - Hiro; Brand: Learning Curve; Review: Hiro by Fisher-Price is a well-made toy and one of my grandson's favorites. He was very happy to add it to our growing collection of Thomas' engine friends!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thomas Wooden Railway - Luke; Brand: Fisher-Price; Review: Luke by Fisher-Price is a well-made toy and my grandson was very happy to add it to our growing collection of Thomas' engine friends!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway - Henry the Green Engine; Brand: Thomas & Friends; Review: Henry the Green Engine by Fisher-Price is a well-made toy and my grandson was very happy to add it to our growing collection of Thomas' engine friends!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thomas Wooden Railway - Deluxe Railroad Crossing Signal; Brand: Fisher-Price; Review: He loves being able to stop traffic and let the oncoming trains pass by! This crossing signal is a welcome addition to our collection of engines and track. I would definitely recommend this quality Fisher-Price toy to anyone who has a wooden track and engine set.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 6" Bump Track Fits Thomas Wooden Railway and Brio Sets and Track (Jesse's Toy Box Brand); Brand: ; Review: When there is a long train going over it, the cars tend to derail - especially when my 4-yr old grandson is racing his engines back to the station. It is made of wood, so is very sturdy, but I wouldn't buy another one. If you have a patient older child, this might work out better...; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Rose Hotel B B; City: Patara Turkish Mediterranean Coast; Review: We travelled to Patara for a few days holiday from Calis Beach where we live. We met the owner of the Rose Pension at the main road they have owned the pension for over 20 years. We were shown the pension and we impressed it is very cose to all Patara has to offer. The family are so friendly. You will find it very hard to get better food anywhere, the mother (anne) cooks delicious traditional turkish food. The rooms are quite spacious, clean and well maintained the en suite bathrooms have been renewed this year. All Air conditioned and with misquito nets around the beds. They have many returning guests from all nationalities we met so many nice people while staying there. We will defiantely be returning to the Rose Pension in the near future. The live music at the gypsy bar in the centre was outstanding. Please do not be afraid to visit the Rose Pension if you are approached by the owner. Tourism in Patara is not promoted as many other resorts in Turkey so they use their initiative to speak to people and give you the opportunity to find this little gem.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nostalgia Hotel; City: Kyrenia Kyrenia District; Review: A group of 8 stayed at this hotel November 2014 after reading previous reviews The staff and owner of the hotel are very nice but our party did experience a few problems during our stay One room was completely unsuitable for the guests as the bed was too high for them also the room had no hot water the hotel changed this room the following day as requested A second room had no water for 2 of the four days and very low water pressure when they had water the hotel did try to resolve this by changing the heating system but to no avail and they resulted in having very poor hot water or no supply The other two rooms were ok but not to the standard expected for the price paid only one room had a fridge and tv and they had to be requested for the other rooms, fixtures didn't work properly As the hotel name implies it is a nostalgic hotel the rooms were needed airing and had a musty smell when entered and the rooms are dated They were cleaned but in my opinion in need of refurbishing and some tlc Also there is a bar directly opposite the hotel and was very noisy at 1.30am at the weekend thankfully it closed for refurbishment the following day when we complained to the night staff they said there was nothing they could do Although advertised as aboutique hotel I don't think it can justify the cost per night we have and will return to kyrenia but not to this hotel as I beleive there are better hotels in the near vacinity I do not mind paying for a decent hotel but thought this was too expensive for the standard given; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shamrock Apartments; City: Bugibba Island of Malta; Review: Stayed at the shamrock apartment in april for a week we were in a two bed apartment on 3rd floor the apartment it was spacious and very clean although basically equipped it was adequate for our stay and we did cook meals whilst there We had no view but that was not an issue the apartment was very quiet in april The apartments were perfectly located for getting around shops buses and sea front within easy walking distance The family who run these apartments were very helpful and friendly and were constantly cleaning I would advise that there are a few steps up to the door once inside there is a lift so not a problem Would definately return; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Delphin BE Grand Resort; City: Antalya Turkish Mediterranean Coast; Review: We stayed with friends for a 3 day break end feb 19 We had stayed previously when it was rixos Lara and loved it On the whole it is an amazing hotel newly built/refurbished a year ago Rooms (3201) are amazing, clean and cleaning staff do a fantastic job minibar replenished daily ( beers water juices) Hotel facilities are excellent gym best I have seen (but didn’t use) children’s arcade area with 2 lane bowling alley (most paid for) indoor/outdoor heated pool was amazing even I swam outside in feb I didn’t use hamam or spa All staff were polite courteous and helpful mostly German speaking but that’s the main clientele but most spoke good English/Turkish saw customer relations daily asking if everything was ok The grounds are huge with excellent features and well kept Leaving the best till last the reason we all go all inc.... the main restaurant had a good choice of food every meal time (one complaint would be was not always hot) even fussiest eaters could find something. 3 a la cartel restaurants which you could use free once during stay Italian Mexican and sushi/Chinese Food available in at least 4 places during the day all good quality Champagne and branded spirits(had to ask for them as would give local were given on request ) were excellent cocktails were lacking (but easily rectified with an extra shot ) certainly Enjoyed the baileys coffees absolute and champagne It is a big hotel and I imagine in the summer a different situation altogether but we don’t go then as a winter break this was fantastic and would definitely recommend it and hopefully will return later in the year Why go anywhere else when this ticks all our boxes for a great price. Not as cheap as some but certainly worth every penny; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monica Isabel Beach Club; City: Albufeira Faro District Algarve; Review: Our first visit to Portugal and I can’t say we were disappointed I read the reviews and after staying I wonder about people’s reviews The hotel is very clean the cleaners came every day The staff are very friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble Even in March they were very busy and the rudeness of people was embarrassing and diabolical We were all inclusive the food was plentiful with a mix of meat and fish dishes with vegetarian options some dishes cooked fresh it was always hot and always being replenished As in many all inc I have been to (and I have been to a lot 3,4,5*)they all serve local drinks vodka gin etc which are totally fine (branded drinks are extra ) The hotel is dated as a 3* for our room it was exactly what we got they are renovating the rooms and were working around the hotel to improve it we were in A323 and had a stunning sea view our friends were in one which had been renovated to a beautiful standard You have to leave deposits for hairdryer iron and kettle and safe as we were all inc we had no hot plate but that wasn’t a problem and we paid a deposit and 15€ (non refundable) for the safe Albufeira is a hilly place and there were steps to get to our room the concierge took and collected our luggage as my husband has a back problem. The beach walk to the old town was stunning where there is an escalator or lift My husband managed the steep bank down to our room and used the lift near the pool to get to the restaurant so it caused us no issues I will be returning as I loved it and do recommend it to all my friends; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Cat That Changed My Life: 50 Cats Talk Candidly About How They Became Who They Are; Author: Visit Amazon's Bruce Eric Kaplan Page; Review: "The Cat That Changed My Life: 50 Cats Talk Candidly About How They Became Who They Are" by Bruce Eric Kaplan is a delightful read. Cats are one of my passions, and I am writing a novel with cats as protagonists, "Warriors" notwithstanding. Kaplan writes from inside the cats' personalities without being anthropromorphic. I throught the cats were really trying to communicate just how they felt. Of course, the book is a fable although not necessarily one that converys a moral. But it smacks of truth because we cats--we who are human, that is--have known cats that have changed our lives, whether they were cat cats or other humans. I know my cat, Millie, has changed my life in many ways, one being that I tell the truth more now than I ever have. Cats cannot lie, and they make you know that by punctuating their truths with teeth marks and scratches. Whenever I see my wounds, I am reminded to tell the absolute truth. Kaplan's cats cannot lie either, so you can believe what they tell you without concern. In my years as a cat fancier I have come to what I consider an unassailable conclusion: cats are closer to us in thought and deed than any other animal except, maybe, chimps and gorillas. Kaplan re-enforces that conclusion for me in his book. Each cat he interviewed spoke as an individual and expressed hopes and fears, tolerance and prejudice, love and hate--every emotion and characteristic that is human. I love this book, which can be read in one sitting, but enjoyed in contemplation forever. By the way, my cat, Millie, loved it, too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Degenerates; Author: N. D. Ostroff; Review: I was raised in the Chicago area in the 1950s when Riverview Amusement Park was in full swing. They had a roller coaster called The Bobbs that was made of wood. It shook as if I were sitting on an erupting volcano. At one point it headed straight for a 12x12 solid beam, which I was sure would decapitate me. Just before my head was to leave my body, the car dropped like a lead cannon ball, leaving my stomach to confront the beam. As I read Ostroff's novel Degenerates, I was back on The Bobbs headed into the beam. Whatta ride! In the Prologue little Tommy Fielding watches his father blow his mother away with a shotgun, and then is forced to watch his father kill himself with the same shotgun. At that point I knew that Tommy was not going to grow up to be a choirboy and that the rest of the pages would be bloody. Chapter one, twenty years later, Tommy, encouraged by Jeffery who is a huge Great Dane residing in the boy's mind, kills and savagely mutilates two women because Jeffery convinces him that killing makes him stronger, makes him God and eventually he will have the power to bring Mommy back to him. Thus, Ostroff had me by the throat and I could not get away. Tommy is the key degenerate in the story who is an infamous serial killer terrorizing Philadelphia. Ostroff skilfully leads his characters to the City Cafe where the horrifying culmination takes place. Along the way we meet the other degenerates. There is Astor, an astoundingly beautiful young woman who escapes a brutal marriage to a young medical student, Darrel, but carries with her grief from the death of their child, which he seems glad to have lost. Ironically, Astor was Tommy's first girlfriend, and she is still in love with him. Emily comes from a home where her mother is a fanatic Christian who drives the girl away. She turns to cocaine for which she will do literally anything to get. Only seventeen when she leaves home, Emily is a true tragic figure whom Ostroff draws beautifully. All of his characters are drawn with skill. Ed Kirkpatrick, a writer who crawled inside a bottle of booze years before we meet him, winds up cooking short order at City Cafe. Astor and Emily find their way to the restaurant to wait tables, and Tommy is hired as dishwasher. At the restaurant we meet Judy Forester, a sixty-year-old woman who bosses the front of the cafe and who remains grief stricken over her husband's death twenty years before. Matt runs the kitchen. He seems to be a combination of compassion and skill whose expertise is vital to the success of City Cafe. Into the mix comes Aaron, a young policeman who is working his first CSI case and learns that experienced officers around him are worth listening to. Degenerates is a very worthwhile read. Ostroff's prose is crisp and clear; there isn't a boring page in the book. I will warn anyone; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bright of the Sky (Book 1 of The Entire and the Rose); Author: Visit Amazon's Kay Kenyon Page; Review: My love of science fiction goes back more than 50 years. I grew up on Heinlein, Clarke, Conan Doyle, Philip Farmer, le Guin, Orwell and others, and I consider Frank Herbert's "Dune" series, including prequels by his son Brian with Kevin J. Anderson, the greatest science fiction ever written. But after reading Kay Kenyon's "Bright of the Sky", I placed her in that group of sci-fi luminaries mentioned above. In a word, it is brilliant. Kenyon created a universe attached to, or maybe adjacent to, our universe. People of the Rose (our universe), the name the Entire (the other universe) gives to our universe, want a passageway through the Entire to other places in the universe. One man, Titus Quinn, once accidentally found himself with his wife and daughter, both of who he presumes are dead, in the Entire. When rescued and returned to the Rose, no one will believe him and his career as an interstellar pilot is over. However, the powers of the Rose, humans, determine he was telling the truth and want to send him back. They do, and his adventures in the Entire are breathtaking. Kenyon is a poet. Her phasing is at times like music, and her relationship with words, especially those she created for this story, is compelling. I cannot get the second in this series "A World Too Near" fast enough. Science fiction fans, gobble this one whole. Kudos, Kay Kenyon!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dark Universe; Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel F. Galouye Page; Review: Intriguing. Did not care for the abrupt end ending. Too many questions to be answered. I greatly enjoyed the novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Attack of the Theocrats: How the Religious Right Harms Us Alland What We Can Do about It; Author: Visit Amazon's Sean Faircloth Page; Review: The wall that separates church and state must never be abolished. Our nation needs it always, especially now and forever.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: At the End; Author: Visit Amazon's John Hennessy Page; Review: The story unwinds methodically, allowing the reader time to contemplate the meaning, which is what Faulkner said: We (humans) will not only endure, but also prevail.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Resurrection; Author: Visit Amazon's Arwen Elys Dayton Page; Review: As I read, I thought more and more of "Dune" Frank Herbert's great masterpiece. Herbert created a unique world and civilization, and I think Dayton did, too. Jumping from ancient Egypt to the present and tying them together with an on-going mission that takes thousands of years is brilliant. Especially enjoyed the characters, whom I found quite human, even the Lucien. I was in there from page one to the end. Any sci-fi buff will love this, including young readers. The action is exciting, the love stories beautiful--I recommend this book highly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Christ; Author: John E. Remsberg; Review: This book should be read by theists and atheists. Remsberg's research is complete and hard to argue against. Recommended highly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raw Revelation: The Bible They Never Tell You About; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Roncace Page; Review: Any book on religions and their scriptures is a book of opinions. This is another on Christianity relative to the Bible. I found a few new ideas, but since I am an atheist, I read it with a ho-hum attitude. To me, and other thinkers, the Bible is still a collection of myths and legends. It not the so-called Word of God. So, for religious folks who want to strengthen their belief in the Bible as the Word, this is a refreshing take. The author, who is a Christian, approaches the Bible openly and tells the truth as he sees it regarding the reliability of the text. He does not preach to persuade but to lead believers to face the Bible as it is, a flawed book that contains unappealing truth that can shock and dismay a reader who is Christian. He contends that preachers sugar-coat scriptures, and he wants to remove the sugar and present the sour in with the sugar. He does a good job, so I recommend this book to anyone who wants a different take on the Bible.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Beating Obamacare: Your Handbook for the New Healthcare Law; Author: Betsy McCaughey; Review: This is a must read! I didn't understand the impacts of obamacare, but now I do. The book gives you the facts, as scary as they are.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lessons in French: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Hilary Reyl Page; Review: I was looking forward to a good summer read, and unfortunately this book fell short. I kept waiting for the storyline to evolve. Instead the reader is "stuck"... subjected to the characters' tedious bantering, endless descriptions of food, and the main character's neurotic self-talk. There were references to really fascinating events, like the fall of the Berlin wall. But somehow even those became uninteresting in the context of this book. I have updated my review and added a star, however, because the last third of the book got progressively better. There were some interesting developments toward the end that made the story salvageable. Although I still felt the book was awkwardly written and uninspiring.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: He's Scared, She's Scared; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Carter Page; Review: This book helped me immensely. I've been trying for several years to make sense of my past relationships, and looking the active and passive commitment-phobic roles were the ones we perfectly played out. Thank you to the authors, for giving me some understanding and some peace. And mostly, for helping me identify how I'm actually sabotaging my chances of finding a healthy, lasting relationship.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kiss and Run: The Single, Picky, and Indecisive Girl's Guide to Overcoming Fear of Commitment; Author: Visit Amazon's Elina Furman Page; Review: I never would have classified myself as commitment-phobic. But the extreme relationship anxieties, serial dating and "tinkerbell" syndrome described in this book are like looking in a mirror. I've been to different therapists over the past years and nobody pinpointed my issues the way this book has - not even close. I feel like there's hope for me now...and as others have said, I am not alone!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Buy Side: A Wall Street Trader's Tale of Spectacular Excess; Author: Visit Amazon's Turney Duff Page; Review: This is an exceptionally well-written and honest book. Ironically, Duff says that above all, he wanted to be liked. He sounds like a decent guy under the facade of excess. Yet he makes himself utterly un-likable to the people who matter most, destroying relationships with family and friends. I was shocked by the losers he kept company with, spending their days in drug-induced stupors, and treating people like objects to be used up and tossed away. Duff has the courage to own up to it all, though. Weirdly, this book was therapeutic for me. For two years I was married to a trader who was an addict, and it was devastating. I guess I understand the sadness of his world better now after feeling I lived it firsthand through Duff's very poignant self reflection. The saying, "your addiction wants you alone, and wants you dead" has never resonated as strongly as when I read this book. I feel for Duff's fiance, especially since she'd already experienced loss due to addiction (repair or repeat?) I hope Turney resists the lure of Wall Street so he can continue to find serenity, and be there for his daughter for many years to come.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Never Be Late Again: 7 Cures for the Punctually Challenged; Author: Diana DeLonzor; Review: I identify with several of the late "types" the author highlights. Just the finding that late people have lower self esteem gives me resolve that I can do better than this. I've already implemented several of the author's tactics and I'm making progress.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sociopath Next Door - The Ruthless Versus The Rest Of Us; Author: Visit Amazon's Martha Stout Page; Review: I was really disappointed in this book. It got great reviews by other readers so I was hopeful, but I find it to be very pedestrian and basic. The examples are like caricatures - sort of silly and written in a childish way.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with Wikipedia articles as follows:
Title: Narodowy Bank Polski; Description: central bank of Poland
Title: Adam Glapiński; Description: Polish politician and economist
Title: Jinping-I Hydropower Station; Description: large hydroelectric project on the 'Jinping Bend'" of the Yalong River in China"
Title: Marko Kranjec; Description: Governor, Bank of Slovenia
Title: Jerzy Osiatyński; Description: Polish politician
Title: Paweł Wojciechowski; Description: Polish footballer born in 1990
Title: Paweł Wojciechowski; Description: Polish economist
Title: Paweł Wojciechowski; Description: Polish pole vaulter
Title: Paweł Wojciechowski; Description: Polish footballer born in 1984 | wikirec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Lowrey's Original Beef Jerky Sticks, 18 Count (Pack of 8); Brand: Oberto; Review: I like to have some jerky for a midmorning bite while at work. Good deal and good tasting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Claey's Wild Cherry Drops, 6-Ounce Packages (Pack of 12); Brand: Claeys; Review: I really enjoy this old style candy in cherry flavor. All my girls love them too, so I have to watch them or it is all gone. I wish more of the stores in Seattle carried them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LifeSavers Wild Cherry Hard Candy, 1.14-Ounce Rolls (Pack of 60); Brand: Life Savers; Review: I have enjoyed this product for over 50 years. Wild cherry is the best and my three girls love them too. I find that I have to buy multi packs to keep some for me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: David Seeds Original Sunflower Seeds, 1.75-ounce Bags(Pack of 24); Brand: DAVID Seeds; Review: I buy these because I travel a lot and need some snacks in the car, airport, or plane. Buying a box really saves on the per pack cost. I find these packages to be a good size and besides I have always liked sunflower seeds.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jack Links Deli Cuts, Original Summer Sausage, 20-Ounce Packages (Pack of 4); Brand: Jack Links; Review: This is the 1st time I have tried this brand and found it to be really good. My family has already eaten half.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jack Link's Smokehouse Meat Snacks, Teriyaki Meat Stick, 24-Count Sticks; Brand: Jack Links; Review: I have been eating jerky for over 50 years and I have to say these strips take me back to the corner store days. They are old style salty and have a great taste.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jack Link's Beef Stick, Original, 36-Count Bag (Pack of 2) 33.5oz; Brand: Jack Links; Review: I travel a lot for business and I find that having a snack in the car or hotel room keeps me from eating alone. Jack's makes a pretty good product.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Hand-Roasted French Roast Ground Coffee, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 2); Brand: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf; Review: I had never tried this brand but my friends in CA said it is really good and they were right.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hormel Mary Kitchen Reduced Sodium Corned Beef Hash, 14 Ounce (Pack of 12); Brand: Mary Kitchen Hash; Review: I really enjoyed this corned beef hash and the size of the can makes an extra large portion. I found that the 25-ounce size is also a great price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oh Boy! Oberto Original Tender Style Beef Jerky 30 Wrapped Sticks Canister NET WT 12 OZ; Brand: Oberto; Review: I really like these individual jerky strips. They fit in all my travel bags and I always have something to eat while on the move. They also make great gifts for visiting children.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dried Sweet Glutinous Rice Flour - 2x 1 Lb (Traditional Water Milled); Brand: ERAWAN; Review: My daughter has issues with gluten and she does not like to use chick pea flower for deserts. The rice flower seems to be a little sweeter.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carousel Gumball Refills, 3.5 lb tub; Brand: Ford; Review: I have a gumball machine and buy these for the grand kids and guests. I guess there is a little kid in all of use when you down to it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Old Wisconsin Beef Snack Sticks, 7-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 6); Brand: Old Wisconsin; Review: Sometimes when I have an early dinner I get hungry before bed so it is better to have one of these sticks of protein rather than chips or popcorn! I also like to carry a few when I am traqveling so I have a snack on the go.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: J&D's Baconnaise Bacon Flavored Spread, Regular, 15-Ounce Jars (Pack of 3); Brand: J & D Foods; Review: I love this stuff it enhances a chicken sandwich or a BLT sandwich. Had to buy a 3 pack so I do not have to order so often; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planters Mixed Nuts, Lightly Salted Deluxe Mixed Nuts, 15.25 Ounce; Brand: Planters; Review: No peanuts and lots of almonds and cashews enjoyed this mix and wished I had bought more since Amazon offered a good price; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GOLDEN GRILL Russet Premium Hashbrown Potatoes 33 oz. Makes 50 Servings; Brand: Golden Grill; Review: Love these hashbrowns. They taste better than the diner version; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marshalls Creek Spices Fennel Seed Ground Seasoning, 8 Ounce; Brand: Marshall's Creek Spices; Review: Good price for seasoning. I like to use it on ground pork country sausage; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grocery & Gourmet Food" />; Brand: Old Wisconsin; Review: Good price and Very good taste, and makes a good snack or add cheese and crackers and have a meal; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grocery & Gourmet Food" />; Brand: Bridgford; Review: Very good taste and makes a good snack or add cheese and crackers and have a meal; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Colgin Liquid Smoke, Mesquite, 16.0 Ounce; Brand: Colgin; Review: Nice size bottle for grilling and good flavor; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oh Boy! Oberto Classics Original Thin Style Beef Jerky, 1.2 Ounce (Pack of 8)" />; Brand: Oberto; Review: Great snack and low in carbs; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pancake Mix, 22-ounce (Pack of 4); Brand: Bob's Red Mill; Review: Bob's Red Mill makes great products and this gulten free mix is one of them; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Indus Organics Malabar Black Pepper Coarse, 1 Lb Jar, Premium Grade, High Purity, Freshly Packed; Brand: Indus Organics; Review: Really great course grind that sets of the flavor of my cooking; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oberto Classics beef pepperoni 24oz Zip Pak; Brand: Oberto; Review: Lots of beef for snacking; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Farm Fresh 100% Natural Golden Flax Seed, 2lb, Freshly Ground, Organic, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Nutty Flavor; Brand: Snake River Seed; Review: Finally something that lets me make a great pizza crust that is gluten free and low carb too!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Land O'Lakes Cocoa Classics Premium Decadent Hot Chocolate Mix Variety Pack (7 Different Varieties); Brand: Land O Lakes; Review: My whole family loves these flavors; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Grocery_and_Gourmet_Food |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Host; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephenie Meyer Page; Review: It's easy to read. Sometimes it's a bit tedious and I skip a little. But overall I like the premise.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Line (Witching Savannah); Author: Visit Amazon's J.D. Horn Page; Review: It was ok. Not much in the way of surprises or actual suspense; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In from the Cold (The MacGregors); Author: Visit Amazon's Nora Roberts Page; Review: The characters were rich and the time period and setting were interesting, but I didn't get the best sense of their relationship and how they came to resolve it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Atlantis Plague (The Origin Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's A. G. Riddle Page; Review: interesting at first but went on too long and I lost interest in the plot; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Saturday Evening Girls Club: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Jane Healey Page; Review: a little disappointing. The story never really went anywhere. Too predictable. I didn't really care about the characters.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Go Getter; Author: Visit Amazon's Peter B. Kyne Page; Review: This book should be required reading for every young person before they apply for a job. It is funny, yet serious. It teaches that no matter what your education level, or handicap, a person can succeed if they will just be a "go-getter".; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Be a People Person: Effective Leadership Through Effective Relationships; Author: Visit Amazon's John C. Maxwell Page; Review: This is another excellent book by John Maxwell. This is not just a book for business leaders, but would be a help for anyone wanting to improve their people skills.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: It Doesn't Take a Hero: The Autobiography; Author: Norman Schwarzkopf; Review: Everyone who was around during this historic war needs to read this book. It cuts through the media madness and tells the real story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saying It Well: Touching Others with Your Words; Author: Visit Amazon's Charles R. Swindoll Page; Review: This is another example of Charles Swindoll writing from the heart. It is practical, entertaining, and easy to put into practice. Now that I finished reading I will need to go back and take note of all that I highlighted.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outcry: Holocaust Memoirs; Author: Visit Amazon's Manny Steinberg Page; Review: This book is amazing. The tenacity of the human spirit coupled with the protection of God is heartwarming and inspirational.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweat, Blood, and Tears: What God Uses to Make a Man; Author: Visit Amazon's Xan Hood Page; Review: I wondered about the title of this book and didn't realize it was about discovering our recovering manhood. Good read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charles Spurgeon: Preaching through Adversity; Author: Visit Amazon's John Piper Page; Review: CHS has always been and will always be my favorite writer. Then add to that the writing of John Piper, and you have a win - win book. Inspirational, and enlightening. I bought a copy and gave to all of the deacons at my church.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zachary's Choice; Author: Visit Amazon's Suzy LaBonte Page; Review: This is a very sad book reflecting on one mother's journey through the process of grief. God doesn't always promise us we will understand, but He does promise us Grace to go on.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Be Mature (Be Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Warren W. Wiersbe Page; Review: This is a great study on James. Like usual Warren Wiersbe is practical, devotional, & motivational.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Killing Reagan; Author: Howard Hughes; Review: Great book not only about the actual shooting but also great information about Reagan the man.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Lives of the Monster Dogs; Author: Visit Amazon's Kirsten Bakis Page; Review: Taken in by the hype, got the book, read it, sagged with irritated disappointment. Terrific premise, title, cover art, and a natural hook for all doggie people, but, apart from an occasional sniff or switch of the ears, these aren't dogs--one wonders if the author has spent any time with any dog at all--and this isn't very good writing. Indeed, Bakis writes the absolutely worst dialogue I've read in a published work by a major house; she has her heroine, Cleo, dining with the dogs, at which time they bore themselves with inane, contrived, wooden, conversation. On at least three separate such instances, I wanted to fling Lives across the room. Almost unbearable. Skip this book. Spend your book dollars on Philip Roth's masterful American Pastoral; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cities of the Plain; Author: Visit Amazon's Cormac McCarthy Page; Review: The Border Trilogy literally slides back to the border on a ten-degree grade--from a clear 10, to a fall-off with The Crossing (a 9) to the present fine and lyrical, if rather straightforward, story. If falling in love with a whore and avenging her death on her pimp make for trite material, no one is capable of working this out like McCarthy. His dialogue is spot on, the southwestern argot authentic (I lived in El Paso late in the '60s; I know these by God voices), the characters--especially the world-weary pimp Eduardo--superbly written. (Love that "She is whore to the bone.") That said, the descent into a murky, quasi-Jungian/crypto-Berkeleyan idealism, in which dreams are real and history is created anew and ends over and over--I was listening for the philosopher's tree falling in the remote forest to come crashing down on these solipsistic passages--marked a sappy and ponderous finale. Still, don't miss this novel--with Philip Roth, McCarthy's our best and is worthy of your support--but expect neither Blood Meridian nor All the Pretty Horses, both great great American novels.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Year of The French; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Flanagan Page; Review: Fiction expertly wrought can capture the myriad dimensions of war with greater efficiency than a history and can impart in great nuance the varieties of human drama and motivation, cutting quickly to why and how men fight. Some historians and journalists, like John Keegan or Cornelius Ryan, get inside this frame to write wholly satisfying accounts of battle, but in my view, nothing succeeds quite like Thomas Flanagan in his astonishing debut as a novelist. Next month in fact marks the 200 anniversary of that fateful year, which Flanagan has salvaged from history's footnotes to render as a perfect work of historical fiction. In his hands, Humbert's "invasion" of Ireland, the United Irish army, its men, their stories, and their destiny at the hands of Cornwallis--yes, that Cornwallis, beautifully brought to life--and Lake make the most compelling reading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Montenegro: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Starling Lawrence Page; Review: What Auberon Harwell's Montenegrin odyssey does best of all is introduce the fortunate reader to the convolutions of Balkan politics, circa 1908 (or 1992 or 1998). History resonates deeply thoughout Harwell's encounters with the variety of Balkan types. After a few pithy exchanges like, "Where is Serbia?" "Whereever Serbians live," contemporary events begin to drop clearly into place. Rich characterizations, authentic locales and landscapes, dense, almost anthropological observations, and the most chaste of romantic entanglements make this a rewarding, agreeably languorous, novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Married a Communist: American Trilogy (2); Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Roth Page; Review: "All happy families resemble one another, but each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." In many respects, the two most recent novels of Philip Roth represent a long meditation on Tolstoi's famous observation and suggest a common wellspring of the unhappy family narratives. Roth goes as far as to put Tolstoi's words into the mouth of Murray Ringold, the high school English teacher who taught Roth's alter ego, Nathan Zuckerman, the virtues of "cri-ti-cal thinking" and who, near the end of his life some fifty years later, unfolds the fate of his brother Ira, the radio personality "Iron Rinn" and young Nathan's boyhood mentor. Forget what you have read about I Married a Communist as Roth's roman a clef payback for Claire Bloom's recent memoire of her difficult life with the novelist. It is much, much more and is of a thematic and emotional fabric with Roth's great American Pastoral. Roth's project, of which this is the second installment, now seems to be "Nathan Zuckerman's America," thickly textured stories of lives collectively deranged and rendered dysfunctional by America and its political demons, now the MacCarthy era, Red-hunting, and the blacklist. Along the way we have countless carefully observed digressions on, among other things, taxidermy, how to make "literature," New Jersey's geology, the power of "the word," the triumph of lowbrow, and (of course) Newark in the 'forties and 'fifties. One remains in awe of Roth's undiminished ability to mine his own experience, augmented by prodigious research, to turn out superb, universal novels like I Married a Communist. Is he our greatest novelist? Consider the oeuvre--Portnoy, The Zuckerman tetralogy (which includes the magical The Ghost Writer), The Counterlife, Sabbath's Theater, American Pastoral, and now this--and compare his accomplishment to that of any living American writer. It isn't even close.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles; Author: Visit Amazon's Mike Davis Page; Review: Mike Davis's white hot rant gives the great anti-city precisely the rhetorical slapping around it deserves. Don't be put off by the author's undisguised, unvarnished, old-fashioned Marxist biases--Chairman Mao once observed, "we Marxists disdain to conceal our views," and Davis makes his clear--because he's spot on: this is a city built by scoundrels on a foundation of perfidy and despoliation. Not a novel observation, true; mainstream historians, scores of journalists of every persuasion, and, yes, Roman Polanski also point this out, but Davis's narrative has far splashier colors and a high entertainment quotient. Alas, the book drops one star for what I judge to be its unevenness--the first two chapters are brilliant, the concluding chapter on Fontana is very fine, the remainder simply less so but still worthy. (Another, minor, beef--the excellent photographs, and there are many, are not given very respectful reproduction.) That said, City of Quartz is an indispensible tour of some of the darker corners of LA's famous story and an informative guide for those who have long looked for help in articulating precisely "why I really, really don't like Los Angeles."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book that Will Change the Way You Do Business (Collins Business Essentials); Author: Visit Amazon's Clayton M. Christensen Page; Review: In the space of a few months, I've bumped into a half-dozen corporate planners who've told me, "Drop everything you're doing and run--do not walk--to your nearest bookseller and get Clayton Christenson's The Innovator's Dilemma." Investigating further, I found that, in the industry press, Christenson's book is viewed as The New Gospel. Now having read the thing, I can see what all the fuss is about; by the final chapter, the counterintuitive idea that (under clearly specified conditions) "rigorous pursuit of your customer's interest can indeed sink your firm" seems as inevitable as the sunrise. Moreover, reading Christenson now, as Wall Street lurches through the Era of Dot. Com/Madness, it's easy to believe the book, and Chapter Nine in particular, has served a hefty percentage of recent internet start-ups as a template for mapping the market and assessing whether the technology offered is sufficiently disruptive. (Christenson's use of the term "technology" is process-related and more than just the latest widget). As a public sector drone, I was further impressed that Christenson's analytic approach is broadly, if metaphorically, applicable to a range of organizations--non-profit, non-commercial, public--trying to keep from being overrun by the forces of change. Some critics have pooh-poohed Christenson's analysis as old wine in a new bottle--"what's the big deal about successful firms having difficulty dealing with the low end of their markets?" etc.--but the lucid writing, clear plan, well-sprung analytic framework (particularly the integration of "value networks" and "technology trajectories"), and compelling marshaling of case material make this an enjoyable, often revelatory, and, yes, innovative dissection of how great firms become undone by new technologies.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Human Stain; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Roth Page; Review: Philip Roth is a fearless writer and here takes on the story of Classics professor Coleman Silk, a black man who "passes," living his adult life as a white. A brave undertaking, to be sure, and the first two chapters in which this story unfolds--first through an account of a budding friendship between Silk and Roth's alter ego, Nathan Zuckerman, then in a flashback to Silk's youth in East Orange, New Jersey--are typically brilliant Roth: acerbic social commentary, mordantly incisive confessional observations, engaging ideas cloaked in simply beautiful writing. The second chapter is itself a powerful, finely wrought tale. For me, however, the book looses its way and its power, in two dimensions: in the narrative choices Roth makes--repeatedly chopping up Silk's story into multiple, shifting points of view, that seemingly "pad" the narrative with the doings of less consequential characters--and in the characters themselves: unsympathetic, at times simply unbelievable, and motivated implausibly, or, alternatively, all too predictably. Although I welcome Roth's continued attention to the American social scene, and to the particularly American pathologies that in Roth's recent work derange worthy Americans, if one more inhabitant of the Rothian universe pitches Nathan Zuckerman with a story that needs telling, that only Nathan can tell, I swear, I won't buy the resulting book. (But of course I will. Because Roth's our great master and chronicler, and because mediocre Roth surpasses very good anything else.); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Transparent Society: Will Technology Force Us to Choose Between Privacy and Freedom?; Author: Visit Amazon's David Brin Page; Review: David Brin has a lot to say and says it discursively, but he's done his homework--dipping into an impressive range of social science, philosophical, crytographic, and technical literature--thought carefully, marshalled compelling arguments seasoned with humor and bright metaphors, and, as a result, is worth listening to, arguing with, or simply pondering. The Transparent Society works out, with much supporting detail, ideas about secrecy and privacy first raised in Brin's magisterial novel, Earth, and does so in a civilizational context. I risk doing Brin and his book grave injustice by oversimplifying, but let me say Brin views "accountability" and "criticism" as central to the progress of neo-Western civilization (fight the power!) and further posits that criticism works very like T-cells in an immune system, providing (to a greater and greater extent as the collective grows in knowledge) autonomous and impersonal correctives against all manner of "error." Brin argues for greater informational transparency--almost total disclosure--observing that, if universal surveillance cameras and other snoop technologies are inevitable (and they almost certainly are), then a generalized oversight capability, or a mutual surveillance capacity (in other words, my ability to watch the government with the same technologies that the government can watch me) is the answer to the classic question, quis custodiet ipsos custodes (who shall guard the guardians?)? In short, we all will. Brin's ingenious argumentation may strike some readers as cavalier or reductionist. It's not. It's serious and is, moreover, and a serious response to flamewar proponents of "encryption as the answer" to the privacy dilemmas of the wired age.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Earth; Author: Visit Amazon's David Brin Page; Review: As Brin himself writes in his unusual, and interesting, afterword, 50-year extrapolations are a difficult business; the future has to be identifiable, but also sufficiently different in understandable ways to be worthy of the genre. Earth is not only a spectacularly readable novel. It gets things "right," in the sense that the extrapolations are plausible (some might say "conservative"), the science (even the fictional "cavitronics") seems, to this layman, sound, the social milieux are eminently reasonable and closely observed. Importantly for this work, Brin more than a decade ago had a clear picture of the internet's potential power, and the web is here a central character. So too is Earth itself, in many guises--in fact, the novel can double as a delightful tutorial on various "green" topics. Moreover, Brin's theme of "competition and cooperation" as the engine of evolution and of complex emergent behaviors, human and otherwise, is brilliantly worked throughout the narrative. (And I've said nothing about the lucidly wrought, believable characters that thickly inhabit this long, ambitious, and carefully plotted work.) Some readers may complain the climax contains a touch of deus ex machina, but, in the story's context, it all works. Indeed, at the conclusion, you feel "everything fits, everything matters, everything affects everything else." Bravo, bravo, bravo.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gates of Fire; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Pressfield Page; Review: Plato had Sparta in mind when he held forth on the means whereby philosophy and philosophers (and hence statecraft) might tame the appetitive and spirited natures of military men. And Nietzsche, in penetrating the master and slave mentalities of the classical world and in identifying Christianity as Platonism for the Masses, captured and unfolded the martial side of the classical mind with great sensitivity. In an epic context of great empires and desperate battles, Stephen Pressfield has made palpable this psychological universe, that of glory-bound warrior Spartans and their stolid, silently suffering women, at a more popular and accessible--albeit still "literary"--level. Those who have done any mucking about in the sources will find this an almost wholly plausible rendition of the Spartan mind. Apart from his hyper-romanticization of Sparta (in an effort, I surmise, to correct a historical record that consistently points to the cruel, overregimented "Spartan" life) and from seeming to extend, anachronistically, the humanity of Periclean Athens' to Sparta, Pressfield wonderfully evokes a world long lost and provides a long, thrilling--and, in the end, moving--account of the famed, hopeless battle between the Spartan 300 (and allied cities) and Xerxes irresistible Persian might. If you've ever wondered what happens to the surface of a dry-baked battlefield when it is traversed by thousands of warriors, flooded by freshets of blood and piss and guts, for days, you've probably been waiting for this one. Pressfield's writing continually surprises and illuminates, at several levels, in its crisp diction, historical reconstructions, deep characterizations, sharp and unhacknied descriptions of action, and in its overall psychological perceptiveness. Creative history instructors would be well advised to assign Gates of Fire, thereby rousing their students' imaginations and animating their classroom discussions.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On Human Nature: With a new Preface, Revised Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Edward O. Wilson Page; Review: E.O. Wilson composed this towering essay nearly 25 years ago to further develop ideas and relationships proposed in the final pages of his Sociobiology: The New Synthesis. A quarter of a decade later, it continues to startle: in the clarity of its exposition, the aptness of its metaphors, the range of its learning, and, finally, the monumental power marshaled in support of its argument--that human behavior is largely controlled by our species' biological heritage. For social scientists, one of Wilson's most provocative, and useful, proposals is that biology should serve as the "anti-discipline" to the social sciences; that is, evolutionary biology is at an adjacent level of disciplinary organization, operating underneath the social sciences with the potential for reorganizing the disciplines above it according to its own principles. To a great extent, in the ensuing quarter decade, largely because Wilson and his colleagues have successfully defended the perspective of sociobiology, this has become the case in at least two fields: the new discipline of evolutionary psychology has flourished, and a new generation of anthropologists have also taken up evolutionary biology as part of their methodological toolbox. On the other hand, economists, political scientists, and sociologists have arguably lagged behind in making the relevant connections. To understand where the social sciences need to go in the 21st century, On Human Behavior remains an indispensable key (together with and Mitch Waldrop's Complexity, still the most successful introduction to complexity science, although the competition is strong). Moreover, this book (and Waldrop's) should be on every undergraduate's reading list. Even if you decide you disagree with Wilson's argument and conclusions, in toto or in part--and I do (in part), believing, for example, that Wilson lets reproductive strategies overdetermine human behavior, leading him to undervalue cultural evolution (although I surmise he would deny this)--you should purchase this book for the elegance of its writing, which will ease you into a confrontation with your own dearly held views about the constituents of "human nature."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Camp of the Saints; Author: Visit Amazon's Jean Raspail Page; Review: Why read a 28-year-old story that has been reviled as "racist," "fascist," and other varieties of "unconscionable" since its first appearance? One reason: for white supremacists, certain strains of "militarist," and other politically incorrect personalities, this book has evident appeal (Scribners marketed its 1975 edition as "a chilling novel about the end of the white world." Interested?) Or you may have first encountered Raspail as an interesting citation in readings on global poverty, humanitarian crises, worldwide food relief, transnational migration. Or you may have turned to Camp of the Saints because one or more knowledgeable friends have urged you to check it out (as was my case). You should, in any event, know what you're getting into, and consider the source (and the agenda) of the recommending authority. This is a difficult book to praise: it is among the longest 300 pp books I've read. To wit: its sustained tone--bitter, sarcastic, polemical--recalls the worst rhetorical excesses of its rhetorically excessive moment of creation and, ultimately, becomes unbearable in the final third, competing with, and ultimately overwhelming, its narrative drive. It is filled with set pieces from knee-jerk conservatism's central-caricature casting office. It lingers long on the debauchery of its nameless, faceless (with few exceptions) Ganges migrants and of the denizens of the Hobbesian, Clockwork Orange future it paints. Anticipating "multiculturalism" and "diversity," it asks the reader to approve, with the author and narrator, the phrase "universal mongrelization" as an accurate characterization of the fate of the "white race." That said, The Camp of the Saints has undeniable power. Raspail poses uncomfortable questions on virtually every page. Other reviewers have summarized these, which revolve around racial affinities and the dilemma of liberal societies, posed--at the same time Raspail was setting his book down--by Harvard political philosopher Harvey Mansfield: Liberal democracy is that regime which can choose anything but itself. Over and over again, Raspail confronts the reader: what do you think about this? And this? And here, this as well? What would YOU do? What then? The context Raspail is responding to--apparent to readers 25 years ago--is important. Keeping a few contextual details in mind will sensitize today's readers to the fears that animated Raspail's generation and will help them (in particular, those too young to remember the "revolutionary moment" of the late '60s and early '70s) stay with the book: fear of global overpopulation (Erlich's Population Bomb), global starvation (the Club of Rome), student revolution (Franz Fanon at the sit-in, Daniel Cohn-Bendit ["Danny the Red"], hippies, yippees), race war (Black Power, guns at Cornell, "Gestapo raiding pigs"), etc. Taken together, this is, of course, the long menagerie of 1960s-1970s favorite freaks, rolling over us, slowly. Thoughtful people should read and decide. But be prepared for vast stretches of scolding, 1970s-vintage, polemical tedium.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hours: Complete & Unabridged; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Cunningham Page; Review: ...A Cynical Feat of Plagiarism That Panders to the NY Literati? No, I plainly adore this short, carefully wrought, multiple-prize winning jewel of a novel. Cunningham inhabits Virginia Woolf, brings her back to us, dives deeply, languorously into character via Woolf's trademark reverie and reflection, gives us in the span of 227 brief pages a clutch of believable women and men, each teetering on the brink of a personal abyss. And yet, and yet. Not many chuckles here save an occasional wryly mordant observation, no hustle-bustle, no wasted energy--only a supremely wise, stately, moving, perfectly balanced and sequenced tableaux of setpieces that might have been subtitled "The Dalloway Variations." Many have pointed out, with surprise, that this...this MAN...writes female characters that thoroughly convince. Well, so do, of course, Henry James, Wallace Stegner, Brian Moore, Robertson Davies (when he wants), a long list of others--but Cunningham's economy and diamond-hard precision astonishes on every page, free of fluff, shorn of any trace of excess, laserlike and true. Yes, he carefully observes and captures his women, but, you must forgive me for observing, with a left-handed, mathematical elegance that is unmistakably male. All this, and a killer punch line to boot. Yes, heartbreaking. Yes, in the end, staggering. Genius? You judge. Devour this in a sitting, buy copies for friends. (I had originally wanted to dock Cunningham a star for his utter ransacking of Woolf--for plot material, character names and situations, everything but mise en scene. Alas, I could not: unlike his cut and polished prose, I am insufficiently hard.); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ravelstein (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century); Author: Visit Amazon's Saul Bellow Page; Review: Perhaps I came to this novella in the wrong spirit. I have admired Alan Bloom--here thinly disguised as Abe Ravelstein--for many years: preferred his translations, went to hear him when he came to town, appropriated his views from time to time, tediously lectured my family at table from Closing of the American Mind. Hence, having been seduced by the rolling waves of publicity that preceded publication--and untroubled by the AIDS/outing question--I took up the book to make a closer acquaintance with a great man. I suppose I should have waited for the biography. By now it has become commonplace to observe that the strongest portions of this book are in the reminiscences of Bellow's alter ego, Chick, on the Ravelsteinian largeness--of being, character, appetite, intellect. The weakest, occupying some two-thirds of the narrative, are Bellow's maundering complaints about Chick's love life. For me, these passages all too often conjured the troubling image of the octogenarian author first as puzzled cuckold, then as shameless lecher, slavering over--and a'wooing as he slavers--his young female assistant. Feh! This fatal imbalance of unappealing to appealing material made for a disjointed, almost wholly unsatisfying reading experience. Although Ravelstein is not without traces of the Bellovian wit and penetrating observation, it really must be said that this work is but mere scratchings compared to Bellow's major fiction. Ordinarily, I would say, "Bad Bellow (or Roth, e.g.) is better than good almost Anyone Else." Not here. If you must, read the first third, then put this book down...in favor of something by Bloom himself.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ravelstein; Author: Visit Amazon's Saul Bellow Page; Review: Perhaps I came to this novella in the wrong spirit. I have admired Alan Bloom--here thinly disguised as Abe Ravelstein--for many years: preferred his translations, went to hear him when he came to town, appropriated his views from time to time, tediously lectured my family at table from Closing of the American Mind. Hence, having been seduced by the rolling waves of publicity that preceded publication--and untroubled by the AIDS/outing question--I took up the book to make a closer acquaintance with a great man. I suppose I should have waited for the biography. By now it has become commonplace to observe that the strongest portions of this book are in the reminiscences of Bellow's alter ego, Chick, on the Ravelsteinian largeness--of being, character, appetite, intellect. The weakest, occupying some two-thirds of the narrative, are Bellow's maundering complaints about Chick's love life. For me, these passages all too often conjured the troubling image of the octogenarian author first as puzzled cuckold, then as shameless lecher, slavering over--and a'wooing as he slavers--his young female assistant. Feh! This fatal imbalance of unappealing to appealing material made for a disjointed, almost wholly unsatisfying reading experience. Although Ravelstein is not without traces of the Bellovian wit and penetrating observation, it really must be said that this work is but mere scratchings compared to Bellow's major fiction. Ordinarily, I would say, "Bad Bellow (or Roth, e.g.) is better than good almost Anyone Else." Not here. If you must, read the first third, then put this book down...in favor of something by Bloom himself.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Prince and Other Dogs, 1850-1940; Author: Libby Hall; Review: This handsomely mounted compilation is perfect of its kind. What we have here are images of mutual devotion--dogs and owners--that also neatly capture their respective eras. Ms. Hall's collection is a joy to repeatedly visit and has delighted everyone with whom I've shared it. It is, moreover, not simply for dog lovers; it's enough to have the "old photograph fancy," because every picture here tells a rich tale and has great period detail. Nevertheless, doggie people--and, in particular, the host of Jack Russell Terrier folk--will cherish this book for a lifetime. (Many of the pictures in this collection are of Jacks of every body type and coat. And one of Ms. Hall's old pictures captures what I am, ah, certain is a British ancestor of my own fuzzy Jack.) I predict "Prince: And Other Dogs..." will be in print for a long, long time; those fortunate enough to discover it will buy numerous copies and hand them out liberally. Finally, Prince and Other Dogs is a fabulous bargain, attractively bound, fitting nicely in the hand, with photographs lovingly reproduced on heavy paper. An ideal gift.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Waiting; Author: H. Jin; Review: The familiar, ironic Chinese "wish," or curse, is that you "live in interesting times." In this serene, miraculously modulated narrative, Ha Jin's protagonist and other main characters pass through interesting times indeed--the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, the period of "opening" to the US and, later, the broader world, and, finally, the post Mao period of Deng Xiaoping's reforms--with their humanity intact. Needless to say, Jin's lives are warped by external political and sociocultural forces, but, to a much greater extent than such works as Chen Jo-hsi's wonderful The Execution of Mayor Yin and whole shelves of memoirs from the Cultural Revolution decade, Waiting underscores the possibility of human relationships during a "scoundrel time." Although the book's final third moves toward outcomes that are somewhat trite and predictable, Ha Jin is a carefully observant guide who details the mores and folkways of his native society in anthropological detail, using these details in dabs to create a delicately wrought pointillistic tableau. Waiting satisfies at several levels and deserves a broad readership, and not only among admirers of literary fiction but, particularly, in undergraduate sociology and political science courses that now depict the Cultural Revolution, and Chinese society of the Mao period in general, either through horror stories or hagiograhical tales of failed idealism. Ha Jin's book has an honest texture of true lives lived.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Beginning of Spring; Author: Visit Amazon's Penelope Fitzgerald Page; Review: Cutting straight to the chase after reading the very polarized views of other reviewers: Although Penelope Fitzgerald's slender novel contains much to admire, it is most certainly not composed to be a popular entertainment, and its successes will appeal more to admirers of "literary fiction"--and, hence, to "critics"--than perhaps to the general reader. Fitzgerald presumes the reader knows something, and cares, about the late 18th Century context; she hopes we might be stimulated by imagining contemporaries of Fichte and Kant discussing their ideas; she presumes that, to us, "romanticism" is more than a word or a line from Shelly and that, by recovering, or compiling, everyday details from a time and world long lost, she can help us understand the romantic sensibility and, ultimately, Hardenberg's--and our--ambiguous longing for "the Blue Flower." I particularly enjoyed Fitzgerald's vignette approach--55 short chapters, each of which is a set piece, generally with a wry punchline--which allows Fitzgerald to view Friedrich von Hardenberg's improbable romance at odd angles. I for one marvel at this choice of subject, a decision by a professional author as seemingly improbable and hopelessly romantic as the subject itself. And yet, despite the author's absolute mastery of her material, her strong cast of winning characters, and the wonderful--although irretrievably high-brow--sense of humor suffusing the entire narrative, I never felt myself emotionally drawn in. One reads on because each page is delightful, and, for many readers (obviously, me included) this is sufficient. But on the basis of slender narrative evidence, we are expected to understand, rather than led toward empathy with, Hardenberg and his inconceivable attachment. Perhaps Fitzgerald's plan was, in writing the simplest of love stories, to avoid cluttering the universe with additional examples of cheap sentimentalism, leaving us with a "mystery of love." In different hands, the novel clearly might have become just that--dismissively sentimental. Instead, she goes the other way: Fitzgerald is a cool observer keenly attuned, in a very modern sense, to the ironies her story poses, but she never truly enages our hearts.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Disgrace: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's J. M. Coetzee Page; Review: The first page of this absorbing novel fully sets the tone for the drama that will unfold, as David Lurie, a 52 year old professor at a minor South African university, explains how he manages his libidinal itch in the absence of a live-in partner and in the presence of his own diminishing attractiveness. Coetzee doesn't sensationalize or render in graphic detail the intimate relations of his characters, but he wants you to understand that, at every critical juncture, his story advances as the consequence of biological, mostly male, imperatives. However biology, or genetic inheritance, may predispose behavior or shape character, it does not eliminate the need for choice. Ultimately, Coetzee's all too human principals take matters into their own hands. Moreover, Coetzee masterfully interweaves the eponymous "disgrace" of David Lurie into what becomes a tale of, and despairing comment on, post-apartheid South Africa. The novel moves briskly and, unless we pause from time to time, we're likely to miss the irony that abounds in Coetzee's South Africa. Following the protagonist's disgrace, when he goes to his daughter's farm for an extended sojourn--setting up a city-country juxtaposition in which everything Lurie is has its counterpoint in his daughter's manner of life--the ironies begin to pile upon each other in a way that some may find forced. Moreover, in an otherwise starkly realistic novel, Coetzee tests the boundaries of the "believable" in several plot twists, one that is strictly second order business but another that is absolutely necessary to the outcome. That said, this is compelling fiction by a mesmerizing writer. Coetzee has a particular gift for dropping words and phrases into place that implant not merely an exact thought but a complete mindset or frame of reference. Of course, we're all accustomed to "understanding" an author, but I cannot say, until now, that I've ever felt so strongly that "I literally see exactly what you mean." Brief, precisely wrought observations on aging or on the relationship between men and their domestic beasts, to take but two examples, unlocked for me not the proverbial "world of meaning" but a seemingly literal reproduction of the author's mind--an eerie, almost mystical effect of words running across a page. For careful readers, there is magic here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Fall (PB); Author: Visit Amazon's Jeffrey Lent Page; Review: It's as though Bill Faulkner, Cormac McCarthy, and John Updike had entered a dark fusion machine and emerged as Jeffrey Lent. I say this not because Lent is one of those McCarthy clones who are suddenly populating the literary landscape, or that his writing is precisely reminiscent of anyone, but: the narrative materials are lifted straight out of Yoknapatawpha County, the lovely, lapidary prose sometimes recalls Updike, and the incisive, oblique observation and beautifully wrought violence contains whispers of McCarthy. This, however, is clearly Faulkner country, transposed to New England: broad, dynastic, operatic, with tangled, busted lives, "sins of the fathers," thwarted redemption, miscegenation, deeply hatched plotting, and long stretches of psychological discovery. Lent transforms these raw materials into a work of unique beauty: his characters are vivid and memorable. His plotting and pacing strike me as signs of architectonic genius. And his descriptive powers, directed to familiar objects--dew on a leaf, a sunset, a snowy vista--unscroll utterly unspoiled language in sinuous, carefully wrought sentences, making us "see" with his own keen eye for fresh metaphor, the kind of virtuoso writing that stops us dead--"HOW could he have done that????"--in much the same way as passage after passage of Mozart have overpowered generations of admirers. Stay with this book: The languid beginnings of In the Fall reproduce the numbing routine of Norman Pelham's rural life--not since Cather's My Antonia have I so deeply perceived the sheer, isolated brutality of a 19th century winter--but, in the following section, with the arrival of Norman's son in the dangerous city, the book's pulse picks up, indeed hurtles, forward, and forward, to a harrowing finale. Here is essential American literature, and a name to remember: Jeffrey Lent, Faulkner of the Northlands.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Timbuktu: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Auster Page; Review: Always, Paul Auster provides much more than meets the eye. His prose is pellucid, so much so that it's easy to skim the surface alone and simply glide along from one handsome sentence to the next. He's a "jazzy" writer whose usage is so fresh it sometimes feels improvised on the spot. He's also a playful writer and enjoys getting one (or two) over on his readers (never more so than in the New York Trilogy). In these respects, Timbuktu is pure Auster. If you are among his admirers, you'll be gratified; if you're unfamiliar with him, it's as good a place as any to begin. If you're a doggie person, however, you're in for a particular treat. Unlike other writers who have tried and failed to create believable canine characters--Kristin Bakis and her disappointing Lives of the Monster Dogs comes to mind--Auster's Mr. Bones is convincingly realized (once you surrender to the well-deployed conceit that dogs understand everything we say). Within this bittersweet work are several hilarious scenes--mostly related to food--in which we see our dogs and ourselves as in a very bright light. This is not simply the "Dolorous Adventures of Willy and Mr. Bones," although it works at that level alone as a wonderfully entertaining, if ultimately bleak, picaresque. But Auster also has a lot to say about relationships, loyalty, loneliness, the quality of modern life, and more. And all in 181 quirky, quickly read pages. In the context of Auster's diverse, unique oeuvre, Timbuktu is yet another sharp turn to new and unusual materials, wrought with the author's characterisitic originality. Woof.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Motherless Brooklyn; Author: Visit Amazon's Jonathan Lethem Page; Review: Like Paul Auster and very few others, Jonathan Lethem is a writer of literary fiction who dramatically alters his chops between novels and, with seemingly little effort, creates, again and again, works that ensnare readers delighting in oddly angled worlds, where a tilted plausibility replaces the stable statistics of everyday expectation. Motherless Brooklyn is delirious, overabundant, delightful creativity, with a strong, supple spine of research on Tourette's Syndrome to render palpably the faux detective Lionel Essrog, an unforgettable creation. This is literary jazz of the highest caliber: Lethem blows twelve bars of melody and takes off on soaring feats of improvisation, but always--whether carefully, or harrowingly, or softly, or howlingly humorously--bringing his daring rhetorical flights back home with great (and intuitively "fitting") imagination. Some reviewers have invoked the name "Nabokov" with reference to Motherless Brooklyn, praise that is not misplaced. Yes, this novel is squarely in the crime noir genre. Yes, Lethem might have situated his protogonist in any of half a dozen other genres. And, yes, locating a germ of "difference" and building standard materials around it is precisely what makes a "genre." But Lethem's language--and his principal deployer of language, the Tourettic Lionel--is, like Nabokov's in Lolita and Pale Fire, literally miraculous. And the Tourette's difference is, as it must be, integral to the story (which, considered as crime fiction, by the way, is good: populated with believable characters and dialogue, a suitably tangled plot, and honest, satisfying resolutions). Read this novel. Tell your friends. Make Jonathan Lethem's name familiar in their mouths as household words. His is a gifted new voice that should be widely supported. (Thirteen years after - a reader's/movie lover's lament, turned to delight: Edward Norton has held the rights to Motherless Brooklyn since its publication in 1999, and since that time he has wanted to direct and star in the film adaptation. It now looks like, finally, this will happen. Norton isn't physiologically an ideal Lionel--if Vincent D'Onofrio were 20 years younger... But admirers of the book must eagerly await a Motherless set c. 1954 - who doesn't love that look? No, I can think of only 2 film adaptations I enjoyed more than the [scores of] books I've read that've been made into movies, but I've been waiting for this one since 2001. So...knock wood...2015 may be the year.); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Team Rodent : How Disney Devours the World; Author: Visit Amazon's Carl Hiaasen Page; Review: I adore Carl Hiassen. I share his concerns. I join in his delight at the comeuppances that from time to time sock Disney in the jaw. (As a resident of Northern Virginia, I was quietly pleased at our qualified victory in beating back Disney's America project.) So let me say first that I'd recommend Team Rodent as sheer, exuberant Hiassen, with its "Peep Land," "Insane Clown Michael," odious black buzzards and other hilarious locales and characters. Still, this is a slender book that wants you to believe it's much longer, better developed, and more convincing. It's Hiassen stretching everything he's got for as much as he can get (he's very good at this). He has an an anecdote or two for each short chapter, which he inflates--via the high-pressure air hose of Hiassenian hyperbole and prose--to the bursting point. What we're left with is the story of a large, powerful corporation in Florida behaving like--surprise!--a large, powerful corporation in Florida. That has convinced the broad masses to shovel money into its coffers in alarmingly large quantities. Surely, however, as a muckraker and satirist, Hiassen has divined something sinister, some fundamental filaments of rot eating through the Disney empire. For better or worse, intellectuals are the guilty consciences of their times, and Hiassen performs this necessary service. His are the useful ravings of the "anti-developmentals," who serve as salutary societal T-cells and, consequently, as needed brakes on hyperdevelopment. (It worked in Northern Virginia!) Hiassen behaves here, however, as though he had much more to work with and as though he didn't have to expend much effort to clinch his case--the "preaching to the choir syndrome"? In the end, Team Rodent seems something Hiassen simply tossed off one morning over coffee from his sanctuary in the Keys. I'd have appreciated a fuller version--with bull alligators, dire prophesies, and smacktalk intact--and a fair chance to judge whether this material's "disturbing" and "entertaining" quotients equal "ultimately, compelling." Here it doesn't, not to a dispassionate observer.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miami; Author: Visit Amazon's Joan Didion Page; Review: I've got a bone to pick with Joan Didion, but first let me say that "Miami" is a simply brilliant piece of noir journalism that, in every paragraph, reflects a different aspect of "the Capital of Latin America." Odd that 1987 saw three major non-fiction Miami treatments, all differently motivated: David Rieff's "Going to Miami: Exiles, Tourists and Refugees in the New America," T.D. Allman's "Miami: City of the Future," and Didion's book. Yeah, yeah, at the time, Miami was hot hot hot, Crockett and Tubbs were in the middle of their run, but...Iran-Contragate was also playing itself out, and Miami was an epicenter of Reagan-era, better-dead-than-Red, Contra War intrigue. Didion captures the period beautifully in suitably ominous, conspiratorial tones. She introduces us to a cast of chilling characters--no, wait: she means for us to UNDERSTAND her characters as the driven, chilling, formidable products of "el exilio" and "la lucha"--and leaves no doubt that these are serious men, men who "get things done," men capable of, well, anything. And my bone? Didion is a wonderful writer who cannot, however, resist long, convoluted, patience-trying Germanic sentences, frontloaded with the universe, embellishing adjective after adjective, wending their way down the page, forestalling all gratification, clarity, or meaning, until finally hitting us between the eyes with the final word-punchline, which invariably leads our eyes to course back up the page in an effort to reconstruct, to rediscover "just where were we going with this." Small price to pay for so delicious a book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Shadow of the Sun; Author: Visit Amazon's Ryszard Kapuscinski Page; Review: "Oh, no," you may be thinking, "another 'I Found Africa...' book" by a white journalist who's poked around a bit, extruded the steamy and the exotic, romanticized this, excoriated that, along the way raised a few primoridial terrors to jolt his well-meaning liberal readers, and all in all, told a few ripping yarns. This man is different, beginning with his more than forty year relationship with the African continent. Great writers like Kapucinski--and he IS a very great writer, assisted by a great translator, Klara Glowczewska--teach us how to see, how to find the right context, how to set out the proper perspective. Most of those who read this book will be Westerners in search of a window. As an introduction, as an intimation of the myriads of Africas--because, as Kapucinski freely acknowledges, it's unfair, and somewhat insulting, to speak simply of "Africa"--and, yes, as an interpretation for Western minds, readers could do no better than The Shadow of the Sun. For all his his vivid prose and artistic control of story elements, Kapucinski is a scholarly observer, a man who sees through the deep ice, seemingly an anthropologist refitted as a journalist--his eye is uncanny, his descriptive powers precise and powerful, and his range of experiences and depth of understanding makes this a uniquely valuable tutorial. He writes with clarity and fresh insight on familiar topics like Amin, Sudan, and the Rwanda genocide--his "lecture" on the events of 1994 is one of the book's many highpoints--but also on the sensations, struggles, and states of being that accompany the simple act of living in so challenging an array of environments as Africa's geography provides. Yes, Kapucinski does include exotica, but without sensationalizing: there are harrowing encounters with flora, fauna, disease, the elements and, again and again, the terrible heat (which he finds as many ways of describing as the proverbial Inuit has of describing snow). But Kapucinski always returns to human dimensions and conditions and, above all, to the patterns and rhythms and variations of human exchange around which life in the many Africas organizes itself. And, always, he seeks to convey and to understand the point of view of his many interlocutors, rather than to make facile attributions or easy generalizations. This is superb reportage and an essential document by a true master. It is to me staggering that, published by the same house as Robert Kaplan (of The Coming Anarchy fame) and sensitively covering the very turf that so alarmed Kaplan, Kapucinski remains comparatively unknown. Fix that.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference; Author: Visit Amazon's Malcolm Gladwell Page; Review: You finish this book and you wonder not only how you ripped through it as fast as you did but, pausing for the first time, how fully these ideas are really worked out. You're uncertain that Malcolm Gladwell has been consistent in his exegesis of "tipping"--first it's a combination of three elements that together produce the "tipping," then it's a mathematical point beyond which a incipient trend or fashion simply "takes off." Then, no--it's a person who can "tip" a trend. But who cares? The book literally hurtles down its path, from one fascinating, intuitively pleasing, observation to the next. Along the way, not only does Gladwell never raise the word "memetics" or "meme" (pace Richard Dawkins). He also skirts mentioning--and it seems inconceivable that he could write an entire this piece without ever having uttered--the term "complexity" (pace the whole Santa Fe crowd). The Tipping Point is all about emergence, path-dependence, increasing returns...in short, "complexity science." Not to worry. Beautifully articulated, with page after page of new findings from a broad range of social science disciplines, all fattening the notion of "tipping" in the three key epidemiological dimensions--agent, substance, context--The Tipping Point is a breezy, jazzlike run through the hows and whys of taste, fashion, hipness, and other varieties of social contagion. Never mind that much of this sounds familiar from other contexts. You'll enjoy the ride and wind up with a settled sense of "seeing through" a lot that might have puzzled you just an hour earlier. (And why is it you couldn't remember the content of that article on nutrition your girlfriend showed you just the other night? Gladwell knows. You can too. It'll save your relationshihp.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dying Animal; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Roth Page; Review: Art is protean. Post-modernism didn't discover that "meaning" in "texts" is perfectly subjective. It's a proverbial insight--"one man's meat is another man's...oh, baccala." But what about when the disposition of the subject--me, in this case--my very attitude toward the text, swings back and forth? I wind up with more than one view, don't I? It's not unusual to enjoy a work of art, an artifice, after all, at different levels or dimensions. Hence a Dickensian prelude: The Dying Animal is the best of books, the worst of books. A fierce book, an insipid book. Visionary, jejune. Universal, hideously particularistic. Thrilling, disgusting. Soaring, gutter-dwelling. The sum of all these dichotomous parts, and more, is that protean art as literature. Roth packs a lot into 156 very tiny pages. Art can be both brilliant and banal. Roth is characteristically, luminously courageous in describing a dark truth lurking in the center of the "demonic male" (pace to Wrangham and Petersen). He borders on banality with the heavy-handed irony of Consuela Castillo's predicament in the final quarter of the story. Moreover, "the dying animal" (pace Yeats, who raises the phrase twice) in an incomplete metaphor for the dirty old man David Kepesh has become. As perceptive as Roth is in having Kepehs identify MEN as in the end but simple denizens of the animal kingdon, the author makes a pointed choice of ducking the biological working out of Kepesh's logic. Roth focuses on animal lust and (the slightly more elevated) longing and IGNORES the procreative evolutionary biological compulsion that makes sense of lust and longing: no lust, no rise, no act, no species. In that light, things like family, responsibility, accommodation, and human empathy--all of which Kepesh pushes away, violently--pose new and compelling dilemmas that don't get treated here. If Roth's antiheroes are going to continue to be primordial alpha males driven by Ur-urges, Roth will have to reflect anew and assume on fresh stance on what makes David (and Nathan and Peter and Alexander and Mickey...and...and...) get up in the morning. Roth would have fun doing it. No writer loads more ideas, unobtrusively, into his work. One of Roth's most cunning devices in The Dying Animal is to have David Kepesh colorfully recount the tale of the Morton-Bradford-Merry Mount controversy, which to Kepesh shows that S-E-X has been woven into the warp and woof of American life since year zero in the New World. In such passages--and also when narrator Kepesh propounds his hedonistic American univeralism--The Dying Animal becomes a short coda to Roth's American Trilogy (like the Prague Orgy is a coda to the Zuckerman books). In all, bravura writing, familiar themes, moral dilemmas, classic Roth. Our greatest living writer. It's a book that interrogates you under a naked 150 watt lightbulb, probing for discomfiting points of resonance. Read it and decide for yourself whether there's more than a little David Kepesh in you or someone you know.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magical Urbanism: Latinos Reinvent the U.S. Big City; Author: Visit Amazon's Mike Davis Page; Review: Mike Davis is our premier bare-knuckled Marxist-savant polemicist, doing prodigious amounts of research on important topics and writing in a molten style that literally pulls your eyes down the page. For these reasons alone, attention must be paid. (This is difficult advice to a nation of "comfort readers," who--far from being provoked by their nighttime reading--love to curl up with a good Danielle Steele until the Sandman comes.) Whatever other functions a Davis book serves, it's an in-your-face test of the reader's mettle. ... Davis paints what seems to me a more than plausible vision of a Hispanic/Latino future that I'll bet you haven't given much thought to (unless you live in SoCal or along the southern border). One useful thing about demography is that a simple extrapolation will get the analyst to several plausible hypotheses about things to come. This is one service Davis has performed. One of the useful mental exercises Davis sends you off on once he makes his preliminary case (of a Latino/Hispanic plurality by 2050) prompts you to comtemplate the coming contours of national level politics, immigration policy, relations with Central and Latin America--in other words, this book can rattle your mental universe. And his chapter on "transnational suburbs"--in which he analyzes bilocated Latino communities that, in our internet and cheap-transportation age, retain a deep involvement in both their native and immigrant communities--is, for me, worth the price of the book. This is a useful tutorial about the drift of our demographic destiny in a "globalized" world, but the picture Davis paints is by no means inevitable. Second and third generation immigrant communities tend to assimilate to the dominant culture through a variety of means (although Davis tends to argue that contemporary immigrant communities are driven by walls of discrimination back upon themselves in ways earlier immigrants in the second and third generations were not). The future is seldom, in any significant respect, a straight-line extrapolation of any trend. And Davis's great hope for the mobilization of the heretofore inchoate political might of the new immigrant communities--a revivified labor movement--seems, at best, a pipe dream, but one that more than a few commentators see well within the realm of possibility, as income differentials widen and a pronounced underclass sentiment proliferates among the have-nots. In all, a quick, stimulating, worthy read. And for those parents who wonder which language little Johnny should study in high school, or in his language immersion pre-school, David would probably say--and I'd have to agree--Spanish is a good choice. Venceremos!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Graves Are Not Yet Full: Race, Tribe and Power in the Heart of America; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Berkeley Page; Review: Bill Berkeley begins with an interesting idea social scientists have mined deeply: that politics--most frequently of the exploitative tyrannical stripe--and "ethnic competition" provide a far more compelling explanation of ethnic violence than threadbare notions of "primordial conflict"--"that's just the way those people have always been"--which constitute the conventional wisdom underlying most accounts of of ethnic strife in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans. Berkeley expressly criticizes popular writers like Robert Kaplan for keeping the conventional--and easily controvertible--wisdom in circulation. In doing so, and in writing to correct the record, Berkeley deserves a pat on the back. After these introductory passages, the book heads for mostly well worked territory in accounts of African ethnic conflicts Berkeley has, at some point, covered as a reporter (for Atlantic Monthly and other publications). He does this through the lens of six "types"--"the rebel," "the collaborator," "the assistant secretary"--each with its own chapter, some of which work better than others (such as the ones on Chester Crocker, Assistant Secretary of State for African for the entire Reagan Administration and errant practioner of Kissingerian realpolitik, and Gatsho Buthelezi, the Zulu leader who collaborated with South Africa's White Apartheid regime against the Mandela's African National Congress). In other chapters, however, Berkeley is hard-pressed to maintain this focus, especially since he seems determined to cut or stretch his material to give roughly equal attention to each conflict. Still, Berkeley provides reliable, informed overviews, filled out by personal anecdotes, interview material, and occasional gleanings from other scholarly or popular writers. Some things irritate: I found his use of "tribe" and "tribalism" to be inconsistent, at times diffuse, first criticizing these terms as Western categories imposed on subservient peoples, and later using them conventionally (and, I would add, insensitively), without any suggestion that such usage may be in any way objectionable (at a time when "tribe" has been widely abandoned among Africanists in favor of, say, "people" or "ethnic group"). From time to time the text repeats itself, and Berkeley often returns to home themes artlessly (a problem of structure: if each of your chapters has the same basic point, you'll tend to repeat your punchlines unless you factor them into a common front end or conclusion). And Berkeley is at times too much the "new journalist," gratingly front and center of his own narrative, wearing his progressive credentials and editorial opinions (he's now an editorial writer at the NY Times) on his sleeve, hatband, shoulder bag, and anywhere else he can hang them. This is nevertheless a book that, apart from its other merits, gets its big concerns right, and for that reason alone I would recommend it as a corrective to a lot of the nonsense on ethnic strife now in circulation.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Footsteps of Mr. Kurtz: Living on the Brink of Disaster in Mobutu's Congo; Author: Visit Amazon's Michela Wrong Page; Review: It's instructive to view Wrong's wonderful work in the context of her choice--Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"--and of another work she omits to cite but that is nevertheless the linear descendant of Conrad's great story--namely, Naipaul's A Bend in the River. It is, I suppose, a sad commentary on Congo that it is so readily recognizable in all three books, as the host for a succession of extractive, exploitative regimes, colonial and African. Wrong takes the litany of this inhuman expropriation to the present moment (and, if you read the headlines, you'll know the death of Laurent Kabila has resolved nothing...). Happily, many, if not most, of Wrong's human subjects preserve, in her sympathetic account, their humanity. The struggle in so arduous an environment is to do precisely that, and it is the ultimate triumph of humanity that seeps out of the tale of how Congolese survived Mobutuism and, by extension, how Africans under a variety of authoritarian regimes endure from day to day. Not that they are assisted in any serious way by international institutions--Wrong's chapter on the IMF contains among the most damning stories in the book--and Congo's foreign "relations." Wrong is a brilliant, witty observer, who tastefully disrupts the continual tale of woe with telling, often humorous, anecdotes on the theme of coping in the Congo. Several very fine books on Africa have been published in the past several months, and this, plus Kapuscinski's Shadow of the Sun, are the best.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Little Ice Age: How Climate Made History 1300-1850; Author: Brian Fagan; Review: I'm amused by the observations of "professional meteorologists" and others who take offense at Brian Fagan's science. The Little Ice Age is more a storybook of hypotheses dressed out as plausible narratives than a scientific treatise. More importantly, it's an implicit paean to the sheer ingenuity of climatological researchers in building data sets--from tree rings, ancient ice cores, statisitical studies of cloud cover in European master paintings, and other hard-to-cull sources--to explore historical climate in general, and "the little ice age" in particular. Climatologists and meteorologists know all about the North Atlantic Oscillation (most of us have surely heard of El Nio, the Southern Oscillation) but few of us understand how the interaction of the NAO, currents, and the secular tendencies of air movements have helped create history. Most readers, I suspect, will be hooked early in the book by the tales of Viking sailors' westward explorations, facilitated by warming that allows them literally to skip along the retreating Arctic ice toward cod fisheries newly abundant in the warmer western waters. These and other stories of climate related history--droughts, famines, disease, conquest, and on and on--give the reader a fresh appreciation for the raw interconnectedness of, well, everything. (The Little Ice Age is, moreover, a useful companion to Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel, the admirers of which will find much to admire here.) In addition to an occasional discursiveness that loses the reader in thickets of "climate" but little relationship to "thesis," Fagan also slips in his final observations on global warming and how it fits into the long pattern of weather from 1300 to the present. Unfortunately for his own argument--the rather conventional one that accepts the abnormality of contemporary variation in warming due to human, as opposed to natural cyclical, activity--Fagan stumbles over the fact that current temperatures are still only APPROACHING those of the period antedating the little ice age, c. 1000-1200. That is, before industrialization, six billion earthly inhabitants, all those carbon emissions, and the rest. These shortcomings are, however, an acceptable price to pay. Fagan is an eminent antropologist, bringing to this book a wealth of cross-disciplinary data and much light on many topics. He is, moreover, a lively and entertaining writer who is, therefore, quite easy to recommend. And I do, heartily.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia; Author: Visit Amazon's Ahmed Rashid Page; Review: As the Taliban's string of lives runs out in Kandahar and Konduz, Rashid's book remains a useful guide to the players and the issues, which will be with us long after Mullah Omar and his band of bumpkins are gone. Rashid has covered Afghanistan for more than 20 years and has put a tremendous amount of information and analysis at the reader's disposal. Apart from the most complete story of the rise of the Taliban--and the special conditions in Afghanistan that facilitated its rise--Rashid includes useful chapters on bin Laden, oil politics in Central Asia (the heart of what will remain the book's main value in the post-Taliban era), the status of women in Afghanistan, and a host of sensible observations about Afghanistan as a landlocked Central Asian state. Rashid's coinage--the "New Great Game"--which harks back to the "tournament of shadows" in which Russia and England sought to outduel the other in Central Asia, seems more than a little justified in light of the Caspian oil and gas finds that lie undeveloped in the ground and under the sea. This book also will continue to be useful as providing a dollop of background information on "all those names" you've been seeing in the press--Gulbuddin Hekymatyr, Ismail Khan, Abdulrashid Dostam, Burhanuddin Rabbani, etc.--the whole pack of which hasn't changed since the war against the Soviets and is unlikely to change any time soon (with the exception of Ahmed Shah Masood, "the Lion of the Panshir," who was assassinated, probably by bin Laden's "Arab-Afghans," in September 2001). Coming from a scholarly house--Yale University Press--with a full bibliography and footnotes, the book nevertheless suffers from production flaws that tempted me to subtract a star from my rating. The index is infuriatingly incomplete--the main material on an entry is often located on pages not indicated in the index. It's almost as though the indexer, hitting a name or a place for the third or fourth time, decided, "hey, this looks like it might be pretty important," and started compiling entries at that point. A few spelling glitches and at least two howling typos in dating specific events seemed simply puzzling--how could Yale's editors have permitted this? On balance, however, such shortcomings do little to distract from the considerable pleasures of discovery and understanding Rashid's excellent work affords.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Burglar in the Rye (Bernie Rhodenbarr); Author: Visit Amazon's Lawrence Block Page; Review: When they're well done, books about books, and metafiction, and metacinema, and roman-a-clef writing give me great pleasure. ("Bookworm's Delight," right?) Indeed. This particular Bernie Rhodenbarr book--and, I surmise, the series in general--works at two levels, at least: as a rather straightforward genre whodunnit, but one infused with Block's clever writing and--I found--amusing dialogue (with enough lightly-tossed-off literary allusions to satisfy readers attracted by the book's bookish associations), Bernie Rhodenbarr's attractive "honorable thief" persona, the agreeable NY City 12th-and-Broadway book district locale. The Rhodenbarr book is also a gentle send-up of the whole damn genre, which surely needs sending up from time to time. To discuss at length any particular aspect of the fun Block has in doing so would be to deprive readers of their own pleasures of discovery, so I'll say no more. What I most enjoyed, however--but what other readers have found particularly objectionable--is Block's use of the JD Salinger-Joyce Maynard materials. Sensing a kindred perspective, I for one am wholly with Block here, having read Maynard's original NY Sunday Times Magazine piece, wondering what the editor could have been smoking when s/he decided to print it, and rankled at how it came to pass that someone more than a decade younger than me--Maynard was 14--could be designated by the authoritative NY Times as the voice of MY generation!!! The nerve. Given my 35-year-old peeve, I LOVED the way Block has worked the Salinger-Maynard story and would, moreover, love to believe his insights were authentically based in fact. Alas, we--or at least I--will never know, but it's fund to conjure. It's easy to recommend The Burglar in the Rye for the beach, for the airplane, or just as an afternoon's entertainment--yes, it is, in Block's larger oeuvre, an "entertainment" in Graham Greene's sense, as opposed to, say, the Matthew Scudder books, which are darker and more probing--a suitable distraction in a difficult time (exactly my purpose in picking it up), filled with sweetness, light, good cheer, and hardly anything--aside from a chaste lesbian romance--that the Legion of Decency would find objectionable.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Collected Poems; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Larkin Page; Review: In five years, nine Larkinites have posted reviews to these pages. One laments the death of poetry's ability to move the masses, laments the lost world in which poetry was a master art, in which Longfellow might hold a theater in thrall with tales of Gitchee Gumee. Why doesn't everyone who reads in the English Language know Philip Larkin? Oh, this Larkin is most assuredly not for every taste--he is ugly, rueful, bitter, timorous, and in these he is wholly and perfectly one with his poetic voice. He is a formalist--a large quantity of rhymed iambic pentameter at a time when most "poetry" is indistinguishable from prose except in the way the lines are arranged--who sounds, miraculously, astonishingly, colloquial (the particular mark of his genius). Many of these poems attain a perfection--Aubade, High Windows, This Be The Verse, others, all relatively well known--that literally staggers the imagination. As with the (classic) jazz to which Larkin was so devoted, in which the players continually found "new" notes to blow, and even created new musical vocabularies when the old ones were exhausted, Larkin finds boundless new resources inside the English language and then bursts poetry's integument asunder when his straightlaced, albeit eccentric, formalism seems to hem him in. Unlike most contemporary poets, Larkin creates lines you remember--indeed, cannot shake--and want to memorize for the delight, and mortification, of self and friends. Larkin does not, by the bye, deal in any manner of obscurantism. What he means is clearly on the page. It may not leave you in the sunniest of dispositions, but it will lift you, powerfully, to another level of poetic appreciation. This is a book for life by the major voice of my time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Daughter Of Time; Author: Visit Amazon's Josephine Tey Page; Review: What thoughtful reader hasn't experienced Shakespeare's Richard III and wondered about the accuracy of the Bard's portrayal? Thus did Josephine Tey, near the close of her authorial career, delve into some of the lost nooks and crannies of English history in an effort to recover "the real Richard." The well-known hurdle for all would-be Ricardians is, of course, the utter absence of source material contemporary to Richard's reign, and most of all anything that discusses the fate of the "princes in the Tower." All that is generally counted as "authoritative," it turns out, is the product of Tudor dynasty information factories. Tey, however, very likely had in her possession the writings of Sir Clements Markham, a late Victorian-era civil servant, whose careful revisionist argument is here unfolded in a lively, compelling narrative of incremental discovery. Prompted by a reproduction of a famous portrait of Richard, Tey's laid-up sleuth, with the help of an American researcher, marshalls from his bed an archival assault on the estimable Sir Thomas More, Henry (the VII) Tudor, and the entire phalanx of worthies who have reported, for the last half a millennium, that Richard was the demonic crookback murderer of Shakespeare's characterization. Happily for us, there's more (sic) to the story than the traditional record, and those not already sucked into the revisionist Ricardian argument may very well be converted. Tey's engaging "fiction" is not only a great boon to all Ricardians--who, with Richard III Societies on both sides of the pond, must surely win hundreds if not thousands of new converts yearly as a result of this 50-year-old work--but the perfect place to begin your own exploration of this great historical proto-conspiracy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945 (Oxford History of the United States); Author: Visit Amazon's David M. Kennedy Page; Review: David Kennedy provides timely reading for a country whose people pull in a hundred different directions as they seek to (re)discover their collective identity in a rapidly changing world. Kennedy is a brilliant storyteller and thumbnail biographer, and the story he tells is nothing less than the monumental tale of Franklin Roosevelt's "rendezvous with destiny" and how that encounter made us, in most significant dimensions, what we are today. The categories that defined the political debate over the New Deal are with us today, but the United States of 1929, where this narrative begins, although well within living memory, is scarcely recognizable for the revolution that Roosevelt and the 20th century's "thirty years war" wrought. Here is the dramatic story of the "southern problem" -- the proud, intransigent backwardness of the American "mezzogiorno" -- Hoover's and Roosevelt's dogged efforts to remedy the rural woes that are the backdrop for the Great Depression, Hoover's heroic but doomed struggle to cope with economic collapse from within a confining conceptual box out of which he could not imagine his way, the brilliant Hundred Days of inaugural New Deal legislation, the labor wars of the mid-1930s and the rise of homegrown radicalism, the first stirrings of a proto-Civil Rights movement (and the appointment by Roosevelt of the first African-American judges to the Federal bench), the "Court-packing" controversy of 1937 that marked -- but did not cause -- the New Deal's grinding halt, and a brilliant summation of "What the New Deal Meant." The excellent chapters on WWII, and particularly on the home front, are in my view a solid and useful bonus (and provide an overview of material that many readers are likely to know much better than the 1930s story): the thrilling first half of this book is by itself worth the purchase price. Kennedy writes sparkling prose, is a master of compression and synthesis, gives all significant sides their due (however briefly), offers balanced judgments, and has given us an excellent survey of a time when many roads and options were open, when the stakes were monumental, and when America truly might have become something very diffent from what it ultimately became. Read this, and press it into the hands of your children, and then thank whichever God you may pray to for the events that transpired from 1929 to 1945 and the way they worked out in US history. And if you are an American, Kennedy's monumental work will give you additional grist to invoke come Thanksgiving Day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spies: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Frayn Page; Review: A fragrance, a taste, a numinous sense of deja vu--all familiar literary devices that, in a sensual rush, transport a narrator and reader to a lost moment vividly, but narrowly, recalled. In the course of the tale, the recollection expands, through paths at first dimly remembered but, over time, recovered with increasing clarity. Michael Frayn deploys these Proustian materials brilliantly, detailing with quick strokes a lost world of childhood in wartime London, of proto-suburban enclaves that are more like thatch villages than city neighborhoods, where even hidden lives seem transparent, everyone seems to be watching everyone else, and nothing escapes the attention of the village children, those custodians of every local scandal, romance, adventure, and suspicion. The story begins meekly, as a trip down memory lane, and slowly, like a Ravelian Bolero, gains in intensity and pace. One of Spies' most impressive aspects is, in the interplay between narrator and narration, the way in which Frayn withholds from the reader information that the young Stephen could not yet have figured out or understood. This allows the story, despite the older Stephen's omniscient point of view, to unfold naturally and almost perfectly from a child's-eye view, but blended with adult-perspective hindsight to provide texture and depth and, in some instances, additional layers of ambiguity. Spies will appeal strongly to readers of a certain age, who as children in a pre-television era relied on their own resourcefulness and imagination to entertain themselves, who literally assembled their own universes from found materials. Spies is, moreover, one of the very best depictions of a child's groping to make sense of the adult world from within the conspiratorial know-it-all world of childhood. I must confess, however, that I was tempted to dock Frayn a star for the unsatisfying--for me--way in which he handled aspects of the concluding 20-30 pp (it's no spoiler to mention this--plenty of reviews already have). But the sated sense of satisfaction in which I basked as I closed the book precluded anything other than full credit. With economical prose, vivid characterization, and superbly realized WWII fringe-London mise-en-scene, Michael Frayn has added another small gem to his oeuvre, one you will tear through in a sitting, pausing only, I'll warrant, to reflect on your own lost world of childhood.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The School of Night: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Wall Page; Review: Alan Wall has transformed his obvious reverence for Shakespeare and his equally obvious obsession with the "authorial question"--which fascinates legions of the plays' devotees and elicits weary yawns from the rest, who believe the matter prima facie beyond question--into a quirkily absorbing detective story. Indeed, with a bit of clever marketing, The School of Night might give Shakespeare's doubters, or at least enthusiasts of Marlovian authorship, the same kind of rhetorical boost Josephine Tey's The Daughter of Time gave to the Ricardians (who maintain crookback Richard III was really all sweetness and light and view Shakespeare's play as based wholly on Tudor propaganda and misinformation). Wall is a subtle writer who moves adeptly, and with economic efficiency, in simultaneously odd, interesting, learned, and tidily interreleated directions. This is literary writing, filled with symbology, scholarly allusion, and deft metaphor, but all in the most unobtrusive and graceful manner. Moreover, books of this sort must be in good part tutorial, and Wall has done his homework. At appropriate moments, he feeds us the essential elements of the authorial controversy, introduces the various contenders to the throne, and ultimately settles on Christopher Marlowe, Shakespeare's great contemporary, as the alter-Bard. The novel then unfolds as narrator Sean Tallow seeks to decipher the secret of "The School of Night," which is at once an obscure reference from the early comedy Love's Labour Lost and, perhaps, a secret society to which Marlowe may have belonged. Principal characters are closely observed and artfully developed. Bibliomaniacs of all stripes will recognize and root for the introspective antiquarian Sean Tallow and his quest, but the parallel story of Tallow's relationship to a boyhood friend and his increasingly complex--and shady--life does more than allow Wall to space out his revelations. Both stories move in surprising directions, interact nicely, and wend their ways to what I found to be a satisfying conclusion. Moreover, it is a conclusion, even a moral, that I surmise the Bard--whoever he was--would wholeheartedly endorse. In short, a very rich, very entertaining, very instructive novel, filled with character, imagery, insight, and narrative tension--not exactly sound and fury, but certainly signifying at the very least an exciting writer whose books I'll eagerly search out.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shore of Women; Author: Visit Amazon's Pamela Sargent Page; Review: Pamela Sargent's The Shore of Women works out in persuasively anthropological detail--almost Geertzian "thick description," if you will--a post-apocalyptic world in which women rule with space-age technologies from walled citadels, exiling male children into literal stone age societies of isolated bands clad in animal skins, where lives are nasty, brutish, and short. The violence of Sargent's largely paleolithic male society is mitigated only by its loving devotion to "The Goddess" and her cult, visits to the shrines in which prayer and worshipful communion with the deity transpires, and the occasional "callings" to the enclaves--simultaneously the preeminent male rite of passage and the sole (blind and thoroughly mediated) interaction with the ruling society that enables both worlds to procreate and persist. Within city walls, the master society is strictly bifurcated into elite and masses, in which the custodians of established order replace themselves, presiding over the bought indifference of commoners. Sargent is a beautifully expressive writer who works out the logic of her story to persuasive conclusions and, along the way, has smart, thoroughly rendered observations to make on societies of women and of men, the humanistic origins of religion, small group interactions under duress, the transformation of nomadic bands into sedentary cultures, the possible retreat of civilization from its points of greatest advancement, a variety of contemporary feminist political ideas, and more. At times, The Shore of Women brought to mind a host of antecedents, including A Canticle for Leibowitz, Lord of the Flies, The Golden Bough, Greek and Roman mythology, captivity stories from 17th and 18th century prisoners of American woodland Indians, the writings of Margaret Meade and other classic anthropologists, and other possible references, but without seeming directly dependent on any. Its principal characters, the inquisitive newly "called" man Arvil and the cast-out woman Birana, are beautifully developed and pass through punctuated sequences of change and unfolding awareness. A third point of view is provided by Laissa, who as the daughter of one of the "Mothers of the City" progresses on her own surprising journey of discovery... More than ten years later (October 24, 2012): I wish I had stowed somewhere the remainder of this review, which was printed at a time, apparently, that amazon.com worried about giving excessive space to commentary on out-of-print books. That's no longer the case, as it's in the business of leasing out space for any and all. But my remarks get an occasional "like," and I'm writing this coda after all these years because I can't help but think readers of these notes are puzzled at the abrupt ending. I still admire this wonderful book and had the good fortune to meet Ms. Sargent around the time of this posting, under rather unusual circumstances, to discuss it with her. Delighted to see she's still writing thoughtful SF. I'm looking forward to revisiting her work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human; Author: Harold; Riverhead Bloom; Review: Outside university English departments, devotion to the Bard is a lonely avocation. We read these great works and tend to carry our own thoughts and reactions to them inside us. We commit passages to memory because we want to own these words, to be a part of the Great Chain of the English Language, a transgenerational community joined in a common appreciation of the finest, most universal written English yet wrought. But what we really crave is conversation, with a sharing, perceptive interlocutor, with whom we might swap enthusiasms, probe ambiguities, repeat the words, declaim, expound, enact, react. In the end, we remain for the most part solitary enthusiasts. Hence the great and enduring value of the formidable critics and commentators: Johnson, Hazlitt, Pollard, Bradley, Van Doren, Goddard, Mack, Rowse, and, now, Harold Bloom. Of all these, none has provided greater pleasure, or more illuminating argumentation, or profound, quirky observations than Bloom, whom I've come to think of as my wise old Uncle Harold. I go directly from the play to Bloom's Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human, for literary companionship. Taking his leads from Johnson, for whom Shakespeare is the great writer of human nature, and Hegel, who saw Shakespeare's characters as "free artists of themselves," Bloom's central teaching is that Shakespeare not only shows us, but literally invents our template for, what it means to be human. He mines this theme throughout, pausing long at the central characters--Falstaff, Rosalind, and Hamlet--who epitomize the lesson. In touching on each of the works, sometimes only briefly but never simply dutifully, Bloom invariably opens up new vistas, adds context, begs controversy, settles old scores and manufactures new ones, leads the reader back to the works for fresh consideration in new dimensions--and all in an avuncular, colloquial voice that I for one find wholly delightful and attractive. The professional lit-crit crowd doesn't share this view--which "populizers" has it ever easily credited?--but for me, having Bloom on my desk is roughly akin to having the erstwhile "brightest grad fellow ever" of the most formidable English Department at my beck and call, always willing and ready to sit up late in the Common Room for endless conversations over coffee and cigarettes, until exhaustion sets in, the sun rises, or the tobacco runs out. For all these things and for much else, Bloom's hefty volume joins Schoenbaum's sumptuous, long out of print Documentary Life, Dobson and Wells' Oxford Companion to Shakespeare, and Spevak's similarly OOP Concordance (as well as--pick 'em--your favorite edition of Complete Works: I like the Riverside but am open to other suggestions) on my short desert island shelf, which would occupy me for a lifetime on some God-forsaken atoll. Indeed, I love this indispensable, inexhaustible book and puzzle over those who cannot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician; Author: Visit Amazon's Anthony Everitt Page; Review: The dust jacket of Everitt's attractive biography quotes a perceptive English reviewer, who observes, "Of all the arts, that of politics has advanced least since the days of Greece and Rome." Upon closing the book, my overwhelming sense was that Franklin Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and, yes, Bill Clinton would have done perfectly well in Julian Rome. The broad contours of the political game have, in the intervening two millennia, acquired several strips of veneer and a few layers of varnish, but they are immediately recognizable in this briskly paced work. Pompey's political ponderousness, Caesar's bright dexterity, and Cicero's conservative deliberateness all find ready parallels in this and every other age. Gain, glory, and fear are here the prime motivators--generalize to politics Thucydides' famous observation that men will go to war for any of these three reasons and you will have neatly summarized all political motive--and Everitt nicely sifts through the ample historical record to relate how the great men of the late Republic clambered for the pinnacle as the challenge of Julius Caesar loomed. For readers not particularly well versed in Roman history, Everitt does particularly well in quickly situating Cicero's life in the great events of his day, the context of an expanding empire, and the daily life of a Rome that had no city government as we would know it--little public security (private guards for the wealthy, nothing for the rest), sanitation, services, or urban administration. An accretion of checks and balances (so admired by our own founders) caused politic to deadlock, with each of the major protagonists offering solutions that either restored, or to circumvented, the formal primacy of the Senate and Rome's great families. Throughout, Everitt renders intelligible a bewildering tangle of events and human interactions. He shows Cicero standing at the center of these great events--with the exception of the plot to kill Caesar, of which he knew nothing (but you who know your Shakespeare will have known this as well...)--or, less charitably, desperately working the Roman public relations apparatus to "seem to stand," on firm Republican principals. At those times when when his cause fails--perhaps as a result of words or long harbored grudges that return to haunt him--Everitt's statesman retires to one of his well-appointed villas and the life of the mind, turing to his beloved philosophy and the composition of the writings that comprise his greatest legacy. I dock this commendable biography a star for an insufficiency of documentation and the generally cursory handling of Cicero's ideas. Yes, yes, I recognize this is popular biography, but some particularly quirky looking passages beg for sourcing and don't get it, while other, better known material gets copious sourcing (and with endnotes, by page and passage, rather than with numbered end- or footnotes). As for Cicero's rich store of written ideas, the major works are dutifully listed, their contents for the most part cursorily described. I for one would have appreciated a broader, deeper discussion, but concluded that Everitt viewed his chapters on the works as necessary drudgery required by the life and legacy and; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gospel According to Jesus Christ; Author: Visit Amazon's Jose Saramago Page; Review: I read Saramago's "Gospel" more than a month ago, and it continues to haunt my imagination. Pick it up. Scan the pages. You'll probably think this is a forbidding work, written in dense, often pages-long, paragraphs, with lengthy stretches of run-together dialogue uninterrupted by paragraph indentations or white space. But begin reading, and all hesitation melts away. The writing is stately, scriptural in diction, careful of every nuance. Saramago's original Portuguese, movingly translated into English by Giovanni Pontiero, creates a convincing "gospel voice"--rendered from an ambiguous, perhaps "omniscient," perspective-to portray Jesus of Nazareth in a startlingly new, and believable, way. And into this narrative Saramago adds credible, plausibly motivated, portraits of Joseph, Mary, James "the Brother of Jesus," as well as of both the Deity and the Demon. And, of course, Mary of Magdala. What could a Portuguese atheist (and, perhaps less relevantly, Communist) have to say about the life of Jesus? Don't presume a thing. Simply read, slowly. What will first be apparent is that Saramago respects your intelligence and the sources, and he has done his homework in speculating on how the historical gaps might be filled in: he knows the New Testament, has studied the "Gnostic Gospels" of NT apocrypha, has read his Josephus and other near-contemporary accounts of the "Jewish Wars" and first-century Palestine, and seems familiar with the scholarly Jesus Seminar findings. You will then note the expected traces of irony--sometimes fired from unexpected directions--but here deployed surprisingly to draw out the humanity of Jesus's nature and, in my view, to lure the reader into an early misreading of the author's intent. Indeed, the spell Saramago creates throughout the novel's first half issues from what seems a predictably humanistic, psychological point of view. That changes. But I don't feel I can say any more about the direction Saramago takes his story without spoiling for others what was for me a surprising and thrilling narrative transformation, with a string of unexpected, powerful payoffs. Nor can I pretend to say with any confidence that I know which readers Saramago's novel will appeal to most. Each will find Saramago's telling of the Jesus story challenging in his or her own way. What I can do, though, is encourage you-if Saramago's stature as a Nobel laureate is insufficiently encouraging-to keep an open mind, read the book, and ponder the philosophical and theological questions raised in an unforgettable work of literary art.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Third Chimpanzee: The Evolution and Future of the Human Animal; Author: Visit Amazon's Jared Diamond Page; Review: Jared Diamond combines an almost limitless range of interests - including evolutionary biology, physiology, ornithology, geography, ancient history, anthropology, music, art, literature - and an equally prodigious number of gifts - not the least of which is his penetrating logic, extraordinary ideational fluency, pellucid writing style, and, thankfully, a marvelously open sense of humor. This has all come together in a remarkable trilogy of books culminating in the celebrated Guns, Germs, and Steel. Reading Diamond's The Third Chimpanzee, you can clearly see his formidable mind (recognized by the MacArthur Foundation, which in our day and age of credentials and certifications, makes "genius" semi-official) at work, pushing his materials to the point where he needed to write GG&S to scratch a particular itch that arose in the researching and writing of Chimpanzee. We humans, Diamond observes at the outset of TTC, share 98 percent of our genetic material with two species of chimpanzees, making us, to an objective observer, merely a third species of chimp. But, oh, do the remaining two percent account for a load: speech, writing, art, culture, and a particularly human proclivity to destroy each other and the things we love, either via fratricidal, often genocidal, war or the degradation of our own environment. Having placed these observations on the table, Diamond then goes on, in gemlike chapters that stand alone as models in the scientific essay genre, to discuss animal and primate precursors of these particularly human behaviors, taking us through the bounty of human developments and the accompanying tragedies. He ends, however, on a hopeful note. Not only are we, as Nietzsche pointed out, "the ape that blushes," but also, as Diamond reminds us, the ape that chooses its own future. The net result of Diamond's learned exertions is to render us - me - feeling far more connected to "the animal kingdom," to offer compelling food for thought, and to answer the great questions posed in the title of the fabulous Gauguin picture hanging in a Boston gallery: "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? We Are We Going?" This is all necessary reading, a scholarly comfort book from one of our most brilliant expositors of evolutionary logic. (And, I should add, happily, that this trilogy will soon be a tetralogy: having addressed the rise of civilizations in GG&S, Diamond is now at work on civilizational, or state, collapse. Something exciting to look forward to.) For a much less hopeful variation on the themes of TTC, see Wrangham and Petersen's Demonic Males, which, like Diamond, documents redundantly the many ways in which we are merely a species of chimpanzees, but which focuses on the manifold facets of higher primate violence inherited by - or imprinted into - homo sapiens sapiens. Another necessary 5-star book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Prince and Other Dogs II; Author: Libby Hall; Review: Prince and Other Dogs 2 is another tasteful labor of love from Libby Hall and should, as did P1, please cynophiles as well as lovers and collectors of antique photographs. An especially delightful feature of this latest volume is the pages upon pages of lovely Victorian and Edwardian children, preserved forever in dignified poses with their beloved pets. Moreover, as the owner of a spunky Jack Russell Terrier, I can once again report that Ms. Hall has given the JRT crowd another bounteous offering: by my rough count, P2's canine companions are roughly 25 percent JRTs, pure or in part. (Perhaps one of these is a long lost ancestor to my own - her sire, after all, was a Brit.) P2 is a carefully produced companion volume of its predecessor, printed on the same high-quality paper and, as a duodecimo volume (c. 4.5" x 7"), fitting beautifully in the hand, with a nice heft that befits its quality manufacture. We keep both books out - near the First Folio facsimile - for friends to flip through. Everyone is quickly drawn to a favorite photo of dog or master. P2 is bargain priced and just in time for the holidays. Buy in quantity!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Worldly Goods; Author: Visit Amazon's Lisa Jardine Page; Review: Were Britisher Lisa Jardine resident on this side of the Pond, she would be familiar in our mouths as household words, celebrated in print and film and certified a MacArthurian genius. As it is, she is simply the author of stimulating, beautifully conceived and compiled, engagingly written works of revisionist history with a uniquely, appealingly literary twist. Worldly Goods looks at the Renaissance through its material traces and transactions, focusing on the immortal works of art, yes, but using them forensically as primary depictions of a burgeoning material culture that invariably gets lost in our customary focus on "humanism" and the great "humanists." And the artistic evidence Jardine considers includes jewelry, tapestries, books, maps, and the full range of opulent artifacts that, assembled in display, demonstrated the stature of the owner to his or her beholders. In an imaginative preface, Jardine creates a powerful hook, taking the reader across the surface of Carlo Crivelli's lovely "Annunciation with St. Emidius," then diving deeply to a close analysis of the imagery. What Jardine calls attention to is not the prayerful Virgin with downcast eyes or the calling Archangel at the point of "Ave!" but to the contemporary urban Italian setting of the meeting. Here we are not, as you may think, on familiar ground - "Oh, I know - Leonardo gives his Annunciation a well-known, but anachronistic, Tuscan background because that's what the era's painters KNEW" - because Jardine's analytic eye is on the profusion of lovely objects that literally spills into the street from the marble- and terracotta-clad house in which Mary prays: rugs, vases, hanging tapestries, wall and ceiling paneling, finely tooled books, ornamental plants, a peacock. And among these objects are items contemporary viewers would have immediately recognized as the especially prized and precious products of international commerce: Ottoman rugs, Venetian glass, Spanish tapestry, English broadcloth, and more. This is a commerical civilization in capsule. We are carefully led to join Jardine in concluding that Crivelli, in addition to inspiring a numinous awe in the picture's viewers, almost certainly sought also to create a "frisson of desire at the lavishness of (the) surroundings," in the service of a wealthy patron whose munificence was therein on display. The revelatory point, of course, is Jardine's suggestion that "the impulses which today we disparage as `consumerism' might occupy a respectable place in the characterization of the new Renaissance mind." She prosecutes this thesis with great vigor, imagination, and thoughtful interweaving of evidence from commercial, artistic, scientific, philosophic, and literary sources (which, sadly, receive NO documentation whatsoever except for a bibliography that does not seem comprehensive). The chapter titles tell much of the story - "Conditions for Change: Goods in Profusion," "The Price of Magnificence," "The Triumph of the Book," "New Expertise for Sale," "A Culture of Commodities" - although each is an absolutely brilliant essay that takes its thematic lead from the title but interweaves collateral evidence from diverse sources and field of endeavor. We always knew the great merchant and banking houses were also the major patrons of the Raphaels, Michaelangelos, and Leonardos; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Massive Swelling: Celebrity Reexamined as a Grotesque, Crippling Disease and Other Cultural Revelations; Author: Visit Amazon's Cintra Wilson Page; Review: First reading H.L. Mencken - Prejudices, First Series - way back in grad school, I felt as though I were under rhetorical and ideational assault. Over and over again, ambushed by Mencken's relentless pushing prodding needling stratospheric chthonic ribald mocking joyously playful yet deadly serious language, finding it so jaw-droppingly, startlingly funny that I'd be howling out loud at 2 a.m., waking wife, kids, to whom I'd try to read his inimitable raillery against mountebanks, poltroons, Comstockery, "uplift," and the full panoply of the sins and sinners of his age. Mencken's rhetorical excessiveness, his superabundance of sinuous, surprising, jazz-like prose (he wouldn't have liked that simile) thrilled me, made me want more, made me a devotee for life. And after pondering long and hard, the only writer I can today imagine comparing to Mencken is Cintra Wilson - but as a Mencken on a delirious cocktail of speed, acid, extra bile for a less genteel audience, and pther mystery elixirs that may be swirling through the stream of her imagination. But, my God, this is simply startling, uproarious, deadly accurate journalism. It begins with a brilliance of eye. Wilson sees segments of the spectrum that the rest of us are blind to - great journalism begins in great observation. I would quote, extensively, but I don't want to diminish the pleasures of discovery for any who might pick up this book. Let me simply say that Wilson has a long skewer and, impaled like stacked shishkabob, are a long list of deserving (and deservingly easy) victims, icluding Cher, Bruce Willis, Ike Turner, the dancing-singing-boy groups, and Keanu Reeves; surprising appearances by Jack Nicholson, Jack Palance, and others, and, perhaps most unforgettably (and a most timely inclusion), Michael Jackson and "the nose." And, no, this isn't a simple case of status envy: Wilson's criticisms are deeply rooted in the behavioral characteristics of the studied species, homo celebricanus, which, as we sadly see in the new reality TV rage (American Idol, etc.), might as well be ANY of us, given a few million dollars and a People Magazine cover. A Massive Swelling makes for immediate, even necessary, reading and deserves a new edition with a prefatory essay that pulls the current mass hysteria/idolatry into perspective. But for all Wilson's long, feverish, and spot-on ranting against the disease of celebrity in the United States and the myriads of ways in which is distorts our culture, society, economy, she also bestows. . . praise. This strikes the reader as oddly as would delicate hands on a Cyclops. It is equally hilarious, pinning the recipient of Wilson's encomia to his or her own unique piece of corkboard for detailed scrutiny. I direct the prospective reader to the peerless portrait of King Hell Mick Jagger for a brilliant sample of Wilsonian tribute. I was tempted to dock Wilson a star for being so wholly oblivious to the many, many things other thoughtful commentators have written on fame, celebrity, and the perversions of both (they ARE different - "fame" is earned, like Julius Caesar's; "celebrity" is simply the fact; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crescent and Star: Turkey Between Two Worlds; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Kinzer Page; Review: In a world of distinctions, everything divides into the thing itself and its negation: in this case, into those who know something about Turkey and those who do not. Looking over the previous reviews of Kinzer's book, it's safe to say that, for the Turkey cognoscenti, little that is written about Turkey for a popular audience will please unless written to exacting specifications (by a Turkish author or heavily credentialed scholar). Mere "observers," such as journalists, will not do. For the general reader, though, everything beyond his or her national border is a potential revelation, which gives the genre of "journalistic account" plenty of room to flourish. And it does. I remember enjoying many of Stephen Kinzer's tales of Turkey in the Times. And I'm somewhere in between on Turkey, with some working knowledge of current issues and a some background in the region and its history. I enjoyed and admire this book for its broad brush introduction to the range of issues that American readers will need to understand if they're ever going to "get" Turkey. Each chapter isolates a specific topic in contemporary Turkish politics - and this is very defintely a work in which the main concern is politics - and lays out useful background and local commentary. Kinzer is helpful on the Turkish concept of "devlet" (the State), the Kurdish issue, Armenians, Turkey and Greece, the transforming effect of the Izmit earthquake of 1999, the military and the civilian political elites, and Turkish Islamism. He uses standard journalistic devices - mostly interviews, first hand eyewitness reportage, and personal anecdotes - to bring arid topics to life. The writing is generally vigorous, swiftly moving, and entertaining. Kinzer also provides useful thumbnail introductions to Atatürk, Kemalism, and the myriad ways Kemalism continues to course through most walks of Turkish life. For seasoned Turkey hands, pages like these will be brief, dispensable detours; for the ignoranti, it's a present help in need and a cue to "find out more" if interested. By all means supplement Kinzer with a reputable history - even though most "history" on the current Turkey lists has also been written by journalists (including one by one of Kinzer's NY Times predecessors in Ankara) - but not as a substitute for Kinzer himself. A history will be likely to omit, for example, a discussion of how all the redlines and taboos that circumscribe public life in Turkey work out in practice. This is the useful province of journalism. One large authorial issue in making of book out of pile of impressionistic pieces written against deadline is in discovering, and imposing, a point of view that leavens the writing and lifts it to a plane more universal that it was in its first, perishable, realization. Here I think Kinzer's publisher, FSG, let him down by permitting him to redundantly opine on the shortcomings of the Turkish political elite, military, and state. Both author and publisher surely viewed this as permissible "analysis," but many readers will find it as cranky, irritating, and preachy as I did. Every single chapter includes; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture; Author: Visit Amazon's Ross King Page; Review: The title of a non-fiction book should be a contract: here, the terms of Ross King's deal are, "I will tell you all you ever wanted to know about the great dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, and, as specified in the subtitle, I will leave you feeling you know how Brunelleschi 'reinvented architecture.'" I enjoyed this book immensely, but King delivered on neither clause. I found myself puzzling over his technical explanations, rummaging through my library for a superior cutaway of the dome to better visualize his wordy exegesis. Oddly, each of the three well-known books I turned to - Murray's Architecture of the Italian Renaissance, Kostof's History of Architecture, and Hartt's History of Italian Renaissance Art - had precisely the same superb cutaway of the dome within a dome, showing Brunelleschi's Gothic vaulting underneath the classically inspired outer dome. "Mirabile dictu, so that's it!" This is only one of many instances where King created confusion where he might have parted the technical mists, with clearer text or with a better mating of text to illustration. A corollary to this concern: for a book that has a fair number of illustrations, I found these, for the most part, woefully chosen. I appreciated the reproductions of period etchings and drawings, but these should have been supplemented with additional helps for the text. And at the very close, as a veritable punchline to the short book, King provides one small photograph of the dome in middle distance - no angles, no details, no close-up of the lantern, no full-page, no color. For readers who have neither been to Florence and seen the magnificent Santa Maria del Fiore in its urban context nor seen many illustrations or aspects of the dome, these are galling omissions. As for the second term of the contract, King simply walks away from the subtitle's claim. Brunelleschi did indeed reinvent architecture, but not with the magnificent engineering feat of spanning the transept of Santa Maria del Fiore. On page 45, King discusses several commissions Brunelleschi won during the period in which he worked on the dome. Two of these, the Oespedale degli Innocenti and the Basilica of Santo Spiritu, literally did reinvent architecture. By investing these structures with rounded arches, classical columns, domal vaults, and classically derived ornamentation and proportions, Brunelleschi recovered for the Renaissance - before others could beat him to it - the architectural accomplishments of classical Rome. In an interesting chapter on Brunelleschi and Donatello's Roman adventure, King provides necessary background for understanding the Florentine achievement. What happened? Here's my theory: King, a fledgling historian but seasoned novelist, might have submitted a longer draft to his publisher, who may have responded, "you've got two stories here. One is really interesting, has a strong narrative line, tension, characters, villains, obstacles - a brilliant story. Tell the tale of il duomo! And lose that BOOORRRRing stuff about the Foundling Hospital and the other churches." And maybe, just maybe, the dutiful novelist cut his manuscript to the lively story before us. That said, the publisher liked the title, or; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Losing Nelson; Author: Visit Amazon's Barry Unsworth Page; Review: As has widely been observed, Barry Unsworth's intelligent novel succeeds at many levels. Let us specify a few: it is, first of all, a disturbing tale of obsession - Charles Cleasby's maniacal pursuit of evidence to exonerate Admiral Horatio Nelson of any malfeasance in what history has recorded as Nelson's distinctly unheroic behavior in Naples in 1798. Unsworth has also written a subversive work of biographical art - the author notes in interviews that Losing Nelson in fact began its life as a commissioned biography of the supreme British hero. With vigorous economy Unsworth covers the main biographical bases and provides the reader, almost miraculously, with both sides of the interpretation with which Cleasby and all Nelsonographers must grapple. (Indeed, more plentiful source citations would have been helpful, although Unsworth does a nice job of working some of his documentation into the narrative - several times causing me to smile and shake my head in admiration at his cleverness in doing so.) The book also works as a complexly interwoven meditation on the related themes of fame, heroism, nobility, patriotism, and virtuousness - again, from both sides, but adding another familiar dimension to Unsworth's "angel-of-light" and "angel-of-darkness" considerations, recalling the two sides of Henry V - the unabashedly jingoistic view of Prince Hal (Nelson) versus the play's pragmatic Falstaffian overtones that probe unsettlingly into "what IS honor?" This is a most timely aspect of the book: each era creates its own heroes - think of what we lionize as "heroic" and those whom we call "hero" - and Unsworth is as careful in presenting the building blocks of Nelson's fame as he is unsparing in dissecting the dynamic (for it IS a process) of heroism and its perpetuation. Losing Nelson is also a modernist (not postmodern) psychological narrative of considerable virtuosity. Unsworth handles his twin-track materials with breathtaking seamlessness, sometimes moving incrementally through segues from Cleasby to Nelson (almost like the walking Henry Hull changing into the Werewolf of London as he passes behind successive pillars) and sometimes back and forth inside Cleasby-Nelson. One finishes some passages of this book simply to sit back in startled wonder: "how did he manage THAT?" Unsworth is a flawless craftsman, a master of pacing (the true narrative art) who knows when to divulge a tidbit of information and when to withhold. And he never cheats the reader. Sprinkled throughout the novel are marvelous, beautifully realized characters. We have the astonishing Cleasby himself - what a creation! Brilliant and method-to-his-madness "on to something," edgy, obsessive-compulsive, scarred by a domineering father, of bizarrely diffuse sexuality. There are the cleverly written debunkers, including Miss Lily the Avon Services "Kelly Girl" temp who transcribes Cleasby's handwritten Nelson study, and her sparely but devastatingly drawn son, as well as the expatriate whom Cleasby hopes holds the key to the Naples episode, and the assorted oddballs, cranks, and losers who hang out at the London Nelson Society. Much has been made of the Unsworth's "surprise" ending. I believe more than a few readers will anticipate some variation of the ending -; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Winter Queen: A Novel (An Erast Fandorin Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's Boris Akunin Page; Review: Boris Akunin's The Winter Queen starts promisingly but quickly falls off the shelf of plausibility, its plot and action more worthy of the fabulistic graphic novel genre - see Alan Moore's "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" or "V for Vendetta" - than that of the literary thriller. I am particularly puzzled by the all the laudatory ink that's been spread on behalf of Akunin's protagonist, Erast Fandorin, who after this first outing seems insufficiently interesting to warrant a second look: his deductions aren't so much deduced as given to him by the narrator out of a magician's hat. And although Fandorin surely seems plucky enough, the author allows him to escape the consequences of uncalculated recklessness with an inexplicable imperviousness to the rules of chance. This is a very cinematic book, and Akunin's model may well be "007" - with a thoroughly unbelievable Bondian bravado born of a series-length immortality - rather than the Sherlock Holmes who has been invoked in several reviews. Indeed, the movement of the story is reminiscent of Ian Fleming's yarns, with increments of plot and subplot building nicely, until the monster-plot and, behind it, the super-villain make their appearances - and out goes the laws of physics and any semblance of reality. Despite such maddening tendencies, The Winter Queen nevertheless has its charms, which reside primarily in its appealing 19th century Russian (and London) locales. For Tolstoi-, Dostoyevskii-, and Tugenev-mavens, this is welcome terra cognita; for others, Akunin provides a graceful introduction to a lost world of manners and mores among the Russian aristocracy and near-aristocrats. The author enjoys his little word games and puzzles - and gamesmanship is one of the book's running themes - and entertains his readers with such things as a spurious etymology for the phrase "Russian Roulette" (which sent me, for one, to the reference books). Some reviewers have commented on the literary quality of the original Russian-language novels, and the translation, by Andrew Bromfield, is lively, colloquial, and prettily wrought. (The footnoted foreign phrases - Akunin's well-bred Russians were at least bilingual and often had English and German in addition to French - will please some and seem intrusive to others. I liked them.) Akunin has written another nine Fandorin novels (and, by now, perhaps another). The Winter Queen itself has a enough loose ends to lay clear the way to several sequels. I'll probably take a look at the second number in the series, but - despite The Winter Queen's many strengths - I'll be wary.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Far Side of the World; Author: Visit Amazon's Patrick O'Brian Page; Review: Patrick O'Brian himself seemed to recognize, in his prefatory comments, that The Far Side of the World was unequivocally his weakest effort in the series to this point. Plot is virtually non-existent: take command (again) of the HMS Surprise to find, and deal with, the USS Norfolk, which is harassing British whalers in the South Seas. Period. The novel nevertheless has a captivating title, which explains the decision by Universal-Miramax-Fox (which studio DOESN'T have a piece?) to cobble together the titles of the first and the tenth Aubrey-Maturin installments into possibly the single longest film title of the season. (And, judging from the trailer and the promotional materials, the movie will have absolutely nothing to do with The Far Side of the World beyond the appropriation of its title.) What this novel displays amid its linear spareness, however, is O'Brian's particular genius in characterization, his anthropological eye for the details of nautical life during the Regency, and his love of imparting - in impeccably wrought, Austenian prose - the arcane bit of datum, observation, procedure, or lore. Working within a lean plot structure, he fills his customary 300-plus pages with new turns on his by-now signature themes and concerns - friendship, love, betrayal, heroism, integrity, leadership (indeed, a surpassingly good volume on "leadership" could be compiled from these books) - while continuing to build an encyclopedic account of life at sea in the early 19th Century. The humanity of O'Brian's two principal characters, and the manner in which both they and their relationship develop over the course of the series, is the essence of the literary miracle O'Brian has created. His hero, Captain Jack Aubrey, a lion at sea and a naf ashore, has by the time of this novel been more than two years at sea, has left his beloved wife to deal with an army of creditors and bad business deals, and must bear the weight of a blustering father who, as a member of Parliament and the Radical anti-government interest, gives Admiralty leadership what justification it requires to disfavor Aubrey. Stephen Maturin - ship's surgeon, "natural philosopher," and naval intelligence operative par excellence - is Aubrey's "particular friend" (and, I presume, O'Brian's idealized literary self, in knee-breeches and smudged silk stockings). A brilliant epitome of the Enlightenment, Maturin, an Irish "papist," is uncommonly learned, wise in the ways of human frailty, as cunning ashore as Aubrey is nave, and hopelessly in love with a woman whose fidelity he can never ensure. On their long voyage around the Horn to the "far side of the world," O'Brian has time to develop detailed expositions on aspects of seamanship and life at sea - objects of long research in the naval archives and among his own acquisitions - on which in the course of the series he has yet to comment. He provides discourses on whaling (for the unabridged version, see Moby Dick), the provisioning of ships, the education of "squeakers" - the young midshipmen who ship with Aubrey - ways to float ships grounded on sandbars at low tide, the society; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Othello: Complete & Unabridged; Author: Visit Amazon's William Shakespeare Page; Review: When Henry James sat down to write on his Venetian travels for what later became the Italian Hours, he began with a disclaimer: "It is a great pleasure to write the word; but I am not sure there is not a certain impudence in pretending to add anything to it." Turning to Shakespeare, we might amuse ourselves by writing on, say, Hamlet, but can anything be said that's not already been said, and better, a dozen times, by superior critics and closer readers? In the appropriate spirit of humility (and in utter submission to the Bard and his great gift to civilization), I offer a few thoughts on the Arden 2nd Edition of Hamlet, and not on "the greatest work in the history of literature." Hamlet is by far the longest of the Ardens at 574 pages. It breaks down thusly: the prefatory material of editor Harold Jenkins - one of the Arden Series general editors and a Hamlet authority of great renown - alone takes up 164 pages. Three-quarters of this is bibliographical and historical. In his 40-page critical introduction, Jenkins addresses many of the plays thorniest problems, with the Talmudic attentiveness of the closest reader. Then comes the play itself, spread over 264 pages (in terms of sheer length relative to the Bard's other plays, the text is a monster, coming in at more than 3800 lines). Each page of the Arden includes an average half-page of Jenkins' detailed, argumentative, authoritative, and uncommonly helpful footnotes. The final 146 pages consist of longer (end)notes that Jenkins simply could not physically fit onto the bottom of a page. Many of these are short essays (including an appendix that glosses an earlier discussion on the dating of the play). Each of the Arden Hamlet's three sections might merit separate publication (after a modest bit of repackaging), but as a totality, Jenkins' edition must be the greatest value on the Shakespeare market. Jenkins' ruminations on the provenance of the story and the many sources Shakespeare might have drawn on, the "Ur-Hamlet" that might have come from the quill of contemporary Thomas Kyd (The Spanish Tragedy), the complexities of determining an authoritative text, the drama's inconsistencies and unanswered questions, the import of the great soliloquy of III.i (which is emphatically NOT, insists Jenkins, a deliberation on whether to commit suicide), Elizabethan revenge dramas in general, and so much more make this a truly indispensable, illuminating, even breathtaking volume. We think we know this play well. We have read it, and seen performed on stage and in memorable or hideously forgettable films. Many of its greatest lines are embedded in our hearts. The beginning of true understanding, however, resides in a superbly annotated scholarly edition. The Arden is one of several choices you can make and is for me the one to own, equally suitable for students, scholars, actors, and mere Bardolators. It will - provided, of course, you are not already a scholarly specialist in Elizabethan drama - knock the scales from your eyes. And until the 3rd edition now in preparation under Ann Thompson; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tempest; Author: Visit Amazon's William Shakespeare Page; Review: When Henry James sat down to write on his Venetian travels for what later became the Italian Hours, he began with a disclaimer: "It is a great pleasure to write the word; but I am not sure there is not a certain impudence in pretending to add anything to it." Turning to Shakespeare, we might amuse ourselves by writing on, say, Hamlet, but can anything be said that's not already been said, and better, a dozen times, by superior critics and closer readers? In the appropriate spirit of humility (and in utter submission to the Bard and his great gift to civilization), I offer a few thoughts on the Arden 2nd Edition of Hamlet, and not on "the greatest work in the history of literature." Hamlet is by far the longest of the Ardens at 574 pages. It breaks down thusly: the prefatory material of editor Harold Jenkins - one of the Arden Series general editors and a Hamlet authority of great renown - alone takes up 164 pages. Three-quarters of this is bibliographical and historical. In his 40-page critical introduction, Jenkins addresses many of the plays thorniest problems, with the Talmudic attentiveness of the closest reader. Then comes the play itself, spread over 264 pages (in terms of sheer length relative to the Bard's other plays, the text is a monster, coming in at more than 3800 lines). Each page of the Arden includes an average half-page of Jenkins' detailed, argumentative, authoritative, and uncommonly helpful footnotes. The final 146 pages consist of longer (end)notes that Jenkins simply could not physically fit onto the bottom of a page. Many of these are short essays (including an appendix that glosses an earlier discussion on the dating of the play). Each of the Arden Hamlet's three sections might merit separate publication (after a modest bit of repackaging), but as a totality, Jenkins' edition must be the greatest value on the Shakespeare market. Jenkins' ruminations on the provenance of the story and the many sources Shakespeare might have drawn on, the "Ur-Hamlet" that might have come from the quill of contemporary Thomas Kyd (The Spanish Tragedy), the complexities of determining an authoritative text, the drama's inconsistencies and unanswered questions, the import of the great soliloquy of III.i (which is emphatically NOT, insists Jenkins, a deliberation on whether to commit suicide), Elizabethan revenge dramas in general, and so much more make this a truly indispensable, illuminating, even breathtaking volume. We think we know this play well. We have read it, and seen performed on stage and in memorable or hideously forgettable films. Many of its greatest lines are embedded in our hearts. The beginning of true understanding, however, resides in a superbly annotated scholarly edition. The Arden is one of several choices you can make and is for me the one to own, equally suitable for students, scholars, actors, and mere Bardolators. It will - provided, of course, you are not already a scholarly specialist in Elizabethan drama - knock the scales from your eyes. And until the 3rd edition now in preparation under Ann Thompson; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Name Is Red; Author: Visit Amazon's Orhan Pamuk Page; Review: Pamuk's 16th Century Turkey is a magical world shot through with consciousness - all physical objects, natural and artificial, are invested with self-awareness, fully aroused, senses piqued and perceptively observant. Here we have "the mind" - the perfectly knowing, self-conscious thoughts - of coins, dogs, horses, painted dervishes, trees, the color Red, Death (personified and unpersonifed), and of an exuberant cast of unforgettable characters, both living and dead, whose insistent voices effortless cross over from the other side in Pamuk's seemingly borderless world of physical and spiritual Being. (Indeed, My Name Is Red begins, like Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard, the narrator speaking to us from a watery grave.) A nickel's worth of dime-store aesthetics: one function of art is to elicit - through the creation of representations, the arrangement of symbols, and the like - sensations that might otherwise be impossible. I can never experience Ottoman Istanbul in its 16th Century context. I will never see with the eyes of a court miniaturist or illuminator of manuscripts or a courtier or a rag- or liver-seller. But Pamuk convincingly recreates these myriads of worlds in all their strangeness with the imagination and skill of an ethnologist who has lived among these lives for decades. Here is a unique world, and Orhan Pamuk the ideal tour guide. With immense subtlety, literary nuance, and historical and philosophical erudition, Pamuk has written what, at its most fundamental level, is a literary-scholarly mystery that at times is reminiscent of Eco's The Name of the Rose. Someone is murdering the great miniaturists of the Ottoman court. But why kill an official painter or calligrapher, who works largely from royal commission, and who executes his commissions in a highly formalized manner that idealizes the absence of "style"? The world of Pamuk's late 16th Century Istanbul is one in which the pace of change is accelerating and colliding with entrenched forces of jealously preserved tradition. That world is nearly as exotic to contemporary Turks as it will be to us, and Pamuk (and his translator, Erdag Goknar) has a lot of explaining to do, which he manages by carefully assembling a painterly, almost pointillistic narrative, dab by dab, stroke by stroke, giving gradual shape to the story, displaying exemplary patience and timing, advancing or withholding plot and subplot with consummate skill. My Name Is Red is also a monumental, and monumentally odd, love story, a tangled tale involving Pamuk's hero, "Black," and Shekure, the impossibly beautiful daughter of the Court's "Head Illuminator," as well as a host of other characters. My Name Is Red is, moreover, a formidable, forbidding book, filled with strange names and places and embedded tales from esoteric lands in faraway times, requiring considerable readerly patience and attention. In return for the effrontery of have made such demands, however, the author (and publisher) is bound by honor to provide rich rewards. Happily, Pamuk closes the deal. The familiar materials of the epic novel - love, hate, friendship, rivalry, loyalty and betrayal, political machinations, the clash of great ideas, the grinding together of tectonic movements of time, in; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dickens; Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Ackroyd Page; Review: . . . but no adjective, or string of adjectives, can do Ackroyd's massive, majestic biography justice. Dickens is, with Victoria, the archetypical Victorian, and he is here fully realized, in all his contradictory dimensions: the best-known and best-loved writer of his day, but perpetually insecure and ashamed of his "ungentlemanly" background; wealthy yet financially ever insecure and working feverishly for material advancement; outgoing and flamboyantly dramatic, yet profoundly interior and haunted by irrepressible demons; the great celebrator of hearth and home who sired 10 children but who abandoned his wife of 22 years for a curious relationship with an actress less than half his age; the man who toasted Shakespeare's birthday as the anniversary also of the Bard's gallery of immortal characters, who saw himself as a similar progenitor but who would "write" his friends, compulsively objectifying them, family, and acquaintances into manipulable, construed, understandable "characters" - indeed, the most capacious literary imagination since Shakespeare but a jittery control addict for whom everything, and everybody, had to be in its right place. Ackroyd has read every word Dickens wrote - the novels, stories, journalism, letters, inscriptions - and apparently, and more astonishingly, everything ever written ABOUT Dickens - by his circle of literary and professional friends, rivals, reviewers and critics, acquaintances, memoirists who encountered him but once, otherwise unknown British, Scottish, Continental, or American diarists who happened to note a Dickens "sighting" whether or not words were exchanged. All these gleanings Ackroyd shapes convincingly into cumulative aspects of character, incidents that inform Dickens's work, information about the author's public bearing, mannerisms, speech, likes, dislikes, behavior in almost every imaginable range of situations - "in short" - to call on Micawber - a full portrait. And with remarkable efficiency and literary felicity, Ackroyd situates Dickens within his rapidly changing era, as long-distance horse-drawn coaches give way to rail travel, as the stench and filth of pre-Reform London yields to reformist impulses of every stripe, as the Empire advances and London is transformed into a great capital of monuments and squares and Imperial architecture. (And, as with his engrossing biography of Thomas More, Ackroyd introduces London as a major character and influence on his subject, a conceit Ackroyd, himself the author of a knowing, loving "biography" of London, pulls off beautifully.) Most important for devotees of Charles Dickens - and if you're searching for a 1200 page (scandalously) out-of-print biography, you are surely that - Ackroyd demonstrates convincingly how the work reflects the life, the personality, the influences, the environment, and all the contradictions of Dickens the man. Ackroyd carefully walks the line between reading too much into the life from the work, but draws careful correspondences between the tensions of the life and their realizations in fiction. The chapters devoted to Dickens in the throes, or ecstasies, of creation - for so does his creative moods and energies vary - are among the book's most compelling passages. Scarcely ever has the sinews of literary creativity been laid so believably bare, by a biographer who is himself a prolific, and highly imaginative, writer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Children: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom Perrotta Page; Review: So sings the great contemporary troubadour, Richard Thompson, whose song title rings like a commentary on Tom Perrotta's wry, angular, strangely gripping Little Children, perhaps the most peculiar thriller this side of, oh, Ian McEwan. I say peculiar because Perrotta has assembled a compendium of male, mostly sexual, anxieties, given them names and histories, and melded them into four-fifths of a cracking good novel. And although the McEwan comparison is admittedly a stretch, long passages of Little Children induced physiological effects upon me, in my stomach, in particular, in much the same way McEwan does. But Perrotta's palette is considerably brighter, positively Turneresque: all sunlight, radiant colors and blinding whites. Perrotta is, moreover, a satirist of effortless comic abundance. When I wasn't all knotted up, and even when I was, I smiled . . . and laughed loudly, it seemed, every third or fourth page (at one point, I confess, startling a sleeping spouse). An unusual thriller indeed. Everyone in Perrotta's Boston suburb is afflicted with the American disease: the pursuit of happiness - an American birthright - unfulfilled. Even the toddlers are disgruntled and, as a result, disagreeably demanding. Like Mom and Dad. Because the kids aren't the novel's eponymous "little children." These, you had to have known, are the "adults"--the parents, neighbors, and even new neighbor Ronnie, a convicted and now released child molester, perhaps worse, who adds a jittery element to the local chemistry. No one here can really seem to get any satisfaction in or out of their connubial relations and would-be attachments. Out of this Perrotta devises several paths down which his couples seek to work out their own human salvations. Perrotta has, I'm afraid, got men, their motives, and particularly male narcissism fairly well figured out. And like Nick Hornby, to whom one reviewer has compared him, Perrotta writes women with an observant and sympathetic eye. When the not-so-pretty Sarah scrutinizes every inch of herself in a mirror, wondering if she can be a suitable lover for Todd-the-Sensitive-Prom-King-Blond-Jock-God, you ache for her - and perhaps for your own homely self - in the center of your chest. Little Children, like Perrota's other books, falls between genres. He's not literary but is unusually perceptive, and he gets respectful reviews and spots on the "notable books" lists, largely for his honest, effortlessly fluent writing, sharp dialogue, and plainly recorded insights into real men and women. He's genuinely funny and knows how to pace a tale. The uncommonly clever patter and elements of tension almost obscure the fact that Perrotta's cast is a tad too carefully assembled from what must be a very conventional set of "character notes" - or is simply dropped in from central casting: the bombshell, the loudmouth, the tightass, the artist wannabe, the Redford, the creep. (Okay - "the creep" is very, very good, almost Rothian, a real 21st century type, "the horny websurfer," who is the protagonist of one of the book's most hilarious moments.) To Perrotta's credit, there's some overlap, and the characters pick up a measure of complexity. But we remain on; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Othello: Complete & Unabridged; Author: Visit Amazon's William Shakespeare Page; Review: When Henry James sat down to write on his Venetian travels for what later became the Italian Hours, he began with a disclaimer: "It is a great pleasure to write the word; but I am not sure there is not a certain impudence in pretending to add anything to it." Turning to Shakespeare, we might amuse ourselves by writing on, say, Hamlet, but can anything be said that's not already been said, and better, a dozen times, by superior critics and closer readers? In the appropriate spirit of humility (and in utter submission to the Bard and his great gift to civilization), I offer a few thoughts on the Arden 2nd Edition of Hamlet, and not on "the greatest work in the history of literature." Hamlet is by far the longest of the Ardens at 574 pages. It breaks down thusly: the prefatory material of editor Harold Jenkins - one of the Arden Series general editors and a Hamlet authority of great renown - alone takes up 164 pages. Three-quarters of this is bibliographical and historical. In his 40-page critical introduction, Jenkins addresses many of the plays thorniest problems, with the Talmudic attentiveness of the closest reader. Then comes the play itself, spread over 264 pages (in terms of sheer length relative to the Bard's other plays, the text is a monster, coming in at more than 3800 lines). Each page of the Arden includes an average half-page of Jenkins' detailed, argumentative, authoritative, and uncommonly helpful footnotes. The final 146 pages consist of longer (end)notes that Jenkins simply could not physically fit onto the bottom of a page. Many of these are short essays (including an appendix that glosses an earlier discussion on the dating of the play). Each of the Arden Hamlet's three sections might merit separate publication (after a modest bit of repackaging), but as a totality, Jenkins' edition must be the greatest value on the Shakespeare market. Jenkins' ruminations on the provenance of the story and the many sources Shakespeare might have drawn on, the "Ur-Hamlet" that might have come from the quill of contemporary Thomas Kyd (The Spanish Tragedy), the complexities of determining an authoritative text, the drama's inconsistencies and unanswered questions, the import of the great soliloquy of III.i (which is emphatically NOT, insists Jenkins, a deliberation on whether to commit suicide), Elizabethan revenge dramas in general, and so much more make this a truly indispensable, illuminating, even breathtaking volume. We think we know this play well. We have read it, and seen performed on stage and in memorable or hideously forgettable films. Many of its greatest lines are embedded in our hearts. The beginning of true understanding, however, resides in a superbly annotated scholarly edition. The Arden is one of several choices you can make and is for me the one to own, equally suitable for students, scholars, actors, and mere Bardolators. It will - provided, of course, you are not already a scholarly specialist in Elizabethan drama - knock the scales from your eyes. And until the 3rd edition now in preparation under Ann Thompson; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tempest; Author: Visit Amazon's William Shakespeare Page; Review: When Henry James sat down to write on his Venetian travels for what later became the Italian Hours, he began with a disclaimer: "It is a great pleasure to write the word; but I am not sure there is not a certain impudence in pretending to add anything to it." Turning to Shakespeare, we might amuse ourselves by writing on, say, Hamlet, but can anything be said that's not already been said, and better, a dozen times, by superior critics and closer readers? In the appropriate spirit of humility (and in utter submission to the Bard and his great gift to civilization), I offer a few thoughts on the Arden 2nd Edition of Hamlet, and not on "the greatest work in the history of literature." Hamlet is by far the longest of the Ardens at 574 pages. It breaks down thusly: the prefatory material of editor Harold Jenkins - one of the Arden Series general editors and a Hamlet authority of great renown - alone takes up 164 pages. Three-quarters of this is bibliographical and historical. In his 40-page critical introduction, Jenkins addresses many of the plays thorniest problems, with the Talmudic attentiveness of the closest reader. Then comes the play itself, spread over 264 pages (in terms of sheer length relative to the Bard's other plays, the text is a monster, coming in at more than 3800 lines). Each page of the Arden includes an average half-page of Jenkins' detailed, argumentative, authoritative, and uncommonly helpful footnotes. The final 146 pages consist of longer (end)notes that Jenkins simply could not physically fit onto the bottom of a page. Many of these are short essays (including an appendix that glosses an earlier discussion on the dating of the play). Each of the Arden Hamlet's three sections might merit separate publication (after a modest bit of repackaging), but as a totality, Jenkins' edition must be the greatest value on the Shakespeare market. Jenkins' ruminations on the provenance of the story and the many sources Shakespeare might have drawn on, the "Ur-Hamlet" that might have come from the quill of contemporary Thomas Kyd (The Spanish Tragedy), the complexities of determining an authoritative text, the drama's inconsistencies and unanswered questions, the import of the great soliloquy of III.i (which is emphatically NOT, insists Jenkins, a deliberation on whether to commit suicide), Elizabethan revenge dramas in general, and so much more make this a truly indispensable, illuminating, even breathtaking volume. We think we know this play well. We have read it, and seen performed on stage and in memorable or hideously forgettable films. Many of its greatest lines are embedded in our hearts. The beginning of true understanding, however, resides in a superbly annotated scholarly edition. The Arden is one of several choices you can make and is for me the one to own, equally suitable for students, scholars, actors, and mere Bardolators. It will - provided, of course, you are not already a scholarly specialist in Elizabethan drama - knock the scales from your eyes. And until the 3rd edition now in preparation under Ann Thompson; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rise of Christianity: How the; Author: Visit Amazon's Rodney Stark Page; Review: This is the mystery of two millennia, right? How does an obscure sect led by an executed convict go from less than 100 adherents to an estimated 6 million on the eve on Constantine's "conversion" in the early fourth century? Social scientist Rodney Stark did more than puzzle: he created a set of testable hypotheses and tried, via secondary literature (he reads no ancient language and disclaims any expertise in the traditional scholarship of early church history), to probe the key issues. Along the way, he uses contemporary social science findings from demography, the sociology of small groups, the psychology of conversion, medical statistics, and every other conceptual lever he could divine to create a compelling mosaic of findings, arrayed in discrete topical chapters (each of which had a former life as a scholarly article). Others have pointed out, as does Stark himself, that his work is a strictly scientific enterprise: his own religious views are for himself. he is a sociologist of religion. He gives respectful attention to the historical record of the early church, which consists almost exclusively of the well-known testaments from the early church -New Testament accounts, non-canonic letters and gospels, and works by Eusebius, Tertullian, and their peers. But in the end, the "miracle" of the expansion of the early church seems explicable by a number of readily understandable facts and processes. For example, the forty percent growth rate per decade from 30 CE to 300 CE, which arithmetically gets one from 40 converts to 6 million, seems virtually miraculous - until Stark compares this rate to the growth achieved by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - the Mormons - which in the past century has averaged just over 40 percent per decade. In separate chapters, Stark also sheds fresh light on the geographic spread of Christianity, the success - rather than the long presumed failure - of "mission to the Hebrews," the role of plagues and natural disasters as facilitators of the Christian mission, Christian conversion as an urban phenomenon, the comparative socioeconomic advantages of Christianity versus "paganism" in the "religious marketplace" of antiquity, and the "rationality" of martyrdom, the last of which contains more than a few startlingly relevant observations in the current context of terrorist martyrdom. Throughout, the emphasis returns again and again to social networks - friends converting friends, wives converting husbands, former Jewish co-religionists converting other Jews as Christian churches establish themselves in the "Jewish Quarters" of Roman towns and cities, mercy-bound Christians staying to care for plague victims while pagans flee the pandemic. Some chapters, needless to say, are less compelling than others. Stark's fascinating discussion the allure of Christianity to the wholly disenfranchised women of the Roman empire, and of the advantages conferred to women in the early church, stands at odds with persuasive accounts - say, those of Elaine Pagels in The Gnostic Gospels or Bart Ehrman in Lost Christianities - of the steady hostility toward the role of women in the church and in the canonic New Testament accounts. This is a minor quibble. Stark; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cement Garden; Author: Visit Amazon's Ian McEwan Page; Review: Ian McEwan freezes our attention on the grotesque, then renders grotesquerie plausible, even "normal." Indeed, what is "natural" assumes an expanded range of possibility in McEwan's writing, adding fresh dimension to psychological horror. The Cement Garden, his first novel (and better described as a novella), brings these observations graphically to life, in precise, crystalline prose. The Cement Garden has been likened to Golding's Lord of the Flies for its careful evocation of a society of young people, suddenly relieved of adult oversight, that evolves rapidly, opportunistically, organically in response to specific challenges posed by an unusual environment. In McEwan's working of these materials, related in the flat, dispassionate voice of Jack, the 14-year-old narrator, the challenging environment is the solitary house in which Jack, his brother, and two sisters live, set in the midst of a desolate urban landscape cleared for a freeway that never gets built. The book takes its name from the paved-over garden Jack's fussy, acerbic father, a heart patient, envisions as tidier as easier to maintain. The exertions of the project kill the father, to no one's apparent regret, in the first chapter, leaving a sizable inventory of cement behind. With the demise of their long ailing mother shortly thereafter, the orphaned children are forced to recreate the family unit. Fearful of the split-up of the family, foster care for little Tom, and other worrisome ministrations of an impersonal state, the children decide to tell no one of their mother's death and to entomb her in concrete in the basement. Jack recounts these and other details, and the changes each child undergoes, in his matter-of-fact voice. McEwan charges his tale with an extraordinary measure of sexual tension, primarily between Jack - much more than the stereotypically acne-covered, pubescent, serially self-abusing "sullen teen" - and his beautiful, athletic older sister Julia, who assumes the maternal role of "Wendy" to the family's "lost children." The movement of the story is aided and abetted by Derek, Julia's "bloke," a professional snooker player, aking all the questions the nosey private eye in a Hitchcock picture usually asks. The dreaded resolution of the relentlessly rising tension, carefully withheld until the closing pages, relieves narrative pressure but raises disturbing perspectives on love, the family, the "ties that bind." The Cement Garden renews, at least in my mind, the great question of what it is that prompts a lavishly gifted writer to explore so sensitively the wholly bizarre. Great writing generally works simultaneously at several levels and admits layers of meaning. McEwan writes about familiar characters who before our eyes become something very, very different. He begs us to inquire beneath the surface familiarity into worlds unseen by, or denied to, passing spectators. He compels us to ask ourselves "what is `normal'?" "What is `natural'?" His answers may unsettle, but they are are the product of a novelistic logic that, in its internal workings, is eminently reasonable. The Cement Garden is assuredly not for every taste. More than once, I looked up from the page with an "ugh." McEwan's imagination teems with clambering spiders. But; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alexander Hamilton; Author: Visit Amazon's Ron Chernow Page; Review: As the 2004 Republican National Convention convenes in the Big Apple, this year has witnessed something of a Hamilton Revival, with a major exhibition by the New York Historical Society - "Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America" - and Ron Chernow's compelling biography, which justifies in brilliant strokes the NYHS claim. Let me say at the outset that Chernow writes with a novelist's flair for narrative and language - he aspired to fiction before becoming an honored biographer - and he is able to invest the most arid topics, such as the struggle over federal assumption of state-incurred Revolutionary War debt, with thrilling pace amid the detail necessary to keep the complicated story straight. Chernow's narrative structure is usefully abetted by a full contingent of familiar heroes and villains, with George Washington towering among the former and similarly marble-empillared figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison among the latter (in addition, of course, to Aaron Burr). (Indeed, if Chernow can be called out on any failing, it is that he so wholly assumes the Hamilitonian-Federalist point of view that he risks distorting the case for, and the behavior of, Hamilton's Republican foes, thereby reversing the tables on a generation of Jefferson idolaters.) What makes this biography so gripping is the impression Chernow creates, like so many contemporary historians of The Founding, of the essential fact that "it might have been otherwise." He gives us a particularly sharp sense of the contingency of political life and of the stakes for which the founders fought. Hamilton was present at many of the most significant junctures of our early history: in the Revolutionary War (as Washington's trusted aide and ghost-author), in the Constitutional Debate (as participant and author of two-thirds of the Federalist Papers), and in the founding of the Federal Government (as Washington's Secretary of Treasury). At each step, against significant resistance, Hamilton shapes precedent and then history. In many instances, he fired the first salvoes in a national debate that rages to this day - over urban versus rural economy, the size and servicing of the national debt, broad-based versus narrowly construed taxation schemes, national supremacy versus "states rights," and a strong standing army and activist foreign policy in advance of commercial inroads abroad versus a quiescent, isolationist policy. Hamilton was also an early abolitionist, which helped fix his quarrels with Virginians Jefferson and Madison. Many readers may not share my particular fondness for the ins and outs of Colonial and Federalist period intellectual history, but those who do will find Chernow scrimps on a necessary story: the British wellsprings of the era's politics. Britain appears throughout as either the most promising friend or the demonic monarchical foe of the new American republic, but seldom as the source of ideas that drove the "Whiggish" Jeffersonian opposition to Hamilton's Federalist designs. Apart from the case of Hamilton's ideas on the regulation of national debt, which Chernow is careful to source to British example, you will have to go to Bernard Bailyn, Gordon Wood, Joseph Ellis, and their followers for the origins of; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell; Author: ; Review: Embedded in the title is a delightful foreshadowing of what is to come in Ms. Clarke's extraordinary debut novel: we are in very strange territory indeed. But this strangeness is treated so matter-of-factly that any disorientation we might be experiencing, any intellectual vertigo, must be a result of our simply missing the author's wavelength. To get onto that wavelength, however, requires only that we persevere, keep reading, and that, with our progress deeper in, as the fat block of pages in our right hand diminishes and become a fact block of pages in the left, we inch into a strange-but-familiar world that recalls - it slowly dawned on me - the matter-of-fact strangeness of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Salman Rushdie, and other writers toiling in the domain of "magical realism." Ms. Clarke does not call attention to the effect she is working; she simply writes, on and on, in a style that alternates between a straightforward, almost reportorial, mid-19th century descriptive clarity reminiscent of Wilkie Collins and an inventive and lapidary beauty that is wholly unique in its power of "observation" - for it observes things that in our much less strange world cannot be - and strikingly curlicued descriptions of the marvelous. The great possess such powers as Ms. Clarke displays and, in fairness, we must admit that Ms. Clarke dons greatness here. One has to marvel at the patience Ms. Clarke exhibits. She will not be rushed into her story (and, as a result, many impatient readers and reviewers have flung the dictionary-sized tome across the room, never to be lifted again). It is a pity that our reading culture no longer supports the serialization of long, segmented novels - except for a rare Tom Wolfe-Rolling Stone collaboration - to be consumed in bite-sized pieces. I'm surmising that readers who couldn't get through the first 200 pages would tool along nicely at a 40-page-per-month clip. And what would such patience gain? Above all, Ms. Clarke's marvelous, richly drawn and detailed characters. And apart from those of the title, whom I found wholly convincing, she has created the formidable John Uskglass, the "Raven King" who ruled the north of England for 300 during the Middle Ages and who has, in Ms. Clarke's hands, the sheer physical quiddity of a historical personality, whose name sent me and countless others off on library and Google searches for the real Uskglass . . . only to come up empty. He is purely Ms. Clarke's invention, and one more reason to be in her debt. And she has invented so much more than she had space to use. Hence the footnotes, and more footnotes, and still more, which one can either love or hate but will skip at peril to their own pleasure. Because Ms. Clarke is a fabulously funny spinner of yarns, and many of her funniest stories are loaded into long footnotes that sometimes stretch across several pages. The hilarious "Story of the Master of Nottingham's Daughter," which begins on p. 240, could have been pulled directly out of Grimm, or an otherworldly Chaucer,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cast of Shadows; Author: Visit Amazon's Kevin Guilfoile Page; Review: I'm a sucker for certain types of commercial bait - a review that compares a pop record favorably to a transitional Beatles record like "Revolver" or "Sgt. Pepper's," or a jazz record to "Kind of Blue" or "Saxophone Colossus," or a novelist to "Faulkner" or "Roth." What got me on to Kevin Guilfoile's Cast of Shadows was a reviewer's approving nod to "this modern-day Frankenstein tale" - a line that summoned up Ur-resonances within me that have jangled through my neural system since first fired in a movie theater 50 years ago. (That comparison, it turns out, was apparently concocted by a Knopf publicist and eagerly grabbed up by several hook-hungry, imagination-deprived book "critics.") So that's how I have the book in my hands. For the first 100 pages or so, I found the story of fertility specialist Davis Moore, his murdered daughter, his slipping marriage and slow-fuse relationship with an attractive female colleague, and his hope-against-hope plan to clone his daughter's murderer slow going but plausible, with cloning, its politics, and its ethical and religious implications interestingly evoked and explored. Strangely, as the pace picked up and little Justin Finn's development is chronicled, the book began gliding into implausibility - in Guilfoile's near-future Chicago, pace and plausibility seem inversely related. There were more key coincidences than a Dickens novel, more than a fair share of character-motivation issues, and an epic 20-year time span that seems disproportionate to the book's preoccupations, which, although weighty, are distinctly less than epic. This is, at bottom, a futuristic murder mystery. By the time I was in the second hundred pages, however, I was not only invested in the story but hooked: I was rooting for Guilfoile, wanting the book to work for its daring to take up difficult ethical and philosophical themes - regardless of the hard time the author had in finding the literary voice for such exposition (sometimes a neat aside, other times a clunky lecture, but generally striking a good rhetorical balance). I thought Justin, the cloned boy, an absorbing, complex, believable character, and I liked the way Guilfoile used the "Shadow World" computer-game subtext that, with the exponential information-technology advances of the past decade, seemed the least contrived element of a storyline I suspect Guilfoile felt forced to "over-contrive." Knowing he had a nice idea, Guilfoile also knew he needed a lengthy fictional timespan to play it out - at least 300 pages for two decades and a fuller, more populated world. He thus invented a large cast of characters, some of whom do the heavy literary lifting across long spans of time (but who in that long stretch generally undergo little change). Many others comprise a long list of "fifth business" types who matter very little, and appear very briefly, but whom Guilfoile makes essential in one way or another to advancing his story. With all this, and despite its bursts of energy, Cast of Shadows struck me as a fairly long 320 page book that during my beach week had me flipping back and forth in keeping the Jackies; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: They Marched Into Sunlight: War and Peace Vietnam and America October 1967; Author: Visit Amazon's David Maraniss Page; Review: So begins Bruce Weigl's searing "Elegy," the poem from which David Maraniss took the title of this poignant, powerfully evocative, brutally honest, and scrupulously balanced telling of two days in October 1967 and how they figured in the larger social, economic, political, and military contexts of the Vietnam War, both on the home front and in the jungles and armed enclaves of Southeast Asia. This is history beautifully written and brilliantly conceived and executed, reconstructing pivotal events in lapidary detail, from many points of view, as they played out in four locales: Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam; Madison, Wisconsin; Washington, D.C.; and Midland, Michigan. Maraniss organizes his research around two incidents that transpired on the 17th and 18th of October 1967: an ambush in which a Viet Cong regiment mauled two companies of the U.S. First Infantry Division in a jungle battlefield some 40 miles north of Saigon, and a violent encounter between police and antiwar protestors, the culmination of a two-day protest at the University of Wisconsin-Madison against Dow Chemical, the controversial manufacturer of napalm and a regular on-campus recruiting presence. Maraniss, interviewing almost 200 participants and drilling down into archives, military records, press morgues, and unpublished letters, diaries, and scraps of memorabilia, vividly captures an epic cast of characters, including many of the heroic, ill-fated members of the 2/28 Infantry--the "Black Lions"--of the Big Red One, an all-American football player, a Viet Cong regimental commander, Dow executives and plant workers, the starched, conventional commander of U.S. forces, UW-M students who went on to become congressmen, a U.S. vice president (and his wife), a nationally known television reporter, a daughter of a Presidential candidate, a mayor of Madison, and many many others. As the Vietnam conflict retreats into the dim recesses of memory, it becomes more and more difficult to recall the passions or the vitriol that fueled the antiwar movement, even as the United States finds its young men and women once again deployed in large numbers to a hostile foreign environment. Today, when pundits cavalierly draw comparisons between Iraq and Vietnam, those who participated in, or simply lived through, the events of the 1960s and 1970s struggle, as I have, to recall their own views at the time, their "consciousness" of the earlier war and its effects on their families, towns, campuses, or workplaces. The miracle of Maraniss's strenuously objective account is that it provides a template for memory, evoking not only the events and the decisions and the place names, the views of the politicians and staffs and the campus administrators and the police, the perspectives of the corporation executives and their salaried foot soldiers, but also the language and the sensibilities of the time, the very faces of battle, and the names...oh, the names...and the stories, stories you'll recognize, American stories, perhaps your own or that of a friend or loved one, of those who fell and those who lived to tell the tale. This is another of those historical accounts, written by a master journalist, that reads like a well-plotted dynastic novel. It literally hurtles; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's Children; Author: Visit Amazon's Claire Messud Page; Review: What a smart book Claire Messud has written, capturing a variety of rare species from our contemporary metropolitan social aviary, vividly colored and in full flight, in memorable portraits. Having said as much, I'm not sure that The Emperor's Children (an eminently apt title) is as brilliant as its greatest admirers insist. I do know, however, that it's not as dismissibly inconsequential as its most ferocious detractors opine. I suspect people in the book trade - familiars of the Media-Corridor midtown-Manhattan world of The Emperor's Children - will recognize Messud's dramatis personae as recognizable "types," denizens of New York's (and L.A.'s, and London's) culture factories. Messud's principals are vain, compulsively introspective, self-referential, nit-picking, underachieving yet overambitious - indeed, the curse of this class is the extent to which its reach exceeds its grasp - and, yes, narcissistic. Here are our literary Gen Xers on the threshold of full adult plumage: Danielle, the bright bourgeois outsider, "inside" by virtue of an Ivy League education and its social advantages. Marina, exceptionally beautiful, conventionally bright, but intellectually unexceptional and, knowing it, insecure in the shadow of a celebrated father and the advantages that confers. Murray Thwaite, the celebrated father himself, who warbles counterpoint to the Gen Xers (in predictable "when-I-was-your-age" tones), representing all the self-congratulatory, dismissive Boomers. Bootie, Marina's dumpy cousin and Thwaite's nephew, an autodidact (or is it simply "avid reader" and "lazybones"?) attracted to New York City and the pure "life of the mind," driven to accomplish something "important " without being quite clear about what that might be. And Ludo, the Australian Tina-Brown manqu, bankrolled by a Rupert Murdoch simulacrum to found a literary journal, and apostle of a cultural "revolution" that may amount to little more than cheaply sensational polemics. The narcissism Messud captures is reflected primariliy in her characters' determination to propagate their own "ideas," even when they're not certain just what those ideas might be. And this is very much a novel of ideas - ideas Messud knows and understands much better than her superficial characters. Hence the the implicit question, "if you don't love your own ideas, who will?" Surely this lies at the core of Ludovic Seely's enterprise, which he generalizes to the many who dream of being intellectual conquerors, "little Napoleons," each of whom wants only "to get everyone to see another way, his way, and then to make that way the standard. Then to have them - all of society's little Napoleons, all of us - under his sway." There's a little Ludo in a lot of us. As much as I enjoyed The Emperor's Children, I have three sizable issues with it and thus dock it a star. Each of Messud's various characters share a gimlet eye: they are all similarly hyper-observant, and all describe - interiorly - their observations in similarly literary, metaphorical terms. This is Messud's own perceptiveness, bleeding across her cast of characters. And everyone obsesses over how they "seem" to others. Messud imparts to all her creatures the consciousness of one who has apparently worried - perhaps decades ago, perhaps; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Don Quixote; Author: Miguel de Cervantes; Review: Simply to echo the views of other reviewers: this is no dry academic translation of Cervantes' wildly comic Ur-novel. It is a priceless, peerless work of art in itself, and if it falls short in literalness, it brims with life, wisdom, genius...what can you say about a book that's lasted 400 years, in a translation that's 250 years old and still selling well, in new editions (even though it's on the Internet as a big fat freebie)? Why even review something so CERTIFIABLY GREAT? Only in the hope, I think, that you might nudge someone into reading something they might otherwise just set aside as one of those gray musty tomes everyone talks about but hardly anyone still reads. (And the Modern Library edition, by the bye, is very nicely mounted in mass market and (particularly handsome) trade editions, with an interesting introduction by Carlos Fuentes and a useful set of notes that explain Smollett's language when a word or phrase bounces off contemporary comprehension.) I'm 61 and finally got to this: you know, 100 books you didn't read in college or at any point afterward but had better read before you assume room temperature. Someone should have told me: Cervantes is BEACH READING. Or an AIRPLANE BOOK. Stow that John Grisham and read DON QUIXOTE!!! Gustav Mahler was fond of saying a symphony should embrace, or contain, or express, a universe. Don Quixote is often described as the first novel, and in this first time out Cervantes got pretty much all of his universe into the book. And then some. IN almost bite-sized chunks - a picaresque concatenation of tales that can be digested in those small bits or in much longer, multi-course meals. And Cervantes/Smollett renders this faraway world, culture, set of mores, a people and a time we can never experience directly (except in dreams)as freshly accessible, vital, vividly present, in page after sparkling page. And after 400 years, we're not all that changed, are we? As I commented to another reviewer, life is indeed short, and Don Quixote is l o n g , but the probability is you won't read this only once. Indeed, if you actually purchase the Smollett and lodge it in your library, I surmise you'll return to it (or passages of it) again. And again. And again. Especially if you happen to settle on Dickens, who so thoroughly absorbed Cervantes that he seems almost to have reproduced a work by him - not as in the Borges story of the scholar who reproduces, verbatim, Cervantes' novel - in capturing precisely the same dignified lunatic-serious sensibility in The Pickwick Papers. Or if you ever wonder whatever happened to the Shakespeare-Fletcher "Cardenio," you find him first, here in Cervantes. Tobias Smollett's bawdy, high-toned translation of Don Quixote - produced by a gifted writer steeped in an inherited Elizabethan fondness for brilliantly flowing rhetorical superabundance - is to my mind the absolutely PERFECT reading experience, one of those rare books you might wish you hadn't read, so intensely might you long to experience (again) the pleasure; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Descent into Chaos: The U.S. and the Disaster in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia; Author: Visit Amazon's Ahmed Rashid Page; Review: I'm torn - Rashid's book is at once a searing, distorted polemic and an indispensable guide to Afghanistan's and Pakistan's near-simultaneous "Descent into Chaos" - for once, a sensational-sounding title on which the following text actually delivers. The polemic force-fits everything that's happened in Central and South Asia over the last eight years into the view that this is all a direct result of monstrous wrongs committed by the United States and its Defense Department and intelligence community operators - e.g., without explicitly stating as much, Rashid characterizes CIA as a near perfect analogue of Pakistan's ISI in terms of dark, maliciously conceived, stupidly executed intent - a contention that will draw cries of agreement from many quarters but frequently relieves the locals of their portion of culpability. There's a curious, YES, Karzai failed to build parties, BUT the Americans didn't insist that he do so, and thus the blame falls properly on them. On the other hand, the post-9/11 descent of both Afghanistan and Pakistan, which is told in thematic chapters - e.g., drugs, warlords, security, nation-building, Musharraf's failures, Karzai's failures - is in effect a sequel to Steve Coll's masterful Ghost Wars and tells a tale of almost unremitting mistakes, perfidy, venality, stupidity, and ultimately woe to the people of the region - much of which Rashid reported on or experienced first hand. . But even as Rashid acknowledges periodically the difficulty of national building and its failures in places like East Timor, despite massive international intervention and funding, he believes that, "If only the United States had done what I in hindsight thought it should have, a miracle would have occurred in this rocky land where no seed but violence seems to find purchase." Rashid is particularly harsh on Pakistan, its military intelligence agency, ISI, and former President and Army Chief Pervez Musharraf for playing a double game (and, to read the headlines, the double game remains on) of agreeing with the United States that counterterrorism is the highest of priorities while continuing to funnel large amounts of aid and providing safe harbor to the Afghan Talibans, a "strategic asset" in the reportedly intercepted words of current Pakistani Army chief, the US-trained Ashraf Kiyani. By all means read this passionate book by a man who is among the bravest of all the world's heroically brave journalists), but DON'T suspend your judgment: keep those critical antennae up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Humbling (Vintage International); Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Roth Page; Review: Generally, second-rate Roth is preferable to first-rate many others. Let me be clear: I have long adored Philip Roth and, since The Counterlife, have considered him to be "our greatest living writer" (a title now so hackneyed it must be set in quotation marks). The Humbling, however, made me entertain uncharacteristically ugly thoughts about the author, for whom literary imagination and the setting down of words - the literal deed of writing - is now, on the evidence of this short piece, more than ever an auto-erotic exercise. (I say "more than ever" because I've often thought Roth must get off on his own writing, but in the pre-Viagra Portnoy era, we didn't have to draw hypotheses about his virility....) Here Roth goes full bore into one of the great cliches of rutting-hound manhood, an exploration that for the writer must, among other things, qualify as a bent form of wish fulfillment. I won't name the fantasy, a key plot detail the divulging of which constitutes a spoiler, but it's a quick read and readers can decide for themselves. Even a great writer needs sometimes to throttle back on his customary obsessions, or at least redirect them, as he did in The Plot Against America, and locate them inside new framing material. Had Roth produced The Humbling twenty years ago I might have called it a brave book for its baying forays into unusually perverse terrain. Written at this point in his life, however, and after such literary greatness, it strikes me as a tossed-off piece, something only a Philip Roth could get published, at times seeming stuffed with filler despite its modest 140 small (duodecimo) pages. And even so, Roth's matter of fact prose pulls me along like a tractor beam; this time, however, what it touched in me was a sense of grim fascination, all the way to an altogether predictable conclusion, reached in a single sitting. I finished thoroughly dispirited and worried that, after so strong a late-in-life run, Roth is a spent imagination and will now deal solely in scabrous sensationalism. Am I missing something? I don't rule that out. Perhaps before writing these comments I should have taken a week off, returned to the book, reread it. I might have a different reaction. But I don't think so. Instead, I'll look forward with some trepidation to his next - and I would hope, redemptive - effort. But The Humbling? As many an earlier Rothian character might have uncharitably observed: "feh."; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Far Bright Star; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Olmstead Page; Review: In a sense, it's unfair to an author as talented as Robert Olmstead to compare his writing to that of others; his voice is that distinctive. But in his brilliant, painterly eye, his love of words and of lost, staid rhetorical styles, the unblinking, unsentimentally graphic, cruelly beautiful depictions of war and atrocity, the deep attachment to all horse life, feral and domestic, with its distinctive trappings and vocabulary, and the sense of vastness he conjures, the immense vault of the firmament beneath which men work out their disparate histories and fates in an equally unsentimental and unforgiving universe - in all this Olmstead naturally calls to mind Cormac McCarthy, one of our greatest living American novelists, if not the greatest. That frequent comparison thus becomes for Olmstead a form of high compliment, putting him in an exalted league, and thus a tactic in encouraging others to read this author, a writer of superior skill and intelligence, of whom they've almost certainly never heard. Here Olmstead's canvas is Mexico, 1916. The US Cavalry is in hot pursuit of Pancho Villa. Within this manhunt, Olmstead unfolds the fate of an inconsequential cavalry detail, dispatched to hunt "wild beeves," led out by a seasoned warrior, Napoleon Childs (okay, okay: a name pregnant with metaphorical significance), and into Childs' story is woven the histories and the fates of the men assigned to that ultimately fateful detail, whose choices shape and propel the narrative and the aftermath. Olmstead spins these out with absolute control and economy of forces; Far Bright Star barely weighs in at 200 pages, but each page glisters like beaten gold, with great care invested in every phrase, every chosen word. Alternately exhilarating and harrowing, this is a novel of unusual power and poetry by a gifted writer, one who deserves much more attention than he seems to be receiving.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The City: A Global History (Modern Library Chronicles); Author: Visit Amazon's Joel Kotkin Page; Review: That's the long and the short of it. I found Kotkin's little essay on "suggested reading" useful - as were many of the sources he cited - but the text? Hardly at all. Full disclosure/truth in lending would have required Kotkin to entitle his book, "The City: A Thin Schematic Outline That Raises More Questions Than It Answers Before Ending Discussions Abruptly." For this is indeed simply an outline. Fine: it's a short book, a mere 160 pp of text, plus almost 40 pp of notes (a good thing), and the 7 pp of suggested readings. I suppose the Modern Library's "Chronicles" format - "featuring the world's great historians on the world's great subjects," all at less than 200 pp - should have tipped me off, but there was the offsetting kudos of Witold Rybczynski: "A compelling and original synthesis that belongs on the urbanist's bookshelf with Lewis Mumford, Peter Hall, and Fernand Braudel." Yes, Prof. Rybczynski, I suppose so, but perhaps only as the first book to pull off that shelf for kindling when the cabin grows cold. Kotkin really doesn't deserve this bonbon from Rybczynski; nor does he belong in this seminal company. His book doesn't seem to contain much that's original; it seems mostly derived from the insights of others. (I suppose that's why it's a "synthesis.") For the most part, much of it - and surely its central thesis that cities are built on sacred, security, or commercial foundations - is in Mumford and Hall, much else, particularly on the rise of commercial cities, may be found in Braudel, and in the later chapters more contemporary writers like Daniel Bell, Saskia Sassen, Manuel Castells, Kenneth Jackson, and Joel Garreau, are among the many authorities who show up. Throughout, the discussion is cursory and in places absolutely superficial, as though lists of observations and authorities had been cobbled together into paragraphs that often end with a clunk. On the Third World city Kotkin struck me as almost wholly without a clue, although I surmise that, had he written closer to the present time, he would have been able to cull a few interesting and relevant ideas from the World Bank's World Development Report 2009, in which the Bank turns a major corner on developing-economy cities, finally seeing them as potential developing-world engines of growth. Kotkin didn't himself divine any of this at the time of his writing, for the most part reheating accounts of the many pathologies of developing-world urbanization, misunderstanding, among other things, the pull of primate cities in an otherwise bleak,largely subsistence agrarian landscape - "cities = the promise of a better life for millions" - the structural role of informal economies in developing countries, and quite a bit more. But the little "suggested reading" essay is extremely worthwhile. For this, and for the Robert Ezra Parks quote on "the city as a state of mind," two stars.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Coal Black Horse; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Olmstead Page; Review: Coal Black Horse tells the story of Robey Childs, a 14-year-old Virginian in the year of 1863. Robey's mother, learning of the death of Thomas Jackson, has a presentiment about her husband, who is serving with Lee in the Confederate Army. She dispatches Robey to bring him home and insists, "You must find him before July." Olmstead's bildungsromoan is framed perfectly by Hettie Childs words of instruction to her departing son, which she pronounces in Biblical cadences: "She told him there is a terror that men bring to the earth, to its water and air and its soil, and that he would meet these men on his journey and that his father was was one of these men, and...then she told him, without judgment, that someday he too might become one of these men." "Danger passes by those who face up to it," she concludes. Robey's search for his father takes him across a blasted, danger-filled, terrain - war-scarred, brutal, lawless - and places him into contact with the men and women of his mother's prophesy, unhinged by violence and living outside the bubble of morality. His journey also brings him to the majestic black horse of the title, which, in Olmstead's surreal landscape, literally enchants men, filling them with the desire to possess, and is a potentially great prize for any desperado, deserter, or backshooter Robey might encounter. Olmstead's treatment of the evolving relationship between boy and horse - the black horse has a history we never learn and is naturally worldlier and more perceptive than the boy - is lovingly handled. With a painterly eye, Olmstead produces beautiful, lapidary prose, even for vivid, horrifying passages of war and atrocity. He makes palpable, again, as Remarque and Crane and so many others have, the ultimate senselessness of war, and also the unalterable reality that men will nonetheless continue to wage wars - and be changed by them. Here is another remarkable novel by a marvelously talented writer. Having now read his two most recent works, I look forward to the rest. Olmstead is near the top of my A-list, a writer who deserves to be known much better than he now is; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lords of Finance: 1929, The Great Depression, and the Bankers who Broke the World; Author: Visit Amazon's Liaquat Ahamed Page; Review: A simply marvelous, absolutely absorbing story - perfect grist for a PBS documentary - of the complex, overlapping, interlaced clusters of simultaneous (and preventable) blunders that produced the Great Depression and, consequently, the contemporary world. Author Ahamed knows the universe of international economics and finance intimately, but that's not altogether unusual (if still not a dime-a-dozen wisdom). What IS very special is Ahamed's superb command not only of his topic but of narrative: he is a stunning technical writer - lucid, expressive, easy with an apt quotation or characterization, with a canny observer's eye for the telling detail. Ahamed begins his story in 1914, at the close of the late-19th century-early 20th century wave of globalization, and intelligently weaves the tale around the lives and decisions of the four central bankers - "the world's most exclusive club" - of Great Britain, the United States, Germany, and France, their roles in the post-WW I reparations controversy, their rigid (and economically fatal) commitment to the gold standard, and the ways in which each disastrously played out his country's hand. To an extent, each man walks straight out of Central Casting: the operatic eccentric, the bluff capitalist, the brilliant opportunist, the xenophobic paranoiac. But all share a common fate and own a piece of the blame. And then there's Maynard Keynes, also a central character, singing his lonely Casandra-like obbligato over the dealings of the bankers...and has the last word. The book concludes with a brief but useful epilogue of parallels between the sequence of mistakes made in the two decades following the onset of WW I and recent international economic history, from the 1994 peso crisis to the present time. (In a variety of speeches and presentations Ahamed has given since his book's publication, many easily available on the Internet, he updates the story in closer to real time.) He notes that, although we've learned a great deal and have headed off collapses of Great Depression magnitude, we're still not fail-safe. As if you didn't know. This is an extremely lively and perceptive account of a seminal moment in the 20th century; I recommend it without qualification.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Let the Great World Spin: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Colum McCann Page; Review: This is a novel that takes in the whole world within the span of a single day in New York City that, like any day in any city, town, or hamlet, is filled with the ordinary and, sometimes, the extraordinary. McCann tells us the title of is book is lifted from Tennyson's "Locksley Hall" - "Not in vain the distance beacons. Forward, forward let us range,/Let the great world spin for ever down the ringing grooves of change" - in a couplet that points to the the novelist's universal ambitions. Leave it to an Irish storyteller to write so compelling an entry in the Great American Novel sweepstakes...it's pretty much here, and it's not - McCann's characters aren't straight out of central casting, the whores don't have hearts of gold, he seems uninterested in predatory oligarchs. But he is indeed very interested in human predation, in the manner of Lu Xun, for whom "people eat people," or "men eat men," is a distillation of human history. Despite this realization, the converse - redemption and "valuing people" - nevertheless happen. The novel as grand verismo concoction: diverse New Yorkers, living their lives on a sweltering day in August 1974, when an aptly named wire-walker ambles across a 200-pound cable stretched between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. McCann has sacramentalized these ordinary lives that, like most lives, are fraught with circumstance and drama and are thus anything but ordinary. He lifts these stories up in a very secular way, despite the centrality of an extraordinary Irishman - an against-type "whiskey priest" whose humanity nearly overwhelms the book - interweaving the "ordinary" with the day's extraordinary event, raising the mundane to the nearly magical, the routine to the unique, and all against the towering backdrop of New York City. The author does so in palpable recognition that our cities are our universal places, our repositories of culture, history, mythology, dreams...the places where our great narratives are redacted and woven into the national tapestry, the meaning of which we argue endlessly. The book continues to sink in, long after it's closed, working like a time-release capsule, and I've already returned to it to reread passages of particular power or insight. It will almost certainly strike some readers as a narrative mess; it's told mostly in first-person, from numerous points of view, and is very close to a novel in stories. In turns, it's magical, brutal, closely observant, coolly distant, tremendously funny, and to my eyes a startling piece of writing by a young master who slides in and out of diverse characters and dialects as though he's lived his entire life in the native habitats of each...a power British novelist David Mitchell and very few others possess. I'll conclude where McCann begins, with a quotation from Alexandar Hemon's wonderful The Lazarus Project, which McCann deploys as a promise to the reader: "All the lives we could live, all the people we will never know, never will be, they are everywhere. That is what the world is." It's a promise that, to me at; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tree of Smoke; Author: Visit Amazon's Denis Johnson Page; Review: The skinny: I loved Tree of Smoke, but I'm going to take some time this weekend to figure out more precisely why - this book fascinated and frustrated me. It's a very different type of Vietnam novel, focusing on the "secret war" instead of on the clash of arms, although there's that as well. But it's not verismo along the lines of The Things They Carried or psychedelic verismo a la Going After Cacciato - two great novels of Vietnam. Like ambitious Vietnam books, it speaks to broad topics on which it's hard to have an original thought. Yet Johnson succeeds and seems a wholly credible witness to the times and places he writes about so stylishly. For me, as good as his eye is and as intriguing as the Byzantine machinations of his characters, Johnson's brilliant dialogue carries the story - at at once tough, believable, and literary, and integral to the layering of Johnson's deep, organically wrought cast of Americans, Vietnamese, Brits, Germans, and others. (I frankly don't understand the fusillades he's drawn on both his dialogue and his characters.) Tree of Smoke struck me more than a few times as an odd Asian doppleganger-counterpart to Roth's American Pastoral - depicting "the War that Deranged the Americans," individually and in their clusters of society, both home and abroad, exposing all their tender nerves and mythologized beliefs. Johnson gives us more than a few Kurtz-like figures, and Conrad resonates throughout the descent of Skip Sands, "Johnny Storm," and others into various forms of call-it-what-you-will. Johnson's Houston brothers vault from SE Asia to invade/descend into Roth's American scene, although two-thirds a continent away from suburban New Jersey. I suppose this kind of thing - call it "madness as a metaphor" for short, but the book is so much more than that - are about as hackneyed in a Vietnam novel as anything else; after all, for many writers, soldiers, and civilians, Vietnam was the psychedelic war, and the psychotic war, and many other related things to many people. But in my reading, Johnson gives this new and plausible depth and dimensions. And he does so, I should add, with a ferocious sense of humor and with descriptive powers that are flat-out supernatural. On page 4, in which he spins out the fate of an unlucky higher jungle primate, we get an early display of Johnson's powers, a hint of his sensibility, and a sense of how this may all play out. I've docked the book a star for its threadbare "Ah....the nefarious CIA devours its own" theme that so many writers are drawn to. Democracies have a hard time with secret organizations, and democratic peoples spin yarns - delirious imaginings, conspiracies, short stories, novels, editorials, and such - about anything they can't peer into as deeply as they wish; I'm more than a little tired of this, and I apologize for a pet peeve. (If having said as much seems a spoiler, it will be one for only the most obtuse of readers, to include anyone who takes on the book without; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century; Author: Visit Amazon's Alex Ross Page; Review: If I could give this 10 stars and designate it for the desert, I would. I can. I do. I have a LOT of 20th century music, and have read my fair share about 20th century music and musicians, so the subject isn't wholly terra incognita. But Ross pulls together a host of interesting stories, weaves them into coherent chapters and plausible narratives, gives popular music - ragtime, jazz, rock 'n' roll, pop - a measure of credit (while refusing to discriminate between Ellington, than the (Mr. Jelly) Lord, and his "classical" contemporaries...although failing to give Ellington doppleganger Billy Strayhorn his own due), is careful to define influences, "advances," "retreats," and generally refrains from judging until the last chapter. Ross pulls much of eclectic listening over the past 50 years into sharper focus, telling, for example, the familiar stories of Mahler and Shostakovich movingly and of the appalling Richard Strauss fairly unsparingly, making the Velvet Underground pivotal in a few more dimensions than I had earlier understood, telling the sad story of the migrating movie composers of the 1930s and 1940swho changed the history of cinema, how Showboat and Gershwin and Oklahoma created the American Musical, relating tales of Reich, Glass and the other American minimalists in a compelling, coherent (probably TOO coherent) way, and on and on. And as one reviewer noted, he makes you want to hear every note he's discussed. I've already spent a small pile picking up a lot of music I was either insufficiently familiar with or wanted to hear in different performances than the ones I grew up with. The great unanswered question, however, is a rather philistine one, but I'll put it into Philip Glass's mouth, which uttered these words: the European avant-garde of the 1950s-1960s was "a wasteland, dominated by these maniacs, these creeps, who were trying to make everyone write this crazy creepy music." How so much "crazy creepy music" - which most listeners, not all, would simply call "noise" and what "sound scientists" would term "physiologically difficult to listen to" - got written, and how its composers dominated the "serious composition" narrative of the time, how strange conceptual American "scores" could be written - here's one from proto-minimalist La Monte Young, in its entirety: "Piano Piece for David Tudor # 3: Most of them were very old grasshoppers." (I know: this is deep, but too deep for an this review platform) - and commented on by serious, intelligent humans and not simply hooted off the stage (I dunno, maybe La Monte Young WAS hooted off the stage...but "conceptual composers" like John Cage weren't)...is a mystery beyond all ken. This is absolutely indispensable reading for anyone who cares about the past, present, and future of music. I overuse the word "magisterial" to describe things I really, really love, the meaty, beaty, big, and bouncy stuff that really gets me going, but if ever a book on my shelf deserved the term, it's The Rest is Noise. M A G I S T E R I A L . My God, what a pleasure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fool's Gold: How the Bold Dream of a Small Tribe at; Author: Visit Amazon's Gillian Tett Page; Review: Although this is too admiring an account of the JP Morgan creators of CDOs and what then became of their "innovation," it is, as others have pointed out, an excellent blow-by-blow chronology of how those particular instruments became weapons of mass financial destruction. Tett, with a Ph. D. in social anthropology from Cambridge, puts her training to good use as the FT's international finance columnist. Here, based mostly on her own reporting, she tells an important, thickly descriptive story that many others are now also taking a whack at, but perhaps not as felicitously as Tett. She's not a brilliant stylist but writes with an admirable, straightforward clarity characteristic of the best exemplars of the Journalism Tribe. Sometimes, however, I thought her somewhat lacking in expository patience; in one instance, in zipping through her story (and think of it: a lively book on derivatives!?), although it may be that she was simply striving for an effect, trying to build narrative tension by withholding a major point until that moment in the narrative that it began to become apparent, I was a bit annoyed. The text continually begged an important question and made me wait several chapters for the full implications of why the AAA-rated "super senior" debt was the ticking time bomb lurking within so many portfolios. (I presume true financial cognoscenti would have known all along, but that's certainly not me, nor was it most of her presumed readers.) But when Tett discloses it, I got it, clearly and well. Fool's Gold is good instructional material, brims with interesting characters, and opens a nice window on the arcane doings of a most peculiar tribe. If I have a genuine beef (as opposed to the above faux beef, more a frustration), it's probably over Tett's unfounded and redundant assertions that the JP Morgan founders of many species of derivative innovation were high minded visionaries who actually believed they were making the markets and thus the world a better place. (Bejesus, it's embedded in her subtitle.) She uses the term "ambitious" to describe many of her subjects. How does one construe the unembellished adjective "ambitious" in this particular setting? We have to figure it out ourselves. Ambitious to create social good? Ambitious for power and position? Ambitious for the Frank Sinatra objective of "having the most stuff" at one's end of days and thereby "winning"? None of these strike me as objectionable, but a hard-nosed journalist might be more compelling by not coming across as credulous in response to her subjects' high-minded self-description. It's not, after all, dishonorable to simply be piling up bonuses or augmenting the firm's asymmetric information advantage over potential investors, buyers who may not have fully understood the underpriced risk but did understand that "JP Morgan" plus "S&P AAA" were literally "money in the bank"--thereby allowing the innovators themselves to ride that advantage straight to considerable personal wealth. In the end, like Catherine the Great in reverse, they took, but they wept. And Ms. Tett seems to have swallowed their protestations like a rube swallows snake oil: bottle, label,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prisoner of the State: The Secret Journal of Premier Zhao Ziyang; Author: Zhao Ziyang; Review: With all the names, dates, places, meetings and detailed discussions of topics like the provenance of the tag-line phrases "initial stage of socialism" and "socialist spiritual civilization," Zhao Ziyang's posthumously published memoir - and it is surely Zhao who is speaking to us here - is indeed a true China wonk's book, filled with content that will be revelatory to anyone who knows the period and participants. It is above all the most important document by a senior leader operating in a closed political system since _Khrushchev Remembers_, primarily because, like the Tiananmen Papers, it lifts the veil on political life among the handful of decisionmakers in the People's Republic. And some of this - but not very much - is in the Tiananmen Papers. For the most part, however, Zhao is laying in his own record of events that he personally participated in, leading with the Tiananmen incident of June 1989, but going back to the beginnings of reform and opening, for which Zhao's leadership in Sichuan province (and Wan Li's in Anhui) were seminal in the testing of agricultural reforms that were the foundation of China's present relative prosperity, and forward to an evaluation of China after Zhao's political demise and Zhao's evaluation of the leaders he worked with during nearly a decade at the center of the storm in Beijing. Throughout, Zhao relies on what must have been a prodigious memory - assisted, almost certainly, by former assistant Bao Tong and other friends and colleagues. It's interesting, though, that Zhao gets some dates wrong (as pointed out by editorial notes by Bao Pu, son of Bao Tong), which suggests that, unlike most other memoirists, he had no documentation to work from and had to rely solely on his own notes and recall. From Zhao we get marvelous glimpses of how petty and preening life at the top was - and almost certainly remains, in a land where Politburo members are treated, except by themselves, as living gods. Moreover, following reports of a meeting between Deng and two other of the "Eight Immortal" senior party elders, Zhao gives a nod to their characterization of Deng's role as an authoritative "mother-in-law" to the Politburo Standing Committee, observing that this was an apt way of describing how the system worked. We also get detailed confirmation of how great a pack of old fools, opportunists, and ideologues were men like Li Xiannian, Bo Yibo, Li Peng, Yao Yilin, Hu Qiaomu, and Deng Liqun. Peng Zhen, the "grinning tiger," on the other hand, comes off rather well (as he does in the Tiananmen Papers, lobbying for the moderate reformer Wan Li to replace Zhao as party chief), as does Hu Qili, who was tossed overboard along with Zhao in May 1989. Readers will want to know what Zhao, reflecting in his long political exile, ultimately thought of Deng Xiaoping, father of China's modern economy. Zhao provides a balanced appraisal of Deng, filled with gratitude at the opportunities Deng extended to him and at the same time pointing out problems of Deng's making, underscoring the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction; Author: Rebecca Newberger Goldstein; Review: Rebecca Goldstein's book is smart, sassy (those two words go together too well), intellectually exhibitionistic, intriguing...simply page after page of nicely wrought, ideationally gymnastic fun. I liked the whole world she creates: there are the familiar Cambridge and Waltham academic and social haunts - the wryly confected habitat of "Frankfurter University" psychologist Cas Seltzer, both as an intense graduate student and, fast forward 20 years, a NY Times bestselling author of _Varieties of Religious Illusion_ and the so-called "atheist with a soul." The otherworldly counterpoint to wholly familiar Cambridge is the wholly alien world of the Valdener Hasidim, "New Walden," depicted in anthropologically thick description, partly through the eyes of superheroine anthropologist Ros Margolis, a stupefyingly manic, thrilling creation who in the same 20 years morphs from bare footed, dreadlocked, granny-dressed retro-hippydom and just back from the Amazon to coiffed, Guccied, fur-draped elegance and seeking the secret of immortality. We also see New Walden through Cas's eyes (because his mother was raised there) and through the imagination of its heartbreaking denizen, Azarya Sheiner, the intended future Valdener Rebbe, as both a 6 year old boy math prodigy and a 16 year old young man on the cusp of a great decision. In fact, I liked all the characters with whom Goldstein populates her world. She's been unjustly criticized, in my view, for their artificiality, but I see it as quite the opposite: to me these are believable people, if drawn with an often extremely broad brush, as is the histrionic (some say) genius, Jonas Elijah Klapper, a thinly veiled caricature of Harold Bloom, whose every scene I found curiously, pedantically gripping and vaguely hysterical - even though at more than one point he caused me to look up from the book and mutter, "what an ass..." There's also his graduate student and devoted adherent of 12 years, Gideon Raven, the high priest of, well, another type of religious illusion. And the Valdener Rebbe. And Cas's colleagues on the Frankfurter faculty. And the towering figure of Lucinda Mandelbaum, the "goddess of game theory" and of "Mandelbaum Equilibrium" fame, an almost other-worldly combination of beauty, brains, and ambition, who delights in administering the public "fanging" of intellectual rivals, And apart from being intellectually stimulating, there's magic here, as when Cas and his mentor Klapper attend a Valdeners-only feast at the Rebbe's table, which is meticulously and movingly rendered as the center of an ecstatic communal life, and after which a bedazzled Klapper is inspired to investigate - to the point of ordering his acolyte Cas to undertake as a dissertation - the connection between the "mystery of the kugel" and "God's indwelling immanence." And Azarya, the young heir to the Valdener Rebbe, is a "magical child" whose every moment on stage is filled with portent and enchantment, and plays an important role at the feast. Yes, there's not a lot of story: this is a time-leaping, back-and-forth coming of age tale, for Cas explicitly but also, less directly, for Azarya and others of the cast, told mostly as set pieces. But Goldstein is on; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: True Grit; Author: CHARLES PORTIS; Review: Well, I was in the Army when it was released in the late 1960s, so I suppose that's my excuse. But dear me, this is a marvelous novel - on the list of contenders for the "great American..." even though it's more than half whimsical parody, with the authorial tongue deeply in authorial cheek. That said, smarter people than most of the folks I know - critics and university professors, even! - have uttered "Charles Portis" and "Mark Twain" in the same approving sentence. And author Roy Blount, Jr., no mean hand, wrote that Portis "could be Cormac McCarthy if he wanted to, but he'd rather be funny." As I've read all of McCarthy and only this True Grit by Portis, I saw Blount's point crystal clearly. Even if Twain might be a stretch - if only based simply on body of work - Portis seems to me in a rarefied category: master humorist, master of regional dialect, master wordsmith, master storyteller - what's not to like? This is an absolutely ripping yarn. Many more people have seen the Henry Hathaway picture that got Duke Wayne his Oscar than have read this book; if you've seen the picture, you have an idea of the broad contours of the book, although it's not as Rooster-Cogburn dominated a tale as the film had movie-goers believe. Mattie Ross, the 14 year old heroine, is the narrator, and what we know of Rooster - and of all the rest - we see through her fundamentalist Calvinist-Presbyterian eyes. She's a beautifully realized character, deep in reflection, as the 1928 Presidential election approaches (Mattie's for Alf Landon, even though he's a Catholic), upon the epochal event of her life when she was but a girl seeking to avenge her slaughtered father - a bloody-minded child in a bloody-minded time, when death came swiftly and suddenly to people is all walks of life. But Portis is first and foremost a comic novelist, and I'd say there's about a chuckle a page, and quite a few genuine belly-shakers throught. In that, but also in his dead seriousness that humor is the royal road to the deepest levels of comprehension of a person, a people, a time, he is most like Samuel L. Clemens. We should grateful - I know I am - to Coen brother for wanting to make a literal film of the novel, replete with its darker moments. In so doing, they'll be responsible for a great good thing: introducing new generations to an absolutely wonderful book. If you're reading this - and I don't know that anyone will - and you're on the cusp, do it: it's short, exceptionally briskly paced, with crackling dialogue and vividly realized characters, down to every bit player who strolls onto the stage. Moreover, like Twain, it's pure and clear and ostensibly high-minded and can be appreciated at several levels. It's a great kids book: read it to your smart 8-year-old, or let HER read it. Listen to it on DVD, brilliantly read, it turns out, by Donna Tartt (yes, THAT Donna; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nemesis (A Harry Hole Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Jo Nesbo Page; Review: I wasn't particularly smitten by Roth's preceding effort, The Humbling, and I fought against the notion that Roth - the consensus "America's Greatest Living Novelist," a view I share - had exhausted his literary powers. The Humbling, in unscrolling its lurid, scarcely believable sexual fantasies into pages that only a Philip Roth could see into print, seemed to me evidence that for Roth, writing had become a medium through which he goaded virility into his own dead flesh. In Nemesis, a novel of a plague year, 1944, in which polio raged across the Newark, NJ, neighborhood of Weequahic, Roth has shed his sexual obsessions, most of his found humor, is as deadly serious as polio, and has knocked my earlier disquiet and concerns into a cocked hat. This is a lovely, moving, surprisingly conventional piece of writing. As others have pointed out, it is also a very different kind of story for Roth, although still populated by pet themes like path-dependence, moral choice and consequence, and - post 9/11 - fear in all its rational and irrational presentations. Nemesis is moving in ways that Roth has seldom sought to move his audience and features a species of protagonist/hero in PE teacher and fitness buff Bucky Cantor - an unvarnished, unabashedly good guy, likable, noble, a little thick, a small-time up-from-poverty American success story - who is entire continents away from Alexander Portnoy, Mickey Sabbath, and other denizens of the Rothian universe that many have found difficult to like and are at best extremely mixed personalities. Indeed, Bucky is the kind of guy Portnoy, Sabbath, and the rest would tear apart in the most mocking terms. Needless to say, good and true Bucky and his gentle courtship of Marcia, the doctor's fetching daughter, are the human story at the gravitational center of the plague infested Weequahic landscape and the instrument through which our heartstrings will be plucked. This would not be a Roth book without explicit and implicit questions that force readers to confront their own minds, their own morality and decision processes. Roth may strike some as too self-consciously didactic, but the strong moral dimension of his best writing - in fairly contrasting conventional morality to individual notions of ethical behavior, and often working through that in fairly fine detail - is one of his works' characteristic aspects that signal his greatness as a writer. This is so even though some of Nemesis's outcomes might seem predictable when we remind ourselves they flow from the pen of a master ironist. Here then is another of Roth's very brief novels, readable in a sitting, and, for me, a return to masterful form - albeit not quite the acerbic, prophetically judgmental form we've come to expect from Philip Roth.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wolf Hall (Thomas Cromwell); Author: Visit Amazon's Hilary Mantel Page; Review: ...rather like Mary Poppins, I'd say. Indeed, very little has been left unsaid on the topic of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. Many readers and critics found the book absolutely compelling, as I did, and for many of the same reasons. As a political novel of 16th century England, it rings cunningly plausible to a lifetime student of politics (which - forgive an autobiographical digression - is how I make my living). As a psychological portrait, it captures in detailed, brilliantly wrought vignettes the interactions of many minds and points of view during a turbulent time in world history, when the bastions of received faith were under assault, mobs were in the streets or, in Mnster, at the ramparts, and the world, it seemed, was turning upside down. As a picture of the Tudor world and worldview (about which we already know a great deal, from many sources, including Thomas More himself, as both historian and novelist, Shakespeare, Marlowe, contemporary histories, letters, and so on), it has a kind of lived-in, thought-through, tactile quiddity, a thing-ness throughout (have you ever really thought about what happens to a human being when it is burned at the stake?). It struck me as an imaginative and plausible account of a monarch's obsession with the durability of his line and of the personalities at the center of Henry's dispute with Rome and parts of his own Court. And it is, above all, a deeply penetrating portrait of the complex human being at the center of this vortex, Thomas Cromwell, the agent of King Henry's break with Rome and a lion of the English Reformation. And this may be the finest, most satisfying novel I've read since David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas, another Man Booker finalist. I read a lot of readers' reviews before writing this one, and I marked them all "helpful" - particularly the negative ones, because they helped me understand that, for many, so-called "literary fiction" is a term of opprobrium, so much stuff and nonsense, an acquired taste, like Islay single malts, which literally disgust some whiskey drinkers and for others are the peak whiskey experience. Unlike David Mitchell's books, Wolf Hall is a "historical novel" and rooted in a reality Mantel was meticulous to observe - its characters are based on actual personages and Mantel's realization of them struck me as within the bounds of interpretive license (even if Cromwell comes off much better, and Thomas More, for example, much worse than Robert Bolt's "A Man for All Seasons" would lead millions to expect). Mantel's narrative structure does require, however, that the reader have some degree of tolerance for ambiguity, abrupt transitions, irregular chronology, and a few other narrative or literary devices - like Mantel's 3rd odd but apt 3rd-person singular "he," used in a particular mood and style as her designated reference to Thomas Cromwell, which I thought brilliant in putting Cromwell at the center of the story without having to repeat his name or some other alternative over and over, many times on each page (moreover, a unusually large number of Mantel's; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bring Up the Bodies; Author: Hilary Mantell; Review: Hilary Mantel writes like a dream and invests in Tudor-court politics an essential believability that speaks brilliantly to her powers of imagination. She might have been a fly on the wall in actual conversations she has spun between Cromwell and Henry - exchanges that mix quotidian events of the pantry with events of great pitch and moment on the Continent - or, more magically, between Cromwell ("Cremuel") and Anne Boleyn, haughty, dismissive, conniving, and insecure for her inability to produce a male heir. This is more a political thriller than simply a historical novel that rehashes one of the most familiar episodes in English history. Yes, we know how this turns out, but we admire the way in which Mantel invests each participant with very specific stakes in particular outcomes and creates a narrative that simply hurtles forward. I miss, however, the dreamy narrative character of the first volume, Wolf Hall, which to my eyes was enhanced by Mantel's use of the third-person singular "he," unmodified, to refer to Cromwell - a trope that mystified many readers who failed to fall into Mantel's particular rhythm. Here, either in deference to readers or editors, she is perfectly clear, repeatedly referring to "he, Cromwell, ... " rather than simply to "he" or "Cromwell," either of which would do the work without the odd stylization. The first volume also covered nearly 50 years of Cromwell's life, was packed widely varied locales and events, sharp observation, a sense of the full panoply of English life in the Tudor, one that breathed naturally and spaciously. Bring Up the Bodies, on the other hand, unfolds in a compressed nine-month timeframe, in the suffocatingly claustrophobic atmosphere of Henry's royal court, thickly populated by credibly wrought historical personages - the only pure creation is Cromwell's entertaining French henchman, Christophe - and all fed by lies, rumor, innuendo, and stiletto dialogue. In this chapter of Mantel's Cromwelliad, Master Secretary comes off significantly less sympathetically - colder, more calculating (if that can even be imagined), and more self-interested (above all in staying afloat) - than in the first novel. His essential humanity, however, repeatedly surfaces, often in the form of an enduring loyalty to the dead Wolsey, Cromwell's beloved sponsor and mentor, and one of two largely absent figures who hovers over the proceedings. The other, Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester and Cromwell's most ardent foe, elicits a different side of Cromwell altogether. Gardiner spends most of this story in France in an ambassadorial capacity but is perfectly apprised of Cromwell's doings and from afar works continually to undermine his designs, just as Cromwell works to contain Gardiner's influence at court and among the friends of Catherine, the first of Henry's deposed queens, who have allied with Cromwell against the Boleyns. Yet for all the delights of Mantel's characterization and dialogue (and speculation about what actually happened, for we shall never know), the story seemed at times somewhat cluttered and discursive. I recognize this perception is almost certainly partly due to my American provincialism in failing to keep distinctions absolutely clear: every; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Juliet, Naked; Author: Visit Amazon's Nick Hornby Page; Review: Read this immediately following a fat, very literary, prize-winning "a universe between its covers" novel, after which Nick Hornby, a favorite writer, seemed pretty thin beer. But Nick cannot be other than entertaining and, in his own contemporary popular-cultural domain, knowledgeable and insightful. Anyone who's ever been or known an obsessive fan - and most particularly, a "completist," who MUST own, and thus gather, compulsively, every shred of information (or media - print, recorded music, film, videotape, etc.) on an artist - should find something to laugh at here. Hornby knows how the human heart operates as well, and makes good sense of the meandering and imprecise logic of infatuation and love. If not wholly implausible, JULIET, NAKED takes a lovely and believable premise and stretches it into a Dickensian pretzel to make all the ends meet in a not wholly convincing way. But it's a brisk and bracing ride, filled with quirkily entertaining English-art-house-movie (and why hasn't this immensely photogenic novel already been filmed?) characters. Moreover, as a near manic music lover and sometime music obsessive, I was happy I took this one out for a spin.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Keith Richards Page; Review: A genuine hoot. Keef is supposed to be long dead, a genuinely surprising survivor, the half of the Glimmer Twins for whom there seemed to be only music and a narrow path to self-destruction but who, like Ishmael, lived to tell the tale. And settle some scores. And to here, between the covers of the this very book, provide master classes on rock and blues guitar, tunings, being a Stone, traveling as a junkie (is there a book, "The Traveling Junkie"? Until there is, this is it), rock performance in venues of various sizes, and scores of observations on various personalities, famous and otherwise, members of the entourage, their girlfriends, musicians of every stripe, and, of course, Mick. And Mick. (And Mick.) And Life in general from a guy who's lived a few. It reads in Keef's voice, and you know from the lyrics and Rolling Stone, UK press, and other interviews that there's a reflective man inside that craggy, road-worn exterior, but you may still wonder, as did I, how much of the substantive and expressive load packed into these page is carried to the table by James Fox, who turned Richards' story into a book. No matter. A ripping yarn, an authentic voice, and a rock biography that smacks of brutally self-effacing candor, humor, insight, occasional sweetness (as in his charming account of his road romance with Ronnie Bennett, who most readers will know by the name she took a few years later: Ronnie Spector), and, of course, a stirring I-was-there account of how six (yes, six) London lads (okay: neither Brian Jones nor Ian Stewart were Londoners, the others were...but they were LIVING in London) became a legendary rock'n'roll band. Again: smashing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Merry Wives of Windsor (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series); Author: Visit Amazon's William Shakespeare Page; Review: Not top drawer Shakespeare, but an interesting curiosity nonetheless, albeit one that infuriates Falstaff cultists(read Harold Bloom and acolytes) won't to refer to the principal character as the "faux-Falstaff" and to snipe disparagingly at the fruit of Elizabeth's legendary commission of a play depicting "Falstaff in love." Merry Wives is more interesting as the Bard's lone contemporary English play, set in nearby Windsor among Englishmen of the Bard's own day (despite the play's few references to Prince Hal) and is thus Shakespeare's one take on the lives of his contemporaries as denizens of the public house, rising middle-class, and London ex-urbs. The Host of the Garter Inn and the Frenchman, Dr. Caius, hold our interest, on the page and on the stage, as legitimately interesting, entertaining, amusing characters. Falstaff exists, however, as Bloom observes, as the negation of the Falstaff of the Henriad and the butt of a skein of cheap jokes and snares. The play is popular in performance as the broadest of Shakespearian farces and admittedly comes off better on stage than merely on the page. Nevertheless a worthwhile read, particularly in the Arden 3rd edition, filled as it is with useful scholarly mining, background, performance practice, and interpretation, and free of the bizarre modernist maunderings that have marred a few of the new Ardens (I'm thinking particularly of an irksome Merchant of Venice, edited and annotated - with a particular eye to personalistic obscurantism - by a post-structural showoff, John Drakakis - my apologies for that shot, but I'm hoping it will ward one or two of you off that particular edition). But as for Merry Wives, today only "completists" are likely to get to it, right before they tackle "All is True" and "The Two Noble Kinsmen." Still worthy, in my view, but it's really not Falstaff, so don't come to the party expecting the Great Soul to drop by.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Gods; Author: Visit Amazon's Neil Gaiman Page; Review: Look at all that's been said about Neil Gaiman's American Gods! And look yet again! HBO and Tom Hanks are making it as a miniseries! WHO'S GOING TO PLAY MR. WEDNESDAY? SHADOW? LOW KEY? Listen: this is an absolutely splendid batch of angular ideas transposed into a ripping yarn. If you've already read the book, we're probably in agreement. If you haven't, it will be much more pleasurable for you to know - like me at the outset - absolutely nothing about the novel before embarking with Shadow and Mr. Wednesday on their picaresque adventures, replete (of course) with a wonderful menagerie of characters encountered along their way to...uh...well...Gtterdmmerung (maybe). (I don't think that constitutes a spoiler, doe it?) You'll make your own sense of it as you go along. I don't think you have to be a lover of any particular fantasy genre or literary genre to enjoy this one. For those who take special delight in surprise, in unusual but well wrought plot turns, in powerfully drawn characters, in the implausible made rather plausible, this will be quite the ticket. Just read it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael J. Sandel Page; Review: A book begun with low expectations but finished in the glow of considerable admiration. This might have been the result of timing: Sandel's book contains important discussions of religion in politics and the state's role in defining marriage, all of which were on the front page above the fold as I reached those chapters of the book. Sandel's Justice was, moreover, my first sustained, if not systematic, exposure to the so-called "communitarian" point of view, which I find rather compelling if nevertheless entirely rhetorical - that is, based on a juxtaposition of words and arguments and thus ultimately opinions rather than a set of base principles you and I and "n" others will uniformly agree are meet and right (although this is essentially the Communitarian position: that it rests strongly on a foundation of what we might call self-sufficient philosophic principles). But the arguments are sensible. And Sandel handles his major doctrinal adversaries--Bentham (but not Henry Sidgwick, a more formidable utilitarian foe?), Kant, and Rawls--deftly and with great economy. I should add that, in the process, he makes the earlier great writers seem Spockian - almost coldly inhuman. I have to confess my surprise - and, I suppose, delight - that Sandel and the communitarians are essentially Aristotelian in their approach to justice and to moral questions in general, in requiring hard reasoning on the particular *good* of the case before any particular notion of *right* - and thus the right thing to do - may be determined. For me, the particular joy of this book is in the colloquial exposition. Anyone who has ever slogged their way through Bentham, Sidgwick, Kant, or Rawls will - agree with Sandel or not - purr with delight at the felicitous writing and lucid explication. So Michael Sandel is a friendly Cicerone through the thickets of moral reasoning, which makes me look forward his newest effort, sitting just to my right on a cluttered desk, on the moral limits of markets, which I don't suppose he treats as an oxymoron.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Lewis Page; Review: Rereading and experiencing this as sheer, unadulterated pleasure: informative, gripping, howlingly funny. We have to wonder how closely Lewis's inspired construction of the phenomenon conventionally identified as "Billy Beane" conforms to the actual living, breathing article, but that's part and parcel of the genuine fiction that resides within every recorded biography: the biographer - for Lewis, in all his writing, is surely that - must assemble his observations, findings, shards, and tidbits into an identifiable "personality," which will inevitably include judgments, opinions, interpretations, and impressions that are his, the author's, own. Hence this particular, unforgettable Billy Beane. But: leaving such musings aside until it's time to think through our own personal postscripts: this is a perfectly ripping yarn that deconstructs the National Game, allows us, I think, to enter the mind of a true innovator - actually, many innovators, including all the pioneers of Sabermetrics - and perpetual entrepreneur, a creative destroyer of business models and conventions, and - even for those of us who bought Bill James' early publications - make sense in a new way of a game we love. Moreover, Lewis restores, or sustains, our confidence - born of books by Bouton, Brosnan, Stump, Angell, Boswell, Boyd & Harris, James, the Prospectus writers, and on and on - that baseball remains the greatest "talking sport," from players, coaches, writers, fans filling in the spaces between the action with endless streams of patter, much of it colorful, much of it obscene, with killer metaphors, sport neologisms - dinger, punchout, cheese, seed, "bat-hater," etc. etc. - that make baseball talk, especially in the hands of a good talker and superior writer, the most entertaining of all sports talk. I treasure this one and would welcome reading suggestions - and not necessarily of baseball, or even sports, books - that come close to Moneyball as a combination of informational insight and rousing literary entertainment.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bird on Fire: Lessons from the World's Least Sustainable City; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Ross Page; Review: Many of us read in the hope that, from time to time, we might come across a book that will change our lives; avid readers occasionally have this experience and are alert to its recurrence. Ross's Bird on Fire whacked me onto more or less a different path of reasoning, and in that sense, certainly opened up some possibilities. His topic is the City of Phoenix, AZ, and what I'd like to say is "sustainable growth" - in parched climes like that of Phoenix, perhaps a virtual oxymoron - but instead it's just "sustainability." Growth is somewhat problematic for what it's wrought. And Phoenicians must recognize that sustainability is well-nigh impossible given their unsustainable water picture. But to recognize the impossibility of their water situation amid a decade-long drought, with little prospect of surcease, Phoenicians would have to blast their real-estate driven model of growth to bits. And, barring a catastrophe, that seems unlikely to happen our lifetimes, as Ross tells the tale, after scores of interviews with Phoenicians of every walk of life. And it will surely not happen as long as Midwesterners continue to throng to Phoenix and the city remains able to tie up regional water resources - such as the relatively recent court-awarded bounty granted to the Gila River Indian Reservation - that might be bought or traded for to support additional building. And therein lies a complex story, as the interaction of economy and environment is invariably a complex phenomenon. Ross's sustainability has layer after worrisome layer but in the end comes down to the two Phoenixes (or, to generalize, even to god-help-us John Edwards' Two Americas), exemplified by the suburban sections north of town, where the affluent make pious choices to buy a Prius, eat organic, support endangered species, and the other, south side of town, where whole communities are treated as dumping grounds for waste disposal and hazardous industry, where NIMBY rules simply don't obtain. In the long run, Ross writes, "there is nothing sustainable...about one population living the green American dream while, across town, another is still trapped in poverty and pestilence." In our lush, leafy, tranquil suburbs, we seldom have much of an idea how that other half truly lives and what miserable circumstances it at times is forced to endure. Many, but surely not most, will know some of this in the abstract, or from the news, or from actual experience. Nor do we often take the time to focus on that. We read a book that bares such elemental truths, in a dispassionate, sympathetic voice, and a sense of guilt - "liberal guilt," a salutary emotion - may set in. The solution, apart from a mad rush out the door to do good works, seems a Quixotesque quest for ending eco-apartheid and achieving genuine justice, which would entail a kind of minimax conditionality for entire communities, all the way up to the national level: grow, yes, by all means, because without growth the wherewithal for solutions might not exist, making change at best difficult - but figure out how to do; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Great Inversion and the Future of the American City; Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Ehrenhalt Page; Review: Alan Ehrenhalt has written a fascinating account what he calls a recent "demographic inversion" - not, thank you, "gentrification" - in which immigrants now tend to enter American society via the suburbs rather than the core city, the poor abandon or are driven from the core city into the suburbs via loss of livelihood, taxes, and buyouts, and those who can afford it take up residence in the urban core for entertainment, social amenities, and quicker commutes. Ehrenhalt provides a variety of different takes on the ways in which this process is unfolding, to varying degrees of success, in exemplary urban neighborhoods - Chicago's Sheffield, Brooklyn's Bushwick, Cleveland Heights, Gwinnett County northeast of Atlanta, and many more, all related in clear, felicitous prose. Among my favorite chapters were those in which Ehrenhalt chronicled and assessed the fall and rise of the Clarendon section of Arlington, brought about by the by arrival of Vietnamese shop and restaurant owners to properties emptied out by the disorder and loss of business due to Metro construction, and the continuing death spiral of the urban shipwreck that is Philadelphia, or, as some locals call it, "Bostroit," for its unique 18th-century core in close proximity to areas of utter blight, drug dens, and boarded up row houses, all a result of the rapid post-industrial loss of manufacturing and port services. And yes, sports fans, Ehrenhalt lingers for a while on an aspect of Philly most of you will recognize, as "the only large American city in which no one is surprised when parade watchers boo Santa Claus, where fans boo their sports teams for failing to win a second consecutive championship, or where grandmothers at the stadium insult spectators who happen to be wearing the wrong jersey." In Ehrenhalt's account, the cities that are gaining ground in the postindustrial world are cosmopolitan and diverse, and for the most part tolerant; Philadelphia, on the other hand, strikes the author and his Philly sources as provincial, parochial, and hyperlocally intolerant - for good and explicable historical reasons. Although the numbers don't quite line up exactly as Ehrenhalt might wish - between the last two censuses, more people still migrated to the suburbs than to the cities, and in many urban areas that are repopulating, the downtown contingents are still relatively small - the trends he describes nevertheless seem well underway. And some of of what he discusses is wondrous strange and surprising, including the populating of the NY financial district, where, following 9/11 and then in the aftermath of the 2008 financial meltdown, developers repurposed as condos hundreds of office buildings, their occupants having fled to New Jersey and elsewhere in NY and Connecticut. Now, in the area south of Chambers Street, where the 1970 census recorded only 833 residents and which every NY urbanist viewed as the neighborhood least likely to EVER be viewed as residential - Jane Jacobs devoted several pages of "Death and Life" to mocking the very notion - more than 60,000 people, drawn in part by post-9/11 and post-meltdown incentives, are now living. And on; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Adam Johnson Page; Review: Adam Johnson's The Orphan Master's Son is so finely observed and carefully wrought a novel - "novel": this time, the word seems both perfect and perfectly inadequate - of North Korea today that it might have begun its life as history or journalism, except for the fact that it is wholly the work of the author's imagination. True, Johnson made a brief, carefully chaperoned trip to North Korea, and many of his facts and vignettes, such as the kidnappings from Japan or the detailed accounts of North Korean prison life, draw on written sources. But as is the case with North Korea and its Stalinist approach to "truth" in general, the line here between fact and fiction is imperceptible, and it's a credit to Johnson's art that he transforms the otherwise wholly unbelievable into something quite plausible, believable, even, we must wonder, perhaps authentic. And so it is that one prize-winning journalist/East Asianist who writes with special authority on North Korea, Barbara Demick - whose book "Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea" drew on nine trips to the North and seven years of discussions with North Koreans - says Johnson has "managed to capture the atmosphere of this hermit kingdom better than any writer I've read." Others have discussed the book's character, events, and particulars. I don't think I can comment on the book's contents or plot in any detail without spoiling it for others. I'll just note that Johnson creates mystery and certainly drew me in, gradually, to an unconventional, non-chronological journey of discovery, told in three voices - the eponymous tunnel rat, official kidnapper, and intelligence officer Park Jun Do (isn't his given name reminiscent of "John Doe"); the nameless interrogator and biographer who chronicles the second half of the book; and the blaring impersonal voice of The Regime, the official propaganda "chorus" that comments on the action out of the loudspeaker in every North Korean home, workplace, and public space. The result is a fiercely realized version of a world about which 99 percent of his readers will know nothing, or surely very little, and a complex web of interwoven lives lived in a world we can scarcely imagine. Isn't that the very thing many of us hope to find when we crack open a book? The range of Johnson's invention is near miraculous, down to the consistently strange expressiveness and turns of phrase of colloquial English as its sounds coming from North Korean sources (read the English-language version of Rodong Sinmun and you'll know what I mean) and a chilling portrait of the "Dear Leader" - yes, one of Johnson's central characters and reminiscent of Solzhenitsyn's Stalin in "The First Circle." But most marvelous of all are Johnson's convincing distillation of humanity amid what must strike the reader as madness and the many ways in which he explores, imagines, and depicts the minds of people struggling for survival in a world for which there is little or nothing to live. All that said, this book is not for all tastes. It's literary, even (horrors) META-literary. It; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln; Author: Visit Amazon's Doris Kearns Goodwin Page; Review: What can anyone say about this magisterial history and analysis that hasn't been said already, in quintuplicate? Only that it is seldom recognized that Doris Kearns Goodwin was first a trained political scientist and only later a historian by topical interest - biographies of the great and powerful, one Ozymandias after another (with time out for...baseball!...bless her). Consequently, the science of politics is the primary prism through which she peers in on the great men (and the occasional great woman) at the center of this narrative, a closely observed - or as closely as could be from solely the study of documentary records rather than, as was the case with LBJ, documents plus personal observation and interviews with "witnesses" - study of small group dynamics with the greatest of stakes in the offing. For me, two narrative threads will linger in mind long after most of the details have fallen away. Lincoln's profound and unswerving dedication to principle - and hence to his principled goals - led him to acts that made others profoundly question his judgment and political balance, beginning in the 1854 Illinois Senate election (by vote of the state legislature) with his instruction to backers to shift their preponderant numbers to Lyman Trumbull, an abolitionist Democrat who had only a fraction of the support Lincoln enjoyed but was able reach, as Lincoln could not, the necessary majority (Trumbull's own principle would not permit him, as a recently reelected Democrat, to consign his own 5 votes to the Whig Lincoln). Lincoln's principles led him to select the eponymous "team of rivals" as the strongest multi-partisan cabinet he could assemble, his choices immediately placing him under fire from both left and right flanks. He kept the politically delusional, boorishly ambitious Salmon Chase as Treasury secretary for Chase's many successes in managing wartime finances, even as Chase lay design after design against his Chief is a quest for the 1864 presidential nomination. Lincoln retained the insecure, insufficiently courageous McClellan as Commander of the Army of the Potomac despite the Young Napoleon's insults, condescension, operational sluggishness, delusional misappraisals of forces arrayed against him, and failures of nerve...until his indisposition to fight after Antietam forced Lincoln's hand. The list goes on and on, with Lincoln's boundless magnanimity overriding the foibles of men he believed he needed with him at the helm. The other point driven home repeatedly by Goodwin is Lincoln's canny feeling for the public mood, together with his sense of political timing and the need to "prepare public opinion" (the only other place I've seen that phrase used repeatedly is in Chinese propaganda of the 1970s and 1980s, although Lincoln may have learned from the phrase from the French revolutionaries of the 1790s) before making momentous decisions. "Public sentiment is everything," he said. In this telling, it comes up most importantly in the debate of the Emancipation Proclamation and, of course, the 13th Amendment that finally abolished slavery throughout the United States. Goodwin cites an essay by Lincoln contemporary James Russell Lowell, America's "foremost man of letters," which saw as the President's; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: If We Can Put a Man on the Moon: Getting Big Things Done in Government; Author: Visit Amazon's William D. Eggers Page; Review: One scholarly reviewer named Eggers and O'Leary's work "the most important book on government since James Q. Wilson's Bureaucracy," a view I'm close to seconding, but Wilson's project - to explain why government organizations behave the way they do - is not quite that of Eggers and O'Leary, who offer up a large measure of wise counsel to practitioners and interested citizens on why government mega-projects either float or sink. Having studied more than 80 such projects, they have winkled out seven species of traps public-policy practitioners - elected or appointed executives, legislators, and career bureaucrats - routinely fall prey to. Those who avoid these errors may go on to glorious policy success. Those who do not will in all likelihood conspicuously fail in a phosphorescent flash. Each species of Eggers and O'Leary's snares gets its own catchy name - the Tolstoy Trap, the Design-Free Design Trap, the Stargate Trap, etc. - and its own chapter, in which the authors, with economy and good humor, felicitously relate their tales of public-policy weal and woe. In the course, they introduce us to officials we may have known from the news, people like Pat Moynihan and Richard Riordan, and others we may have never heard of - but should have - like the remarkable Dwight Ink, career civil servant and organizational troubleshooter under seven presidents, who oversaw the Alaska recovery effort following the great earthquake of 1964 and gave us the Senior Executive Service. At the conclusion of each chapter, the authors recapitulate, identifying the main manifestations of the trap, best practices for avoiding its clutches, and tools one might deploy to move process execution along. And in the end, the Eggers and O'Leary's central message that big projects form a continuous, tightly coupled process that must be deliberately designed and staged for execution, tooth to tail, with all steps clearly envisioned and all manner of failure and traps anticipated. That they have been able to take such a deadly dry, but surpassingly important, topic and turn it into a wise, lively romp through the implementation minefield assures this book will live for decades in the public-policy schools, if not on home shelves.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Middlemarch (Penguin Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's George Eliot Page; Review: Trying to say something on the fly about a novel as great as Middlemarch is a futile exercise: so much has already been said by writers and critics whose views automatically have more credibility in a line than anyone writing on these pages might muster in 20,000 words. So I'm cutting-and-pasting AS Byatt's gimlet-eyed introduction to a 2007 Vintage edition, with its myriad sharp observations and mots that undergird Middlemarch's claim as perhaps the greatest English-language novel of the 19th century, reprinted in the a Guardian piece of that year, in the hope that other lovers of this book will find and read the Byatt essay as preliminary to, finally, reading this novel - and loving it as I do. And I very much do, for its anthropologically close observation and richly realized characters and brilliant working through of the "web" metaphor more than a hundred years before the coming of our own web, and George Eliot's laying bare the country English social networks she grew up amid, and their boundless backstreet chatter, irresponsible, cruelly interpretive, nudging and winking, blindly ignorant, metastasizing in horrific ways. The vast overall intelligence that informs George Eliot's writing must stagger the contemporary mind - the work of a genius polymath, who knew Dickens, Darwin, Thackeray, Collins, Mill, Emerson, Ruskin, Carlyle, James, et al., and whom the Victorian era simply could not suppress, (Middlemarch is autobiographical in laying out a catalog of slights and demeaning attitudes Victorian women were expected bear, in comments taken, literally, sitting down, with hands nicely folding in their laps.) George Eliot - or, you may read, Mary Anne Evans - admirers will know all this. Suffer, I beg you, the fresh enthusiasm of an older reader who more than 50 years ago was forced to read Silas Marner and had since never understood "why?" And now, after those 50 years, having reread Silas Marner, still cannot: what were those high-school English departments thinking in foisting this lovely little book on cohorts of squirming freshmen? An abysmally bad choice, but an understandable one any Miss-Grundy-type English teacher might make, desperately hoping, and failing miserably, to cultivate a refined, civilizing literary sensibility in a horde of brutish children.) So rather than bloviate a gale of epiphenomenal impressions about an immortal work of literary art, here's the perceptive Byatt, the link to which I hope amazon.com will permit me to reproduce: [...]. And if the link doesn't make it, search for "A.S. Byatt George Eliot 'Wit and Wisdom,' The Guardian" for the 3 August 2007 article I have to add that Rosemary Ashton's knowing and helpful introduction to the Penguin Classics edition made me pick up her George Eliot biography/critical appreciation, which I'm now going through and find thoroughly absorbing, not to say revelatory.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Middlemarch; Author: Visit Amazon's George Eliot Page; Review: Trying to say something on the fly about a novel as great as Middlemarch is a futile exercise: so much has already been said by writers and critics whose views automatically have more credibility in a line than anyone writing on these pages might muster in 20,000 words. So I'm cutting-and-pasting AS Byatt's gimlet-eyed introduction to a 2007 Vintage edition, with its myriad sharp observations and mots that undergird Middlemarch's claim as perhaps the greatest English-language novel of the 19th century, reprinted in the a Guardian piece of that year, in the hope that other lovers of this book will find and read the Byatt essay as preliminary to, finally, reading this novel - and loving it as I do. And I very much do, for its anthropologically close observation and richly realized characters and brilliant working through of the "web" metaphor more than a hundred years before the coming of our own web, and George Eliot's laying bare the country English social networks she grew up amid, and their boundless backstreet chatter, irresponsible, cruelly interpretive, nudging and winking, blindly ignorant, metastasizing in horrific ways. The vast overall intelligence that informs George Eliot's writing must stagger the contemporary mind - the work of a genius polymath, who knew Dickens, Darwin, Thackeray, Collins, Mill, Emerson, Ruskin, Carlyle, James, et al., and whom the Victorian era simply could not suppress, (Middlemarch is autobiographical in laying out a catalog of slights and demeaning attitudes Victorian women were expected bear, in comments taken, literally, sitting down, with hands nicely folding in their laps.) George Eliot - or, you may read, Mary Anne Evans - admirers will know all this. Suffer, I beg you, the fresh enthusiasm of an older reader who more than 50 years ago was forced to read Silas Marner and had since never understood "why?" And now, after those 50 years, having reread Silas Marner, still cannot: what were those high-school English departments thinking in foisting this lovely little book on cohorts of squirming freshmen? An abysmally bad choice, but an understandable one any Miss-Grundy-type English teacher might make, desperately hoping, and failing miserably, to cultivate a refined, civilizing literary sensibility in a horde of brutish children.) So rather than bloviate a gale of epiphenomenal impressions about an immortal work of literary art, here's the perceptive Byatt, the link to which I hope amazon.com will permit me to reproduce: [...]. And if the link doesn't make it, search for "A.S. Byatt George Eliot 'Wit and Wisdom,' The Guardian" for the 3 August 2007 article I have to add that Rosemary Ashton's knowing and helpful introduction to the Penguin Classics edition made me pick up her George Eliot biography/critical appreciation, which I'm now going through and find thoroughly absorbing, not to say revelatory.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Winter's Tale (The Pelican Shakespeare); Author: Visit Amazon's William Shakespeare Page; Review: I find myself writing "what's left to say about...?" a lot these days. This play is so certifiably great and has received so many penetrating readings and commentaries that scarcely a topical or textual issue has been left unaddressed. It may, however, be useful to point out the practical superiority of this Second Series Arden, or to remind Bardolatrous readers that the greatness of The Winter's Tale on the page pales in comparison to its greatness on the stage in a passable production. Much the same might be said of any of the plays: they are, after all, plays. But having now seen 30 of the 38 known texts staged at least once, in my view, the late quirky so-called romances in particular must be seen for their full emotional impact to be felt. And felt it is, deeply. The beauty of the poetry will always come through on the page, but on the stage, given an actor who knows how to read a line, the effect of Shakespeare's words and the power of even the most strangely concocted reunion scenes is often overwhelming. I was fortunate enough to see a revelatory production here in Washington DC. Rereading the play and the associated criticism beforehand was a pleasure, but seeing it staged, and brilliantly, was blissful. I have also to point out that this Winter's Tale, edited, annotated, and introduced by the librarian-soldier-polymath J. H. P. "Jack" Pafford, is part of that Second (and to be always remembered as "the greatest") Series of the Arden that was overseen by the inimitable Harold Jenkins and a formidable team of his contemporaries. In addition to an illuminating introduction and generous, lucid notes, Pafford's Arden contains the entire text of Robert Greene's Pandosto, from which Shakespeare liberally plundered both story and characters (nothing unusual here, as the Bard had primary sources for nearly all the plays save a few comedies and, perhaps, The Tempest). For me, the Ardens - and particularly the Second Series - have always been the Shakespeare-in-my-hand of choice. (The Third Series may put the reader more abreast of the very latest scholarship, but often at the cost of diving so deeply into arcane aspects of gender, ethnic, religious, or other contemporary academic obsessions - see, for example, John Drakakis's exasperating edition of The Merchant of Venice - that casual Shakespeare lovers might wonder where the play he or she knows resides in all the critical apparatus.) I do very much admire other editions/publishers and often go to the New Norton, based on the Oxford texts of the plays and edited by Stephen Greenblatt and friends, whose introductions and notes hit usefully provocative "new historicist" notes. The New Norton, however, is not Shakespeare-in-my-hand like the handy Ardens or my second choice, the Folgers, but Shakespeare-on-a-forklift, as the Riverside and all other single-volume "complete" works must be. Better, in my view, to have a portable edition for the comfy chair or park bench, and one packed with an extensive introduction, clarifying notes, topical essays, and other useful accouterments of a deeper dive.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Book of Illusions; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Auster Page; Review: Commentary on books is inevitably personal, inevitably an opinion, inevitably a matter of personal taste. Consequently, we must translate, with fixed conviction, commentary that includes phrases like "a must read" or "burn this book" to mean "if you're an absolute duplicate of me, you must read this book, because you will surely be mightily entertained." I say this because, when I love an individual novel (or movie or painting or poem or work of non-fiction, etc.), I'm generally curious about the views of those who are affected in precisely the opposite direction, who hate the work at hand. I don't want my comments here to fall into the "review of reviews" category, but I generally feel compelled to give an account of the kinds of things I generally like, or at least somehow convey a glimpse of my own personal tastes, simply for context. (This admittedly winds up expending too much effort to create an essentially mnemonic document: who really reads these things here on amazon.com? I like having some small record of what I read and how I felt about it at the time.) In any event, since first reading City of Glass in 1986 - I remember the precise moment at which a friend and colleague handed me the book, at work, around midnight, commenting "You'll like this" - I've been in the tank for Paul Auster. I lost continuity near the end of the millennium but I've read 11 of his 15 novels and am now in the process of reading the remainder. And what The Book of Illusions reminded me of was all the things I love about an Auster novel (and what, I'm surprised to learn, lapsed Auster devotees seem to detest as his deadening "sameness"): above all, the steady focus on chance and coincidence - which, far more than merely favored literary device, seems (in reality, not just fiction) to rule all human life (call it "path dependence" filtered through "risk assessment" or "randomness" or "complexity") - but also the embedded wisps of philosophic systems, the Rashomon-like unreliability of sense impressions and memory, the management of disappointment, the nesting of stories within stories in a variety of narrative schemes that quietly point, despite chance and coincidence, to "everything is connected" without making that fact an occasion for robust bellowings of "Kumbaya," central characters who seem very like the author (perhaps a disorder of Newark novelists) and whose very (fictional) existence panders to the hyperliterate. And so much more. For me, this is simply writing for grownups who have read other grownup books and who won't be very much troubled by literary affectation, particularly of the unostentatious variety. Above all, however, Paul Auster writes beautifully, with a command of his native language but with resonances of Romance languages that you'd expect from a master translator. The Auster voice is absolutely unique. I remember thinking as I read City of Glass that "even the prose is crystalline." Precisely wrought, beautifully shaped sentences that bear down on the whole. A painterly eye and brush-stroke by brush-stroke descriptions, sometimes down; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Freedom; Author: Visit Amazon's Jonathan Franzen Page; Review: Stunning. Superb. Keenly observational. Brilliantly drawn characters of great depth, who speak like human beings, who change, experience change, reflect on change as in lives actually lived. Very pinned to its times without egregiously taking sides. Filled with movies and books and music and politics and clever cultural references that include a Bright Eyes show at 9:30 Club that I think two of my boys went to. I recognize Franzen is not a writer for every taste. Who is? And besides, there's no accounting for taste. (Like the Duke said, "There's good music, and there's not-good music." "Ah, but we disagree on the criteria of the good." Thanks, Duke.) For me, this Franzen, unlike The Corrections, was simply exhilarating. A book I wanted never to end until...well, no, I won't go there. But if you like fat, intricate, complicated contemporary novels, filled with your neighbors whose back-stories you don't know, you should.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Await Your Reply: A Novel (Random House Reader's Circle); Author: Visit Amazon's Dan Chaon Page; Review: This is my first Dan Chaon, and it gripped me, hard, even after I thought I had a clear line on the three strands of narrative Chaon juggles without ever fully allowing them to entwine in the manner of conventional novels. (I will confess, however, that a trip to the the book's amazon.com page almost wrecked it for me, not because of any spoiler a reader mentioned, but because of OTHER BOOKS THAT CAME UP IN THE SEARCH for copy of Await Your Reply! [I was reading a library book.] I'll say no more.) Await Your Reply is is a curious kind of noir lost-and-found road novel, with characters that seem animated versions of Edward Hopper's lonely down-and-outs, running to and fro on meager budgets, across the United States and off, at one point, to Abidjan, capital of the beautifully named Cote d'Ivoire. The book concerns itself, as the jacket tells you, with identity theft, almost, at points, meditatively, but also with searching, a lot of searching - for the American dream, for lost friends and relatives, for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - and ultimately finding...but finding just what, I won't say: you have to read the book. And you should. Chaon is a talented writer who sets a scene well, has a keen eye, and possesses the rhetorical powers to impart to the reader, through sparing but deft use of metaphor and the ability to compose a terse, attractive line, a shared sense of what he envisions. He's a bit of a philosopher as well, but one that writes with a particular gift for setting a scene a-tingle with an implicit sense of menace. And then... Well, you do have to read the book. I was somewhat let down in the end, and it would be a clear spoiler to say why. (That so short a novel presents so many spoiler opportunities is a credit to the ingenuity of the author!) But to that very end, I was delighted to be on the road with Dan Chaon and his curious cast.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Tooth: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Ian McEwan Page; Review: Reading along, reading along, reading...I'm thinking, "I love Ian McEwan, love the way he bends my sense of 'normal,' love the quiddity, the it-ness, of the worlds he discovers and fills in. I believe his characters...I know a few of them (but not the seriously sick ones...)..." and so on. Here, as I knew a few things about Serena's clandestine world, the cultural Cold War backstory, and the factual basis behind Sweet Tooth, this novel hummed along toward a 4-star review, with the intelligency parts credible and surprisingly well done (hats off here to McEwan: authorial interlopers aren't often able to line things up as well he succeeds in doing - his sources are all sensible, the human beings who were part of his research gave him good answers to the right questions, and all that material has been processed through a first-rate story-teller's quirky mind) and the other bits pleasingly, quietly, humanly compelling. So in this setting, I liked Serena and all her insecurities (as I generally marvel at a male author who can write convincing women: our greatest American contemporary, Philip Roth, was tested by just this, and generally failed, to his last published page), and I thought Tom an interestingly drawn "angry young man" of the post-Kingsley Amis school, with his own plausible peculiarities - loved the Martin Amis walk-on (with a little kicker - and NO, that's not a spoiler: there are spoilers aplenty in this commentary thread) - love the early McEwan-esque characters (Jeremy, with his comical bone deformity - if you can imagine such a thing - and Tony, the Cambridge don with his own unusual history - but Cambridge being THAT Cambridge, and this being THIS type of novel...), and although I thought the Security Service authority figures straight out of central casting and fairly cardboard, well, that's pretty much how they'd be if you didn't know their fascinating histories (and "fascinating" they invariably would be, to include hair-raising stories like the one related near the end of the novel, about the dead officer who washes up in 1943 with a briefcase...). So reading reading reading humming humming humming along...to the last twenty or pages that, in my view, bumped this entirely enjoyable novel of (minor) intelligence and literary intrigue (a combination, by the way, in which I thoroughly delight) up another entire star. Damn! Needless to say, I can relate none of content of this, not even a hint, not a single adjective - although I'd love to write, indeed, did write, two adjectives, that, on reflection, I feared might tip a reader's anticipation in one direction or another...so I deleted. To know that something is bound to happen, that a McEwan novel is a ticking time bomb, BOOM!, is something every one of his readers already know and every one of his prospective readers should learn before they enter his world. Yes, I do have a gripe about the way he treats news-media reportorial standards that is central to the way the narrative unfolds and is, to me, the only truly misleadingly manipulative; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Measure for Measure (The Pelican Shakespeare); Author: Visit Amazon's William Shakespeare Page; Review: I can scarcely find fault with the 2nd series of the Arden Shakespeare, and Prof. Lever's Measure for Measure is no exception. Lever may spend a bit to much time assessing the tattered First Folio text, the play's first known appearance in print, which is a bit of a jumble - whole passages apparently gone missing, continuity errors abounding, and other proofs either of hasty typesetting or poor transcription - we know that Ralph Crane, "Scrivener to the King's Players," is very likely the hand that copied the manuscript the typesetters worked from, with many of Crane's idiosyncratic usages, and that the type compositors were no less than four - A, B, C, and D - in Hinman's authoritative assessment. And so on. But these are precisely the kinds of considerations the Ardens take account of, for that set of readers who need to compare copyists and compositors. For other sets of readers, who will perform rather than study, the Ardens provide performance histories and interpretive benchmarks. They also provide generous excerpts, and sometimes complete texts, of source documents, as is the case for here for the several sources of Measure for Measure, some authors of which, as Lever points out, who might legitimately claim (were they not dead four centuries) to be victims of plagiarism, so ostensible are the lifted passages. (One, the Italian novelist and poet, Giovanni Battista Giraldi - who adopted the nom de plume "Cinthio" - provided source material for both Measure for Measure and Othello in his Gli Hecatommithi (1565), a collection of tales along the lines of Boccaccio's Decameron. Lever's Arden edition provides an extract from Cinthio, as well as from George Whetstone's The Historie of Promos and Cassandra, Shakespeare's principal source.) Lever's text is lavishly annotated, as is the case with all Ardens, and in his notes, the editor addresses interpretive controversies, takes into account possible variations of voice inflection for actors, and generally crams into the volume something for every level of Bardolator. I've said nothing about the play itself - it always seems a ludicrous exercise, to presume to add a worthy comment to the massive accumulation of what's been said by the great critics, so I don't presume: I summarize, and personalize - which is loved, hated (Johnson thought it particularly insipid), and puzzled over. Measure for Measure is one of the three so-called "problem plays" - so termed because each (the others are All's Well That Ends Well and Troilus and Cressida) resists easy classification as "comedy" or "tragedy" (and certainty not "history") in the classic Shakespearean taxonomy. This is probably an unfairly misleading label, certainly for this play: I've seen two very fine productions in the past seven years, which underscore, emphatically, Measure for Measure's standing, as Lever maintains, as a play of (contrasting) ideas - justice and mercy, grace and nature, creation and death - seriously considered. And it's funny. For all the disagreeableness of each of its major characters, its inconsistencies and motivational puzzles, Measure for Measure makes for a brisk evening of theater (even when it clocks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Baseball: A History of America's Favorite Game (Modern Library Chronicles); Author: Visit Amazon's George Vecsey Page; Review: Frankly, I don't understand how anyone who professes to love baseball and love good writing can give George Vecsey's little gem of a book less than five stars. I know: taste is taste, etc., but yeah, I've been reading baseball books for 60 years too, and Vecsey didn't mention a name I didn't know, but he picks his spots - in effect, topics for short essays - with such wisdom, and writes these essential junctures of the game up so colorfully and so concisely that, I'd have to say, this book packs more pleasure per page than any sports book on my shelf, with the possible exception of The Great American Baseball Card Flipping, Trading and Bubble Gum Book (Little Brown, 1973) by Brendan C. Boyd and Fred C. Harris, which pleases in a somewhat different, slightly ludicrous way. Listen, you pick up something from the Modern Library Chronicles series (no, not their affordable editions of classic texts, but those brief, directly commissioned original-content bios and histories, etc.), you know it's going to be concise and its coverage idiosyncratic. Try packing "The History of..." anything into 250 pp and you're going to have to clip corners. Vecsey's book has about as many words as most standard "illustrated history" tabletoppers, and, frankly, he gives us so much more than a bare introduction, yet less than a textbook, and for those who miss a more comprehensive "milestones of the game" (and actually thought they were going to get it from Modern Library), Vecsey provides a quirky chronology of just those developments - the quickest tour through the advancing technology of the game you're ever likely to get. The game has ever been built around personalities and its own distinct sense of time - as myriad commentators never cease to point out, you can't run out the clock in baseball: you keep on pitching until the last out. Vecsey lovingly focuses on the great ballplayers of yore (and their teams), mostly in thumbnails but sometimes in whole chapters - the obvious Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson - and on moments in the game's long continuum, great (e.g., Carlton Fisk) and not so great (e.g., Bill Buckner...okay, I'm a Sawx fan: so?). And because Vecsey started attending games not all that long before I did, and in the same stadiums, I pay particular attention whenever he personalizes his love the the National Pastime with a story from a game he went to with his father, or listened to on the radio, or covered as a cub reporter. I loved this book. That's plain. And I cannot understand how Vecsey's Stan Musial book slipped under my radar...and can't wait to have it in my hands, and then to stand before a mirror, and curl myself into Stan the Man's mystical left-handed stance...and then, why not?, once again enter the ballpark of the mind, walking up the dark ramp that leads to field-level seats, into the exploding sunlight and the greenest green imaginable, and the whitest whites, looking up at the patina of the dignified frieze, lingering at; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stan Musial - An American Life (Unabridged Audio CDs); Author: George Vescey; Review: This is first and foremost a baseball book, but also a baseball memoir, along the lines of Roger Kahn's The Boys of Summer, by a great sportswriter who's been on and off the baseball beat for half a century. When we read a book like this, with its thumbnail sketches of the times in which Stan Musial played, replete with period details and personal anecdotes that insert Vecsey into the picture, we're tempted to reach for big conclusions about "sport reflecting its times" and the "sociology of baseball in a period of transition" and one and on. Skip that. Read Vecsey's lively, loving, even-handed account for the sheer joy of getting to know "Stan the Man," from the Mon Valley coal, steel, and wire town of Donora, PA and who, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1941 to 1963, became arguably the greatest player in baseball, and this at a time when the pantheon of "great" meant Williams, DiMaggio, and Musial. (In 1956, the Sporting News - the self-proclaimed "Bible of Baseball" - named Musial "player of the decade" from 1946-1956.) Vescey's sources seem to have lined up to give almost perfectly consistent accounts of Musial's overall decency, humility, and humanity, his up-from-poverty middle-class regularity, and general kindness. The only instance in which, most witnesses agree, Musial held a grudge was after a business falling-out with partner Joe Garagiola, the story of which Vecsey tells concisely: filed legal documents tell most of the basic story, and neither man spoke about it after the out-of-court settlement. (The account nevertheless adds dimension to our impressions of both men.) What struck me most forcefully in Vecsey's account, as it must strike most readers, is how unlike Musial was to most MLB players now on the scene, how humble and unassuming and...well, regular. Hipsters would probably call him "lame" except for his supernatural ability to hit baseball, which made him cool in any era. Vecsey tells the story in discursive, barely chronological, order, in nearly three-score brief chapters that digress from the year-by-year narrative of achievements into aspects of the Man's character, circle, background, Polishness, and remarkable luck, from ball to poker to business and friendships. I was delighted to finally meet the Man, if only in print, whose batting stance I and all my friends imitated, even though he regularly came to Brooklyn to larrup our Bums. This is a wonderful sports biography of a wholly admirable guy (the likes of which today only hockey, in my opinion, seems to produce: the lunch-pail heroes of the sport), who lived an on- and off-the-field life without much sound and fury but one that, to those who loved the game played right, signified a great deal.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Boys of Summer; Author: Visit Amazon's Roger Kahn Page; Review: I read this book not long after its release, more than 40 years ago, and recently revisited it in its latest edition,with Kahn's most recent addenda, bringing the story up to around 1999 and "A Farewell to the Captain," Harold Peter Henry Reese, which, as a stand-alone chapter, is an intensely moving narrative, especially for anyone who actually remembers having seen and, with a little boy's devotion, rooted for these particular Boys of Summer. In my first encounter, I suppose I read The Boys of Summer mostly for its baseball content, the story of those Jackie Robinson teams of the early 1950s, when I first arrived at baseball consciousness. What captured me now, much more than I could recall, was Kahn's marvelous tales of the old Herald Tribune, to which I had subscribed as a fifth grader for three cents a day, 15 cents a week, just to read the sports pages. Kahn gives us, in between the lines, a thumbnail guide to newspaper writing, and much of the color of the book's first half is provided by the journalists, their stories (personal and the ones they called in), and their papers. The book's second half is Kahn's moving, often saddening, accounts of his visits, at their homes or workplaces, to "the boys of summer in their ruin," after the games had been played and these titans of the diamond had made their passages to a next stage. The 1950s Dodgers didn't earn the equivalent of today's MLB average $3.4 million salaries: they uniformly had to work off-season jobs, often menial ones, and had slender retirement packages, if any. Some were consequently scraping by as bartenders (Billy Cox), construction workers (Carl Furillo), or country grocers (Preacher Roe); others like Carl Erskine and Jackie Robinson were business executives and ostensibly doing just fine. All, however, lived out the dramas and tragedies of everyday lives, albeit generally out of public view until Kahn published his book. I'm happy to report Kahn's beautifully written work remains at the top of my very short list of timelessly great (and eloquent) sports books. To date, it has sold some 3 million copies, and it sets a lofty literary standard for Kahn's other baseball books, and particularly The Era, 1947-1957: When the Yankees, the Giants, and the Dodgers Ruled the World, to which I'll turn. This summer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ted Williams: The Biography of an American Hero; Author: Visit Amazon's Leigh Montville Page; Review: The Kid. The Splendid Splinter. Teddy Ballgame. "The Greatest Hitter of the Modern Era." There's really nothing left to say about Ted Williams that hasn't been said in triplicate, somewhere, sometime. He was not a very likable guy, mistreated his wives, most of those around him, sportswriters (natch, those "Knights of the Keyboard"), Bostonians (ptoo!), but was kind to children, and especially the Jimmy-Fund kids - going strong after 60 years, the Jimmy Fund supports Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - and had some endearing characteristics as an old man. Unfortunately, one of those seemed to be an unconditional love misplaced, for his genuinely wicked, greedy, needy, ugly, manipulative, vindictive, vainglorious POS son, John Henry, who decapitated his father and froze the nut and all the rest up, like Han Solo, in the hope that medical technology would work a miracle in the 22nd century, enable both the late JH (two years after Dad: leukemia) to reunite with his ghoul father to auction off the DNA that hit .406 to parents eager to have a Teddy Ballgame of their own. Not an inspirational story, but a shocking, amusing, entertaining, and quite the ripping, and ultimately horrific, yarn. Montville has a nice, easy narrative style - I read him back in his Boston Globe days, the mid 1970s, when he was a serious columnist with a great sense of humor, and later when he wrote features in SI - doesn't dwell on the ballgame, but on the man in the ballgame. He seems to have talked to everyone alive at the turn of the century who knew Ted. And his chapters on angling made me want to stalk the wild, cunning, powerful salmon, even though I've not fished, nor have I given a moment's thought to fishing, since my 10th year, which would be 56 years ago. It doesn't seem like such an utter waste of time, but a rather cerebral sporting exercise, reading about how Ted attacked a stream. Curious, though, that I cannot recall him, in Montville's narrative, ever having cooked up anything he caught across nearly 500 pages. As far as we know, Teddy Ballgame ate steak. Leigh omits mention of Ted's affection for jazz music, which is documented elsewhere but was nevertheless not common knowledge. He went to jazz clubs, loved Errol Gardner and Stan Getz, had the radio tuned to jazz stations. Giving Ted a passionate attachment to music would have given him another dollop of humanity. And I would have enjoyed seeing his playlists or knowing something about his album collection. Someone needs to make a Ted Williams biopic, with Montville's book as the template. Leigh! Let's do it! But let's add the jazz...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chronic City (Vintage Contemporaries); Author: Visit Amazon's Jonathan Lethem Page; Review: I've long been in the tank for Jonathan Lethem. Since the early SF novels through his maturation as a master practitioner of literary fiction. No one writes a better sentence or observes his surroundings - real or imagined - more closely and intelligently. Moreover, he populates his books with brilliantly realized eccentrics that, for me at least, in some other author's universe, might seem maddeningly false, but, in Lethemworld, fit right in - *and* remind you, or is it just me?, startlingly, of someone we know fairly well. Perhaps everyone has a Perkus Tooth somewhere in the deep recesses of his or her personal history. I do, and if he's read this book, he'll recognize himself. Consequently, I slogged on. And finished this disappointing, meandering, hot mess of a novel that seemed very much longer than its 565 pages, a hodge-podge nevertheless filled with an interesting, subversively drawn cast of New York types that includes an Alternate-New-York-City-as-a-Character, almost with a mind and interests and motives of its own (including a Tiger stalking the streets!), and digressions into subjects I care deeply about - topics that draw people to our great urban centers: reading, writing, film, the vagaries of friendship, traditional and contemporary art and artists, music, and on and on - all of which kept me reading. But as I finish the last line, it was almost as though my house shook with the conclusive thud. (I vaguely remember reading several admiring reviews when Chronic City was published: all I can figure is that the reviewers must have been deeply smitten by the publisher's promotional package.) For me, in the end, although, yes, all the plotlines reach their natural conclusion, or are tied up, or explained off, nothing truly congealed, nothing seemed consequential, not even another heavy dollop of post-Seinfeldian irony, that "this is the joke your life is: deal with it." (And Lethem introduces, or reprises, metaliterary ruminations near the end that...oh, read it yourself and see...) I closed the book with a "meh..." but know that mediocre Lethem is still better than top-notch almost anyone else, and that it takes a special kind of wizardry to get a slow reader to continue through more than half a thousand pages of imagined lives in a book he's not particularly enjoying.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism; Author: Visit Amazon's Doris Kearns Goodwin Page; Review: I use the adjective "magisterial" far too frequently and clearly need to find another modifier. How about "heartbreaking"? My heart explodes with admiration for the fundamental goodness and decency of William Howard Taft - "Will" to intimates of long duration, "Bill" to Nats fans who root for him in the Racing Presidents' scampers each home game, and William or Mr. President or Mr. Chief Justice to everyone else who encountered this giant of a man - and with sadness, evoked by Doris Kearns Goodwin, for the fate of his relationship with his great friend, Theodore Roosevelt. Even when we know from reviews where this story is headed, we're brought down by its inexorable, tragic motion. TR we know. WHT we do not, unless we're historians of the early 20th century presidency (or of baseball: he was the first president to throw out a ball at the ballgame...but golf was his sporting passion). I absolutely adored The Bully Pulpit. Goodwin builds a nice arc to this story of two contemporaries - in age, good fortune, privilege, and political timing - who form a profoundly close bond early in their professional lives, remain close through TR's presidency and Taft's service as the most prominent member of the Roosevelt cabinet, moving onto TR's heroic efforts to elect Taft as his successor...and then, over TR's disappointments as a jittery, judgmental, egotistical, suddenly thin-skinned ex-President, slights real and imagined, fanned by a sensationalizing press, the two become bitter political foes in the run-up to the 1912 election. A central part of the story were the great women - the ambitious Nellie Taft, who from girlhood "wanted to marry a President," and who "never liked" the modest, brilliant, patrician Edith Roosevelt, who knew TR as a child and dreamed of marrying him, shunned the spotlight and was happy to dwell farther in the background, who kept him grounded, a romantic and intellectual companion for life. Throughout, Goodwin weaves in the marvelous story of S.S. McClure, Irish immigrant and pioneering magazine editor, and the formidable stable of Muckraking writers - Ida Tarbell (pronounce TarBELL - sounds better, doesn't it?), Ray Stannard Baker, Lincoln Steffens, William Allen White - he assembles around him, leading the whole legendary cast of Progressive journalists (late 19th-early 20th century Progressivism - think Bob LaFollette - not unlike Liberalism today EXCEPT that then it was a liberal GOP phenomenon: think about it. Liberal. Republican. Remember Clifford Case?) in advancing TR's progressive political agenda. Roosevelt cultivated the McClure's writers, took them into his confidence, exchanged ideas with them, corresponded copiously with them, dragged them around the country with him, and on and on. This man knew how to handle the press of his day - sure, sure, a very different day, which Goodwin gives a sensitive, perceptive account of. Taft, on the other hand - big, gregarious, naturally and unaffectedly friendly - was by training so suited to his nature a judge and constitutional lawyer, somewhat more ponderous in every dimension than the nimble, squirrel-quick TR; WHT was not great copy like TR and did NOT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Sleep: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: He knows how to keep you turning pages. He now sports his erudition by gratuitously dropping allusions to major literary figures ("Boot patrons come and go, probably not talking of Michelangelo." Hmmmm..."pandering to intellectuals" is a post-ironic sport). His prose remains only serviceable, in the genre of True, Saga, and Argosy: there's little concern for literary art, he knows his niche, and it's more like the Grand Canyon of Niche. He still strains to write a credible character name. (I will credit him, however, with Rose the Hat - sounds like something that would've risen up from Five Corners to cavort with Bill the Butcher - and the True Knot: THAT's a brilliantly swell cult name.) Even though I read the The Shining soon after its release, I still see it through Stanley Kubrick's eyes (whose film, the author tells us in his afterward, he still laments - but we've known this for decades: sorry, Stephen, that's just the way it is when your book gets into the pictures). It's Kubrick's Jack and Wendy, Kubrick's Overlook, Kubrick's Dick, etc. etc. (BUT the topiary - EVERYone remembers, and talks about, the topiary - is all Stephen. How many times does Dan Torrance flash back to the topiary??? Oh, every fifty pp or so?) Even so: King retains a feverishly hyperactive imagination, conjures up horrors and creeps by the minute, and he can still find the silver threads by which to connect his nightmares into yarns, however formulaic those yarns might be spun. I hadn't read one of his books since Pet Sematary - again, on its release: to that point, I had read them all - which I did not much like and which was followed by spasms of unbridled Kingly logorrhea, which drove me away. But curious to find out what happened to little Danny - "Redrum. Redrum. Redrum...": Kubrick again - I read Doctor Smoke over little more than a day. That's kind of a form of wizardry, isn't it? To be able to make a slow reader go faster...and stick with a book he's enjoying only intermittently. I had forgotten how well I knew what I was in for: he takes you by the arm and drags you, hurtling, through the darkness. I supposed it would be something different. It really wasn't. But I'm going to read 11/22/63. Real soon. I have it. Right here on my desk. It's kind of looking at me. When I look away, and then look back, it seems to have moved a little closer to my book-holding hand... And, after all, the New York Times put it on its Ten Best Books of 2011...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blithe Spirit, Hay Fever, Private Lives: Three Plays; Author: Visit Amazon's Noel Coward Page; Review: So...I bought this only for Private Lives, because I knew I'd be going to a well-reviewed DC production, and, if possible, I like to read a play before I see it - an acquired preference from classical theater and opera. And speaking of acquired, Coward's that kind of taste, isn't he? Particularly 70-90 years after he wrote these confections? Well, it's a taste - for dry, bantering, cleverly corrosive wit - I acquired long ago, before Coward, and so I found Private Lives HOWLINGLY funny on the page and on the stage. I sat up late last Saturday to read this, and I feared I'd wake up the house with my whoops and guffaws. Coward cracks wise about every third line, and it's just so...so...so...black tie-wing collar-patent leather pumps-English. (I wanted to say Wildean, but that would be Irish, wouldn't it?) This is what Elizabethan comedy's superabundance of clever clever clever words words words evolves into in London's West End between the Wars. So demmed smart (as in "smart set" smart, not smart as "intelligent" - although it's that, too, in trumps). And so trippingly like what every bright Oxbridgean wants to sound like at the cocktail party. Of course, the story is ridiculous. But with a neatly balanced three acts, which takes reader or theatergoer up a clever hill and down a similar, similarly bright, hill for a somewhat predictable conclusion, handsomely wrought, at a pace, even on the page, that's racehorse brisk. In the theater, the play literally crackles, throws off sparks, shimmers like shook foil. There we sit - we're Victor and Sybil, wholly conventional, in our conventional little lives, supermarket-rack best-sellers on our night tables, with our comfy jobs, and comfortable incomes - watching these upper-crust Wildings toss the conventional order, between sips of bubbly, as it suits their whims, with an insouciant noblesse oblige and without a care concerning who or whom they may run over by accident. Delightful. Delicious. I'm now a new Noel Coward fan and look forward to exploring his plays, prose, music, and interesting life. (Mad "coincidence": I was laid up sick as a dog in the same Shanghai hotel in which, also sick as a dog, Coward wrote Private Lives in 1930. Right: no real coincidence, okay, okay, but I felt a little more grounded in his world, in a memory of my looking out the window on similar Shanghai streets and the Huangpu River: the Cathay was an elegant venue, the brightest light on the Shanghai bund, in 1930. Fifty-some years later, the carpets were threadbare, the brass tarnished, the water somewhat rusty, but it still had a perceptible, albeit faded, Art Deco elegance. And fabulous "puffs of cream" from the ancient pastry chef of the famous restaurant...perhaps descendants of the same puffs Coward might have enjoyed in 1930 after recovering from his ailment...); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The People's Republic of Amnesia: Tiananmen Revisited; Author: Visit Amazon's Louisa Lim Page; Review: This brave, searing, beautifully and sensitively written book builds, Bolero-like, quietly, through profiles of carefully selected Tiananmen "types" - the soldier, the stay-behind, the exile, the student - up to the shattering chapter on "the mother," as in the "Tiananmen Mothers," what we'd call a lobbying group of "little old (Chinese) ladies"/activists who, for 25 years, have sought to get the truth out and to get the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government to "reverse verdicts," on 3-4 June 1989. (Very emotional reading.) And then and onward, with a score that beguns to thump a little, to martial strains...and a chapter on the thoroughly mobilized contemporary "patriot," completely ignorant - as are most Chinese his age - of the events of 3-4 June, the core of whose patriotism is the aggressive, increasingly militaristic nationalism the Party and government has sought (since the early 1990s) to cultivate in the populace as a substitute for ideology (I mean, who knew that a third of the output China's huge Hengdian film studio involves battles against Japanese "devils" and that some call the studio "a huge anti-Japanese revolutionary base"?) Down into the home stretch, very like Ravel, Ms. Lim hits a revelatory (no pun intended) peak (especially for an old China hand) in a remarkable chapter on a man some of us will remember as pivotal in late-1980s China: Bao Tong, then the Politburo Standing Committee's secretary and deposed Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang's right hand man. Bao was arrested little more than a week after Zhao's last public appearance and the declaration of martial law in mid-May 1989. He spent seven years in solitary at the famous Qincheng Prison for disgraced senior officials, and now, an octogenarian, lives under perpetual surveillance. Why? Because he has the superpower of "seeing through" and has the system of China's "success" figured out, all the way down to the ground. Bao describes it to Ms. Lim as a long chain of "mini-Tiananmens" that go all the way back to the night the People's Liberation Army fired on its own children. Each odious event - the constant watching, the constant suppression if not quite forcible repression (but that too), the arrests of grandmothers, the obsessive following around and, if need be, putting away anyone seen as possibly threatening the Great Power by saying the wrong words to the wrong person, anyone who threatens to chip away at the collective amnesia, to undo the technique of forgetting history, and thus expose the rotten foundations of today's China - stands as a small-reproduction of mindset that mandated the actions of June 1989 at the Gate of Heavenly Peace. And all these take place with with the nearly perpetual complicity of a silent West, which shuts its eyes, covers its ears, and rakes in its profits from "People's China." Thus do all these single events that accumulated into one mountainous malignancy that ultimately renders "the China miracle" possible and all the Chinese who benefit complicit in the monstrosity of Tiananmen. Finally, Ms. Lim's - and our - remarkable journey ends, in a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Most Wanted Man [Paperback] [Jan 01, 2009] Le Carre, John; Author: John Le Carr; Review: Alternately gripping, preachy, boring, and ultimately vile at its abrupt and predictable conclusion. An uncommonly disappointing novel from a writer of steadily diminishing powers and dissipated imagination. I cherish the Smiley books and the Cold War novels in general. But this? I can say no more about this book that wouldn't be spoiling for someone. And I'd love to spoil it as much as it spoiled my evening. Moreover, other reviewers have spent more time and greater care on exposing this book's myriad flaws, insipidities, and stock le Carre themes and gripes. He's become a tiresome old boor. It's enough to for me to say that I've now read all of le Carre through 2008, and this - my first since Absolute Friends, read in 2005; I picked up A Most Wanted Man because I wanted to see the film, Philip Seymour Hoffman's last, and thus needed to first read the book (cannot see an adaptation of a once favorite writer without reading him first) - but this will be my last. I'm done with him. He has nothing remaining to say. Two departing stars for "thanks for the memories." And I'll skip the movie.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Good Soldier: A Tale of Passion (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin); Author: Visit Amazon's Ford Madox Ford Page; Review: Ford Madox Ford...my goodness. Incapable of writing a weak or uninteresting sentence. Modernist writer whose greatest works - this, the Parade's End tetralogy, for example - reveal themselves surprisingly, gradually, like Matryoshka dolls, but with each interior doll possessing the narrative power of transforming one's recollection of what came before, of what the preceding doll looks like. And what comes before is very frequently an issue - because Fordian narrators raise events, people, and circumstances mid-narrative, as though we've encountered them before...but very often, we haven't. How many times has Ford's innovative narrative style sent me scurrying backward in the story, into rewind mode, searching for an anterior reference, the foreshadowing aside, that...doesn't exist? Ford's readers need to hone a steely determination to suspend closure, to forego the expectation that facts will accumulate in a linear, indeed cumulative way, and simply resolve to persevere in the story. Like good Brits: stiff upper lip, carry on, quick step, right right. And all will become clear. Eventually. What does one say about a novel that's on everyone's short list for "greatest English-language novels of all time"? Here's what I say: anything, any word you might utter, is a possible spoiler. ANY. Don't summarize the plot or even name the characters or locales. Don't read a single word about the novel (except perhaps these uninformative concatentations). Don't - I say, DO NOT - read the notes on the end-flaps. Don't read anything on the back of the book but the obligatory quotation from Graham Greene. Don't look Ford up in Wikipedia, and especially don't look up The Good Soldier, or watch the 1980s Masterpiece Theater production. All this can wait until you've finished the book. Or thrown it across the room, if you're a certain type of reader. This is, after all, a very, very short book, arguably the briefest of literary investments of your leisure time. All the other business might easily be suspended in the interest of the literary quest, which will take a minimum of your time. That said, because of the vaporous, partial and piecemeal, foreshadowings, you may feel the need, after some ten or twenty pages, to read more attentively than you read the average 20th century novelist. Once a third of the way in, however, you'll be fully in the Fordian flow and ready to ram on. And this is, to my mind, a nearly perfect, exquisitely plotted and wrought, book, that draws you into an early 20th century world to which we have absolutely no access today and yet seems so utterly, so plausibly believable. Whether or not you agree with the narrator, whose first line is one of the most famous in English literature, you may very well wind up agreeing with the aforementioned Greene, who opined, "There is no novelist of this century more likely to live than Ford Madox Ford." The Good Soldier is the primary reason why.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 11/22/63 (Thorndike Press Large Print Core); Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: ...Stephen King is a genre writer. He does not commit art, although he seems, rather self-consciously, to be striving for that summit. Here he tells, yet again, and at too great a length, an alternately ripping, alternately tediously drawn-out yarn and has intact that - nearly inimitably - hyperactive, fecund imagination that keeps us turning pages. But seldom if ever are we thrilled, much less arrested, by his writing as writing, which remains workmanlike - if your work is 5,000 words a day (I know: Dickens, Trollope....) - and may be stormed through at your most rapid pace (which, unfortunately for me, is rather slow.) This is actually a three-and-a-half (and close to four-) star review. Mr. King keeps us driving to the close; he's clever - very like Frederick Forsythe in Day of the Jackal - to take an event, with an outcome known to all your likely readers, and craft it into a thriller. Unlike Forsythe, however, who through sheer narrative plausibility makes us nearly forget the foreordained outcome, King - via the the miracle of time travel and its conventions, of which Mr. King is the author - the historical outcome may be altered, and, through the additional miracle of path dependence and "the butterfly effect" - a favorite of environmentalists: the beating wings of a butterfly over scenic New Jersey may create a cascade of path-dependent effects that yield, for example, severe El Nio effects along the west coast of South America - rewrite all history downstream of the altered event. So, yes, it's exciting. As exciting as it's implausible. But if we're reading a Stephen King novel...well, what's plausibility to Stephen King and his legions of readers? But I read this book - my second Stephen King in 30 years, read a month after my first in 30 - because I read in the jacket blurb that the NYTimes had selected 11/22/63 as one of its five best fiction books of the year (a fact I must have read in the Times itself, but immediately forgot - perhaps a plausibility issue) - and I remember Mr. King being in the thick of a "what is literary fiction, anyway?" conversation in print around the same time. And because at one point in my life I was a time travel junkie (my HG Welles/George Pal moment), I picked up the book and tore through it. And I'm glad I did. But even if we allow that 2011 was a slow year for fiction - and it wasn't - placing Mr. King on the NYT list seems 1. a long, long stretch, and 2. an instance - or so a cynic might think - of the Times palpably attempting to pander to a mass audience. (Fine, I'm a cynic.) Mr. King doesn't really need this kind of attention: he writes anywhere from 1-3 fat books a year, all of which are eagerly snapped up by devoted fans, and I'll guess he has the second greatest fortune in fiction-publishing history, after JK Rowling. (Go to abebooks.com and compare the asking price; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 22/11/63; Author: Stephen King (author); Review: ...Stephen King is a genre writer. He does not commit art, although he seems, rather self-consciously, to be striving for that summit. Here he tells, yet again, and at too great a length, an alternately ripping, alternately tediously drawn-out yarn and has intact that - nearly inimitably - hyperactive, fecund imagination that keeps us turning pages. But seldom if ever are we thrilled, much less arrested, by his writing as writing, which remains workmanlike - if your work is 5,000 words a day (I know: Dickens, Trollope....) - and may be stormed through at your most rapid pace (which, unfortunately for me, is rather slow.) This is actually a three-and-a-half (and close to four-) star review. Mr. King keeps us driving to the close; he's clever - very like Frederick Forsythe in Day of the Jackal - to take an event, with an outcome known to all your likely readers, and craft it into a thriller. Unlike Forsythe, however, who through sheer narrative plausibility makes us nearly forget the foreordained outcome, King - via the the miracle of time travel and its conventions, of which Mr. King is the author - the historical outcome may be altered, and, through the additional miracle of path dependence and "the butterfly effect" - a favorite of environmentalists: the beating wings of a butterfly over scenic New Jersey may create a cascade of path-dependent effects that yield, for example, severe El Nio effects along the west coast of South America - rewrite all history downstream of the altered event. So, yes, it's exciting. As exciting as it's implausible. But if we're reading a Stephen King novel...well, what's plausibility to Stephen King and his legions of readers? But I read this book - my second Stephen King in 30 years, read a month after my first in 30 - because I read in the jacket blurb that the NYTimes had selected 11/22/63 as one of its five best fiction books of the year (a fact I must have read in the Times itself, but immediately forgot - perhaps a plausibility issue) - and I remember Mr. King being in the thick of a "what is literary fiction, anyway?" conversation in print around the same time. And because at one point in my life I was a time travel junkie (my HG Welles/George Pal moment), I picked up the book and tore through it. And I'm glad I did. But even if we allow that 2011 was a slow year for fiction - and it wasn't - placing Mr. King on the NYT list seems 1. a long, long stretch, and 2. an instance - or so a cynic might think - of the Times palpably attempting to pander to a mass audience. (Fine, I'm a cynic.) Mr. King doesn't really need this kind of attention: he writes anywhere from 1-3 fat books a year, all of which are eagerly snapped up by devoted fans, and I'll guess he has the second greatest fortune in fiction-publishing history, after JK Rowling. (Go to abebooks.com and compare the asking price; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Good Soldier; a Tale of Passion; Author: Visit Amazon's Ford Madox Ford Page; Review: Ford Madox Ford...my goodness. Incapable of writing a weak or uninteresting sentence. Modernist writer whose greatest works - this, the Parade's End tetralogy, for example - reveal themselves surprisingly, gradually, like Matryoshka dolls, but with each interior doll possessing the narrative power of transforming one's recollection of what came before, of what the preceding doll looks like. And what comes before is very frequently an issue - because Fordian narrators raise events, people, and circumstances mid-narrative, as though we've encountered them before...but very often, we haven't. How many times has Ford's innovative narrative style sent me scurrying backward in the story, into rewind mode, searching for an anterior reference, the foreshadowing aside, that...doesn't exist? Ford's readers need to hone a steely determination to suspend closure, to forego the expectation that facts will accumulate in a linear, indeed cumulative way, and simply resolve to persevere in the story. Like good Brits: stiff upper lip, carry on, quick step, right right. And all will become clear. Eventually. What does one say about a novel that's on everyone's short list for "greatest English-language novels of all time"? Here's what I say: anything, any word you might utter, is a possible spoiler. ANY. Don't summarize the plot or even name the characters or locales. Don't read a single word about the novel (except perhaps these uninformative concatentations). Don't - I say, DO NOT - read the notes on the end-flaps. Don't read anything on the back of the book but the obligatory quotation from Graham Greene. Don't look Ford up in Wikipedia, and especially don't look up The Good Soldier, or watch the 1980s Masterpiece Theater production. All this can wait until you've finished the book. Or thrown it across the room, if you're a certain type of reader. This is, after all, a very, very short book, arguably the briefest of literary investments of your leisure time. All the other business might easily be suspended in the interest of the literary quest, which will take a minimum of your time. That said, because of the vaporous, partial and piecemeal, foreshadowings, you may feel the need, after some ten or twenty pages, to read more attentively than you read the average 20th century novelist. Once a third of the way in, however, you'll be fully in the Fordian flow and ready to ram on. And this is, to my mind, a nearly perfect, exquisitely plotted and wrought, book, that draws you into an early 20th century world to which we have absolutely no access today and yet seems so utterly, so plausibly believable. Whether or not you agree with the narrator, whose first line is one of the most famous in English literature, you may very well wind up agreeing with the aforementioned Greene, who opined, "There is no novelist of this century more likely to live than Ford Madox Ford." The Good Soldier is the primary reason why.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Titan : The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.; Author: Visit Amazon's Ron Chernow Page; Review: Newspaper reviewers celebrated this long, engrossing biography of the great John D. upon its publication in 1998. Academic historians sometimes beat up Ron Chernow for falling in love with his larger-than-life subjects, and he walks the line here. But I suppose the subtext to his more churlish reviews is that Chernow can flat-out write, and those academic historians generally cannot. And Chernow gives his mammoth subject mammoth treatment, and in between the remarkable story of the creation of the greatest business empire of the age and the self-making of the man himself, we have long ruminations on monopoly - Rockefeller was for it - versus competition - wastefully inefficient, thought John D. - and the obligations great wealth to give greatly, partly to confirm a status Rockefeller believed had been conferred upon him by his god, essentially to go forth and do good things, after having gone forth to do heinous things in the interest of accumulating a vast hoard of lucre. Chernow's treatment of Rockefeller is a redemptive one that cleanly segues from the Rise to focus attention on all the great good the Standard Oil fortune brought into the world as it was converted into philanthropic projects - the list is legion, aided and abetted by the early full-time devotion of son Junior to giving away Rockefeller money. Everyone knows at least a few of the most prominent objects of that largess, but every now and then in Chernow's account, you come across one or two, in just a single clause, bare asides in a long paragraph, that you may have interacted with professionally and had no idea it was made of Rockefeller money (for me, CFR and Asia Society). But Chernow also draws out, without waving his arms wildly, to all the greed, palpable illegality, bullying, muscling of unions, and the like that were characteristic of the much less regulated (which doesn't make it pretty or redeemable) Gilded Age (and pre-Gilded Age) of the Robber Barons, of which John D. Rockefeller was Lord. Chernow is a brilliant storyteller and gives a personality to every member of the family, beginning with early antecedents in Amwell Valley, NJ (terra cognita for this Jersey Boy), through the wilding paterfamilias, William Avery Rockefeller, snake oil and patent medicine huckster, bigamist, and all around ne'er-do-well, and his long suffering (legal) wife, Eliza Davison Rockefeller, all the way through the familiar grandchildren (whom those of us of a certain age grew up watching run great chunks of the country and economy) - Nelson, David, John 3rd, Laurence, Winthrop, and "Babs" - of the true paterfamilias and begetter of the oil fortune (as well as the great Standard Oil Octopus that Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft - for they were a tag-team on this - went after and broke up, thereby making the Roosevelt fortune balloon to unimaginable size as Standard Oil became many many regional variations - Standard of NJ, Standard of CA, etc. etc., all of which John D. had immense interest in, the shares of which were all bid up independently, etc.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Leftovers; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom Perrotta Page; Review: I'm guessing some people finished the HBO series and came to this book for answers. CAUTION: Spoiler follows! There are no answers. (End of spoiler.) But Tom Perrotta can flat out write. And he's a Jersey Boy, and thus, in my book, by definition, is pretty awesome. And everyone who went to college in The Leftovers attended Rutgers. R. U. Rah! I'm a Rutgers College grad, which dates me, but hardly anyone writes a word about Rutgers, and so I'm delighted Perrotta is an author of place (as is Bruce Springsteen, a great man). And he can write women. That's a very special gift. Philip Roth, arguably America's greatest living novelist and another Jersey Fellow, can't. Cormac McCarthy, another "American's greatest" claimant, can't. Henry James - NOT a Jersey Boy - could. So can Tom Perrotta. The strongest, most finely and credibly drawn, characters in The Leftovers are women. I've read all of Perrotta's novels, and he's consistently original, compelling, absorbing. A fresh voice and a dissecting mind. Here he takes an utterly implausible scenario - I'm wondering if he undertook this as a self-challenge: "respond to Tim LaHaye's 'Left Behind' novels in a sensible, literate way" - and reels the reader right in. Okay, he reeled ME right in. (I can see from the reviews, he didn't quite get to everyone. And I don't think this is for everyone, and I've not recommended it to many of my bibliomaniacal friends. A few, though...) Along the way he tosses off interesting observations about the way we live our lives in American suburbia that strike me as simply spot on. But he's a Jersey Guy. Love 'im.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Nine Lives: A Memoir of Many Careers in Music; Author: Leon Fleisher; Review: I adored the first two hundred pages of Leon Fleisher's autobiography, which were filled with his reminiscences of San Francisco's brilliant Jewish musical scene, which produced Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, and, of course, Fleisher, of his legendary teacher, Artur Schnabel, who invited the 9-year-old Fleisher to Lago di Como for summer instruction, his driven mother's (successful) quest to advance the career of her bubbeleh, his remarkable relationship with George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra over the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 (B-flat major, Op. 83, their recording of which remains a thrilling document of both soloist and orchestral greatness), and of so much more that was formative in the life of the young piano prodigy who became the formidable concert pianist. Then, at age 36, Fleisher experienced a catastrophic loss of the use of his right hand, to a condition eventually diagnosed as focal dystonia. At that point, the book becomes a narrative of, first, a mad search for a cure, then partial resignation and continued concertizing (while a esteemed member of the Peabody Conservatory piano faculty) as a master of the left-hand piano repertoire, then the discovery of botox (!!!) as an agent of ameliorated symptoms (if not cure) and a limited return to two-handed concertizing. The arc of this story is indeed stirring, but for me it was a literary slog through Fleisher's candid anxieties, self-pity, progressions of treatments, disappointments, renewed hopes, and on and on and on. In between, we learn, again through candid revelations, of Fleisher's self-absorption and his resulting failures as a husband and father of nevertheless (mostly) adoring children, and his final falling prey to the great occupational hazard of the Professoriate: falling for a student and picking up a cute, talented trophy bride less than half his age. Yes, Fleisher calls himself out for his human shortcomings, but there's something rote, something obligatory about his self-criticism. No, I'm not craving from him a greater sense of suffering - he suffered: winding up in the Slough of Despond after nearly two decades of artistic glory - just a bit more acknowledgement of the lives he ran over and drove away from without much of a backward glance apart from pro forma comments. Finally, a hats-off to Anne Midgette, who elicited from Fleisher the remarkable reminiscences of his rise and wove them into so fascinating story of personal professional growth through encounters with extraordinary musicians. She might have pulled him back a bit in the second half - perhaps she did - but they obviously concluded that the focal dystonia story was of a significance equal to the ascent story and its telling required every single detail recorded in the text. Those details wore me out, and I closed the book, finally, with a sense of relief. This is nevertheless a valuable document of a life lived in the Great Tradition of Western music, by an indubitably great artist, as well as a great story of indomitable will in overcoming a fearsome obstacle to that artistry. In chronicling that overcoming, however, I thought Fleisher and Midgette expended; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Feast for Crows (Song of Ice and Fire); Author: Visit Amazon's George R.R. Martin Page; Review: An entry, late and inconsequential, in this long, long thread: Perhaps the crows will batten in the next installment. There's not much of that in this one. (Is that a spoiler? I didn't think so.) GRR Martin recognized he was going to be in it for the long haul and had to repopulate his cast with heroes and villains to kill off in subsequent volumes. As he explains in an author's apology on the final page of text, the characters you missed - Bran Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, Tyrion Lannister, Davos Seaworth, Stannis Baratheon, Melisandre - are all in the next book, which comprises the remainder of this fourth novel, which simply ran wild out of control, way past two thousand pages, and thus was broken into two parts. (A Dance with Dragons is glaring down at me from a high shelf, wondering if I'm ready to rumble. Soon, baby, soon.) Something to look forward to. One has the impression that Martin set all these folks in a kind of picaresque motion just to chew up narrative time and space. I have a sweet old senile Jack Russell Terrier that walks, like a grist-mill donkey, around and around all day in circles, then throws herself down and sleeps for five hours. How many times did I think of her as I read this book of wandering wanderers? A lot. Arya, Samwell and Gilly, Brienne, Jaime, all marching marching marching marching to someplace or other, for a meal, a conversation, an encounter with an unusual critter, a battle with a hungry villain, etc. etc., and then marching marching marching marching... The only point-of-view principal who stays put is Cersei Lannister, who, as one helpful reviewer notes, gets center stage in terms of copy space - she's about 25 percent of the novel. Here Martin devotes all those extra words to evolve Cercei into a caricature - I use that word advisedly - of pure, unadulterated, purposeful, but almost unintentionally comical, evil - a loopy, gorgeous Saddam Husayn, but... oh, everything's a potential spoiler for someone. Fuggeddabowtit. All that said, I love my time inhabiting this world. Martin's a kind of genius of invention, like other industrious, imaginative SF or fantasy authors who painstakingly create whole worlds, populate them with plausible characters, regional differences, deep cultural backstories, and then stick with them for the long run, adding, adding, and of course subtracting, subtracting, as Martin fearlessly does, wiping out memorable characters that deserve longer lives...but who's the God here? Not the Seven, or the Old Gods, but that gosh-darn George, who giveth, then taketh away. And although he doesn't get much credit as a prose stylist, he paints a nice scene when he pauses to do so, conjures up generally vivid characters with differentiating warts and quirks, and man, can he write action. Film experience, I guess. I read the Lord of the Rings books almost 50 years ago, when I was a young private at Fort Belvoir, VA, oftentimes under my top-bunk covers with a flashlight. Nope, haven't revisited them in the ensuing 50; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Feast for Crows; Author: Visit Amazon's George R. R. Martin Page; Review: An entry, late and inconsequential, in this long, long thread: Perhaps the crows will batten in the next installment. There's not much of that in this one. (Is that a spoiler? I didn't think so.) GRR Martin recognized he was going to be in it for the long haul and had to repopulate his cast with heroes and villains to kill off in subsequent volumes. As he explains in an author's apology on the final page of text, the characters you missed - Bran Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, Tyrion Lannister, Davos Seaworth, Stannis Baratheon, Melisandre - are all in the next book, which comprises the remainder of this fourth novel, which simply ran wild out of control, way past two thousand pages, and thus was broken into two parts. (A Dance with Dragons is glaring down at me from a high shelf, wondering if I'm ready to rumble. Soon, baby, soon.) Something to look forward to. One has the impression that Martin set all these folks in a kind of picaresque motion just to chew up narrative time and space. I have a sweet old senile Jack Russell Terrier that walks, like a grist-mill donkey, around and around all day in circles, then throws herself down and sleeps for five hours. How many times did I think of her as I read this book of wandering wanderers? A lot. Arya, Samwell and Gilly, Brienne, Jaime, all marching marching marching marching to someplace or other, for a meal, a conversation, an encounter with an unusual critter, a battle with a hungry villain, etc. etc., and then marching marching marching marching... The only point-of-view principal who stays put is Cersei Lannister, who, as one helpful reviewer notes, gets center stage in terms of copy space - she's about 25 percent of the novel. Here Martin devotes all those extra words to evolve Cercei into a caricature - I use that word advisedly - of pure, unadulterated, purposeful, but almost unintentionally comical, evil - a loopy, gorgeous Saddam Husayn, but... oh, everything's a potential spoiler for someone. Fuggeddabowtit. All that said, I love my time inhabiting this world. Martin's a kind of genius of invention, like other industrious, imaginative SF or fantasy authors who painstakingly create whole worlds, populate them with plausible characters, regional differences, deep cultural backstories, and then stick with them for the long run, adding, adding, and of course subtracting, subtracting, as Martin fearlessly does, wiping out memorable characters that deserve longer lives...but who's the God here? Not the Seven, or the Old Gods, but that gosh-darn George, who giveth, then taketh away. And although he doesn't get much credit as a prose stylist, he paints a nice scene when he pauses to do so, conjures up generally vivid characters with differentiating warts and quirks, and man, can he write action. Film experience, I guess. I read the Lord of the Rings books almost 50 years ago, when I was a young private at Fort Belvoir, VA, oftentimes under my top-bunk covers with a flashlight. Nope, haven't revisited them in the ensuing 50; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shostakovich and Stalin: The Extraordinary Relationship Between the Great Composer and the Brutal Dictator; Author: Visit Amazon's Solomon Volkov Page; Review: Let's skip the heroic mountain of (fascinating) details Solomon Volkov accumulates--aiming, I think, to please the most fastidious of his critics, who will never, I'm afraid, be pleased--and cut straight to what I perceive to be the importance of this history: Volkov reminds us, albeit without being directly able to stimulate within our brains an exact sensation of feeling, of what life was among the Soviet intelligentsia in the monstrous Era of Stalin: that is, of palpable geniuses living every single day, if not every waking hour, wholly insecure in the pervasive dread of horrible punishment, not only for oneself and one's family and friends but quite possibly for one's acquaintances and even mere contacts (depending on the contact), and all for crossing political lines--at a time and place in which every line may be construed as political--that may or may not be known beforehand and that are drawn, for the genius subset of the Soviet intelligentsia, by the great Vozhd himself, for political, personal, motivational, cultural, or any of myriad other instrumental or whimsically arbitrary reasons. Thus it was for Shostakovich, the universally acclaimed genius of geniuses: daily dread, daily insecurity, until Stalin himself was mounted alongside Lenin in his own crystal sarcophagus. And even afterward, as the aftershocks of Stalin's death played themselves out in Kremlin court politics. As most readers of this harrowing story will know, author Volkov--who in 1979 published the "Testimony: the Memoirs of Dmitri Shostakovich, as related to and edited by Solomon Volkov" - is the leading figure in Shostakovich revisionism, the proponents of which take the view that the composer was a secret dissident who often composed in musical code, embedding anti-Stalin, anti-regime, and other dissenting messages throughout his work. The controversy continues to rage, with a massive and still accumulating body of work that picks over every detail of Shostakovich's life, work, and relationships, arguing over questions of Shostakovich's intent and his relationship to the Soviet regime. (For further details, see the late revisionist scholar Ian McDonald's website, and particularly the page "The Shostakovich Debate: A Manual for Beginners." And, full disclosure, I tend to side--as do Shostakovich's children and virtually everyone who was close to him--with the revisionists. At the same time, I recognize that this is a point of view as well as an argument that is unlikely, ever, to be settled. People will believe what they will believe.) Volkov, squarely on the side of "hidden dissident," draws out from Shostakovich's life and work character aspects based on a Mussorgsky-Boris Godunov-derived taxonomy: the "pretender" (the "hidden dissident"), the "chronicler," and, perhaps most important of all, the "holy fool"--who, in seeming naivet, speaks profound truths, often in coded words. Volkov builds his narrative around two key years--1936 and 1948--during which Shostakovich was denounced in Pravda, the Soviet Communist Party organ, for "formalist" musical errors. He also tells these stories in Testimony, but Volkov is also a scholar of Russian and Soviet culture, and broadens his narrative to included associated material from the lives and documents of other cultural icons of the Soviet era:; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Magicians: A Novel (Magicians Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Lev Grossman Page; Review: Literary authors who work in the fantasy/SF genre are relatively rare, and they tip toward literary topics, with the resulting pieces being distinctively literary as fiction (rather than, say fantasy first, "literary" distinctly second). I think primarily of, among my favorites, David Mitchell, Paul Auster, and Jonathan Lethem, but also Walter M. Miller, Jr., a one-trick pony with A Canticle for Leibowitz. (Philip Pullman is for me sui generis - a literary writer who pretends to write for the smart adolescent fantasy market.) Lev Grossman is different, a fantasy writer first, very obviously steeped in the fantasy/SF genre, for which The Magicians is a rolling hommage. The references and allusions pile up at the speed of read, well beyond the CS Lewis (with whole gobbets of The Magicians unabashedly appropriated and transposed from Lewis' The Magician's Nephew), TH White, and JK Rowling mentioned on the endflap. But there's also Evelyn Waugh, L. Frank Baum, Susanna Clarke, Stephen King, GRR Martin, Norton Juster, George Lucas, and probably a dozen more that slipped by me, in addition to scores of TV, movie, and videogame allusions - indeed, with very few exceptions, Grossman's references come from the realm of pop culture. He is, however, a most literate, and literary, author, very clearly book-besotted, a bibliomaniac who writes about books, for which he composes books - here, the Fillory novels that are so clearly patterned after the Narnia books but also on Lewis' "space trilogy" - to write about in his books. (I like that in an author...) He turns a lovely phrase, fearlessly deploys big words (three or four of which were new to me, including "aeruginous," the only one I looked up: "having the characteristics of or the color of verdigris": think "Statue of Liberty"), sensitivity plumbs the depths of human sentiment, and wryly comments on American society (from a magician's point of view). He has, moreover, created interesting, sympathetic - if not quite universal - characters in Quentin Coldwater, Alice Quinn, and Eliot Waugh (yes, that Eliot and Waugh, who might instead have been born Sebastian Blanche). He can write. The novel is in four parts, but beyond Book I, which takes place at Brakebills College - that's Grossman for "Hogwarts" (and Waugh's Oxford between the wars) - and contains an engrossing account of "magic in the world" and how such particular human potentialities might be cultivated (going well beyond the "hocus pocus" of the Potter books), very much comment would constitute a spoiler. In a book like this, in which the author plants so much that the reader will find familiar, the skill with which the elements are presented is part of the pleasure of the text. I'd rather leave the surprises intact and let prospective readers figure out who or what might the villain be - because there must be villains - and where the true springs of the story lurk in this complex, nested world with worlds within...what? And where are the boundaries? Grossman can write a tender scene and an action scene and can paint a nice establishing shot; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gilead; Author: Visit Amazon's Marilynne Robinson Page; Review: Seldom have I grappled with a novel as I did with Gilead. This kind of writing makes you stop dead in your tracks, look up from the page, and enter into dialogue with the text. I know: that might sound like a curse. "What? The novel as textbook?" No. Gilead is beautifully conceived and executed, with poetic passages across every page. Robinson has honed a gentle but precise pastorly rhetoric for her epistolary novel, and she's an absolutely brilliant expositor. She dares you to engage in large questions of faith, doubt, memory, forgiveness, and so much more. And embedded within the narrative - in which an aged minister means to leave behind for his young late-life son an account of his life, beliefs, and life lessons - she gives us a superb account of the content of adult Christian belief that unfolds out of human situations and predicaments, the sense of deep-down, lived, other-oriented faith - an unforced natural theology of benevolent concern that, while springing from the narrator's extensive scriptural learning and deep familiarity with the commentaries and theological writings, makes behavioral sense to, and thus is suitable for, sentient adults. (Calvin's Institutes are a prominent source of Robinson's theology - she has been credited with having "rescued" Calvin in America from the slough of fierce, humorless, judgmental "predestination" thinking - which nevertheless also dwells comfortably within 21st century existentialist theologies.) It is less about "salvation" (or "avoiding damnation") and more about the great philosophical question every introspective people has asked themselves: how might I, or we, live a good life? I'd be remiss if I neglected to mention that her narrator, the Reverend John Ames, is an unforgettable creation who will surely be read about, discussed, and dissected in seminary classrooms as a type of ideal pastor-homilist. This is because many of Robinson's readers will come away with the distinct sense that her lovely, loving, non-judgmental ("only God can judge"), serving, generous, graciously forgiving faith conveys the precise ideal that rests within the mystery at the heart of the Christian gospel. As one English reader commented to Robinson at a lecture, "Gilead has reshaped my atheism." Mine too, I think.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Clocks Limited Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's David Mitchell Page; Review: I had to think about this for a while before I set down my opinion of it. I finished it more than two months ago, and Ive finally reached the point at which I think I can say, with a measure of confidence, that The Bone Clocks is David Mitchell's weakest novel. In the end, I found it something of a hot, discombobulated mess. Thats the lead line. Yet, all that said, this is David Mitchell, and his hot mess is generally a lesser writer's "fulfillment of a lifetime in letters." In this case, however, I think that may be a debatable proposition. I had ripped along through some 400 pages of a demanding 600 page novel at a fairly good clip (for a very slow reader). But around the 400 pp mark, I started hitting potholes I thought Mitchell started pulling rabbits out of hats, inventing patches to cover holes that were wearing through his story, waking the reader from the narrative dream speculative fantasy fiction will either succeed or fail at pulling off. As is usually the case with Mitchell, the characters he imagines and realizes - other reviewers have told you all about the memorable Holly, Hugo, Ed, Crispin, and the rest - are brilliantly drawn, have their own unique voices, are filled in with details details details from indefatigable research, seem to have been written by different, equally brilliant authors writing from very different backgrounds and/or culturesI mean, seriously, Mitchell is a literary shape-shifter: he appears capable of writing, oh, anything, and not just in dazzlingly stylish English. Was that a snippet of Japanese? Now Dutch, is it? And Chinese? And in simply marvelous sentences. Moreover, this elegant conjurer of interconnected tales (thats a publisher speaking) typically embeds his compelling dramatis personae into that "Mitchellian" - sure: why not? - post-post-modern structure of hop-scotch, cross-referencing chapters or segments that play with time, place, and character relationships, foreshadowing in dollops, creating mystery and tension, resolved later in post-hoc-explications from other characters or other guises of the same character. Long-time Mitchell readers will recognize in The Bone Clocks a variant of his familiar format, deployed now in several novels - the best known, Cloud Atlas, the first, Ghostwritten, and Number9Dream (with a twist: a single central character, in many guises) - and will settle in to a book in which all desire for a bit of narrative closure must surrender to Mitchell-timeline, in which all resolution will be withheld for the longest possible duration. I have to admit a profound pleasure in playing along with Mitchell in trying to keep track of all the bits he introduces. And holes he leaves unfilled. And references he leaves unqualified or simply content-free as labels awaiting bottles and filling. Or a nameless bottle awaiting something. Or a puddle of filling that will wind up in a named vessel. But I began to get grumpy when, to me, it seemed Mitchell was simply shoveling it on, winging one oddly confected fact after another in the necessary backstory, to explain the history of the central; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Three Day Road; Author: Visit Amazon's Joseph Boyden Page; Review: Joseph Boyden is another of those young authors - such as, just to name three, Emily St. John Mandel, David Mitchell, and Adam Johnson - who seem unimaginably wise beyond their years in addition to having the increasingly rare ability to write beautifully and compellingly. Permit me to observe that I've researched, written, and directed research and writing for close to five decades: I understand the process, and I understand how to spin the quotidian collection of research details into literary art. But how, in Boyden's case, a young author is able to convey us backward nearly a century to serve as our uncommonly well-informed guide on a harrowing descent into a heart of trench-warfare darkness through the eyes of narrators from an almost wholly lost world is beyond my ken.... It's not simply written-up research strained through the filter of a keen literary sensibility. To me, it seems closer to a skilled conjurer's pure magic. It's that combination - an extremely well-researched, detailed, and hence credible World War I narrative, of which there are many, into which Boyden has woven the world of the Cree First Nation, in thick, anthropological description that simply unfolds in the natural course of narrative exposition, as Boyden needs it, never intrusively, never "bolted on," sometimes floating mysteriously to the surface for a moment, then submerging, to be illuminated later in the story. Boyden will not be rushed, will not disclose all he knows in bursts of framing narrative, will answer no question before its full ripeness. He simply lets his marvelous characters...be. As they might be observed had we stumbled across them in the wilderness of Northern Ontario or the trenches of Passchendaele. And in their words, and thoughts, and dreams, and behaviors, and memories their world unfolds gradually. Readers should discover the pleasures of this story without intrusive coaching or signposts for what they should be looking for. But just a few words about the central characters that I hope might entire readers to crack this novel: The hopscotch dual-first-person narrative jumps across time and place and back again, relating events in real time, or in dreams, in memory, in the fog of drugs or alcohol or sweat-lodge visions. First to speak is the Ojibwa-Cree medicine woman Niska, followed by her nephew, the silent, stolid Bush-Cree Xavier Bird. Frequently the subject of their narration is the essential third man, with whom Xavier volunteers for service and who comes to dominate the story: the Mission-School educated Elijah Whiskeyjack, whose edgy likability, command of languages, knowledge of how to seem, affinity for risk, and primal desire for glory and recognition as a warrior hero provide - along with the journey home traveled by Niska and Xavier - the principal thrust to Boyden's compelling, slowly unfolding narrative. As for the supporting players, we know some of these from Central Casting - the wise, battle-hardened corporal, the ever-calm stern-but-sympathetic sergeant (I envision countless broad, tall movie sergeants, in red coats with chevrons gleaming, with handlebar mustaches beneath helmets of blindingly white pith, pacing slowly behind assembled lines of; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Letter Composed During a Lull in the Fighting: Poems; Author: Visit Amazon's Kevin Powers Page; Review: Kevin Powers has given us a fine novel of interrelated stories, The Yellow Birds, and a slender volume of relentlessly somber poetry, Letter Composed During a Lull in the Fighting: Poems. Each complements the other: the poems read like a gloss on the novel, the novel - which I read first - seems in retrospect a commentary on the poems. Powers' poetic project is foreshadowed in the first piece and expanded upon in the following two selections. I defy anyone to read these three short poems and not continue through the remaining 88 pages (as I said, slender). The key is in the final three lines of the first, "Customs." ...I can tell you exactly What I mean. The world has been replaced by our ideas about the world. This perspective Powers expands upon in his second poem, which is also the title of the book and which I reproduce in its entirety: I tell her I love her like not killing or ten minutes of sleep beneath the low rooftop wall on which my rifle rests. I tell her in a letter that will stink, when she opens it, of bolt oil and burned powder and the things it says. I tell her how Pvt. Bartle says, offhand, that war is just us making little pieces of metal pass through each other. The third offering, "Great Plain," makes even more plain the Powers' philosophical perception that, yes, there's a big world out there, but even as we swan through it, we interpret it, and we use words to record those thoughts and the accompanying sense impressions, and it's the words that afterward linger in the air and await discovery by others. (Never mind that we all carry cameras around in our pockets and can also record the sounds of that world: these are poems, and we're not reciting Homer in the agora, we're reading them, perhaps aloud - I do - in our solitude.) To my eyes, this first triad of unmetrical, unrhymed verse sets an unusually high bar - above all for perspective, use of language, and imagery - that Powers reaches relatively infrequently afterward, and mostly in the first two parts, which are unnamed but I think of as "The Home Front" and "In the Field and After" - of his four-segment volume. These war poems are lamentations: there's little of the jokey camaraderie that was at the center of The Yellow Birds, only the residual sorrow that hovers about after the demise of friends. Powers' verse is filled with loss, emptiness, meaninglessness, sadness. And throughout, his careful deployment of words picks through his emotions, laying them out very carefully, being extremely explicit about "what I mean": he withholds nothing, or very little. He doesn't deal in obscurantism. He says, precisely, what he wants to mean and, moreover, understands that it lives as words on a page. Hence, in "Improvised Explosive Device" - the collection's longest poem, 115 lines over five pages - which leads the second part: If this poem had wires coming out of it, you would; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Peter the Great: His Life and World; Author: Robert Massie; Review: A grudging five stars because sometimes Massie seems ready to swamp us in details, to want to tell us everything he and his research team have uncovered for, say, campaign after campaign in the war of the moment - for Peter seemed always off on one war or another, with the Turks, the Swedes, the Poles, the Walachians, the Crimean Tatars, and on and on - giving us the names of each general commanding which brigades and assaulting that particularly wobbly center of gravity in the enemy line, at which point the story becomes one damn thing after another, threatening to bog down an almost 900 page text and prompting a pinch-eyed scream to, "Get on with it, man." (But please don't misunderstand: the battles are for the most part handsomely, impressively rendered, and Massie seems for the most part careful to raise those names that have downstream narrative significance - he's skilled at marshaling large amounts of information, although I sometimes spot-checked and found him relying for long stretches of a chapter on a single secondary source, and I continue to wonder what scholarly specialists in the period might think. I did not perform that particular due diligence.) But nonetheless five stars, because Massie delivers mightily on the title, which is always a contract with the reader. Here, he satisfies every term, for we learn 1. why Peter was great; 2. the relevant details of his life, and then some, which is surprisingly well documented, down to table talk and records of official deliberations and pre-knouting interrogations (which Massie cites from secondary sources or from work done for him by the large group of Russian-surnamed helpers whose roles he doesn't specify but who are acknowledged in an afterword, the connections to which the reader must surmise [no stretch, really: Massie apparently reads no Russian - or never leads the reader to believe he might - yet lists Russian sources in his bibliography and thin source documentation]), and myriad other official records that have found their way into the extensive Peter literature, and 3. finally, a great deal about his world, both within and without Russia, sometimes with relatively fine granularity. This is a sprawling narrative of (mostly) men and great (some not so great) powers playing the Game of Nations in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and Massie spends a considerable amount of time setting up detailed entries onto and exits off of the stage, generally beginning by discussing a country, its mores, the sources of its relative wealth or poverty, its leading statemen and and their women, and the ambitions of both governments and their rulers and the relative success or failure in their pursuit. At the center of the story is Peter's conflict with Charles XII of Sweden in the Great Northern War, which, beginning in 1700, blew hot and cold for 20 years in several European jurisdictions during which Russia contested Swedish domination of Northern, Eastern, and Central Europe and sought to establish permanent Russian access to the Baltic Sea. But Massie also focuses on Peter's; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wait Till Next Year : A Memoir (AUDIO CASSETTE); Author: Visit Amazon's Doris Kearns Goodwin Page; Review: In light of everything that might be said about this charming little book may have already been said, let me add a few autobiographical reflections. I found this to be a fairly conventional memoir of growing up in the Fifties near New York City. I was there, too, and yep, that's pretty much what it was in the new post-WWII suburbs. And yep, we were all baseball besotted, as Doris Kearns will not have been the first to note (there's a whole episode on this in Ken Burns' Baseball) - Duke versus Mickey versus Willie. And yep, I was the Dodger fan in a land of Yankee and Giant fans. And that's kind of it throughout, all the way down to a conventional Irish-Catholic family narrative, replete with the Baseball Priest. (Ours was Father Ernie, playing ball in a cassock.) For me, the book's finest passage - potential spoiler ahead, although I don't think so - apart from the magical beginning, in which Dad teaches little Doris how to keep score and then bonds with her over her recap for him of the Dodgers' daily fate, is the "baseball confession" before Doris' First Holy Communion (do Catholics still mechanically recite the entire phrase, as though it were patented usage? We recited...). And yeah, the Legion of Decency pissed me off, too. I remember all those Brigitte Bardot movies we couldn't see - what was I, nine, when "And God Created Woman" came to the US? I remember the newspaper ads but, needless to say, never saw the pictures - but were playing in the art theaters in Newark and New Brunswick and were "condemned" by the Legion...sheesh. Big point of differentiation from my experience and part of the book's charm: dresses. A girl-to-woman point of view in what is at its heart a baseball memoir. That's what sold the book (to me, anyway - generational peer - actually, more my big brother's - and all that). My sister has a drawerful of pictures that look pretty much like Doris's, which I enjoyed looking at (who doesn't enjoy seeing their own past reflected in the past of others?). I didn't need to see the Rosenbergs or Tail-Gunner Joe, but hey, Doris was also coming to political awareness and was paying attention. Another difference: she didn't - couldn't - obsess over little league ball or other sports, but they had the Red and Blue meet; I remember similar grand intramural competitions. Overall, a sweet little book, which is all it promised to be, but, given the author, I suppose I was expecting something a little more cosmic, with somewhat more reach. And more Red Sox, too, from a time at which I too was in the Boston area.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Housekeeping: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Marilynne Robinson Page; Review: Elmore Leonard was an apostle of spare writing. Skip description. Never use an adverb to modify the verb "said." Avoid detailed descriptions of characters. Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip (those word-bricky paragraphs that bring the action to a standstill). Elmore's implicit main rule - essentially the rule of screenwriters - is "show, not tell." On the other side of the ledger are myriads of lapidary, some would say excessively descriptive, writers of the Henry James variety, for whom the showing is in the telling, all the way down to the density of the motes in a shaft of sunlight in a scene the author would like you to envision. Marilynne Robinson is of the latter species, a marvelous setter of detailed scenes and teller of things you may have seen but have never paused to describe, or if youve described it - say, a pretty girl - you may liken her to someone, or pick out features - the "bluest blue eyes," "the fairest, finest strawberry blond hair" - that you've heard countless times before. Robinson, on the other hand, seems incapable of saying anything one might expect or have read before or anticipate from a familiar. Here she is, describing the eccentric aunt of Homecomings first-person narrator, Ruth: "Sylvie was pretty, but she was prettiest when something had just startled her into feeling that the world had to be dealt with in some way, and then she undertook the most ordinary things with an arch, tense, tentative good will that made them seem difficult and remarkable, and she was delighted by even partial success." Here, Robinson places demands on a reader that an Elmore Leonard (who, don't get me wrong, I adore) might sneer at as telling, not showing: apart, I think, from counting on you to read slowly and closely, she presumes youll know the feeling of "I must show I can handle this, now," to see it a snap decision that galvanizes a kind of fussy, elaborate, not quite confident but showy look at me, Im doing it, Im doing it response and a resulting pleasure of even partial headway, and for us then to get, in a trice, how such toil permits natural beauty to glow in a person. All in 56 words. All as an aside to the main action of the passage, page, and chapter. I think readers divide on Robinson over precisely such writing. Ive read extremely thoughtful, very critical reviews of Housekeeping that talk of straining for a literary effect, self-consciously literary, precious writing, superabundant writing, and so on. For me, the tone of Housekeeping is dreamy throughout, gauzy, diaphanous, a long, reflective reverie from a cerebral narrator, looking back on her girlhood. I was arrested by the quoted passage: it struck me as unusual in a variety of ways, it made me look up from the page a hallmark of provocative fiction to think about what Id just read. Its unusual in a writer to call such innocuous, particular details to mind, to have noticed a routine; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil Wears Prada; Author: Visit Amazon's Lauren Weisberger Page; Review: An entertaining over-the-top part crypto-Bildungsroman, part roman-a-clef as though written by an anthropologist commissioned to observe and then thickly describe New York fashion culture through the prism of an influential journal of haute couture and its Boss from Hell, one of which everyone who's lived a sufficiently long life has had. (I, for the record, had a tag-team.) A mordant yet sentimental novel with few likeable characters, to be sure, and a stock plot, but for many who claim to have been there, or nearby, brimming with accuracy and insight. Moreover, for me, an average chuckle per page. And I was delighted by the Anna Wintour - who, despite and still, and unlike Miranda Priestly, our Devil in Prada, seems, I've since learned, to have a well-developed sense of humor - cameo at the Paris fashion expo. So, lightweight fun that scores some real-world points.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Seven Good Years: A Memoir; Author: Visit Amazon's Etgar Keret Page; Review: I probably read this entertaining and occasionally profound memoir out of sequence: I haven't read the stories, and thus cannot have been a long-time admirer (or detractor, or neutral observer), but only very recently learned the name Etgar Keret from an interesting interview in the NYTimes or New Yorker or somewhere, in which he discussed this book, and fatherhood, and sonhood, all with an easy, wisecracking sense of humor. But I think Keret's tone there made me expect something a little different - perhaps a writer who stumbled over and commented on his everyday life's humorous angles in the course of reaching for something larger rather than a full-time humorist who writes as though every sentence needs to be a punchline or a setup, yes, often in the course of reaching for something larger. (And yes, I know "humor is hard, you kill or you die," etc. It's not a minor literary art.) I see him more the latter, which, particularly when he continuously needs to be funny and, for only me, perhaps, misses the mark, I find distracting and sometimes deflating. That said, he's a mimimalist humorist, which is a good thing and a surprising aspect of his art. But if readers are honest, they'll observe, and perhaps particularly if they don't know and already admire Keret, that the book's first quarter - the older vignettes in a chronological collection - is but mildly entertaining, mildly amusing, but hardly deserving of the wild encomia that crowds the dustjacket. I found the ensuing 120 or so pages, however, from Year Three's "Long View" to the concluding Year Seven "Fare and Strong" to be almost uniformly strong (possible exceptions that spring conspicuously to mind being "Poser" - Keret's war with the concept of exercise, filled with "unhealthy me" and "lazy me" and "misshapen me" jokes - and "Bemusement Park" - a predictable screed against Mickey Mouse, Inc. told as an inside joke). Year's Six and Seven, in which Keret attends to his father's story, are, throughout, as they must be, gentle, bittersweet, heartbreaking. "Jam," the chapter on the Keret's 47-inch wide Warsaw house (and this, I think, may be something of a spoiler, as I presume I reacted to the piece as did thousands of others before me must have done) seems an absurdist masterpiece of whole-cloth fantasy...until one Googles "Keret House Warsaw" and finds our Etgar sitting in it - more an art installation than an architectural solution to an impossible problem - in any of several pictoral essays on the place. Keret has a painterly eye for detail, and his best reminiscences - "Long View," "Idol Worship," "My Lamented Sister," "Imaginary Homeland," "Just Another Sinner," "Jam," the "Dad chapters" - often turn on a narrow peculiarity of observation - a recent black-and-white photograph, a jar of jam, a bug and a frog (and the moral difference that separates them). For me, the upshot of having read The Seven Good Years is "More Etgar Keret!" I like his vaguely paranoid, vaguely surreal sense of humor - which, frankly, is relatively understandable given; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Great Debate: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left; Author: Visit Amazon's Yuval Levin Page; Review: A fascinating, well written exploration of the core political writings of the two key 18th century thinkers on revolution and counterrevolution. Levin strains for objectivity and balance in addressing the views of Burke and Paine on human nature, natural and political right, the role of reason versus history and social convention in political thought, political change, and the status of the past/meaning of the future, particularly with regard to the American and French Revolutions. Sadly, he misses a fair balance by a wide margin - a well-known conservative journalist and former Bush staffer, Levin has difficulty concealing his Burkean biases - the book began its life as his doctoral dissertation, The Great Law of Change: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Authority of the Past, for the University of Chicago's Committee on Social Thought under two distinguished Straussian political theorists, Ralph Lerner and Nathan Tarcov, and a rough page count of Levin's Burkean versus Paineian content goes 2:1 in Burke's favor (110 pp to 60, with roughly a third of the book (66 pp) essentially neutral "Burke said, Paine replied, Paine said, Burke retorted" exposition. Let's grant Levin the fact that Burke's collected writings take up a shelf and Paine's a few volumes, but even so, he presents Burke with greater depth, dimension, and care, and despite Levin's detailed explication of Paine's thought, the English-American-French radical nevertheless comes off in this account as a reductionist ideologue, particularly in contrast to Levin's splendid, visionary Burke, a more principled, complex, and agreeably intuitive thinker. (Regardless, how any contemporary reader might come away from this monograph with of view of either as very much more than a brilliant persuader with a particular ideological axe to grind - albeit via the most glittering justificatory rhetoric - is thoroughly beyond me. For each man, rhetoric is the master science, of which each is a master. But, again, to contemporary eyes, things both men make presumptions about - for example, "the original position," human nature, social and political stratification, etc. - often seemed to me glibly shallow and less compelling in light of such topics now being treated less as rhetorical flourishes and more as carefully wrought, researched, and thought-through monograph-length studies, often sourcing copious authorities, reams of empirical data, and deeply, rigorously refined layers of argument.) Even so, Levin makes a plausible case that both thinkers remain useful in parsing contemporary left-right political distinctions. Conservatives seek to conserve and are acutely conscious of accumulated precedent that constitutes "the way things are" (or should be). Progressives feel more freedom in dispensing with aspects of politics and society that offend their prespecified senses of justice. Yet these two branches of social and political thinking, as Levin observes, are both sprung from notions of liberalism - conserving liberalism and progressive liberalism - that, to modern minds, may become confused, for example, particularly over the role of political and social institutions, which for Burke are social constructions, and political right from which issue legitimate institutions, which Paine traces back to the original political equality of all men, from whom all legitimacy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Among Others; Author: Visit Amazon's Jo Walton Page; Review: It's easy to understand how this lovely little epistolary novel won both Hugo and Nebula awards in 2012 - it's literally a lovesong to science fiction and fantasy writing and all its practitioners, in the course of which the bibliomaniacal (a good word: I share her mania) Walton mentions some 170 classic works (not all SF or fantasy). The novel unfolds slowly and almost any disclosure is a spoiler of one sort or another. Let me simply confine myself to the character of Mori Phelps, or Morwenna Markova (using the female form of her recently-discovered father's surname), who is a brilliantly, subtly realized bookworm, lonely and socially insecure, who from the age of 14 has walked with a cane, the result of an accident that killed her twin sister, Morgana, precocious to the point of sounding at 15 like the finished author of nearly a dozen novels Jo Walton, whose prose transcends that of mere genre fiction, and who is locked in an agonistic relationship with Liz, her mad, ferocious, estranged mother, who may or may not be a...uh, witch, depending on how a reader views Mori's state of mind. I say this because Mori lives in a world of casual magic, infested by faeries with whom Mori and her sister routinely interact, and because we only have her point of view, as expressed in her journal, we're never quite sure, are we? Walton has written a slyly appealing novel, which will please book addicts of all ages, although I surmise the appeal will be greatest for quiet, bookish, socially insecure, similarly precocious adolescents who will see themselves mirrored in Mori's fantastical interior life. Walton has recovered the social imbecilities and cruelties of public-school teenhood - much of which, she says, is from autobiographical memory - and is broadly expressive on particular topics related to the pleasures of the book. She also has a rare ability to conjure out of mundane materials scenes of numinous emotional power. That said, for impatient readers who have neither read, nor intend to read, as broadly and deeply as Mori and those SF addicts to whom this book will have its greatest attraction - and I've read their disparaging comments - this is a very slow moving, slow-to-develop novel, the key developments of which are linked together by Mori's long, running account of what she's reading, or which books she's discussing or pondering, and with whom. For those who truly admire the book, this SF book-and-author commentary is a principal appeal. For all others, not so much. In any event, I thoroughly enjoyed Among Others, but I also recognize that it simply will not be for every taste. Moreover, it has inspired me to finally get around to reading books I've had sitting on my shelves for decades - Cat's Cradle, The Dispossessed, Triton, for example - but haven't got around to, and to reread books I first read nearly fifty years ago - LOTR, mainly - as a result of Walton's lively accounts of their influence on young Mori's development.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution; Author: Visit Amazon's Jack N. Rakove Page; Review: ...it's the best thing I've read on the mind and political context of the Founders at the various founding moments...the deliberation and intention of the 1787 Framers, the deliberations and intentions of the state ratification conventions c. 1787-1789, and the early debates over the institutionalization of the constitutional clauses and where the sources of political danger lurked. Jack Rakove is another of Bernard Bailyn's crowded stable of brilliant students who with Bailyn have moved on to reshape the study of pre-revolutionary, revolutionary, and Federalist America. Original Meanings (and the plural "s" is significant) is a seminal contribution to a discussion that should dominate the next presidential election. Rakove's critics will argue that he's hostile to the anti-Federalists and to today's Originalists (led by their Heralds, Scalia and Thomas), but Rakove convinces me - and I suppose it's needless to say, I take a side in this particular debate but more or less pride myself in my ability to preserve analytic objectivity and to weigh an argument and its logic - that all the controversies of Originalism and the "Framer's intent" are vastly more political than historical (although, as Rakove points out more than once, clarity on the historical questions is essential to inform any conversation on the controversial constitutional topics). For me - and please pardon the editorial digression - Originalism seems a variation of the Reformation battlecry, "Sola Scriptora!" (It's more than a little ironic that skepticism of scripture is associated more closely with Roman Catholic, rather than Protestant, tradition, but the Supreme Court's conservative caucus is uniformly devout RCC.) In government, this is a recipe - as several of the Founders and their philosophic forebears pointed out - for the dead hand of the past continuing to grip throats in the present. Jefferson opined, often, in writing (and presumably in conversation) that each generation of Americans needed to rewrite the Constitution to suit their own times. (But he was, of course, in France, corresponding with Jamie Madison, whose story dominates these pages, while the constitution was being drafted and crawling through state-by-state ratification.) Well, we've had our constitution, warts and all, for more than 225 years, and we see what 225 years of interpreting a pre-steam-engine, slaveholder-endorsed, wild-frontier-considerate document has done to warp our body politic...and the warpage continues as the political winds blow through the Supreme Court, giving some folks the decisions they long for and others the rage that animates political rivalries bent upon overturning malign majorities on the Court. Needless to say, the constitution has been amended a mere 17 times (and, I'll bet, never again) since the first Bill-of-Rights block of amendments, which were the Federalists' promise to the state ratifying conventions that, "Okay, okay, you can have a Bill of Rights" as the price of ratification, but we're unlikely ever again to see anything that approximates the 1787 meeting to "propose amendments" to the Articles of Confederation. That's the rut we're in. That story - the tale of how our great founding document tugged and pulled into place, every issue, every bloody round of politics,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cat's Cradle (Essential Penguin); Author: Visit Amazon's Kurt Vonnegut Page; Review: This is my third Vonnegut novel in some 40 years. My first, Breakfast of Champions, I flung across the room unfinished in 1973 or so and fixed an opinion of the author - "I'm not a Vonnegut fan" - firmly in my mind. Then my son begged me to read Slaughterhouse Five, which I did. more than a decade later, leading to revised opinion: "I like Slaughterhouse Five, but so does everyone else. Possible coincidence." And now there's Cat's Cradle, because Jo Walton made such a stink over it in Among Others, with her adaption of Bokonon concepts and all. And then, mysteriously, my same son inexplicably pressed the book into my hands with a "Do me a favor and read this book." Too numinous a coincidence to pass on, especially since I've owned Cat's Cradle since high school - that would be "mid-1960s" - and had never got around to it. So here it goes. I wavered between 3 and 4 stars, opting for the former, if only for this particular Vonnegut's cultic status among adolescent boys, which speaks directly to the quality of the writing and the prevasively wiseguy, juvenile shtick that runs from first page to last. Cat's Cradle arises from the time when America's young writers were experiencing a post-Eisenhower thaw in Military-Industrial-State, Cold-War sensibility, from which we get the slapstick surrealism of Pynchon, Barth, O'Toole, McGuane, Hannah, etc etc etc, and other idols of the hip post-Beatnik literary shut-in teen set, most of whose work from this moment in time is scarcely readable today. But they - with the exception of O'Toole - were at least literary writers of some redeeming value and got the paranoia piece generally pretty close to right. But for all Cat's Cradle's stream-of-consciousness, associative, imaginative flights, I found this book almost insufferably juvenile. It made me think, repeatedly, that Vonnegut should, in the tradition of Dickens, have toured Cat's Cradle as stand-up, or given it to someone like George Carlin to dramatize in a one-man show. It might have filled whooping arenas with its "All religions are lies" riffs and snapped-off one-liners satirizing religious faith and the human will to believe, all against the thin backdrop of the Ice-Nine narrative. As a novel, however, boredom, followed by fatigue, set in about midway through, which was perhaps just me rebelling against class-clown comedy writers who strain to raise every sentence to punchline status. Once upon a time I howled along with everyone else as Edgar Marsala broke wind in church. Now I only turn the pages faster...remorselessly, without lamenting much lost youth but rather liking a fuller measure of life-lived objectivity. And that's kind of it for me, kids. And it's the end of my Vonnegut exploration as well. Life, as they say, is too short. That said, I'm now terrified of revisiting Lord of the Rings and of a possible personal literary Gtterdmmerung.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Outline: A Novel (Outline Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Rachel Cusk Page; Review: First I should say I loved this novel without serious reservation - in the end, there's no accounting for differences in taste, is there? - and am in awe of Rachel Cusk. That she has fashioned such a gripping narrative these are of course my opinions: I found it gripping; others obviously did not - out of such quotidian materials is more than a tribute to her mastery. She is pioneering a literary equivalent of Gonzo Journalism, which very obtrusively places the author at or very close to the center of his/her topic. Cusk, however, is a stealth operator, placing an almost invisible narrator-as-cipher (we do not learn her name until page 211 of 249 pages) at the very center, the key (and recording) interlocutor in 10 conversations with individual characters, a dinner table of several personalities, a seminar table with 11 interlocutors, a room, which the narrator interrogates as carefully and semiotically as she would a human personality, and which here, of course, in this literary world, is a tower of words. Words words words. Sometimes we might confuse ourselves into thinking were reading a Platonic dialogue expounding a philosophy of language as philosophy of being. This extraordinary piece of writing functions as disparate things simultaneously, in a way thats a bit reminiscent of Philip Roth in The Counterlife which was also sticking it in the eye of his most analytic critics but without the meta-glee of the Roth effort. Cusk is, for all her dark humor, deadly serious in what she seeks to accomplish, for which she, in interviews, has paved the conceptual way; see in particular the highly vaunted Guardian piece, to which Im not allowed to link, in which Cusk avers that autobiography is increasingly the only form in all the arts and that description and character are dead or dying in reality as well as in art. Noting first the overlaps between the life and activities of our narrator Faye, and Cusks own life and activities writer, essayist, university teacher, peripatetic lecturer and conferee we observe the various guises of this novel. It is, first and foremost, SIMPLY a novel, with an arc of story one day the professor of writing flew to Athens to teach a writing workshop, and this is what happened - and should be read and enjoyed as such. Its also a collection of stories that, despite their connective tissue, are each and of themselves delightful, disclosing excursions into the mind of the author and that of her interlocutors, which may all be autobiographical variations of Cusk herself: each of her characters, major and minor, share attributes of the author all are extremely interior, articulate, confessional, candid (depending on what each intends, with or without success, to withhold) although not all share an occupation in the arts, literary or other (but most do). One character, Fayes neighbor in the next seat on the way to Athens - an aging erstwhile Greek shipping magnate in decline, who seems perpetually searching, without much satisfaction, for love and for some sense of his lifes meaning is; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Zhivago; Author: Boris Pasternak; Max Hayward; Manya Hara; Review: Just a few words, on the outside chance that I might tip a potential reader or two into reading this marvelous oh-so-Russian novel of lives caught up in the Great October Revolution of 1917 and its aftermath. Either you read Big Russian Novels (primarily of the 19th century) or not. If you do, you've probably already read, or tried to read, Zhivago. If you don't, I can offer a few reasons why you might want to read this one, in the Pevear-Volokhonsky translation or the earlier, less literal (but reportedly more graceful and poetic) Hayward-Harari version. Pasternak's cast of principal characters are to a person layered, complex, deeply conceived individuals swept up in the massive surge of events, struggling to keep their heads above water while, all around them, friends, family, and nameless millions of others are drowning in the turbulence. The arc of Yuri Zhivago alone - from enthusiastic, humanistic supporter of "regime change" to mordant skeptic of divisive ideas imposed as orthodoxy-driven policy - is typical of the evolutions and surprises Pasternak has written into the novel. His characters ruminate far and wide over imputed glories and horrors of Marxism, Bolshevism, Soviet Communism, the New Economic Policy (NEP), etc., andit was for precisely these candid criticisms of Soviet ideology and practice that Pasternak's novel was condemned (although unpublished) in the USSR - despite the deStalinization still underway at the time of Zhivago's publication, first in Italy then around the world (Soviet readers couldn't legally purchase a USSR/Russian edition until 1988). Needless to say, Pasternak was obliged to decline the Nobel Prize for Literature he won in 1958, mostly for Doctor Zhivago. For me - I spent most of my adult life as an analyst of foreign political, economic, social, and military affairs - Doctor Zhivago is particularly brilliant in its depiction of the horrors and dislocations war and civil war inflict on populations, and especially those segments with little or no recourse to "safety nets" of any variety - personal, familial, governmental, church-, religion-, or community-based, or other. Pasternak depicts the range of human ingenuity in such circumstances, as individiuals cobble together the means of extracting brief moments of small pleasure from the tractor-pull of events. But through an accumulation of hundreds of small details, often in asides and parenthetic observations, Pasternak conveys the epochal common misfortunes and hardships of those whose accident of history made them Russians born around and after 1900. The novel compels us to consider that, at some point in the 20th century, such horrors of remorseless privation, despotism, and brutal inhumanity were visited upon the majority of humanity - the Europe of the World Wars, China for most of the century, and on and on - and how fortunate those spared such travails (and their descendents) are. Throughout, Pasternak's characters comment on the flow of events, the political struggles, the conduct of, first, the World War and later the Civil War, the states-of-play at various key junctures, the putative winners and losers, the impositions of what must seem arbitrary policy (and then policy reversals), all; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Slade House: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's David Mitchell Page; Review: Since Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell has been one of the very few authors on my list of "automatically read" as close to publication-release date as possible, even though he's been, in my opinion, on something of a downhill trajectory beginning with The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. With Slade House, I'm hoping he's bottomed out. Not that I didn't read the book in a single gulp, drawn in by both the familiar Mitchell terrain - not just the now characteristic generational sweep of his chronology but the familiar topical terrain, that of The Bone Clocks, although easily my least favorite of Mitchell's novels - and by the easy, engrossing linear narrative and the snippets of recycled characters who pop up from time to time like harmonic resonances in overtones of earlier chords. In this brief and - it seems to me, excessively and ostensibly holiday-timed - commercial book, in its pretty (but dysfunctional) design (which forces readers to hold a hole in the front board and invites us to ponder the meaningless Clue-like boardgame titlepage), Mitchell seemed to have been sweeping up the cutting room floor of his abundant imagination, feeding us leftovers from The Bone Clocks, or perhaps parts of an abandoned first draft of Clocks that, in new form, morphed from a relatively straightfoward haunted-house story to its convoluted concatenation of tales involved a cataclysmic battle for the fate of the universe. Some two-thirds of the way through, however, the short novel struck me as Mitchell's simplified explication of the main elements of The Bone Clocks for readers simply befuddled, as I was, by the long sequences of Deus ex machina rabbits-pulled-from-hats Battle of Immortals stuff that literally deranged me through the final 100 pp or so. And of course Mitchell is a superb storyteller and a vivid creator of characters we might all know and identify with - or detest, or both - as suits his purpose. But in the end I had to wonder "why?" Why revisit this terrain, why resuscitate this character (for what? the fourth time in consecutive novels)? For a person of Mitchell's superabundant imagination, this must have been a fortnight's knockoff. He's already a popular, and surprisingly commercial, literary novelist. He had nothing to prove by choosing to produce a short-form almost-novella a mere year after his last novel, unless, of course, his literary daemon compelled him to writewritewrite. Everyone knows a writer's writer writes primarily for him/herself, because there's that story, or idea, inside about to burst foward, and just has to be written down. But this isn't Middle Earth, or Narnia, or any of dozens of meticulously constructed worlds that cause legions of enchanted readers to beg for sequels. Or, to Mitchell devotees, might it be? And all to so trivial, and dissatisfyingly trite, a conclusion? In the end, we're again left wondering what the duel between Horologists and Anchorites has got to do with anything besides the duel between Horologists and Anchorites. Okay, I'm being grumpy. But I closed the book with a "harrumph." And this depite my pleasure that; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas (Hugo Award Winner - Best Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's John Scalzi Page; Review: While reading Redshirts, I was struck by the notion that riotously entertaining novels should, for the most part, be unreviewable because, by virtue of their invented unpredictability, here a riotously entertaining "surprise quotient" - that number of instances in which the plot twists in a manner that creates cries of delight, the laughter of the Gods, or moments in which the pace of the reader's eyes down the page quickens, as does his/her pulse - every such surprise, as it unfolds, is a potential spoiler for someone, and to disclose even early such episodes might - no: invariably, will - diminish the pleasure the author's revelations offer the reader as the work marches along. That pleasure is amplified by Scalzi's breathless pace, which takes few breaks. That was Redshirts for me. My first Scalzi book, to which I was drawn by a friend who dropped on me an entry from the author's popular blog, which alerted me to the existence of the man named John Scalzi, who also happened to be an SF author and a Hugo honoree, of whom I had never, ever heard. (I'm a binge SF reader, mostly on beachy vacations, but sometimes go years without. In the last quarter, three titles, which for me is a lot, and will soon be four, when I get to Scalzi's Old Man's War momentarily. I resolved to know him better, and began, I thought naturally, with this short, critically acclaimed, highly honor novel. But I was surprised to find that a sizable body of Scalzi haters exist, which accounts for the 3.8 on the Amazon Richter Scale, low for a critcally well-regarded, generally popular Hugo winner. As this is my first Scalzi, however, I had no authority to comment on the comparisons some have made to his other work that report (or is is "allege"?) a sameness of his materials, the weakness of his plots, a thinness of characters, and an irksome meta-ness of his literary conceits. That said, on this my maiden voyage, as a novel standing alone, I found Redshirt's plot ingenious and superabundantly imaginative, the characters figures to be, yes, out of central casting, but I supposed more as Scalzi intended not out of laziness but out of narrative requirements - this observation may strike some as a partial spoiler, but it's a fairly generic comment - and the mataliterary aspects of his story compelling and entertaining. At some points, it's writing about writing (about writing): if you hate that, you may hate the novel. And as for what one astute critic referrred to as, I think, "empty sentimentality," I have to say that I've never reacted so emotionally to passages of an SF-genre novel. Yeah, he played me, and I got all misty. I'm not used to that. But I thought of these developments as touching, effective payoffs when they occurred. Oh, and did I say, I did indeed laugh like the Goblin King? Once the story really began ripping along, about a third of the way in, when its mainspring really goes "sprong!" I bellowed aloud; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Death of a Red Heroine (An Inspector Chen Investigation); Author: Qiu Xiaolong; Review: Although author Qiu Xiaolong has given us little to admire as a prose stylist - apparently written in English, the book often reads like a poor translation, with Chinese colloquialisms clunkily rendered into word-for-word English - he packs his narrative with with hundreds of details from post-"Opening," post-Tiananmen Massacre China that, woven into a moderately interesting murder mystery, keep the reader rolling along. It might help if the reader knows something about China - I'll say I know more than a little - but Qiu takes his time and offers occasional explanatory notes that make sense of the Chinese Communist Party, its pervasive role in administering, and thus reforming, China, and some of the forces at play within the CCP leadership that made - and in many ways continue to make - aspects of China's economic and social modernization controversial. Moreover, Qiu has created an interesting cast of characters who, Western readers will quickly apprehend, have the same ranges of emotions as most humankind but who express them through the conventions of a 4,000 year old, very different culture. Presented are special considerations of "face" - behaviors that either give or detract from one's honor and dignity - a different rhetoric of food and conversation about eating, ways of expressing love and care, a male preoccupation with women's feet (which Qiu describes precisely for virtually every female speaking character - these with "painted toenails like flower petals," those that are "elegantly arched with well-formed toes," and on and on), and the myriad ways in which a hierarchical society differentiates in speech and behaviors the layers of that hierarchy. I like Qiu's principal character, Chief Inspector Chen Cao (that's "chun ts'aow"), who has a graduate degree in literature and shares several autobiographical details with his creator, the most important of which is poetry. Both Qiu and his Chief Inspector are poets with a deep knowledge of China's long poetic tradition and the ability to process virtually any social situation into a Chinese couplet (which is never, ever offered here in Chinese, romanized or otherwise). A professor of Chinese literature at an American university, Qiu gives Chief Inspector Chen a credible sideline as a published poet (and translator of Western mystery novels and member of the Writers' Federation), enabling him to swing in literary and journalistic crowds and adding to his texture as a smart operator, an up-and-coming Party man, a reliable friend and colleague, with local senior Party sponsorship and friends in high places elsewhere. And he's got a highly coveted new apartment! With a toilet bowl! That occupies the entire closet-sized bathroom! This would not be a contemporary Chinese mystery without a strong political element running throughout. In China, the hackneyed phrase "you may not be interested in politics, comrade, but politics is interested in you" remains an iron admonitory law. And in the post-Tiananmen political environment, EVERYTHING is charged with politics, and everyone wants to have a say in the investigation of the murder of a well-known "model worker" - a kind of living national exemplar who gives exhortatory propagandists something; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kindred; Author: Visit Amazon's Octavia E. Butler Page; Review: Octavia Butler's Kindred is, as everyone who comes to this page quickly learns, a pathbreaking book in several dimensions, is taught in university classrooms, is regarded by many as a "classic" of the SF/Fantasy genre - but let's dispel one notion at the top: it's pure fantasy: there's no science here, apart from the transporting of 20th century analgesics and mechanical technology (a switchblade) to the past - and more or less made Octavia Butler a force in the SF/Fantasy universe. That it might have been better goes without saying: perfection is, to most minds, an unattainable ideal. And for most, the jury is already in on Kindred. Pathbreaking. Classic American Fiction. Classroom material. Butler, a MacArthur Fellow who died, much too soon, in 2006 at age 58, builds on a sensationally novel idea: what if a 20th century African-American woman fell asleep, or blacked out, and awoke in early 19th century Virginia, on the grounds of a Maryland plantation? Butler didn't worry very much about the modalities of "how?" and did it just like that: one moment she's here, the next, there, without much in the way of explaining how that happened. Where she takes her premise, however, is independently valuable and may account for most of why university professors teach her book: is it a superbly vivid introduction to relations within slaveholding families, in which the operating conceit was that slaves were members of the enlarged family (and often were interracial half-siblings, by virtue of the slave-owning male taking female slaves to his bed, often specifically to seek increase of his "capital," although Butler does nothing with this possibility). Butler diligently researched the copious secondary research on slavery, studied relevant 19th century documents, journals, and periodicals, visited areas that in the 19th century were farmed by slaves, and imagined herself, through her heroine, Dana, simply trying to stay alive in a slaveholding state where inadvertently wandering off the plantation without a written pass might get you beaten, whipped, or worse. Butler is good at creating suspenseful unease as Dana, through repeated returns to 19th century Maryland, learns to cope with her inexplicable circumstances and manages her dangerous surroundings. As I read, however, I kept wanting the novel to be more than it was. I found most of the characters - except for Rufus, the mainspring of the novel's action and the boy whose transformation into a young man may have been inspired by slaveholder Thomas Jefferson's observations on the ways in which slavery over time disfigures the humanity of the slaveholders - rather one-dimensional, serving a narrative purpose of populating the set with instantly recognizable plantation "types," both benign and cruel, who figure very infrequently in plot turns and whose own backstories scarcely seem to matter. In particular, Dana's white husband, Kevin, is essentially a prop, albeit with a small plot-directed purpose to fulfill. The other shortcoming was the quality of the writing, which I kept wishing had risen to the material, which offered the makings of literature rather than simply "a read." And a read is what we have:; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cape Fear Rising; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Gerard Page; Review: Cape Fear Rising is a deeply researched, historically accurate envisioning of the 1898 Wilmington, North Carolina, Massacre, which was plotted and set into motion by white-supremacist city grandees, aided and abetted by a sensationalist local press and gangs of local hooligans, and resulted in the murder of anywhere from 14 to more than a hundred African-American Wilmingtonians and the "banishment" of some 1000 members of the black middle class as well as a group of "devilish" white Republican politicians and office holders who participated in Wilmington's post-Reconstruction government. Author Philip Gerard gives a compellingly accurate account of the summer and fall 1898 events that led up to the killings of 10 November as well as to the culminating event that distinguishes Wilmington as the only city in the United States to have experienced a successful municipal coup d'etat, in which the biracial Fusionist Republican-Populist government was deposed by election-day plotters and replaced by an all-white government of the leading conspirators. For me (but perhaps not for others), the novel almost succeeds better as meticulous history than as a novel. Almost, because Gerard gives a plausible, persuasive account of the minds of the conspirators and those conspired against. But I found the motivations and behaviors Gerard creates for some of his invented principals to be simply reckless, out-of-character, and thus implausible for the time, place, and character of the actor - and much of this to the end of raising the flag of miscegention (which of course makes - shadow of Faulkner - a "southern novel" a truly Southern Novel). To lay this out in any detail is a spoiler for potential readers, so Ill leave this be. What Gerard could not have intended, however, but which rings remarkably true today, are the parallels the novel creates between the political climate of 1898 Wilmington, the views of the citys upper crust, and contemporary 2016 American politics, the interconnections of which are startlingly revealed in the language of Wilmingtons White Supremacists most importantly, the rallying cry of Take our City back and the racial motives that underlie such a call - which Gerard reproduces in detail, drawing on the documents and press of the day. A short note on Gerard's particular perspective, which I think is important. He tells most of his story though the point-of-view of two Philadelphians, Sam and Gray Ellen Jenks, who have migrated to Wilmington with the assistance of Sam's influential cousin (and generally well-portrayed historical figure) Hugh MacRae. Gerard is similarly not a native Wilmingtonian but at several points in his narrative talks about the particular magnetic pull of "place" on its inhabitants, who are pulled in this case by the many good, even wonderful, aspects of Wilmington and who, if repelled by troubling aspects of the city, do mental tallies and offsets that yield the deduction, "...but this is my city. My place." Gerard loves Wilmington, New Hanover Country, the nearby sea, the Cape Fear River. So do his characters, from all walks of life. So do Sam and, to a lesser extent, Gray Ellen (for whom the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holt McDougal Library, High School with Connections: Individual Reader Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas; Author: HOLT MCDOUGAL; Review: Why should we read a short - barely 100 pages in most editions - 170-year old book about a cruel world that to most is long gone? Let me try to tell you why. Frederick Douglass's account of and commentary on his life as a slave is easily, and for good reasons, the best known of the more than 100 book-length first-person narratives of American slave captivity. It tells a powerful, and powerfully wrought, story of barbarous cruelties routinely committed against black slaves by their white masters, acts that dehumanize both slave and master. It tells this story directly, almost entirely from first-hand experience and observation. Douglass amplifies his own descriptions with corroborations and stories from other black slaves, learned in conversations. He takes his picture of slavery and embellishes those descriptions of behaviors with his own interpretative commentary, first parsing, then praising and blaming, the motivations and beliefs of both whites and blacks under the institutions of slavery, which are nothing less than the codification of systematic cruelty inflicted on a class of humanity for the purposes of extracting the largest return possible from that human capital. Douglass's story is filled with strong moments that hit with the power of revelation: when Douglass's kindly mistress receives a stern rebuke from her husband for her efforts to teach a Douglass to read - which is both unlawful and dangerous, because "a n***** should know nothing but to obey his master...if you teach that n***** to read, there'd be no keeping him" - Douglass finally makes sense of "the white man's power to enslave the black man," which entails keeping slaves in ignorance. This, Douglass perceives, enables white masters to hold in place institutionalized, systematized regimes of ignorant, craven dependency. Ceaseless, fear-driven work and dependency are reinforced by the whip - an institutional necessity, if only to, incessantly, "remind you who's the master," and to instill a perpetual fear of upsetting the master or the overseer - and by fraudulent use of routine liberties, such as the celebration of Sundays and holidays, in which slaveowners encourage their human property to participate drunken revels, as well as other manipulative subterfuges, to let off steam. Douglass's determination to persist in learning clandestinely, leads to his core insight, around age 12, that learning to read "opened his eyes to the horrible pit, but with no ladder with which to get out," that a lifelong sentence to slavery is intolerable to him as a human being, and that he must at some point escape to freedom. Douglass reserves a special, bitter place in his narrative for the religion of the slaveholders, which he addresses throughout as well as in an appendix largely devoted to making a clear distinction between the true, kindly, generous gospel of Christ - to which he and his Abolitionist peers and patrons adhere - and the hypocritical gospel of the slaveholding "religion of the south...a mere covering for the most horrid of crimes , - a justifier of the most appalling barbarity, - a sanctifier of the most hateful frauds, - and a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Dance with Dragons; Author: Visit Amazon's George R.R. Martin Page; Review: I've never "reviewed" a book that has harvested as many comments as this one has. What's left to be said? Well, an admiring comment and a kvetch, for the record. Simply to repeat what his admirers already abundantly know, GRR Martin is a great storyteller, indefatigable researcher and plotter - all the way down to the ground: his character files must be interesting - and builder of plausible worlds. What I think, though, is that for most readers, and certainly for me, it's the intricate political intrigues that captivate and that have pulled us through more than 4000 pages of narrative text. Martin gets power politics and certainly understands, probably at a doctoral-dissertation-research level, the late-medieval-world interactions of great houses competing for crowns that made such stimulating history and - add three dragons, a few giants, a large dollop of magic that's both creepy and creepily religious, and the palpable fear of the often mentioned, seldom-appearing undead White Walkers - that inspired him to build a world that perfectly contains these immensely entertaining, alternately shocking and howlingly funny, grand yet finely detailed, operatic, dynastic stories. But I ask his fans (and I don't follow the blogs or much of the online discussion of the books - I do like the Wiki, though, which serves as my character/place/backstory memory - but I presume this is a topic of intermittent discussion): doesn't Martin need either a significantly greater measure of self-control (as in 'mastering the "Stephen King I-Have-a-Word Processor-Now Syndrome"') or a somewhat more ruthless editor (as in 'getting someone else to master the "Stephen King I-Have-a-Word Processor-Now Syndrome"')? A Dance with Dragons, the longest novel in the series, is stuffed with filler - okay, fairly high-quality, intrinsically interesting filler - and is probably 15 to 20 percent longer than it ought to be. It's almost as though Martin has to overwrite and overstuff to in some way justify all those delays and blown deadlines. (I know: this is a churlish, and probably mistaken, point from an unreservedly grateful reader who should just shut his mouth.) But there are indeed long stretches of slogslogslog. A thousand-plus pages (okay: 959 pp of narrative in the hardcover edition) is a lot to ask of loyal readers, even given the fact that fantasy writers tend to have acute cases of generally justified logorrhea - I mean, it takes time to create plausible new worlds and thoroughly realized characters - but, jeez, a snip here, a clipclip there, and we could lose 100-150 pp. Can't we? (I appreciate, however, the 15 page or so cap on each chapter, which at least let's us get to the next episode in each of a half-dozen separate major narratives that are simultaneously unfolding.) Ah, despite and still...we of course eagerly await the next installment, and trust Martin has sufficient years remaining - hell, he's only 67, and 85 is the new 65 - to wrap up books 6 and 7 and even move on to an 8 in an adjacent piece of his Westeros and the Free Cities. You go, Jersey; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Given Sugar, Given Salt; Author: Visit Amazon's Jane Hirshfield Page; Review: I read the poems of Given Sugar, Given Salt over a period of a month, at first in small bites - no more than three or four a day, usually before the sun came up, reading aloud in a still house - but today, the most beautiful day of the year here in Coastal Carolina (mid-70s, clear blue sky, magnolia blossoms when I look up), spending the afternoon on the front porch reading, and rereading, the last half or so of the collection. In commenting on what I've read, I'll try to be concise. I'll try not to get carried away. Or too solipsistic. I'll try to stick to the work at hand and how it works on me. Because that's so of all poetry isn't it? It works on us, moves us, one way or the other. And when it doesn't, that's how it does, for you. But let me begin by saying I came to this book, many of the poems of which I'd known from friends and libraries and the Internet, as an admirer of Jane Hirshfield's work. I knew something about her story as well, and particularly that she's a long-time practitioner of Zen Buddhism, which fact, and her own comments on Zen in several interviews, along with my own background (in East Asian affairs), helped me understand the calm spirtuality of her poems, her consistent, and consistently surprising, perspective, the reverence she conveys for all being and life, and the gentle deconstructions of common perception that mark her poetry. The great jazz writer Whitney Balliett called jazz "the sound of surprise." In my reading, that's an apt description of how Jane Hirshfield works on me: continually surprising when I least expect it. Drawing cosmic conclusions from quotidian matters, literally seeing the universe, not simply the forest, from the trees. As in "Tree": It is foolish to let a young redwood grow next to a house. Even in this one lifetime, you will have to choose. That great calm being, this clutter of soup pots and books-- Already the first branch tips brush at the window. Softly, calmly, immensity taps at your life. Simple, yet with a single word, explodes, surprisingly, into profundity, into another layer of being. Who has an eye like this, what M.S. Merwin has described as Hirshfield's "remarkable precision of observation and revealed feeling"? I could go on, and on, with examples from literally dozens of poems from this 69-poem collection. Most are no more than a page. A handful go on for three pages. Hirshfield writes with an economy and precision that might make one think she's written and translated and anthologized haiku or other terse Japanese forms of verse. Well, she has. Moreover, without being the slightest bit didactic or ostentatiously (as in "show-offily") self-referential (but, of course, she's deeply self-referential), Hirshfield is a philospher of language, of language's relation to perception, of perception's relation to observation or other sensing, of grappling with how a poem means. She is the best of all teachers - unobtrusive, gently nudging, encouraging her readers to; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide; Author: Visit Amazon's Joy-Ann Reid Page; Review: I enjoyed Joy-Ann Reid's lightning tour of American racial politics from the 1960s civil-rights revolution during the Johnson Administration into the midpoint of the second Obama term, to which Reid devotes, deservedly, just under two thirds of its 322 pages of text. The Obama story - from p. 107 to the conclusion, is more deeply researched, observed (often first-hand), and reported than the book's useful schematic first third and makes a genuine contribution to our understanding of the fracture lines of American politics. In my view, Reid's narrative validates the "categorical" statement of the eminent late historian John Hope Franklin, near the close of the George H.W. Bush administration, that the problem of the twenty-first century will be the problem of the color line." For me, the most riveting sections of the book recounted the turmoil in the Democratic Party and African-American political establishments created by the Obama candidacy in 2008, which Reid brilliantly sets in the context of specific events and political forces within the Party. African-American Democrats were substantially committed to Hillary Clinton in the 2008 race. Bill Clinton, after all, had been christened "the First Black President" - an appellation that stuck - by none other than Toni Morrison. This was of course despite Bill's triangulated support for a welfare reform package "that could easily have been presented by a Nixon or a Reagan administration," an Omnibus Crime Bill stripped of social spending, building more prisons, and resulting in a massive incarceration of black males, his throwing longtime friend and Yale classmate Lani Guinier under a bus in her confirmation fight to be Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, and other calculated political measures in which Clinton seemed to take his African American support for granted. In one memorable moment, in response to all the members of the African American political establishment who had already endorsed Hillary, believing her nomination to be a foregone conclusion, Obama mentor Emil Jones, then President of the Illinois State Senate, appealed to the DNC winter caucus on behalf of Obama. Speaking at the Black Caucus session and looking directly at Donna Brazile, Minyon Moore, and other Clinton supporters, Jones said, "Each of us at one time has gone around to all these schools and talked to all these black youngsters and encouraged them to stay in school , and told them you can be anything you want to be...And now is the time...(Obama) is you, he's articulate, he knows the issues. We as a caucus should be behind Barack Obama." Then he dropped the hammer: "We don't owe anybody anything. What Clinton did for the blacks he did because he was *supposed* to do it. He got our votes, so were were entitled to everything we got. He didn't do us any favors. We don't owe anybody anything." The Obama campaign went on without much Democratic and African American establishment support until he began to steamroll his way through the primaries and developed a groundswell of popular support. Throughout, he overcame the resistance of the regular Party,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: End This Depression Now!; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Krugman Page; Review: I greatly admire Paul Krugman, have read with pleasure his popular books and one of his scholarly monographs, and look forward to his column every Monday and Friday morning. But I docked this slender, smart book a star for its condescending "I'm right, you're dumb," tone, which of course is an occupational hazard for the good doctor. It seems true, though, that the austerity policies advocated by the other side defy comprehension: paring government services to the bone, paired with tax cuts that benefit mostly the wealthy, would by simple arithmetic wreck the economy (as they have caused persistent stagnation in Great Britain and elsewhere in other OECD countries as they crawl on their stomachs toward resumed economic growth). (Think about it: to say that austerity policies will usher in a new age of business confidence that will liberate factors and thus drive growth, as in "economic contraction will lead to economic expansion," does seem, on its face, as loopy as it turns out to be.) So I dock PK a star for the exuberance he demonstrates in expounding on his own correctness (and for repeatedly insisting he's more interested in talking about what to do to end the continued high unemployment rather than in rehashing history, when for most of 200 pp - of 239 main-text pp - what PK gives us is analytic history - very finely wrought, tightly argued analytic history). So, substantively, this for me is a five-star tutorial, with two chapters on banking, finance, and inequality - "Bankers Gone Wild" and "The New Gilded Age" - alone worth the purchase price.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lodger Shakespeare: His Life on Silver Street; Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Nicholl Page; Review: Simply put, this is a remarkable book among the thousands of Shakespeare biographies that crowd onto a crowded shelf. Although we often hear the lament that "so little is known" of WS, the fact is that more is known of him than of any other other author of the era (unless that author be James I, King of England and Ireland, also James VI, King of Scotland). Most of this lot of known things - and it is indeed quite a bit - and every documentary trace of it has been assembled by Samuel Schoenbaum in his magisterial folio, William Shakespeare: A Documentary Life, which contains more than 200 fascimile documents that bear on the known man in every trace of him. But those are the bare facts, about which it's needless to say, the facts cannot answer every question that might be raised about the man, his parents and rearing, his influences, his work habits, his wife - "where there's a Will, Ann Hath a way" - family and friends, connubial relations, coauthors, standing at Court,his life in London and life back in Stratford Upon Avon, his personal wealth, and on and on and on. Hence the Shakespeare Biography Industry is dedicated to wringing every single surmise from a common base of documentable, albeit variously interpretable, "fact." What Charles Nicholl has done within this biographic tradition is, in a word, ingenious. He has taken one of the more recent documentary discoveries - a 1612 court deposition given by Shakespeare in a dowry dispute involving his London landlord and the landlord's son-in-law, which is the only instance we have of Shakespeare speaking in his own voice, as set down by a court recorder and signed by Shakespeare himself - and built out from that with dogged research into Shakespeare's life and work in the decade from 1602 to 1612, which produced Othello, Measure for Measure, and King Lear, among other plays, and moving out, with prosecutorial exploration, drawing on contemporary sources of every variety - histories, public documents, contemporary diaries, literary and theaterical references, paintings, sketches, maps, and more - builds mountains of plausible conjecture (and this is really what all Shakeseare biography is, once it moves beyond the basic documentary facts) concerning the lives residents of Silver Street lived and, within that context, the lives and business (tiremaking: "attire" for the heads and necks of London, to include perriwigs of human hair) of the Mountjoy family, with whom Shakespeare lodged - on the corner of Silver and Muggle (!!!) Streets - for several years during the decade, the immigrant populations of London (the Mountjoys, or Montjois, were French Huguenots) that Shakepeare seemed so knowledgeable of, the London bawdy-house scene that is so well represented in plays produced by Shakespeare's company and written by Shakespeare and other denizens of his Cripplegate neighborhood, including his infamous co-author George Wilkins. Nicholl thus situates Shakespeare, with near anthropological "thick-description," in his London context for the first decade of the 17th century. Indoing so, after firstdecrying the notion that the words of the poems and plays; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: (Lady Susan / The Watsons / Sanditon); Author: Visit Amazon's Jane Austen Page; Review: I cracked this collection solely for the c. 1795 epistolary novella, unpublished in Austen's lifetime, given the name "Lady Susan" by its first publishers in 1871. It did not disappoint except in its concluding three pages, and it raises a question about Miss Austen's essential dispostion: sweet or sharp? We can never know, apparently, but from where might issue Austen's ability to write such a waspishly wicked and conniving character as Susan Vernon? Yes, of course, Jane Austen possessed a gifted,, penetrating intellect, but one must wonder about the content of her unguarded conversation, among close friends. Lady Susan is several decades ahead of its time in presenting a beautiful, recently widowed mother and anti-heroine who knows exactly what she desires - money, sex, the social high life, complete freedom resulting from the marrying off of her shy, pretty daughter to a wealthy nincompoop - and, come Hell or high water, will pursue it as remorselessly as a mold advancing down a damp wall. The pity is that Austen never returned to this sketch to flesh it out and, in particular, to devise a more satisfactory conclusion. That said, it's certainly well worth gulping down in a single entertaining sitting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Life And Opinions Of Tristram Shandy Tie In (BBC); Author: Laurence Sterne; Review: Difficult. Rewarding. Serious. Hilarious. Wise. Faux-wise. Scholarly. Mock-scholarly. Observant. Absurdly, obsessively observant. Sharp characterizations. Ridiculous characters. Devout. Bawdy. Endearing. Frustrating. Genius. Barking mad. Narratively incoherent. Stream-of-consciousness associative. Consistently provincial. Profoundly universal. Mired in the 18th century. Harbinger of 20th century literary Modernism. Baffling. Brilliant Not for every taste. For my taste. And while I'm at it, let me give a shout-out for the out-of-print Norton critical edition, which provides many helps, essay avenues of understanding, and a clever chapter summary/table of contents. For so many years - since reading Moby Dick in grad school with the help of a Norton critical - this publication line has been my go-to for great texts: useful annotations, contemporary reviews, later scholarly articles, and more. And also let me give a shout-out to Anton Lesser, who narrated the complete novel for Naxos. I have never, ever experienced an audiobook as masterfully produced and narrated as Naxos' Tristram Shandy. No, it is simply not a book one can listen to and fully comprehend as heard. But one might read while listening, or listen while reading, with - if you have the riight software - the narration sped up closer to one's own reading speed, and experience the full majesty of Lesser's absolute preparation, with Latin, Greek, French, and German - as well as regional English - beautifully and humorously intoned, character voices carefully differentiated, tone and mood captured, etc. Or, as I do, go for a walk and listen as you walk, and afterward slip into a comfy chair, crack the novel open, and continue from where you left off, or backtrack if necessary to sort out the characters. In any event, and particularly for devotees of audio books, do find Anton Lesser's note-perfect reading, a veritable radio serial, perhaps the last book you'd expect anyone to attempt single-handedly, with My Father, My Uncle Toby, Corporal Trim, Parson Yorick, Doctor Slop, Widow Wadman, and all the rest of the supporting characters beautifully, consistently interpreted. Lesser is, in a galaxy of fine narrators, the greatest I've heard: an absolutely peerless voice actor in a most demanding work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Les Miserables (Penguin Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Victor Hugo Page; Review: Victor Hugo will simply not shut up. Or, not until he tells you everything he knows about his topic at hand. His chapter- and book-long digressions on the streets of Paris, their denizens (and particularly the street urchins of the city, the gamin), or the sewers of Paris, their construction, expansion, and functioning, or the differences between insurrections and riots, or the long, shambling, somewhat accurate account of Waterloo, or so much else have exasperated readers for nearly two centuries now, even when they grant him a foreshadowing - deep, deep foreshadowing - method to his particular mad narrative style. But he is a thrilling writer of timeless stories and memorable characters - even through, for all those words, descriptions, interior monologues, most of these strike me (with the exception of Frollo in Notre-Dame de Paris) as only a centimeter deep - and recalls for me two favorite 19th century writers, Dickens and Tolstoy, in his ability to elevate soap opera into art that stirs the heart. There's not much I can add to the many fine notices of Les Misrables here from Amazon reviewers. It has been on my bucket list for decades, and I'm happy to have finally got to it, in the Wilbour translation, which I specifically chose from the many options. I've come, grudgingly, to the view that 19th century novels not written in English are best read in 19th century translations. These are often criticized for their stuffiness and 19th century idioms. I'm going to surmise that, in the original languages, these novels seem stuffy and old-fashioned to contemporary readers of those languages. But I like Wilbour (and, for the great Russians, Constance Garnett). What I wish for the Wilbour translation, though, is that the Everyman and Modern Library editions would annotate the the long passages of untranslated French verse, inscriptions, songs, and scholarly rederences with footnoted translations and explain some of the more obscure references that only specialists will understand. Hugo loves to put his erudition on display and is a relentless name dropper, and his mid-19th century French readership probably caught most of his references. For 21sr century English-speaking readers, not so much. The meticulously annotated Modern Library Classic edition of Notre-Dame de Paris is exceptional for resolving in an endnote every question raised in Hugo's text. I find it interesting that Wilbour left in the text so much of the original French. At the same time I recognize that educated English speakers of the 1860s will almost certainly have had some French. But I'd love a fully annotated Wilbour. If anyone who reads these words might direct me to such an edition, I'd be gratefully delighted. And I'd also like to applaud Frederick Davidson, known also as David Case (which is, I believe, his true name) and a few other pseudonyms, for his brilliant narration of Hugo. I walk for an hour or so a day, listening to a book. When I'm at home, I sit down with the book itself and pick up at the point I left off in the audiobook. Case; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Les Miserables; Author: Visit Amazon's Victor Hugo Page; Review: Victor Hugo will simply not shut up. Or, not until he tells you everything he knows about his topic at hand. His chapter- and book-long digressions on the streets of Paris, their denizens (and particularly the street urchins of the city, the gamin), or the sewers of Paris, their construction, expansion, and functioning, or the differences between insurrections and riots, or the long, shambling, somewhat accurate account of Waterloo, or so much else have exasperated readers for nearly two centuries now, even when they grant him a foreshadowing - deep, deep foreshadowing - method to his particular mad narrative style. But he is a thrilling writer of timeless stories and memorable characters - even through, for all those words, descriptions, interior monologues, most of these strike me (with the exception of Frollo in Notre-Dame de Paris) as only a centimeter deep - and recalls for me two favorite 19th century writers, Dickens and Tolstoy, in his ability to elevate soap opera into art that stirs the heart. There's not much I can add to the many fine notices of Les Misrables here from Amazon reviewers. It has been on my bucket list for decades, and I'm happy to have finally got to it, in the Wilbour translation, which I specifically chose from the many options. I've come, grudgingly, to the view that 19th century novels not written in English are best read in 19th century translations. These are often criticized for their stuffiness and 19th century idioms. I'm going to surmise that, in the original languages, these novels seem stuffy and old-fashioned to contemporary readers of those languages. But I like Wilbour (and, for the great Russians, Constance Garnett). What I wish for the Wilbour translation, though, is that the Everyman and Modern Library editions would annotate the the long passages of untranslated French verse, inscriptions, songs, and scholarly rederences with footnoted translations and explain some of the more obscure references that only specialists will understand. Hugo loves to put his erudition on display and is a relentless name dropper, and his mid-19th century French readership probably caught most of his references. For 21sr century English-speaking readers, not so much. The meticulously annotated Modern Library Classic edition of Notre-Dame de Paris is exceptional for resolving in an endnote every question raised in Hugo's text. I find it interesting that Wilbour left in the text so much of the original French. At the same time I recognize that educated English speakers of the 1860s will almost certainly have had some French. But I'd love a fully annotated Wilbour. If anyone who reads these words might direct me to such an edition, I'd be gratefully delighted. And I'd also like to applaud Frederick Davidson, known also as David Case (which is, I believe, his true name) and a few other pseudonyms, for his brilliant narration of Hugo. I walk for an hour or so a day, listening to a book. When I'm at home, I sit down with the book itself and pick up at the point I left off in the audiobook. Case; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Les Miserables (Grandes Novelas (Tomo)) (Spanish Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's Victor Hugo Page; Review: Victor Hugo will simply not shut up. Or, not until he tells you everything he knows about his topic at hand. His chapter- and book-long digressions on the streets of Paris, their denizens (and particularly the street urchins of the city, the gamin), or the sewers of Paris, their construction, expansion, and functioning, or the differences between insurrections and riots, or the long, shambling, somewhat accurate account of Waterloo, or so much else have exasperated readers for nearly two centuries now, even when they grant him a foreshadowing - deep, deep foreshadowing - method to his particular mad narrative style. But he is a thrilling writer of timeless stories and memorable characters - even through, for all those words, descriptions, interior monologues, most of these strike me (with the exception of Frollo in Notre-Dame de Paris) as only a centimeter deep - and recalls for me two favorite 19th century writers, Dickens and Tolstoy, in his ability to elevate soap opera into art that stirs the heart. There's not much I can add to the many fine notices of Les Misrables here from Amazon reviewers. It has been on my bucket list for decades, and I'm happy to have finally got to it, in the Wilbour translation, which I specifically chose from the many options. I've come, grudgingly, to the view that 19th century novels not written in English are best read in 19th century translations. These are often criticized for their stuffiness and 19th century idioms. I'm going to surmise that, in the original languages, these novels seem stuffy and old-fashioned to contemporary readers of those languages. But I like Wilbour (and, for the great Russians, Constance Garnett). What I wish for the Wilbour translation, though, is that the Everyman and Modern Library editions would annotate the the long passages of untranslated French verse, inscriptions, songs, and scholarly rederences with footnoted translations and explain some of the more obscure references that only specialists will understand. Hugo loves to put his erudition on display and is a relentless name dropper, and his mid-19th century French readership probably caught most of his references. For 21sr century English-speaking readers, not so much. The meticulously annotated Modern Library Classic edition of Notre-Dame de Paris is exceptional for resolving in an endnote every question raised in Hugo's text. I find it interesting that Wilbour left in the text so much of the original French. At the same time I recognize that educated English speakers of the 1860s will almost certainly have had some French. But I'd love a fully annotated Wilbour. If anyone who reads these words might direct me to such an edition, I'd be gratefully delighted. And I'd also like to applaud Frederick Davidson, known also as David Case (which is, I believe, his true name) and a few other pseudonyms, for his brilliant narration of Hugo. I walk for an hour or so a day, listening to a book. When I'm at home, I sit down with the book itself and pick up at the point I left off in the audiobook. Case; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pickwick Papers (Vintage Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Dickens Page; Review: Of Dickens' fourteen completed novels, The Old Curiosity Shop is the one I had not yet read over some 55 years of reading and admiring Dickens, beginning in middle school. TOCS was wildly popular upon its initial serialization in Dickens' Master Humphrey's Clock, and, in the last 15 years, in reading or rereading all the novels, I still had not got to it. I'm not certain how this came to pass; it may have been in part an avoidance encouraged, directly or subliminally, by Oscar Wilde's famous dismissal of Dickens' sentimentality, about which Wilde sniped, ''One must have a heart of stone to read the death of Little Nell without laughing.'' Perhaps it was simply the well-known character of the abused-but-precociously-saintly Nell Trent, the diminutive of whom became a popular metonym for patient, self-sacrificial suffering, that warded me off. I should not have waited as long as I did. This is classic, early Dickens, written by the pound, to be sure, with a mad, inventive exuberance for words that characterizes English writing from Chaucer through Shakespeare and on through the Victorians. There's not much plot - this is another Dickens picaresque, a la Pickwick, a "road novel" running down two paths, one on the flight of Nell and her grandfather from numerous malefactors and the other on the interactions of those malefactors with the would-be protectors of Nell and Grandfather. But in this we see, once again, Dickens' considerable power to move us: to laughter, to tears, to shocked dismay, to reflection on our own foibles, on the class and caste systems of Dickens' England and the misfortunes of those in the numerous underclasses, on - in this novel particularly - the inevitability of death, the meanings of lives, and what those lives leave behind. Dickens' cast of characters in TOCS contains three of his most memorable - and two most beloved - characters: Nell Trent herself, long a sentimental favorite of younger readers; Dick Swiveller, a favorite of Dickens himself, whose wonderful developmental arc continues to enchant as a type of learned, dissolute Victorian dandy; and Daniel Quilp, one of the great villains of English literature, greedy, cruel, a true monster of Edward Hyde dimensions, happiest when inflicting pain and humiliation on all who come into contact with him, whose behaviors are simultaneously shocking, horrifying, and howlingly funny - a hat-trick few besides Dickens, with his towering powers of comedic description, can pull off. (Among contemporary artists, only David Lynch comes to mind as one capable of producing shock, horror, and laughter, all in one frame.) So I'm delighted to have finally inhabited the rich world of Nell, Dick, Quilp, and subsidiary players. If you've been putting off TOCS, you should consider getting to it soon. And if you've been putting off Dickens generally, you might try an audiobook, which I often alternate with the printed text (walk or drive: listen. Arrive at home: pick up from where I left off). Dickens has numerous audio interpreters, but none more accomplished, more multi-voiced, more perfectly expressive, than Anton Lesser, who does women; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Old Curiosity Shop (Oxford Illustrated Dickens); Author: Charles Dickens; Review: Of Dickens' fourteen completed novels, The Old Curiosity Shop is the one I had not yet read over some 55 years of reading and admiring Dickens, beginning in middle school. TOCS was wildly popular upon its initial serialization in Dickens' Master Humphrey's Clock, and, in the last 15 years, in reading or rereading all the novels, I still had not got to it. I'm not certain how this came to pass; it may have been in part an avoidance encouraged, directly or subliminally, by Oscar Wilde's famous dismissal of Dickens' sentimentality, about which Wilde sniped, ''One must have a heart of stone to read the death of Little Nell without laughing.'' Perhaps it was simply the well-known character of the abused-but-precociously-saintly Nell Trent, the diminutive of whom became a popular metonym for patient, self-sacrificial suffering, that warded me off. I should not have waited as long as I did. This is classic, early Dickens, written by the pound, to be sure, with a mad, inventive exuberance for words that characterizes English writing from Chaucer through Shakespeare and on through the Victorians. There's not much plot - this is another Dickens picaresque, a la Pickwick, a "road novel" running down two paths, one on the flight of Nell and her grandfather from numerous malefactors and the other on the interactions of those malefactors with the would-be protectors of Nell and Grandfather. But in this we see, once again, Dickens' considerable power to move us: to laughter, to tears, to shocked dismay, to reflection on our own foibles, on the class and caste systems of Dickens' England and the misfortunes of those in the numerous underclasses, on - in this novel particularly - the inevitability of death, the meanings of lives, and what those lives leave behind. Dickens' cast of characters in TOCS contains three of his most memorable - and two most beloved - characters: Nell Trent herself, long a sentimental favorite of younger readers; Dick Swiveller, a favorite of Dickens himself, whose wonderful developmental arc continues to enchant as a type of learned, dissolute Victorian dandy; and Daniel Quilp, one of the great villains of English literature, greedy, cruel, a true monster of Edward Hyde dimensions, happiest when inflicting pain and humiliation on all who come into contact with him, whose behaviors are simultaneously shocking, horrifying, and howlingly funny - a hat-trick few besides Dickens, with his towering powers of comedic description, can pull off. (Among contemporary artists, only David Lynch comes to mind as one capable of producing shock, horror, and laughter, all in one frame.) So I'm delighted to have finally inhabited the rich world of Nell, Dick, Quilp, and subsidiary players. If you've been putting off TOCS, you should consider getting to it soon. And if you've been putting off Dickens generally, you might try an audiobook, which I often alternate with the printed text (walk or drive: listen. Arrive at home: pick up from where I left off). Dickens has numerous audio interpreters, but none more accomplished, more multi-voiced, more perfectly expressive, than Anton Lesser, who does women; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Throwback Special: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Chris Bachelder Page; Review: ...a night I've never forgotten, provides the springboard for this very funny, insightful, strangely moving comic novel about fandom, friendship, family, manhood, marriage, ritual, and a lot more, both on the page and between the lines - all, to cite a Nobel Laureate, "life and life only." On that night, 18 November 1985, a NJ native in my sixth year living in Washington, I tuned in to Monday Night Football expecting to root the NY Giants to victory. Instead, I found myself leaping up and punching the sky afterRedskin reserve-QB Jay Schroeder (who?) had thrown a late TD pass to tight end Clint Didier, thus sealing a come-from-behind victory. In between, in the second period, force-of-nature Lawrence Taylor ended the career of Jersey Joe Theismann with a sack that shattered JT's right fibula and tibia into bitsy pieces, the famous "comminuted fracture," earning for the sequence, with its famously grisly reverse "instant-replay," eternal glory as "The Hit That No One Who Saw It Can Ever Forget." From this Chris Bachelder builds a story of 22 men who have gathered annually on the anniversary for the ensuing 16 years (why 2001? Why not 2015, when Bachelder was writing the novel? Or 2005, on the 20th anniversary? "Why anything?" We can only guess...) to literally reenact the moment in exacting detail. In spinning his yarn out from this ridiculous premise, Bachelder accomplishes a formidable feat: he writes a short, easily accessible comic novel, populated by 22 principal characters and several entertaining ancillary ones, many of whom are memorable and each of whom seems to own a distinctive neurosis (can we casually refer to "neurosis" in 2016 without offending the neurotic? I really don't know), and at the same time fills the pages with a load of mostly unobtrusive literary bells and whistles that signify intent beyond simple amusement and toward something the brain might not fully apprehend but the heart cannot miss. Or, if you don't like metonymy, "...the cognitive circuitry may miss but the affective/emotional wires will hum with recognition." The novel is several things simultaneously: a deconstruction - and then a reconstruction, according to strict rules - of a famous play in NFL history (in the Redskins playbook, the "throwback special"; look for George the Librarian's breakdown of what we're really looking at), the many ways very disparate pieces of complex reality might shudder themselves into participation in a singular unity, a typology of relationships between and among men and men and women, more than a few thoughts on life, the end of life, the question put to Conan by his Monggol interlocutor, "What is best in life?" and Socrates observation on the examined life and what makes a life "worth living." For at least these layers, and for what struck me as Bachelder's apt direct and indirect observations on these more-or-less existential questions, the novel crosses into "literary" territory. Bachelder has a close observer's eye but also the collateral gift - not possessed by every keen observer - of capturing an observation in novel ways that connect immediately with the reader.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bob Dylan: Behind the Shades Revisited; Author: Visit Amazon's Clinton Heylin Page; Review: 4-1/2 stars, actually. If session details bore you, you might consider skipping the book, fully half of which consists of session details (players, circumstances, controversies, production conundrums, on-the-fly composition, variations of Bob's unusual "live" studio preferences, etc. etc. etc.) and deliberations over, controversies involving, criticism of setlists for the numerous tours (up to the first decade of the Never-Ending Tour) and hundreds upon hundreds of performances. (I happily put myself on the side of "More Session Details!" I still buy jazz CDs in the expectation that the "liner notes" - and here I date myself - will have all the desire session content as well as, with the case of historic performances - all the context and controversies, etc. one might wonder about.) For me, this is an absolutely essential contribution to the Dylan literature, collecting so many unusual, sometimes revealing, observations from so many significant Dylan comrades, colleagues, lovers, haters, running buddies, etc. that one is hard pressed to speak authoritatively on any significant Dylan topic without reference to it. But so many of Heylin's hundreds...no, thousands...of opinions and judgments, based on his sources, to be sure, but also simply the personal sense he makes of an incomplete mosaic, raise so many questions about their sources that I - I'd categorize myself as an indefatigable, almost anal, researcher - needed the sourcing. And, more than a decade after the book's release, here's the key issue: Heylin has no website, and I could not locate the page-by-page sourcing he promises in the bibliographic note...not in the Internet Archive Way back Machine or anywhere else. His bibliographic note is helpful but incomplete - Heylin has heard performances he could not have attended but provides no suggestion as to how or where he heard or saw tape or whose views he might have informally adopted to categorize any bit of an evening's gig as, in his judgment, "the greatest live performance of (fill in the blank)." I presume that information might be obtained in the detailed full-source documentation. But it's not there. If anyone out there in Cyberland has any idea how I might obtain a pdf file of Heylin's sourcing, or an email address via which I might make a request, I'd be most grateful. The index is useful but far from exhaustive. Names that come up in the text are often missing, particularly if they walk on and walk off a few times and aren't part of the quoted dramatis personae whose long passages Heylin builds his narrative around (he provides an appendix of useful thumbnail sketches to help you keep track of names you might not have encountered before). Other appendices - the songlist, for example, is most useful. The list of albums, however, didn't get an update for the 2nd edition (at least in the copy I own) and ends c. 1990. All that said, Behind the Shades-Revisited is a deeply researched and copiously reported bio, vastly informative and illuminating across many dimensions, brimming with Heylin's considered opinions, factual details and fact-based speculation on Dylan's family life, insatiable sexual and; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Underground Railroad; Author: Visit Amazon's Charles L. Blockson Page; Review: Potential spoilers. Although some reviewers here and in mainstream public media - have discussed in greater detail some points Ill allude to below, you may prefer to skip my comments to make your own sense of the ambiguities and implausibilities of The Underground Railroad. Readers are indeed divided on Colson Whiteheads celebrated novel of flight from enslavement, and it took me Id call myself a determined reader who seldom quits on a book - some 180 pages of a 306 page story to finally settle comfortably into what I saw as the authors project. Its no news for a novel of American slavery to graphically depict, from the point of the view of enslaved African-Americans, the horrors of human chattel slavery and the violence inflicted on captive workers, not only for economic gain but often simply to dominate and intimidate as well as to satisfy sexual desire, this last often with the end of increasing the enslavers human capital. Moreover, all the inhumanities Whitehead details the beatings, brandings, piercings, whippings, burning alive, casual murders, rapes, the dislocations and separations of enslaved families - are drawn from the recollections of former enslaved people themselves, as recorded in hundreds of slave narratives published in the 19th century, the voluminous Depression-era WPA Slave Narratives Collection, and the work of myriad scholars who have worked on American slavery and ancillary topics. So too are the basic facts the Whiteheads construction of the world slaves made, of cotton-plantation economics, the Fugitive Slave Laws, the steady trafficking in slaves and their movement throughout the Southern agricultural economy and the implementation of Jim Crow practices drawn from the scholarly literature. Whitehead believably dramatizes kinship and cultural specifics that are nurtured into tradition under inhuman conditions, even as he makes clear to us, in various iterations, that enslavement scars not just individual but collective, communal memory, with wounds that also pass down through generations in countless family stories of often nameless ancestors ripped from homes in Africa, separated from families in America for sale to distant enslavers, fleeing from enslavement, enduring, both physically and psychologically, the arduousness of the flight, and, if recaptured, suffering inhuman punishments to death. But where Whiteheads conception innovates is, first, in freeing his narrative from references to recognizable historical chronology to leave the reader guessing, for example, in which years or decades do the 18 months of the story take place? - and historical locations we recognize state names but cities and towns go unnamed and made strangely futuristic a skyscraper in the antebellum (or so wed think) South? Dormitories of free African Americans and free public education for runaways in a post-emancipation South Carolina? (What year might that be?) Whiteheads locales together constitute a fantasy alternative America, where the only hint of Civil War is a fleeting mention of the perennial southern battles with northern states over the peculiar institution of slavery, not armed warfare. Whitehead uses each state visited in the long flight of the third-generation African-American slave Cora from a Georgia Sea Island plantation to an embattled Indiana and beyond as a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The North Water: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Ian McGuire Page; Review: ...and then some. Gripping. Fast-paced. Stomach-churning, but poetically (hold those two adjectives simultaneously in mind) so. (I mean, consider a man's head, stove in with a brick: there is a fine spray of blood and a noise like a wet stick snapping.) Deeply researched, brilliantly hatched (perhaps in the end a bit too tidily). Memorable, superbly drawn characters, and the two principals in particular: conflicted ships-surgeon Patrick Sumner and arch-fiend harpooner Henry Drax, a villain for the ages, reminiscent of other great literary sociopaths (but none more so than Cormac McCarthys Judge Holden). All said, The North Water is emphatically not for every taste, and particularly not for squeamish readers, given its overall mood and tone, which are carried along via many scenes of graphic violence and depictions of various excresences, pustules, animal viscera, and medical procedures. (I seldom wince from the page: here, more than a few times.) Nevertheless a taut, nervy, offhandedly philosophical (think Hobbesian) adventure novel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: News of the World; Author: Visit Amazon's Paulette Jiles Page; Review: In my reading over the years, I've invoked Cormac McCarthy so often as a point of comparison that, after I paused a moment to think about this, I stumbled into the notion that he's a Western genre, a brand unto himself, what with Blood Meridian and The Border Trilogy and, to a lesser extent, No Country for Old Men. "Oh, that's a McCarthyean (or is it McCarthyesque?) or Unconventional Western novel..." When I read in a marvelous Texas Monthly interview that All the Pretty Horses, in the words of author Paulette Jiles,showed her how to write about her adopted state of Texas, I thought, "Just so." What are the hallmarks of a McCathyesque novel, in the right hands hands such as those of Robert Olmstead, Ian McGuire, Patrick DeWitt, Paulette Jiles (one of these things, is not like the others, one of these things): a flawed, or perhaps haunted, hero, crackling, naturalistic, underpunctuated dialogue, sans quotation marks, tinged with a philosophy of life (that suits the speaker: there may be more than one per novel), deep-down period details and nomenclature that drive the reader to Wikipedia or the dictionary (what, I mused, are the felloes of a wagon wheel? How much do I need to know about a Chandler & Price hand-fed printing press? How did she know the Commanches and Kiowas cut telegraph lines but then bound the pieces back together with horsehair so the breaks would be nearly impossible to detect?). Theres also horsey love and great attention to arcane horsey lore (The horses needed rest and care as much as he did. The Plains Indians did not expend much care on their horses. They rode them hard and as a last resort ate them. He went down Fancy and Pashas legs to check for swelling but they were all right.). And of course sudden eruptions of graphic violence. A lurking sense of humor made manifest at odd moments. Memorable characters and characterizations of an almost abstract, idealized good, with an invariable evil counterpoint, polar opposites in worlds gone bad. More than others writing in this alt-Western mode, Jiles is a poet who writes prose descriptions like poetry. They came to a destroyed cabin and he pulled up and then went inside. Broken cups and pieces of dress material torn on a nail. A dolls body without a head. He dug a .50-caliber bullet out of the wall with his knife and then carefully placed it on the windowsill as if for a memento. Here were memories, loves, deep heartstring notes like the place where he had been raised in Georgia. Here had been people whose dearest memories were the sound of a dipper dropped in the water bucket after taking a drink and the click of it as it hit bottom. The quiet of evening. The shade of the Devils trumpet vine over a window, scattered shadows gently hypnotic. The smell of a new calf, a long bar of sun falling into the back door over worn planks and every knot outlined. The familiar path to the barn walked; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nutshell: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Ian McEwan Page; Review: What Graham Greene would have called an entertainment as opposed to a serious novel The Nutshell is not quite the toss-off Ian McEwan novella it might seem. Its author is one of the rare writers who seem incapable of setting down a boring or insubstantial line. Here, erudition shines forth in myriad glistering shades, all issuing, mirabile dictu!, from a wisecracking fetus, some three weeks short of term, jammed like a sardine, upside down, within his mothers womb and privy to a malign plot, cooked up by mother and uncle, against his father. It takes some huge writerly stones for a novelist of so sizable a literary achievement and reputation Booker Prize, other prizes and other works shortlisted - to concoct such a conceit and then sustain it, unbroken, for nearly 200 pages...but there you are. I was particularly impressed with the erudition of the fetus and his send-ups of needy, identity-specific contemporary culture, of polarized politics, the turn to populist nationalism, the madness of the Middle East, etc. etc. McEwan is ever the sly empiricist, drawing literary strength from observation, which, for him is extremely, omnivorously eclectic: science, anatomy, historical arcana, food and wine, literary asides that include Shakespeare and 20th century writers. And, as the jacket blurb says, there's very little McEwan cannot accomplish with arrangements of words. He writes thrilling sentences into thrilling paragraphs that impel the reader to read read read to the end, as fast as one can. That said, looking back on the readerly experience, a lot of those paragraphs are more or less felicitous filler, however interesting in themselves, that only advance our sense of an implausibility the brilliance of the fetus-mind (although McEwan does, to his credit, give an account of how this has occurred). The fetus shouldnt we give it a name? McEwan doesnt. Lets fill in the blank and call him Clivethree-quarters of jivethe fetus Clive is also an empiricist and absorbs every amniotic susurration and auditory nerve rustle as information, quickly assimilated into observation and opinion, and by Gestation Plus Eight Months One Week, Clive is a floatable genius, a wine connoisseur, a literary savant whose intertextual references rival, uh, McEwans. Oftentimes, however, Clive to me opines on matters that he simply has no wherewithal to shape into an opinion. There are strict limits, after all, to fetal empiricism, and his careless opining at times must necessarily disrupt the comical dream through which McEwan eggs us, making us look up at the ceiling, think wait a minute and underscore the implausibility of the learned fetus, podcasts or not. Even so, this is Ian McEwan, its not even 200 pp with loads of white space, and it is not only fun, but illuminating, thought-provoking fun. So read it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Palestine; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Sacco Page; Review: A stupendous achievement, powerfully moving, vastly more than what might otherwise have turned out to be a touristy "I found Israel and the Occupied Territories..." opinionated observation. Sacco reports and illustrates his story primarily through Palestinian Arab eyes, as that's essentially his project: most of Sacco's many and varied interlocutors - men, women, young, old, professional, laborers, unemployed, pacifists, activists, PFLP, Fateh, Hamas, Sh'ia, Sunni, non-practicing, feminists, traditionalists, and on and on - are Palestinians, beautifully, expressively rendered in Sacco's distinctive comics vocabulary. Familiar Israel, Gaza and West Bank locales - Jerusalem, the Old City, the settlements, Tel Aviv, Gaza City, Hebron, Ramallah, etc. - are all vividly depicted with considerable accuracy. Sacco is a genius of at least three dimensions: a brilliant, indefatigable reporter (and, at times, a war correspondent, reporting from the thick of the First Intifada as it nears its end), a gloriously imaginative, insightful illustrator, and - combining the aforementioned graphic brilliance - a teller of unforgettable stories, in words and pictures, through the medium of comics. I grew up reading my way through thousands of comic books by the time I had graduated high school. Afterward I lost that interest, read the occasional graphic novel (e.g., loved The Dark Knight series, V, a few others) and used those to coax my kids to "read more!" But I've never had an experience in comics like this. Simply revelatory, and all the more so since I've had a long-time professional interest in Sacco's topic (whether addressed as Palestine, Israel, with or without Gaza and the West Bank tossed in). Incredibly moving accounts of harrowing life under occupation...yes, yes, these stories have all been told before, with changing casts of characters, down to Western journalists, seeking - as is Sacco's self-aware avatar in the narrative, "Joe Sacco" - the most sensational money-shots of violence, despair, grief, pain - rock-throwing crowds, tear gas, riot forces in helmets and flak jackets, stretchers of the wounded and dying. These Sacco captures in numerous tales of Palestinian woe. Conflict porn, some may call it. Or propaganda. Sacco offsets this with scenes of simple Palestinian domesticity, hospitality, and "keeping on" amid nerve-wracking circumstances. Of course there's another side, one that Sacco takes up in his concluding chapter, in which Israelis speak for themselves. Alas, they don't, in Sacco's reporting, give a particularly good account of their point of view: a much stronger case might be - has been - made in defense of the Zionist and post-Zionist projects in the Holy Land. But, as Sacco points out, the Israeli narrative is the one we here in the West are in fact most used to hearing, even if we subscribe to The Nation. It surrounds us and our national politics. Sacco's Palestine is part of the minority report and takes his reporting beyond the realm of abstraction, in which we read lines of symbols arranged into words, sentences, paragraphs, and into the realm of the comics' concrete images, which for many make deeper, more durable impressions. We also get occasional reports from UN workers, interested Westerners,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ahead of the Curve: Inside the Baseball Revolution; Author: Visit Amazon's Brian Kenny Page; Review: I have a very on-again, off-again relationship with baseball statistics and sabermetrics, but its similar to that of many others, down to the My mother threw my complete Topps 1956 away! Ive never been hard-core, but Ive loved the game for, well, about 65 years, and have loved its numbers as well. Cards, Baseball Digest, Sporting News, Street and Smith, Bill James Abstracts, Elias Annuals, Total Baseball, Moneyball, Baseball Prospectus. But even as I remain an interested amateur onlooker who can talk a little OPS, FIP, and WAR, mostly, all my purchasing behavior is repetitive, learned behavior. Its February. Baseball is coming. Get an annual (or two) and bone up of my teams and their competitors in the preseason. Sure, from time to time, Id pull them out again, watching games on TV or before going to the ball yard. In the 21st century, though, the Internet made it hard to justify purchasing baseball stat books when Baseball Reference has everything online. But unlike friends who did go on, as well as Kenny, who graduated to genuine stat geekdom, I never played Rotisserie Baseball (which strikes me as the Great Differentiator: once you have to draft, you're generally all in on sabermetrics), never joined on online service, never subscribed to the hard-core publications. Just a more than casual fan, mostly getting ready for the new season. Okay. That was a long windup for a pitch of about equal length. I loved Brian Kennys book. It does indeed take you, as the subtitle claims, Inside the Baseball Revolution. Okay, Michael Lewiss Moneyball took us inside the baseball revolution, too, 13 years earlier. That book, combined with the Theo Epstein Red Sox that won the Series in 2004 and 2007 (teams that included Kevin Youkilis, Moneyball's Euclis, the Greek God of Walks, a year before he was called up to the show), really and truly stoked the fire. Kenny describes the steps by which the Sabermetrics Revolution has come full cycle, overturning the traditional scouting and front office Looks Good, Will to Win Paradigm in favor of a Sabermetric Analytics Paradigm that has been adopted, with variations, league-wide. He tells that story by jumping around among: o Topical debunking chapters (using analysis to knock what the Old School thought it knew the primacy of looks good, BA, RBI, Ws, Ss, Triple Crowns, etc. into a cocked. These are all superb. My personal favorites take up traditional pitcher management starters, middle relievers, setup, closer and tosses it in the memory hole in favor of maximally flexible bullpenning, which is what you see in All-Star games Clay Kershaw goes two (or one if hes getting shelled), Max Scherzer goes two, Trevor Rosenthal comes in in the 5th to put out a fireand on. If you're up by 2 in the 5th inning and have men on second and third with 1 out, the game is on the line. Bring in your closer. o Autobiographical chapters detailing how Kenny had his statistical epiphany, became the leading ESPN advocate of Sabermetric Analysis, and duked it out with the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames; Author: Visit Amazon's Kai Bird Page; Review: Im loath to add another (unread) comment to this thread, but I thought it might be useful to observe that, among those who had lived the Secret Life (as a friend of mine likes to label it), Kai Birds book on Bob Ames is a particular favorite. Personally, I go as far as former Agency officer and author (and one of Birds many sources from the US national security community) Bob Baer and call The Good Spy simply the best book on espionage I've ever read. (For what it's worth, I've read considerably more than a few, have given graduate seminars on intelligence, and, yes, made a career in that world.) I didn't know Bob Ames but envy those who did, several of whom are friends. Bird tells his remarkable story at a level of detail that is itself remarkable for all the information he surfaces about a man whose children did not learn his true employer until after his death in the tragic April 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. And in telling this story, Bird provides a useful primer on the tasks of espionage and the wilderness of mirrors that is intelligence and counterintelligence. In short, as Bird is careful to detail, Ames led a consequential life. Early in his Agency career, he became fascinated by the Middle East, Arab civilization, and the Arabic language, and he became CIAs most esteemed Arabist. Early on, he rose rapidly in the organization but later ran afoul of bosses who thought him too scholarly and hesitant to seal the deal by formally recruiting foreign agents. At the time of his death, Ames filled a senior Intelligence Community analytic post, National Intelligence Officer for Near East and South Asia, making him the top advisor to the Director of Central Intelligence on Middle East topics. Unusually, Ames saw maintaining contacts with old sources as part of the job and, because of his stature, few voiced objections to his crossing of intelligence streams analysis and operations. At the heart of Bird's narrative is a single intelligence relationship of a decade's duration. During the Nixon administration (and into the Carter presidency), the United States pursued a policy of shunning the PLO as a terrorist organization; any departure from that paolicy would have caused serious repercussion in relations with Israel and would have made domestic US politics as well, riling American supporters of Israel. In 1969, however, well before American diplomats met with Palestinian Liberation Organization members, Ames opened up a back-channel to Yassir Arafat and the Palestinian Liberation Organization through Ali Hassan Salameh, the suave, wealthy, handsome head of Force 17, a PLO intelligence organization that also provided Arafats security detail. Ames arranged meetings and venues in his relationship with Salameh both men would have called it a "friendship" through a mutual friend, Lebanese businessman Mustafa Zein, whom Bird terms an Arab Zelig, a fascinating character in his own right. Salameh was never a recruited CIA asset that is, had never consented in writing to be directed and remunerated by the US government but; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shigeru Mizukis Hitler; Author: Shigeru Mizuki; Review: We can appreciate the manner in which manga permits the reader to quickly engage and grasp the arc of a life or story, with more or less detail - both visual and textual - as suits the author/illustrator's purpose. Mizuki's laserlike focus on the quotidian Hitler's personality-driven rise and fall permits him to set aside the Holocaust without completely ignoring it, but Mizuki's "Hitler, in the end, was just a man" project would have been fatally undone by giving "just a man" principal agency in the murder of 6 million Jews. That man would be a monster, one who presided over a program of mass extermination, the vast, costly logistics of which were not only an unconscionable machinery of death but an insane, needless, central contributor to Germany's defeat in the war. Even without the Holocaust, however, and despite the light-handed narrative tone that quickly engages the reader, Hitler's monstrosity still comes through in Mizuki's spare, powerfully illustrated account.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reconstruction Updated Edition: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877 (Harper Perennial Modern Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Eric Foner Page; Review: Eric Foner's magisterial Reconstruction: 1863-1877 study remains the first place to go for a meticulously researched, logically organized, powerfully told front to back, 1863 to 1877 synthetic overview, with threads of significance that take us into the late 20th century. Foner crams a huge amount of well-sourced information, observation, and historical evaluation into each well-appointed paragraph. The book is brilliantly organized, both chronologically and topically, with a minimum of (I'd say 'necessary") repetition - the story is immensely conmplicated, and Foner does a brilliant job of sorting the threads out topically and generally keeping everything straight and moving along smartly. Indeed, I'd pay for a summary outline consisting simply of his chapter titles, subheads, and (each and all of) his topic sentences, which are masterfully, thoughtfully composed and, when read alone, take you clearly through the narrative arc of the book. For an era that shaped this country more than most are willing to recognize, Foner's Reconstruction is a certifiably great and acclaimed history. (And forgive him, please, his ostensibly Marxist class analysis: consider it an artifact of the time. The way in which Foner deploys it would, with relabling, be uncontroversial: saying simply "the interests of the planters" versus "the class interests of the planters" or "the interests of the planter class" invariably point to the same motivated group of aristocratic plantation owners. If you've avoided the book simply because you read somewhere that "Foner is a Marxist historian," get over it. Foner is a GREAT historian. But Norman Deitz's narration of the Audiobook? Not so much, especially for so densely and carefully written a historical work. This is not the first Deitz narration I've listened to. He has a sonorous reading voice and generally handles a line well, but narrators like Deitz sometimes make me wonder if the producers of audiobooks often look down upon their auditors, thinking, Well. If they're not really reading it, can each and every word in the text really matter to them? I own every book I've ever listened to, and I read when I'm not listening. Walking or in the car, I listen. Sitting at home, I read. Deitz is generally highly regarded - I've read the reviews on his website and on audiobook sites - and yet, he strikes me as a certain very specific type of reader/narrator (for what it's worth, Scott Brick, also highly regarded, belongs on the same list), one who doesn't sweat the narration and who bluffs through names and pronunciation without fear of getting anything wrong. Just lazy. Let me just cite just four egregious examples of Deitz's astoundingly innovative pronunciation in Foner's classic work. "Hegemony" is a work that comes up frequently in historical studies, as in "American postwar hegemony," or "the hegemony of the planter class" both before and after the Civil War. Most of you who have got this far into my comments probably know how to pronounce the word - actually, there's more than one way, but the first syllable is always sounded "hedge" as in "HEDGE-eh-moan-ee" or "heh" as in "heh-JEH-moan-ee" (my preference).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Look: Poems; Author: Visit Amazon's Solmaz Sharif Page; Review: With this collection, Iranian-American poet and teacher Solmaz Sharif gives us the gift of a magical prism orpick your metaphora truth-telling mirror-mirror-on-the-wall, offering vicarious interior access to personal Iranian perspectives: the perpetual Other, the displaced or refugee, the immigrant to the United States, the foot-soldier in the 1980s Iranian war against Saddams Iraq (in which, recall, the US sided with Saddam), the Iranian family of the foot-soldier, the Iranian woman in a male-dominant community, here and abroad, and more. Sadness seeps through every one these pages, the product of Sharifs disquieting penchant for micro-observations that disclose facets of lives routinely buffeted about by impersonal accidents of time, place, and nationality. Other reviews have noted the central conceit of Sharifs documentary, highly political, yet still allusive and suggestively protean poetry: her use of Department of Defense Joint Publication 1-02, Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, the terms of which she always displays in SMALL CAPS, which ensures that the term, and thus the shifting contextual twists Sharif imparts to it, stand out boldly, with military uniformity. The books title, Look, is, as, again, others have pointed out, a term in JP 1-02, defined as, In mine warfare, a period during which a mine circuit is receptive of an influence. (It will help you to know that influence mines detonate upon the influence--say, magnetic or acoustic signaturesof a nearby ship or submarine, rather than by direct contact.) Look is also, of course, what we do through a different prism, or into a mirror, or when we observe the Other as, first, the other, and then, with empathy, as the Other ourselves. Look is also the title of the first poem, which makes us look at immigration both objectifiedheld at arms length, turned about, scrutinized--and personalizedthrough the eyes of several Others who understandno, who see through or, more charitably, processthe various codes of interactions and language whereby immigrant peoples are routinely treated. Reprinting the entirety of Look, which would illustrate Sharifs method and powerful observational lens, would be the best way to let the reader judge for herself, but its a bit long for these commentsah, what the hell Look It matters what you call a thing: Exquisite a lover called me. Exquisite. Whereas Well, if I were from your culture, living in this country, said the man outside the 2004 Republican National Convention, I would put up with that for this country; Whereas I felt the need to clarify: You would put up with TORTURE, you mean and he proclaimed: Yes; Whereas what is your life; Whereas years after they LOOK down from their jets and declare my mothers Abadan block PROBABLY DESTROYED, we walked by the villas, the faces of buildings torn off into dioramas, and recorded it on a hand-held camcorder and I said Thats a gun as I trained the lens on a rusting GUN-TYPE WEAPON and Thats Iraq as I zoomed over the river; Whereas it could take as long as 16 seconds between the trigger pulled in Las Vegas and the Hellfire missile landing in Mazar-e-Sharif, after which they; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Emporium: Stories; Author: Visit Amazon's Adam Johnson Page; Review: As many readers will already know from The Orphan Master's Son, Adam Johnson is a Wizard. Period. He may write the sharpest, most magical sentences of any American writing today. He creates mad, quasi-futuristic dystopias and renders them plausibly, in detail. He seems an omnivorous sponge as well as an indefatigable researcher: no one could carry as much arcane knowledge - erecting and mortaring in a wall, police sniping MO, the technology of Kevlar vests, culling the collection at the local zoo, airplane pilot checkout and flight routines, and much more - swirling around in his head. Strange, widely varied stories but with many common threads - loneliness, an essential humanity, surreal implausible premises made plausible, guns, either used or hanging on a Chekov wall, orange peels and their very light weight when dried - all good. And then Johnson develops his tales, luring a reader in often through sheer strangenesss. (The sublime often has an element of strangeness about it, doesn't it?) One consistency that comes through loud and clear in a story collection but would imperceptible had you read each of these over a period of years in various literary periodicals is that the narrator of every story has essentially the same voice, Johnson's own elegant, observant one, be that narrator a horny teenager, a grounded pilot, a sniper, a physicist, a bricklayer, an office clerk, whatever. Is this a flaw? I compare Johnson to, say, literary shapeshifter David Mitchell, who gives unique voices, phrasing, idiosyncrasies to his unusual characters. But this is Johnson's first collection, and his own voice - uniquely powerful, uncommonly inventive, dryly funny, humor that pops up, almost invariably by surpise, in odd places and circumstances, a sad yet tenderly resigned sensibility - is captivating. Moreover, all but one of these stories resists closure: think of a typical New Yorker story, whose conventional critics - particularly in the 1970s-1980s - made the complaint that they read as through the concluding paragraph had been struck out. But Johnson never panders. He challenges his readers to think, as would a strong contemporary poet. The last paragraph may be for the reader to write. Add that's how Johnson's story structure and style work for me: very like poetry, and not only because his sentences are poetically beautiful. The stories make me pause throughout, and then at their conclusion, to think, relatively hard, with pages flipped back to and reread, about what I just experienced. This is apart from an odd sense of dislocation, but in a place with many familiar elements and motives. I could not go from one story directly to the next. I read the book over a period of some two weeks and found, for the most part, each story to be vaguely unsettling, and something I had to ponder, to satisfying, rewarding effect (There is one exception, "The Canadanaut," the only tale that comes to a conventional close and that is only unsettling until you grasp Johnson's project. Readers with a youthful addiction to Tom Swift, Jr. books will understand.) In any event, I'm most; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sandman Vol. 7: Brief Lives; Author: Visit Amazon's Neil Gaiman Page; Review: Here I agree with Peter Straub, the novelist who wrote what was intended to be the introduction to this volume in the Sandman series but because of spoilers is better read as an analytical postscipt: "If this isn't literature, nothing is." I have to say that Gaiman's narratives are so smart, so complex, allusive, and literary, so implicitly (and in passages explicitly) philosophical - I know: to anyone who's taken (seriously) a philosophy course, much less a true "philosopher," these philosophical thoughts may fall beneath the 101-college level, but still... - that the finished collaboration seems the work of a team of wizards (with special props here to penciller Jill Thompson and inker Vince Locke.).It takes a rare type of literary gift to get a reader (need I add, a "comics reader," which I do not invoke to denigrate: I'm a comix reader from way way back) to pause a second (or two, or more) for reflection...that's surely, surely something. It is. And it will be more so in times to come, when our attention spans descrease still further and our devices and airwaves and social media - all of which blot out human interaction and the simple pause to make the capacious observation "It's going to be a beautiful day" - and our very consciousnesses are glutted with the sounds and images of nonsense and triviality, punctuated by hatred and screams and explosions and angry scolds and mindless spewings of demagogues right and left...from which we, all of us, need respite, a quiet space, a space sufficiently quiet for reflection, very like the space Neil Gaiman and his gifted collaborators hollow out for us in this marvelous series and, particularly, in this Volume 7, "Brief Lives." Take the time. It's going to be a beautiful day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Can't Make This Up: Miracles, Memories, and the Perfect Marriage of Sports and Television; Author: Visit Amazon's Al Michaels Page; Review: Al Michaels has written, or dictated, a solidly entertaining history of Al Michaels, from sports-obsessed little boy to iconic broadcasting voice, recounting a host of his highpoints as well as several lows - many of which, I was surprised to hear (or be reminded of) were some of my sports lows and highs, called in real time by the great Al Michaels. For a Red Sox fan in 1986, or a Redskins fan in 1988, or a weekly in-season watcher of Monday Night Foodball during its Al Michaels era, and so many other memorable sporting events, the Michaels book rings an evocative note. Equally entertaining is the story of a six-year-old's (perhaps apocryphal, perhaps just exaggerated) decision to become a sports broadcaster. Michaels' meteoric climb - he of course makes it sound a struggle that might have turned out otherwise - to the pinnacle of his profession is well told, with great economy but with also pithy tales of encounters, when Al was a relative nobody, with future greatness - Jack Kent Cook, Tommy Lasorda, Sal Bando, Bobby Valentine, Reggie Jackson, and many others, when THEY were relative nobodies. Along with way we learn of Al's gambling and golf obsessions, his mentors and their advice (from Curt Gowdy, for example, who was calling Red Sox games when I arrived in Boston for grad school, comes the nugget that opens and closes the book, "Don't ever get jaded"), and a lot of "Inside Sports Broadcasting," for which I am grateful. Michaels also writes a lovely chapter on playing the ponies and investing in one, which, for racing fans, has a terrific punchline concerning the fate of Michaels' promising solidly pedigreed four-year-old, Barraq. Michaels' exciting account of the great Hearns-Hagler middleweight title bout of 15 April 1985 made he head straight for YouTube to watch it with my grandson, and then to remember professional boxing in one of its most interesting eras (when middleweights - Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, and Marvin Hagler - ruled the ring). Al also made me regret that I was not a hockey fan in 1980 - a decade later, I had become one - when Michaels lucked into calling the Winter Olympics "Miracle on Ice" US victory over the heavily favored USSR. And what would a media star's autobiography be without loads of payback copy? Easily the most entertaining of Michaels' score-settling (mostly with the dead and long-dead) is contained in the chapter entitled, "The One and Only," that being Howard Cosell, who is therein deservedly ripped to shreds for the ugly, bitter, spiteful, grudge-holding, disloyal and lousy colleague he was. In all, a worthy read for sports fans who will doubtless be able to recall the familiar, articulate voice of this fair-minded, generous sportscaster, one who raised the bar for those who follow him.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: God and General Longstreet: The Lost Cause and the Southern Mind; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Lawrence Connelly Page; Review: Uneven. More like 3.5 stars. Impressionistic, argumentative, and opinionated - seemingly a series of essays, stitched together but never given a thorough editing into a coherent monograph, Connelly and Bellows' book is marred by frequent redundancies, spotty and sometimes missing transitions, and thus wanderings around in search of a places to touch down. That said, the icon-shattering Connelly, presumably the pricipal author - and author as well of the controversial iconoclalstic biography The Marble Man: Robert E Lee and His Image in American Society - and Bellows create a plausible theory of the case that the tragic-heroic post-Civil War "Lost Cause" mythology lived on into the 1980s, when their book was published, and by our own reasonable extrapolation can be said to live on to this very day in 2017. Indeed, it's possible to look on this book - and I do - as a useful companion volume to JD Vance's Hillbilly Elegy, almost as a catalog of various species of Lost Cause themes and symbology that surface in political campaigns, and, particularly, in the GOP national and local campaigns of 2016, pitched to a broad demographic of disgruntled, alienated, distrustful-of-government, largely white and working class voters. Precisely the demographic of Lost-Cause adherents. As many others have observed, the book's title is somewhat misleading. We should view book and article titles as contracts with the reader, offering promised, relevent content in exchange for the reader's time and effort. I dock the book a half-star for breaking its contract with the reader. Yes, General Longstreet does make an appearance, but only in the first essay, as a target of vilification by Confederate generals. The "God" of the title is the conservative "Classic Christianity," Bible- and salvation-centricity of evangelical Southern worship that lends a religious overtone to the Lost Cause, in which a defeated South is redeemed from God's wrathful judgment with a 19th romantic narrative - "we were the better men and lived more wholesomely" - and tragedy - "our culture and environment doomed us to war." Longstreet never returns to the narrative, except in one instance, in a reprise of Jubal Early's campaign of defamation, in which Longstreet is again blamed for Lee's and the Army of Northern Virginia's defeat at Gettysburg. Themes of Southern piety, however, and thus of God and Classic Christianity, repeatedly return and are central to the main story. Connelly and Bellows are exhaustive researchers who point usefully to a variety of primary and secondary documents that illuminate the topic of the Lost Cause and its transformation from Jubal Early and company's angry "We were better, had the better commanders, and should have won" (but for men like Longstreet) to the redemtive post-Reconstruction Lost Cause the focuses on a Robert E. Lee shorn of specific Southern characteristics and denatured into a kind of shimmering, flawless saint, accepted in the North after 1900 as an ideal of American, not Southern, Manhood (rather than as a traitor who got off easy). The authors rely primarily on literary 19th and 20th Century sources to make their case... many now obscure but; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City; Author: Visit Amazon's Guy Delisle Page; Review: (Actually, given the experience of the reporter/author/artist, let's simply surmise he's posing, for useful.literary effect, as The Naif Abroad.) Having spent a few weeks in Israel, Gaza, the Golan, and the West Bank a decade before Delisle's year-long sojourn, and having a reasonably solid familiarity with territorial issues in Arab-Israeli relations, I came away from this fascinating book with the deep impression that the Wall, erected by the Israeli government during the 2nd Intifada (2000-2003) along the Green Line separating Israel proper from the West bank, changed not only sight lines, transportation routes, and routine mutual access but virtually everything else. Delisle is, or feigns to be, for the purpose of dramatic arc, a newly arrived naif on most things Arab and/or Jewish Israeli or on Israel in general. Even so, he naturally turns out to be a valuable commentator on "An Expat's Guide to Aspects of Israel." Of course he can't, and does not attempt to, comment on everything a traveler might need to know - if only because each visitor is different and/or has differently prepared - but he provides useful little vignettes, sometimes of just six panels (one page) of the kinds of routine inconveniences, eccentricities, surprises, and cultural dissonances that might been encountered by the average visitor. He does this with a keen satirical eye and, occasionally, a journalist's diligence in pursuit of an answer to a nagging question. I found Delisle's repeated visits to Hebron, with its tiny Jewish enclave (c. 500 residents, who as a group are customarily labeled "extremist" by both liberal Israeli and Western commentators) embedded in a city of some 120,000, of particular interest. Comparing Delisle's depictions to my own experience, the ten years since I visited Hebron - and a large number of jarring events - have made a tense situation significantly more tense, have prolonged the closing of the Hebron souk and the decline of the local economy, and facilitated the aggressive misbehavior of the Jewish settlers. Delisle's drawings of Hebron streets and buildings resonate strongly in memory. In general, his illustrations of human subjects are, by the author's stylized choice, of Dilbert-like simplicity, in contrast to his depictions of architecture and landscape. These reveal a discerning eye and stunning draftsman's hand, striking a nice balance between detail and suggestion. His panels, with very few exceptions, are of uniform 6-panels-per-page size throughout the 300+ page book, and so the landscape and architectural drawings are miniatures. For anyone who's visited Israel, the walled Old City, the Temple Mount (aka the Haram esh-Sharif), Hebron, or anywhere else Delisle drops in on, the illustrations will surely evoke vivid memories, sometimes of a simple staircase ascending up a narrow opening in the Armenian Quarter of old Jerusalem, or of a vista from the Mount of Olives, or of a tomb of a legendary Biblical figure. Delisle, like Joe Sacco and many others who spend time in Israel and then write their "I found Israel..." memoir/report, takes hits for an essentially pro-Palestinian bias. Frankly, it's difficult for anyone of Western-Liberal disposition to come to Israel and,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sympathizer: A Novel (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction); Author: Visit Amazon's Viet Thanh Nguyen Page; Review: I went through phases of the moon with this ultimately absorbing, intelligent, richly imaginative novel. Some novels hook you on the first page. Not for me this one; I found connecting with it difficult, even given my identification with the first observations our unnamed Vietnamese narrator makes about himself in the text of a written confession to the 'Commandant": "I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces. Perhaps not surprisingly, I am also a man of two minds...I am simply able to see any issue from both sides" - this last perhaps being the prime characteristic of a "sympathizer," a sympathetic person in general, in several senses of that noun. Nevertheless, for the first 60 pages or so, I remained on the fence, unhooked. Eventually, Viet Thanh Nguyen's poetic voice started to sink in, to mesmerize, and he strung out a series of particularly euphonious metaphors and impressions that culminated in a passage that literally rocked me like a particularly well-turned Leonard Cohen lyric, the cumulative effect of which was to lock me in, absolutely. The story swept me forward, with a sense that "I'm reading not just a good book but almost certainly a great one" that continued for another 150 pages or so, when the propulsive force of Nguyen's story began to wane. I began to feel somewhat ground down by his - or his narrator's - piling on of trope after trope, relentlessly, enthusiastically, hyperimaginatively, somewhat deliriously, almost frantically, and - a bad word - preciously overwriting, straining for literary effects, ostensibly for their own sake. And then I hit this passage, which occurs during a tense, awkward, alchohol-assisted three-way conversation in which each participant was embarrassed and the tipsy narrator increasingly angry: a genuine howler that made me stop, look up from the page, andsigh - "It was time to stop and make a graceful exit, but the vodka that could not drain fast enough through the plugged-up sinkhole in the basement of my heart compelled me to swim on." The words pinged off my internal ear like bullets off a skillet. I remained exhausted and exasperated by Nguyen's superabundant prose for the next hundred pages or so, but elements of my own story - Vietnam-era vet, graduate work in East Asian Communism, a career in intelligence, and my love of imaginative writing - made this book a natural for me, and it's subtext of who- or what-done-it? that caused our spy/narrator to wind up in a North Vietnamese (I supposed, without being certain) prison camp, writing a "confession," kept me moving forward. (For what it's worth, once I'd finished the novel, I decided that, with near certainty, Nguyen's overwriting was less for stylistic reasons than for plot driven ones. The ostensibly Western style of the unnamed narrator's confession becomes a topic of narrative interest.) Key plot elements simply didn't work for me. A murder, a wooing, and, ultimately, one of the narrator's blood-friendships just didn't strike me as plausible. Even so, on balance, I think much more of the novel succeeds on; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Unvanquished V351; Author: Visit Amazon's William Faulkner Page; Review: The Unvanquished is essentially a compilation of stories Faulkner wrote to solve a cash-flow problem during the writing of Absalom, Absalom! The concluding chapter, "An Odor of Verbena," the only story not sold to a magazine and published before the novel's publication, is the finest of the otherwise solid collection and the only one of the seven written wholly in the mature, fully-formed Faulknerian voice and style. These are fine stories all, narrated in chronological order by Bayard Sartoris, scion of "The Sartoris," John, a Confederate Colonel known by Union invaders as a fearsome battlefield foe but a symbol of the old slaveholding South making its way into an uncharted future prepared for by "the Lost Cause" and its train of consequences. But "An Odor of Verbena" attains a magnificence its companion stories fall short of - essentially a "testing of manhood" story of now 24-year-old law student Bayard and his response to the fatal shooting of his father and the almost Balkan code of revenge his society expects Bayard to extract. (This is Bayard's second "test of Southern manhood," the first coming in his desire to avenge the wartime murder of his grandmother.) As a tale, this final chapter has everything: the juxaposition of order and change, old and new, memory and the present, codes for men as well as for women, elements of moral and sexual tension, and of Bayard's arc-of-becoming following his father's death: "my chance to find out if I am what I think I am or if I just hope; if I am going to do what I have taught myself is right or if I am just going to wish I were.'" I particularly enjoyed The Unvanquished's two dominant women, Rosa Millard, or "Granny," and Druzilla ("Dru") Hawk (later, Sartoris), which shows Faulkner a master of writing and characterizing complex, compelling women - a talent that has often evaded otherwise strong storytellers. granny and Dru's respective stories dominate the front and back halves of the novel. In short, The Unvanquished is a powerful reflection of William Faulkner on the Civil War and its consequences and the pressures the ensuing decade of Reconstruction exerted on the men and women of his Yoknapatawpha County.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From Hell: Being a Melodrama in Sixteen Parts, Vol. 3; Author: Alan Moore; Review: This is an ingenious hatching of a theory of the Whitechapel Murders case, one that flies in the face of all that's good and civilized in Victorian Britain and the British Empire at its peak, despite all those well-known wens, warts, and suppurating lesions. And perhaps the greatest graphic novel yet produced, despite the oftentimes nearly illegible lettering in what I must assume is a reduced page size from the normal magazine- or comic-page sizing of around 8.5 x 11 or so. (You may need strong reading glasses to make out some of the text.) Alan Moore is an indefatigable researcher and brilliant storyteller. Eddie Campbell's spidery, scratchy drawings suit the murky mood of the story. (And even so, when called upon to render historic London architecture, Campbells panels burst into glorious, meticulous copperplate-etching-type, scaled architecture-textbook detail and quality.) This book gripped me from front to back. The conspiracy Moore conjures, supported by 42 pages of dense notes and an additional graphic appendix, unfolds splendidly. It includes, of course, the London neighborhoods, and volumes (or is it simple myriad panels) on 19th century social mores, to include, yes, all those whores and other species of loose women and, to our eyes today, reprehensible men, but also for those who are unprepared, but this is no spoiler, because the Ripper stories have been in circulation for sometimes more than a century royalty, to include Victoria, Druidism and the Old Gods, Freemasonry and its secrets and rituals, icons on 19th century art, architecture, and literature, details of contemporary police and Scotland Yard procedure, and, believe me, very much more, crammed into its 572 pages. And on my next visit to London I'm going to bring with me chapter 4, as my guide to the buildings of Nicholas Hawksmoor. For an architecture buff, as I am, who has stomped around London peering into old churches and ancient structures, as I have, chapter 4, and its beautiful renderings of some of Londons greatest churches, was a particular unexpected, delightful serendipity. I would urge every reader to narrate chapter 14 aloud, in the most refined English accent they are capable of producing. I found it to be a chilling reading experience. And parents, if the title fails to warn you sufficiently, do examine the contents closely before leaving this one out for the kiddies on a rainy Saturday. The copy I read had no "for mature readers only" markings. From Hell is most assuredly for mature readers only and deserves, at the very least, an NC-17 rating. This is simply a terrific read and one that, I see from other reviews, will require from many a measure of patience. Moore unfolds his tale at what some will find a too-leisurely pace. Other readers have greater toleration for both glacial pace and a carefully studied narrative ambiguity. For those of us who wallow in detail, texture, and explanatory endnotes, as well as a horror stories that, in the end, are truly disturbing, this should be just the ticket.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Half-Finished Heaven: The Best Poems of Tomas Transtrmer; Author: Tomas Transtromer; Review: ...and yet, shafts of light pierce through to illuminate the rest. Thomas Transtrmer, the Swedish 2011 Nobelist in literature, is generally well-known among readers who make poetry part of their daily regime. Yet I did not know him until he burst upon me in a succession of moments within the span of a day. First, an essay by Teju Cole - he of the ominivorous mind and felicitous pen - on Transtrmer, in which Cole recommends him as balm for the bruised soul and commends to his readers the collection artfully translated by American poet (and longtime Transtrmer friend) Robert Bly. Later in the day, I read Emily St John Mandel's admiring review of Nicole Krauss's new novel, Forest Dark, that mentioned Krauss's admiration for Transtrmer and, in particular, the powerful prose poem "The Blue House" (curiously omitted from the Bly collection but found on Transtrmer's website, in a translation by Gran Malmqvist). I spent the evening reading Transtrmer online, went to my local library the following day and found the Bly translations, read a few more (and purchased Bly's revised, expanded second edition) and, I have to say, puzzled over many of Transtrmer's protean, mysterious verses. But I found many others to be immediately accessible and straightforwardly transparent. Above all, and whether or not I "understood" a given poem, I was smitten, as Transtrmer's readers generally are, by his sharply etched imagery, as in, for example, the early "The Couple" (in the Bly translation): They turn the light off, and its white globe glows an instant and then dissovles, like a tablet in a glass of darkness. Then a rising. The hotel walls shoot up into heaven's darkness. Or from a later piece, "Traffic": The semitrailer crawls through the fog. It is the lengthened shadow of a dragonfly larva crawling over the murky lakebottom. As Bly points out in one of his two useful introductions: The poems are mysterious...Mallarm believed there should be mystery in poetry, an urged poets to get it, if necessary, by removing the links that tie the poem to its occasion in the real world. In Transtrmer's poems the link to the worldly occasion is stubbornly kept, and yet the mystery and surprise never fade, even on many readings. In my reading, Bly's comment seems precisely so. These poems are finely observed, filled with puzzles and surprises and memorable images, and are infintely rewarding. Some are unsettling - see, for example, "Black Postcards" - and others sunniliy uplifting and affirmational - see one of my personal favorites, the beautiful "Romanesque Arches." As a body of work, Transtrmer's poems often seem to be cross-referencing each other, the latter striking mnemoic notes that recall an earlier page. This strikes me as a wholly unique voice and observational eye, the works of which are filled with random quirks and a seemingly tossed-off felicity, with wisdom and humor and astute social observation. Draw your own connections between the poet and the phenomenal world. For me, Tomas Transtrmer is a companion for life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Troilus and Criseyde (Penguin Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Geoffrey Chaucer Page; Review: Four stars for Kenneth Palmer's punctilious Arden Second-Series Troilus and Cressida, and particularly for its copiously annotated text and useful source appendices that excerpt Chaucer, Caxton, and others, and for the useful appended discussion of Ulysses' famous "degree and order" speech, which, in Harold Bloom's amusing observation, would qualify him to chair the RNC. For me, less admirable is Parker's taxing, hyper-punctilious and relatively long-winded introductory discussions of the original texts (quarto and folio) and of the play's dating and most of its stupefyingly dry-as-dust, albeit still useful, introduction to the play, its action, and its highpoints. As for the play itself, who am I to criticize the immortal, bottomless Bard? Instead, I will offer my full - albeit admittedly lazy - concurrence in the judgment of one of our greatest American Shakespeare commentators, the late Columbia University scholar Mark Van Doren (yes, father of the disgraced Charles Van Buren, a principal in the greatest of the 1950s quiz show scandals, the fixing of CBS's "The $64,000 Question"). Of Troilus and Cressida the elder Van Buren wrote, "The style...is loud, brassy, and abandoned...a host of characters, conceived partly in doubt and partly in disgust, rave at the tops of their never modulated voices. All of them are angry, all of them are distrustful and mendacious; and the tone of each is hardened to a rasping by some unmotivated irritation. One is tempted to suppose that the irritation was in the author before it was in them. For once, he cannot write with respect either for his subject or for thir styles. He composes to the limits of his energy, he laughs the loudest he has ever laughed, and still felicity is absent...Nothing is felt enough to be finished...Troilus and Cressida is either Shakespeare's revenge upon mankind for losing the power to delight him or his revenge upon the theme for refusing to tell him how it should be treated. Shall it become tragedy or comedy? He does not know." There are glittering speeches, primarily from Ulysses, who believes nothing he says nor says anything he believes. This is a bleak, unforgivingly misanthropic play (which earns some admiration from bleak, generally unforgiving misanthropes) that may well be the nadir of the Bardic canon (but still one I'd love to see staged - it's one of the half-dozen I've yet experience live). And, yes, my opinion of the play is a relatively traditional one. Contemporary scholarship - see, for example, Marjorie Garber's balanced discussion in her essential Shakespeare After All - tends to view Troilus and Cressida as strikingly modern, as in 21st century contemporary, for all its bleak cynicism. That's an easy opinion to concur in and still find the play, at its core, braying, unsatisfying, and puzzling. Even so, sub-par Shakespeare tops most above-par everyone else, and especially the plays of his contempories and rivals. There's suffcient poetry and humor here to move one expeditiously, and not unpleasantly, through the play; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Outsider; Author: Visit Amazon's Albert Camus Page; Review: Camus' famous protagonist Merseult believes life is meaningless, absurd, and everywhere the same yet opens himself to "the tender indifference of the world", a world in which its human occupants are capable of taking pleasure wheresoever they may find it. (Sandra Smith writes a useful introduction to her admired translation, explaining her sensible choice of the title "The Outsider" for a work better known as "The Stranger" and for rendering the memorable "la tendre indiffrance du monde" in as "tender" rather than the more customary "benign," thereby restoring, to at least my ears, a more idiomatic and satisfying phrase). Camus spent much of his life denying he was an "existentialist" and L'Etranger a key existentialist text. On the evidence of this novella, that's a heavy lift for long-gone Albert (unless he takes his denials to mean, "I have no idea what Sartre is talking about"). This slender volume is literally a first-person, matter of fact, one-thing-follows-another existential record of Merseult's path to his destiny, driven by and centered on eternal questions of philosophy, beginning with "what's the meaning of life?" and answered with the most abecedarian existentialist bromides. "'est absurde!" "La vie est sans signification!" Of course it is. (Donald Trump is President of the United States...) In this translation, the prose of The Outsider is simple, direct, often dreamlike, sometimes funny, other times shocking (generally in ways that will offend 2017 sensitivities and sensibilities, but probably not those of Camus' contemporaries). In the end, we have to admire Merseult for his absolute willingness to live out his convictions, or lack thereof, and for his commitment - with a single teeny, forgivable exception - to what we would conventionally call "the truth" (or absolute honesty in speech). The Outsider is a short classic, vastly influential - countless modernist writers come to us via paths partially blazed by Camus - and easily read in a sitting, that asks us to take on, or at least consider seriously, a point of view that remains squarely in the minority but most worthy of confronting, by each and all of us. We might come out a little better for it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions; Author: Visit Amazon's Neil Gaiman Page; Review: ...shorter Gaiman remains worthwhile. In my opinion, with Neil Gaiman, Grandmaster of Story, longer - in particular, comics and novels - is better than shorter, as in short stories or poems, the latter of which, as Neil Gaiman compositions, are indistinguishable from prose (apart from their arrangement into verses and stanzas). For me, four pieces - not coincidentally, the four longest - are well worth the cost of this collection: "Chivalry," a tale of the Grail; "The Goldfish Pool and Other Stories," a Gaiman roman clef tale of Hollywood; "Murder Mysteries," a story so ingenious, surprising, and powerful that I'll decline to describe it in a thumbnail; and "Snow, Glass, Apples," a clever reenvisioning of a famous fairy tale I found gripping and uniquely, satisfyingly convincing. I believe anything Gaiman writes - kids' books included - is worth reading, and even if the shorter pieces here fail to satisfy as thoroughly as the full blown long-form Gaiman, I don't suppose you'll be wasting your time with Smoke and Mirrors, particularly if you're already a fan.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork (After Words); Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Pullman Page; Review: As a great admirer of Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, I was surprised when, in an interview on the release of Le Belle Sauvage, he was asked what he'd like to be remembered for. To my surprise, it was not his best-known and best-loved books of the trilogy but the slender fairy tale, Clockwork, about which he says, "It is the most perfectly constructed story. Its short, which helps. Im very fond of it. I think it works in all the ways a story should work." Well. I didn't know the book but promptly purchased it as a stocking stuffer for myself and my (very grown) children and (barely pre-teen) grandchildren and, this morning, read it in a sitting. I agree with Pullman: Clockwork has a kind of lapidary perfection, with an unusual, interwoven structure, built around authorial research and literary invention. Pullman might, however, have qualified his comment by observing it works in all the ways a *fairy* story should work. There's a kind of inexplicable, adolescent fairy-magic logic at work here that, for all its charm, might leave a rather older reader - even an inveterate reader of fairy stories - a bit unsatisfied. But just a bit. I suppose I expected a less conventional resolution to the carefully woven spell Pullman creates. (And that's as close to a spoiler as I'd like to come.) Even so, the fairy and folk and fantasy literature is replete with tales of magical inventors and invention, and Clockwork - with its brilliant conceits involving clockwork and time and with Pullman's estimable creation, the sinister Dr. Kalmenius - is a notable modern addition to that venerable body and a pleasant way to pass an hour or so on a chill winter morning.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music; Author: Visit Amazon's Blair Tindall Page; Review: ...and a Cultural Anthropology of the NYC Classical Music Tribe. (Because you'd ask: No, I read this on the second-hand recommendation of a friend who had not read it but had watched the TV series, which I have yet to watch.) Curiously, author Tindall dedicates her book to the her parents, who may have learned of her teenage arts-school sexcapades with faculty mentors (mashers) 3 times her age from the tell-all, score-settling text. Here we have a catalogue of eye-opening tales of struggling lives among NYC's freelancing musical gypsies interwoven with Blair Tindall's own myriad opportunistic sexual encounters with anyone who might recommend her for a fill-in temp second or third oboe gig (late in the book, it occurs to her that any great musical gig she'd ever had was the result of a lay), serial struggles with the cutting and trimming of oboe reeds that make or break performances and the possibility of future work, endless autobiographical stories of the infamous Upper West Side Allendale Apts musicians-ghetto where Tindall lived for 20 years, and, overall, withering depictions of the obsessions, insecurities, joys, and miseries of talented, hypercompetitive musicians who are too numerous for too few abailable jobs, both locally and nationally. Tindall also writes compellingly about the ups and downs of her long relationship, first as an acquaintance, then as the lover, and finally as the supportive friend of the renowned piano accompanist and Juilliard and Peabody Institute teacher Samuel Sanders, whose life and art she celebrates but also transforms into a moving morality play, along the lines of, "when you're hot, you're hot. When you're not, you're...simply...forgotten." Too often an exercise in whiny self-pity, Mozart in the Jungle is neverthess a cold-hearted, scrutinizing look into the cuthroat lives and culture of those gifted players who make all that beautiful music and a cautionary tale for anyone who aspires to a career in classical music or has a musically talented child. (Musical talent, remember, is not rare. Joshua Bell's talent is...and yet even the very gifted often fail.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mozart in the Jungle; Author: ; Review: ...and a Cultural Anthropology of the NYC Classical Music Tribe. (Because you'd ask: No, I read this on the second-hand recommendation of a friend who had not read it but had watched the TV series, which I have yet to watch.) Curiously, author Tindall dedicates her book to the her parents, who may have learned of her teenage arts-school sexcapades with faculty mentors (mashers) 3 times her age from the tell-all, score-settling text. Here we have a catalogue of eye-opening tales of struggling lives among NYC's freelancing musical gypsies interwoven with Blair Tindall's own myriad opportunistic sexual encounters with anyone who might recommend her for a fill-in temp second or third oboe gig (late in the book, it occurs to her that any great musical gig she'd ever had was the result of a lay), serial struggles with the cutting and trimming of oboe reeds that make or break performances and the possibility of future work, endless autobiographical stories of the infamous Upper West Side Allendale Apts musicians-ghetto where Tindall lived for 20 years, and, overall, withering depictions of the obsessions, insecurities, joys, and miseries of talented, hypercompetitive musicians who are too numerous for too few abailable jobs, both locally and nationally. Tindall also writes compellingly about the ups and downs of her long relationship, first as an acquaintance, then as the lover, and finally as the supportive friend of the renowned piano accompanist and Juilliard and Peabody Institute teacher Samuel Sanders, whose life and art she celebrates but also transforms into a moving morality play, along the lines of, "when you're hot, you're hot. When you're not, you're...simply...forgotten." Too often an exercise in whiny self-pity, Mozart in the Jungle is neverthess a cold-hearted, scrutinizing look into the cuthroat lives and culture of those gifted players who make all that beautiful music and a cautionary tale for anyone who aspires to a career in classical music or has a musically talented child. (Musical talent, remember, is not rare. Joshua Bell's talent is...and yet even the very gifted often fail.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All the Kremlin's Men: Inside the Court of Vladimir Putin; Author: Mikhail Zygar; Review: A breathtaking insiders' account of the rise of Putin, the shifting configurations of his court, and - to the extent that author Zygar can divine - what goes on inside Putin's head. Based largely on interviews with members of Putin's inner circle, Zygar"s analytic history contains a revelation on virtually every page. The dramatis personae is bewilderingly Tolstoyan - the book has a useful 12 pp of thumbnails of some 150 significant Russian political personalities, 19 of whom receive chapter-length centrality - but Zygar is a wonderful storyteller and, we must assume, an expert interviewer who weaves a complex, multilayered narrative. I wish he had been able to include a few organization and affinty/influence charts and a photo gallery that put faces to names, but the internet's there to help. This is a balanced, sensemaking document that goes a considerable way toward explaining the ways in which Putin has accumulated and uses power and to what ends he has used it. And in light of our own Russiagate and related concerns - which are well beyond Zygar's time frame - the book helps us make some sense of possible Russian motives, tactics, and anticipated results.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A gentleman in Moscow; Author: Towles Amor; Review: An unforgettable character in Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov and a story of stories that includes a Grand Hotel and a Hotel Budapest and Eloise of the Plaza and a luminous cast of secondary characters, as told with the charm and grace of a Peter Taylor story and the human insight of Henry James. Beautifully written, movingly told, and - however implausible aspects of the story may strike the reader - brilliantly capturing aspects of 1922-1954 Russia in transition, albeit without the Terror. A magnificently affirmative novel as a respite from our less affirmative times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Legacy of Spies; Author: John Lecarre; Review: Four years ago or so, upon flinging A Most Wanted Man across the room - yes, of course, I had finished it, and it was precisely the author's parting shots that led me to catapult the volume through the air - I vowed I would never, ever read John le Carr again. His post-Smiley books had become grumpy, tedious, propagandistic - albeit beautifully written - screeds, often unloading on a caricature of an American intelligence community that had been my employer for most of my adult life, a life I then and there determined would be too short for another le Carr howl in the night. But, as a great and capacious American mind has observed, a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds. If anything, as a career analyst, I've tried to cultivate and maintain an open mind. In this instance, I read an exceedingly positive review in a distinguished professional publication that piqued my interest in A Legacy of Spies, the release of which I had ignored and about which I had known nothing. I'm rather happy I did so. I read it in close to a single long - I'm slow reader - sitting, and I'm delighted to say I found le Carr's return to the Cold-War escapades of spymaster George Smiley, service chief Control, Peter Guillam, Alec Leamas, and other memorable characters from the half dozen or so greatest of le Carr novels to be a perfect capstone to the great Hunt for Karla saga. In particular, the book raises a range of open questions about Cold War intelligence operations that have surely crossed the mind of any reflective person who's spent time in a national security organization during that period. Le Carr's story, to gist the dust jacket, concerns intelligence operations that were once the toast of secret London but are now coming under scrutiny "by a generation with no memory of the Cold War and no patience for its justifications." In this sense, le Carr has written a welcome sequel - fast-forwarding 50 years - to perhaps his most famous novel, The Spy Who Came In from the Cold. In A Legacy of Spies, descendents of legendary field officer Alec Leamas and his lover, idealistic Communist Liz Gold are suing the "Circus" (le Carr's famous coinage for Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, SIS, MI6) and the British Government for "wrongful death" in having sent Leamas and Gold to what the original ops managers knew would be their deaths. As part of the SIS bureaucracy's effort to build a defence, deflect blame, and perhaps identify a plausible scapegoat for what transpired in Operation Windfall - the deaths of Leamas and Gold - Peter Guillam, a Smiley-circle principal, is called in for a lengthy interrogation, during which he revisits they key events of Windfall and a related operation, Mayflower, mostly via documents that were part of the official record and another cache that had been secreted away by the small circle of "read in" ops managers. Le Carr has written a plausible, quietly compelling story, one that makes; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 30th Anniversary Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Frank Miller Page; Review: More than 30 years ago, I read The Dark Knight Returns in four installments, as they arrived in the comics shops. I was dazzled. and when the Michael Keaton Batman movie arrived, I was disappointed that it wasn't The Dark Knight Returns, and that Liam Neeson's Darkman seem to have filled the misanthropic space that Frank Miller's classic graphic novel had pioneered. Thirty years later, however, all I remembered of the story was the dark mood and the splash pages, which had been etched in my memory. Rereading it today, it is as though I had never read it before. I am stunned afresh by its originality, its dense storytelling in 16-panel pages, its bold, thrilling illustration, its clever reconceiving of several of the Batman's most recognizable foes, and its daring reframing of the Batman story I grew up reading in the 1950s. With its subtexts on the stupidity of crowds, the craven opportunism of politicians, the dangers of plutocracy, and the thin line between democratic order and anarchy in a time of ideology-driven politics, it is as timely today as it was in 1986. Its brilliance continues to glister forth, like shook foil. Breathtaking.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Norse Mythology CD; Author: Visit Amazon's Neil Gaiman Page; Review: I suppose it's customary to announce, right here at the outset (as do many Neil Gaiman devotees), as more or less a confession of faith, that I'm fairly well in the tank for Neil Gaiman in all his manifold guiuses--comics writer, novelist, collaborator, story writer, children's book author, and audiobook narrator. Have I missed anything? Editor, I suppose--I havedn't read any of the various story collections he's edited and introduced. He is a modern Master of Story. We know, if only from American Gods, Anansi Boys, and the Sandman comics, that Gaiman is steeped in the great mythologies, and his most recent book, Norse Mythology--a publisher's commission that was some four years in gestation and writing--is part of the upshot of that steeping, which began in single-digit early age. I'm also happy to add that Gaiman and I (and millions of others) adored Marvel's Thor comics, from the God of Thunder and Lightning's very outset in Journey Into Mystery #83 of August 1962 onward through, oh, 1968, when I got drafted and set side my comic-book days (until much later, when I entered the Frank Miller-Daniel Clowes-Alan Moore-Neil Gaiman- Universe). Gaiman drew on translations of the Prose and Poetic Eddas, the medieval Icelandic sources of the mythological Norse stories, as well as his memories of beloved books like Roger Lancelyn Green's Myths of the Norsemen (which Gaiman claims NOT to have reread as a source). (My own beloved folio-size picture book, D'Aulaires' ubiquitous Norse Gods and Giants, received--to my surprise--no mention.) Gaiman has turned the best known of the mythological stories into thoroughly colloquial modern English and woven from them the arc of a continuous, beautifully told story, from the Norse creation myths, the origins of the nine worlds, and their inhabitants to the tales of Odin, Thor, and their families in seemingly perpetual contention with trickster and fire god Loki and his offspring. Our entire pantheon of gods--along with the Giants and the Great Midgard (World) Serpent Jrmungandr and the giant wolf-child of Loki, Fenrir and all the inhabitants of the Nine Worlds--wind up, as they must, at Ragnarok, the time of the death of the Gods, which Gaiman casts as a tale of future past, events impending but not yet happened...and yet all foretold and worked out in a thrilling Armegeddon. Gripped afresh by Gaiman's felicitous retellings, I read this book in a single, long gulp (I'm a very slow reader). In my judgment, it is suitable for all ages. Gaiman doesn't condescend, doesn't talk down to the reader, doesn't overexplain the unfathomable motives of the loving, passionate, yes, lusty, manipulative, cruel, deceiving...very humanized...gods, but parents looking for bedtime reading material for their tots should be prepared to edit on the fly (which was my technique when reading to my own now fully grown children). This is a book filled with gruesome deeds, tellings of tortures and slaughter--Gaiman is especially imaginative in this subset of his art--which authenticate the warlike culture from which the sources spring, but the stories also celebrate the domesticity of home in the marriages and families; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Watchmen; Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Moore Page; Review: A decade or so ago, around the time of the Watchmen movie release, I read the source Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons graphic novel and was underwhelmed. I had a distinct sense that this was much ado about not all that much, particularly in the light of Frank Millers antecedent accomplishment in The Dark Knight Returns, which I had read as each installment came out in 1985. Indicative of the weak impression Watchmen made on me was that, after a decade, I remembered little of the long graphic novel apart from a few splash panels, mostly involving Nite Owls Owlship, and a vague image probably recalled from the film rather than the comic of Dr. Manhattan cutting a swath of death and destruction through the ranks of a Cold War foe. And Rorschach, of course. Everyone seems to remember Rorschach. But, for my part, I wasn't certain if I were remembering Jackie Earle Haley in the movie, or the Moore/Gibbons original cinematic images crossed over into comic panels. Thats all a long way of saying, when I reread Watchmen last week, it was as though Id never read it at all. It was filled with surprises. And superb storytelling. And brilliant, plausibly motivated characters. And upon concluding it in a few long gulps, followed by a bit of reflection, I must say I was significantly whelmed not over-, but fairly substantially. What most impresses me is that, in the middle of a decade that turned out to be momentous what with the crumbling of the Berlin Wall that augured the demise of the Soviet state two years later a comics revolution was, as it were, in the air, waiting for a form and a voice, and that both Frank Miller and the Moore-Gibbons team had seized the hour and delivered the trumpet flourishes announcing new modes and orders. Moreover, it struck me as an understandable coincidence that both series are set in dystopic visions of capitalist America (in the second term of the Reagan Administration, which Moore reimagines as the fifth yes, fifth! term of a Nixon administration that, in the mid-1970s, first succeeded in sweeping Watergate under the carpet, then won in Vietnam via the devastating intervention of the nuclear mutant Dr. Manhattans There IS a Superman, and hes American! and, as a result of all that winning, won the repeal of the 22nd amendment. (I hadnt remembered that from my first reading) But as a national security professional and lifelong analyst of foreign countries and their politics, I found the international political narrative of Watchmen hopelessly nave, what with its surprise threats, reckless, mad, world-enveloping challenges, and the likeimplausible even in 2018, with a dangerously proud, infantile ox in the Oval Officealbeit useful in advancing the main narrative toward its today-less-than-surprising punchline. (Im allergic to big reveals in reviews and won't indulge, even as Im confident 1. no one who reads this would be surprised by any reveal, as theyve either read the comic, seen the movie, or heard all about them, and 2. no one will read this anyway: Im not; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Brothers Karamazov; Author: Fyodor Dostoyevsky; Review: Gigantic 19th century Russian novels are, by now, an acquired taste - too long, ponderous, complicated, philosophical, with too many unpronounceable names and patronymics and place names, and on and on and on...for these times. Yet they top the lists of "10 NOVELS YOU MUST READ BEFORE YOU DIE" (I know: if they don't kill you first). And patient, persistent readers discover, by Gyorgi, that these books are soap operas! Loaded with archetypal heroes and villains, fascinating secondary characters, and filled with vivid lives as they're lived out. And here, a contender for the greatest of them all, is the story of the ill-fated Karamazov brothers - Dmitri, Ivan, Alexi - and their thoroughly sleezy, utterly unlikeable (except that he's hysterically amusing) father, Fyodor Pavlovich, together with the women who provide much of the story's dramatic tension: Agrafena Alexandrovna Svetlova, known as Grushenka, a "woman of loose morals" who attracts the adoration of both Dmitri and his father, and her noble narrative counterpoint, Katerina Ivanovna Verkhovtseva, jilted by Dmitri, loved by Ivan, and saintly...until she's not. The complex tale Dostoyevsky weaves is at once majestic, timeless, profound - pick a superlative. (Don't say "excessively slow" or "uncommonly boring." The big Russians have their detractors.) And if you're disinclined to read the entire 700+ pages (in the very small font Dover Thrift edition I read), you ought not wait to read the justly famous chapter, "The Grand Inquisitor," as a stand-alone that continues to astound with its tightening, Bolero-like grip, provocative thesis, and startling conclusion. (In other words, don't wait 50 years for "The Grand Inquisitor," which I read about as an undergraduate but never quite got to.) Know, however, that every word Dostoyevsky sets down is most assuredly *not* sacred. That is, although some readers may find his superabundant verbiage endearing - I place.myself in this camp - he's a ceaseless overwriter and a sometimes tedious over-observer. This in turn translates into punctilious overdescription...of locales, feelings, sensations, the behaviors of stray dogs and cats and other critters that wander in and out of scenes, and so on. (But I should qualify this, after all, as overwriting of a superior caliber.) And, forgive me, I prefer to read fat Russian novels in the generally felicitous translations of Constance Garnett, who knew Tolstoy and wrote in the high style of late 19th-early 20th century English writers. I've read the criticisms of Garnett - nuances of individual authors' styles that melt into a single Garnett English, too many Anglicisms, too fast a worker.and thus getting nuance or details wrong - but the graceful accessibility of the prose and a fearless, yet sensibly assured management of the often Byzantine complexity of these books makes her an easy.choice over other translators. (Moreover, it's the public-domain aspect of Garnett's translations that make her a favorite of publishers like Dover, who pay no use rights, and audiobook producers. And while I'm at it, let me give a shout-out to the late, golden-throated, voice-shifting David Case, aka Frederick Davidson and other aliases, Mellifluous Narrator of the Big Russians Extraordinaire, another; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy; Author: Visit Amazon's William B. Irvine Page; Review: The Stoics sought tranquility and a consequent joy in, and thankfulness for, the lives we have as core parts of an answer to the venerable ancient question, "How should I live my life?" In 2018 America, tranquility and joy sound like a good deal...if you can get it. I'm a retired intelligence analyst. I spent my entire professional life looking at the potential downside for American interests in the behaviors of foreign leaders and states and in regional developments that affect allied interests--and thus US alliances and interests. There's not a lot of tranquility in the national security business. It's filled with anxiety and fears and worrisome days and weeks. You get used to it. You cope. You know, though, in the quiet recesses of your mind, that "stress kills." You hear it from the Doc every12 months. "Yeah, yeah, I know, I know, I hear you, I exercise and I've got my blood pressure down, I'm making making a point of trying to reduce the amount of friction in my life, if not the numbers of stressful situations." And in retirement, you can carve out more time to think about distractions from things that get you riled up, or sadden you, or fill you with fear or anxiety when you face the encroaching reality that "all things human are short-lived and perishable," including you. Stoicism doesn't rescue you so much as train you to manage unproductive emotions and thoughts, beginning by bundling up, or triaging, your concerns according to a fundamental trichotomy--expanded by author William Irvine from a classical dichotomy posed by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus (Some things are up to us, other things are not)--of "things I have no control over, things I have absolute control over, and things I have some measure of control over." We can exert control over our goals, values, what we formulate as our life philosophy. We have no control over the sunrise, or of the past--what's happened has happened--or, as a federal annuitant, over trade or immigration policy or other acts of people in high office over whom we have no means of influence. We have some control over our professional lives but cannot guarantee success in every endeavor, only that we'll do our very best, our utmost to fulfill the mission. Hence there's a broad category of things beyond my control that I'd be foolish to spend much time fretting over. As the great Stoic and Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius observed, "Nothing is worth doing pointlessly." It's more productive to spend my time on cultivating my own garden of tranquility and on worrying the things I can affect. This is very like Niebuhr's serenity prayer: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." Author Irvine is a pleasant cicerone on our journey into Stocism, focusing on the four Roman Stoics whose writings seem to him most relevant to us today: Epictetus, Seneca, Musonius Rufus, and Marcus. He divides his book into four broad parts. In part; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: March: Book One (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Aydin Page; Review: These comments pertain to the entire trilogy and not simply to Book One. The 546 pages of the March trilogy are many things: a participant's-eye view of the great American Civil Rights movement of the late 1950s and into the 1960s, culminating in the Voting Rights Act of 1965; a moving autobiography of the youngest member of "the Big Six" civil-rights leaders, John Lewis, long-serving Congressman from Georgia's Fifth District; a graphic portrait of the savage structural racism and myriad injustices suffered by African Americans in the South; and a grim reminder that the white-supremacist South--the 11 states of the secessionist Confederacy--has, with a few exceptional moments in time, mostly in states like Arkansas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee (where pro-union sentiment had been strong, making them last four to secede), always been on the wrong side of history and continue to vote into office demagogues who dog-whistle race issues and appeal to low themes whose lineage and history are thoroughly reactionary and rooted in historical white supremacism. John Lewis and his colleagues, co-author (and former member of Lewis's Congressional staff) Andrew Aydin and artist/inker/letterer Nate Powell have performed a miracle of comics art and history, telling a complex story--from Lewis's childhood in rural Troy, Alabama (as Martin Luther King called him, "the Boy from Troy") through his introduction to passive resistance via Don Laws Nashville seminars and the Fellowship of Reconciliations 1957 comic book, Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story, through his serial baptisms in fire (and beatings and arrests) in the Nashville lunch-counter sit ins of 1960, his ascent to national prominence as a 23-year-old chairman of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, painful passive-resistance encounters with virulent racists like Montgomery Police Chief Bull Connor and Selma Sheriff Jim Clark, onto and including the Selma March to Montgomery and Bloody Sunday, 7 March 1965, and finally, concluding with the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Actsbracketed by the bloodshed at the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Lewiss attendance at the inauguration of Barack Obama, to which the story frequently jumps . Yes, we have Taylor Branch and his magisterial, authoritative trilogy of MLK and his times, as well as numerous accounts from others. But John Lewis and company have told a riveting, heartbreaking, very personal story from the front lines: one of bravery and steadfastness and life and death in the face of monumental injustice. In the graphic-novel format, it never condescends, is clear and accessible to, and informative for, readers from middle school on, squarely hits the right notes, and doesnt soft-pedal conflicts within The Movement and especially between the younger, newer groups of activists, like those of SNCC, and NAACP gray heads like its then-Executive Director, Roy Wilkins or with sympathetic politicians who urged greater pragmatism and compromise, like Robert Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, but who were seen by younger activists as betraying the cause for political advantage. Simply spectacular. I grew up amid headlines that captured this story, but this is an insiders tale that gets behind the headlines, brims with life, names names of the great and the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, The (Perennial Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Muriel Spark Page; Review: Having now nearly 50 years ago seen the marvelous movie made from this short--just the other side of novella--book, I recently came across a lengthy interview with a Muriel Spark authority who discussed what he esteemed to be her best writing, and why, well, with visions of Maggie Smith, Pamela Franklin, and Robert Stephens (then Dame Maggie's husband) swirling about in my head, I picked up this, Spark's best, and best known novel. How good it is to finally meet an author one has known of for 50 years but has never actually known, and how satisfying to find her not only in possession of extraordinary literary talent but also superb wit, inventiveness, a keen observational eye, and formidable psychological perception. This is a true tragicomedy: thoroughly, hilariously comical and ultimately...well, it's not a spoiler, is it, to say Jean Brodie, in her prime, is both a thrilling creation and wholly, tragically ridiculous? For anyone who has ever fallen under the spell of a flamboyantly charismatic teacher, and particularly at an impressionable age, they will have grasped a piece of Spark's story. (Miss Brodie is in part based--naturally, one might have imagined--on one of 11-year-old Muriel's teachers, Miss Christina Kay, about whom Spark wrote a sweet profile in 1991 for The New Yorker, and Miss Kay's James Gillespie's High School was the model for Miss Brodie's Marcia Blaine School.) In contemporary parlance, we would call Miss Brodie a "drama queen." In the Marcia Blaine faculty gossip, she is simply "unconventional" in her conviction that, whatever the curriculum guides may say, "Art and religion first; then philosophy; lastly science. That is the order of the great subjects of life, that's their order of importance." And every word of her instruction will be filtered through Miss Brodie's particular life experiences, to include not only her impressionistic accounts of European travel, fascism, Mussolini, and of gazing upon and dissecting the great Italian Renaissance masters at the Uffizi, but also of her loves and losses. That Miss Brodie is in her "prime" during the main course of the narrative--from 1931 to 1939, ages 36 to 44--as she constantly reminds the potential confidants she has singled out, known at the school as "the Brodie set," for her special brand of nurturing, signifies many things: she is a her peak as a teacher, a role model, a fountain of advice on how her girls must live their lives, and--she of the striking, "dark Roman profile"--as a potential lover, perhaps of the married, one-armed art instructor, Teddy Lloyd, "who lost the contents of his (left) sleeve in the Great War," or possibly of the well-heeled, doting, bachelor music master, Gordon Lowther. Having culled "her girls"--each for a special characteristic: beauty, insight, athleticism, beauty, intelligence, individuality--from the common herd of students, she envisions the ways in which the personalities she imagines for them must play out in the near future. In the meantime, she enlists them in her defiance of Miss Mackay, Marcia Blaine's headmistress and Miss Brodie's implacable--and resolutely conventional--foe, whose schemes to find just cause for Miss Brodie's; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home Fire: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Kamila Shamsie Page; Review: Kamila Shamsie is a hugely talented writer who has written an ambitious, broad-ranging novel that resonates across several themes. Apart from strong writing and plausible character psychology and development, for "Western readers," Shamsie penetrates and explicates a South Asian expatriate culture in which I have great intererst but no direct access. As a long-time observer of foreign societies, economies, polities, and cultures, I found the author's elevation of Muslim South Asian national and religious culture from subtext to the status of "character," like London in many Dickens novels, completely satisfying. Culture interacts with, affects, directs, rubs off on every aspect of this story, directly or unobtrusively shaping or lurking beneath every scene. Within this frame, Shamsie has, for the most part, created characters that are compelling and plausible. Each of the main cast gets his/her own long, point-of-view chapter, beginning with the scholarly, rational Isma, who has finally realized her dream of studying in the United States, having made her way to Amherst for graduate work at the University of Massachusetts. Her significanty younger twin siblings, living in the Brent/Wembley South-Asian community of Outer London that Isma has escaped but where Isma had largely raised them following theearly death of her mother and the disappearance of her radicalized father into the international jihad, are Parvaiz, the delicate, impressionable brother whose greatest passion is sound recording but who, as we learn in the first pages of the book, has himself vanished into Syria and the Islamic State, and sister Aneeka, beautiful, religiously devout, headstrong and contrarian. Isma and Aneeka, at separate times and in widely disparate situations, enter into relationships with Eamonn (Anglicized from "Ayman"), aimless, spoiled, thoroughly secular, and British, the son of a driven, naturalized Pakistani member of Parliament, Karamat Lone, the politically shape-shifting "Lone Wolf" whose naked ambition is to become the first "colonial" to occupy No. 10 Downing Street. Apart from honest scenes from the lives of expatriate Pakistanis living in a challenging moment in time and the web of human relationship that exert a gravitational force on behaviors, Shamsie weaves into her narrative all-too-plausible fictional accounts of the Islamic State's international outreach and recruiting efforts and, in quick strokes, of life in terrorized Raqqa, Syria, the ISIS "capital," at the height of its notoriety and domination of the daily news cycle. She also seems to draw on the career of Conservative MP Sajid Javid, currently UK's Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in creating an honest, hardly-exaggerated account of political ambition (albeit of a more liberal pedigree) in the context of Parliamentary politics and of the difficulty choices politics forces upon members who must appeal to complex constitencies amid a minefield of parlous issues. I knew absolutely nothing about this novel before picking it up, other than its recommendation to me by an impeccable source whose literary-fiction DNA replicates my own. I had a hard time with the sluggish first third--told from Isma's andEamonn's points of view--but gulped the remainder in down in an evening. Shamsie's a clever architect, with a tendency to florid reflection,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love Medicine (Perennial Modern Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Louise Erdrich Page; Review: Yuval Noah Harari has written an engaging beach book that takes on the biggest of Big History (pace David Christian and his acolytes) questions (no: not "Why is there something rather than nothing?" - but he does go back some 13.7 billion years, all the way to the Big Bang): what's so hot about Homo sapiens? He makes a plausible case for the superior organizational ability of Sapiens (his shorthand/nickname for you and me and everybody), which arises out of the "Cognitive Revolution" that began some 40,000 years ago and is carried forward by the interpersonal power of persuasive language. Homo sapiens are like bees, but with malice aforethought. But to say as much is, of course, to oversimplify and strip Harari's roller-coaster narrative of all its excitement, panache, humor, quirky, telling observations, marshalling of disparate datapoints from diverse disciplines (the hallmark of Big History), and - a major subtext - his evisceration of "religion" as most of us conventionally think about or practice it. He extends the category "religion" to cover what we call "ideologies" but might instead term (he doesn't) "secular idols of the masses": humanism, liberalism, and offshoots like liberal democracy, socialism, capitalism, fascism, and communism. All such belief systems/ideologies should, in Harari's telling, should be bundled up under the heading of "religion." Moreover, Harari casually defines all - *ALL* - religion (theist, non-theist, animist, Deist, atheism, agnosticism, liberal humanism, etc. etc.) as language-based "fictions" around which tribes, villages, societies, even civilizations, cluster, organize, rise, fall. Culture is thus built on mountains of fictions - a key term in the Harari glossary: essentially, *stories* humans tell for myriad functional, even evolutionary, reasons, that create rationales for group behaviors, leadership, and why things are the way they are (e.g., weather - good, bad, adversarial - dreams, misfortune, good fortune, etc.) and often reify into what we call "belief system," "mores," "religion," "ideology": "fictions" Harari distinguishes from the countable reality of science and statistics. Harari is alternately wise, then oddly superficial, in reducing the story of homo sapiens to materialistic science and the manufacturer of fictions to create cultures, religions, societal organization, civilization itself. His scope is sweeping, his erudition and broad reading impressive, his writing emphatically provocative, yet witty and wildly entertaining for so serious a topic. Nothing so provocative and entertaining, however, can go very long without drawing the (often self-interested) attention of critics, the most compelling of which must necessarily be from disciplines in which the erudite Harari has read extensively but lacks the scholarly command of the dedicated professional. See, for example, the thoughtful critique of Canadian anthropologist C.R. Hallpike, who knocks Harari for misinformed speculations on the formation of tribes, the cognitive capacities of early tribal Sapiens, differences between human children and chimpanzees, and much else, as well as Harari's indifference to, or ignorance of, scholarly distinctions such as those between "belief" and "convention" in seeking to determine, if "fiction" is untruth, what its opposite may be (that is, just as immaterial as fiction: an idea...and an idea that's given a physical palpability by the discoverers; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: By Yuval Noah Harari - Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (MP3 - Unabridged CD) (2015-02-25) [Audio CD]; Author: Visit Amazon's Yuval Noah Harari Page; Review: Yuval Noah Harari has written an engaging beach book that takes on the biggest of Big History (pace David Christian and his acolytes) questions (no: not "Why is there something rather than nothing?" - but he does go back some 13.7 billion years, all the way to the Big Bang): what's so hot about Homo sapiens? He makes a plausible case for the superior organizational ability of Sapiens (his shorthand/nickname for you and me and everybody), which arises out of the "Cognitive Revolution" that began some 40,000 years ago and is carried forward by the interpersonal power of persuasive language. Homo sapiens are like bees, but with malice aforethought. But to say as much is, of course, to oversimplify and strip Harari's roller-coaster narrative of all its excitement, panache, humor, quirky, telling observations, marshalling of disparate datapoints from diverse disciplines (the hallmark of Big History), and - a major subtext - his evisceration of "religion" as most of us conventionally think about or practice it. He extends the category "religion" to cover what we call "ideologies" but might instead term (he doesn't) "secular idols of the masses": humanism, liberalism, and offshoots like liberal democracy, socialism, capitalism, fascism, and communism. All such belief systems/ideologies should, in Harari's telling, should be bundled up under the heading of "religion." Moreover, Harari casually defines all - *ALL* - religion (theist, non-theist, animist, Deist, atheism, agnosticism, liberal humanism, etc. etc.) as language-based "fictions" around which tribes, villages, societies, even civilizations, cluster, organize, rise, fall. Culture is thus built on mountains of fictions - a key term in the Harari glossary: essentially, *stories* humans tell for myriad functional, even evolutionary, reasons, that create rationales for group behaviors, leadership, and why things are the way they are (e.g., weather - good, bad, adversarial - dreams, misfortune, good fortune, etc.) and often reify into what we call "belief system," "mores," "religion," "ideology": "fictions" Harari distinguishes from the countable reality of science and statistics. Harari is alternately wise, then oddly superficial, in reducing the story of homo sapiens to materialistic science and the manufacturer of fictions to create cultures, religions, societal organization, civilization itself. His scope is sweeping, his erudition and broad reading impressive, his writing emphatically provocative, yet witty and wildly entertaining for so serious a topic. Nothing so provocative and entertaining, however, can go very long without drawing the (often self-interested) attention of critics, the most compelling of which must necessarily be from disciplines in which the erudite Harari has read extensively but lacks the scholarly command of the dedicated professional. See, for example, the thoughtful critique of Canadian anthropologist C.R. Hallpike, who knocks Harari for misinformed speculations on the formation of tribes, the cognitive capacities of early tribal Sapiens, differences between human children and chimpanzees, and much else, as well as Harari's indifference to, or ignorance of, scholarly distinctions such as those between "belief" and "convention" in seeking to determine, if "fiction" is untruth, what its opposite may be (that is, just as immaterial as fiction: an idea...and an idea that's given a physical palpability by the discoverers; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Vegetarian: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Han Kang Page; Review: Every time I cracked this book open over the three days it took me to read it - it's very slender and should have been read in a sitting or two - I asked the same question: "Why am I continuing to read this book?" Answer: it won the Man Booker International. Now I have a new question: "Why did I read this book all the way to its predictable (spoiler alert!...I guess...) non-conclusion? Or inconclusion." Answer: I just had to see... I should have been more perceptive in reading the auguries of the four pages of enthusiastic blurbs (in addition to another page on the back page of the dust jacket), which I've often seen in paperbacks but never, to my recollection, in first-edition hardcovers. In retrospect, all that high-flying encomia seemed compiled specifically to preempt independent judgment, to dazzle the reader into believing s/he was about to enter literary greatness. After all, it won the Man Book International Prize. My earliest profession was as a foreign (as in PRC) propaganda analyst, an early sniff-test of which was, invariably, "When all the wagons are circled in defense of a single line, principle, or policy, something must be amiss," the subtext of which is, "The truth may well be, and generally is, 180 degrees out from the insistent drumbeat." Looking back, it's hard for me to believe those writers quoted in the blurbs read the same book I read. As a reader of literary fiction, I also know, "There's no accounting for taste." Yet, despite alarm bells and mounting reservations, I persisting in my halting, easily interrupted, progress through the tripartite structure of a very short The Vegetarian (which, for the record, I most emphatically did NOT find felicitously translated. Indeed, I found Deborah Smith's rendering - no: I neither read, nor write, nor speak Korean. I'm just reacting to the words - clunky and distracting...unless author Han Kang's intent was to write in a way that is both clunky and distracting, which I think unlikely. Find and read her, and her translator's, interviews on the book. I warn you, though: you'll want to read it once you've been given a bit of script). Han Kang began her public writing career as a poet. I am trying to imagine the character of her poetry from this debut novel. I think I have it, and I have seen its likeness before: sequences of vividly gothic imagery, all wrapped up in gauzy inconclusiveness. "Oh, my, what might all this mean?" But for me, that's the sum of it. I have a plausible theory of the story...you can read the prefatory blurbs and glean bits of it, mostly involving the almost anthropological characterizations of Korean domestic life that suggest that "women's liberation" has yet to arrive in the Korean hinterlands, and much less Seoul, but for me, none of this really mattered. We have three narrators, all of whom are lonely, needy, eccentric, and essentially unlikeable. The author expects me to identify with pieces of universal human feeling, as processed through the mind of profoundly; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Mrauk U Princess Resort; City: Mrauk U Rakhine State; Review: We enjoyed our stay in this hotel but disliked the very unconfortable boat trip from Sittwe. The staff is OK, the restaurant is much better than average for Burma and the little villas are cosy and clean set in a nice tropical park; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Noble Hotel; City: Sittwe Rakhine State; Review: Compared to the other hotels visited during our 14-day trip to Burma this is without any doubt the lesser one, from any point of view, but the best - and only - choice in this town. Sittwe should be renamed Shittwe.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel by the Red Canal Mandalay; City: Mandalay Mandalay Region; Review: We stayed here for one night only. The rooms are small but comfortable. The swimming pool is tiny but clean. Staff is OK and friendly. On check-out e were told, in public, that the slippers were missing in our room. We did not take them away but still had to pay a staggering 20 USD. The Indian-Burmese restaurant is very average.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Neue Post; City: Mayrhofen Tirol Austrian Alps; Review: 4 star hotel with excellent wellness facilities and a good kitchen Located in the old part of Mayrhofen and within walking distance of the ski lift Ski bus stops just in front of the hotel; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: La Passerelle; City: Durbuy Luxembourg Province The Ardennes Wallonia; Review: Excellent value for money. Dinner strongly above average. Breakfast of good quality. Friendly staff. Dutch speaking (and French of course). Perfect accommodation for groups available. Nice rooms.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Domaine de Villers; City: Villers sur Mer Calvados Basse Normandie Normandy; Review: Very helpful and informing staff at check-in. Ideal if your stay is not longer than 2-3 days. Excellent "carte des vins". Welcoming bar. Good restaurant. 1 Clumsy waitress. Top maître d'hotel, friendly, helpful and correct. Breakfast above French an 3* standards. Nice swimming pool/spa area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chateau De Codignat; City: Bort l Etang Puy de Dome Auvergne Rhone Alpes; Review: This hotel meets every expectation if one is willing to pay for 5* service and a 1* michelin restaurant. A hotel with all the amenities fit for a "relais & chateaux". No negative comment possible. Indeed the sommelier deserves a special mention, not only for his wine suggestion - it's his job - but also because he is a truly special character, worth observing for some time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Sangam; City: Thanjavur Thanjavur District Tamil Nadu; Review: Welcome with a drink. Small elevator. Dark and "fifties" restaurant. Inefficient service in the restaurant. Avoid the sweet corn soup. No acceptable wine list. Tiny swimming pool. Dark bar somewhere in a corner.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Ashhok Hassan; City: Hassan Hassan District Karnataka; Review: Friendly welcome. No seats near the swimming pool. Poor buffet. Restaurant lacks cosiness. Uncomfortable chairs (too low compared to the table). Cocktails OK. Small rooms with tiny bathroom. Old fashioned tv.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Chariot Beach Resort; City: Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram District Tamil Nadu; Review: friendly staff, alcohol free welcome drink. Open architecture income hall in local tropical wood but with a cheap floor. Vast swimming pool surrounded by trees and flowers, not overlooking the ocean or beach, but separated from it by an ugly fence (tell my why, management). Typical Indian restaurant (buffet) with different curries. No drinkable wine available. Cottages clean.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels; City: Madurai Madurai District Tamil Nadu; Review: The surroundings of tis hotel are extremely poor (metro construction right in front of the hotel, mud, dirt, hardly accessible). Staff is accurate. Rooms are clean but rather small. Breakfast is very average, but lunch and diner were OK (always buffet). Pool is tiny.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Leela Raviz Kovalam; City: Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram District Kerala; Review: Five star means five star here. Rooms, facilities, food, service, everything is accordingly. We drank very unpleasant Indian wine, bot red and white. Average European, Chilean and Australian are way too expensive. Good European wines are a financial suicide.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram; City: Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram District Tamil N; Review: We arrived there just minutes before a heavy tropical storm hit the Coromandel coast and yet the first thing I did was take a swim in this landscaped pool of more than 200 meters long. I skipped the welcome drink. The rooms are nicely decorated, the bed was perfect. Cosy bathroom. Our room was overlooking the pool but at the end of it, thus rather a long way from the main building, which is not interesting during a tropical storm with heavy rainfall and strong winds. The ocean front restaurant was closed because of the storm but I visited it anyway: the pool in front of it is much smaller but overlooks the ocean.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Savoy Hotel Ooty; City: Ooty Udhagamandalam The Nilgiris District Tamil Nadu; Review: Difficult review: top character (colonial) but average service. The rooms are indeed old fashioned but that is part of the character, the dimly lit dining room with paneled walls is also part of the character. In Europe these small edges and lack of perfect maintenance would be considered a minus but in India this is OK, as the rates are also non European. Perfect climate in the hills, chilly in the evening, sunny during day time. I know why the English moved their colonial capital to Ooty during the hot season. But, but, but: mediocre breakfast, average Indian buffet, the entire wine list was ONE (yes, one) bottle of Indian red wine. The bar is not heated in the evening and the cocktails contain hardly alcohol, if any.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Dusseldorf; City: Dusseldorf North Rhine Westphalia; Review: Situated very near by the Messe. Check-in and check-out very professional. Bar too crowded during the Christmas shopping week-ends (all Dutch). Tasty cocktails. Breakfast with a wide choice, but also in a very crowded restaurant (on a sunday morning during the Christmas shopping week-end of dec. 2nd). Exceptionally clean rooms with rather small beds. Nice pool area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Cosmas 4310ORB Oil Rubbed Bronze Cabinet Hardware Bin Cup Drawer Handle Pull - 3" Inch (76mm) Hole Centers; Brand: Cosmas; Review: AWESOME QUALITY and great price!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ruvati RVH8000 Drop-in Overmount 33" x 21" Kitchen Sink 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Single Bowl; Brand: Ruvati; Review: I bought two of these sinks for my new home, this one and the 25" version. THEY ARE AWESOME!!!! They are super heavy and packaged like they are expensive jewelry. They were worth every penny and much cheaper than the ones that I looked at in the plumbing showroom. I can't say enough positive things!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 25 Pack - Cosmas 4950ORB Oil Rubbed Bronze Cabinet Hardware Round Mushroom Knob - 1-1/4" Diameter; Brand: Cosmas; Review: AWESOME DEAL!! Great Quality!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 10 Pack - Cosmas 4950ORB Oil Rubbed Bronze Cabinet Hardware Round Mushroom Knob - 1-1/4" Diameter; Brand: Cosmas; Review: Fantastic Deal. Much better quality than a lot of the home improvement store offerings.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nuvo SF77/188 18-Inch Three Light Vanity Strip, Polished Brass,Nuvo Lighting,SF77/188" />; Brand: Nuvo Lighting; Review: Worst possible installation possible. Cannot be connected to the electrical box. Can only be hung on the wall. Ruined them trying to take the back off. Now they cannot be returned. Junk.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Sleeping Beauty: Special Edition (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Hawk Down (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fallen (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Witness for the Prosecution (1957); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bitter Moon (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Johnny English (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Down With Love (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Railway Children (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Importance of Being Earnest (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Adder Back & Forth (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Road to Perdition (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Possession (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Stitch! The Movie (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Sea of Trouble (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Emma (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holes (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The English Patient (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spirited Away (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seabiscuit (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Life of David Gale (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rebecca (1940); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hilary and Jackie (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sense and Sensibility (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Murder By Numbers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Red Violin (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Collector (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Double Jeopardy (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Firm (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Red Dragon (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chinatown (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thelma & Louise: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Zhivago (1965); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Silence of the Lambs (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Starsky & Hutch (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Catch That Kid (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rear Window (1954); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crimson Tide (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilary Duff: The Girl Can Rock (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just Cause (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Identity (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Primal Fear (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What a Girl Wants (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Winslow Boy (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Planner (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Freaky Friday (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Line of Fire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Beautiful Mind (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Haunted Mansion (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brother Bear (Theatrical Widescreen Version) (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aladdin: Platinum Edition (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's New Groove (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dances With Wolves: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Bug's Life (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Driving Miss Daisy (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Attraction (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seven (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stigmata (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Notting Hill (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Prince and Me (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clockstoppers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Presumed Innocent (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sixteen Candles (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Elf (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Best in Show (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Breakfast Club (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stand by Me (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Back to the Future (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Luther (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Misery (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Witness (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clear and Present Danger (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magnolia (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Morning (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: L.A. Confidential (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Liar Liar (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Man on the Moon (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mystery (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Cable Guy (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Analyze This (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary: Special Edition (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Groundhog Day (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Cider House Rules (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raising Arizona (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Truman Show (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Daddy (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Absolute Power (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Almost Famous (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nell (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Courage Under Fire (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Terminal (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Magdalene Sisters (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Passion of the Christ (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: O Brother (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Cinderella Story (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Daddy Day Care (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: An Affair of Love (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pride and Prejudice (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Life Is Beautiful (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Own (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pay It Forward (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Vacation (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Color of Money (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moonstruck (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Goldfinger (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Others (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Lies Beneath (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stuck on You (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Single White Female (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Another Day (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Net (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caddyshack (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Clockwork Orange (1971); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The General's Daughter (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Taxi (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ripley's Game (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sense and Sensibility (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping With the Enemy (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sling Blade (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Finding Forrester (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Animal House (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terms of Endearment (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amadeus (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lion King 1 1/2 (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: He Loves Me (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Life as a House (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Insomnia (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Dreams May Come (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Liaisons (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vertigo (1958); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Fockers (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gosford Park (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sideways (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Full Frontal (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Are We There Yet? (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home on the Range (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Adder (1983); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: CSI: Season 1 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In Good Company (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Girl (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shark Tale (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Racing Stripes (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kiss the Girls (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chicken Run (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pacifier (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: VeggieTales: Bible Heroes: Lions (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Aviator (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lion King: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blood Simple (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: VeggieTales Classics: Where's God When I'm Scared? (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VeggieTales: Dave and the Giant Pickle (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VeggieTales: The Ballad of Little Joe (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VeggieTales Classics: Rack (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Phenomenon (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Bedroom (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Goonies (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Very Long Engagement (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VeggieTales: Lyle the Kindly Viking (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CSI: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gift (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Saving Private Ryan (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CSI: Season 4 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Minus Man (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Finding Neverland (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Constantine (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ice Age (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kate & Leopold (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ella Enchanted (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bull Durham (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Toy Story (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: For Your Eyes Only (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Six Feet Under: Season 4 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Six Feet Under: Season 1 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Six Feet Under: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dr. No (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Million Dollar Baby (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Prince of Egypt (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monk: Season 1 (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elizabeth (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Joseph: King of Dreams (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Entrapment (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cheaper by the Dozen (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Live and Let Die (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Because of Winn-Dixie (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Old School (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Full Metal Jacket (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Love Bug (1968); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: VeggieTales: Minnesota Cuke (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Band of Brothers (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Truman; Author: Visit Amazon's David McCullough Page; Review: This is the best tape on President Truman I have ever owned. In fact I wore the first tape out and had to buy a second one. If you're a history buff and especially interested in past presidents, you will enjoy this tape. Nell Hunt; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Someone Knows My Name: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Lawrence Hill Page; Review: Such a sad story but well worth reading. For anyone interested in a real story about slavery.keep the Kleenex handy,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Girl in Translation; Author: Visit Amazon's Jean Kwok Page; Review: Very good. Heart breaking but still worth the read. Jean kook has done it again.gurantee. you will enjoy. A good winter read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big Girl Panties: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephanie Evanovich Page; Review: Just not my taste. I really don't have more words to describe my distaste for the book. Did not enjoy.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Go Set a Watchman: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Harper Lee Page; Review: On a par or better than "to kill a mockingbird".; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sycamore: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Bryn Chancellor Page; Review: I wish there could have been at least one winner , just one. Is life really like this? I was trying to find one happy outcome. Great writing . I could not put it down. If that was authors purpose then it was a success !; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Cubavera Men's Short Sleeve Polyester Shirt with Two Top Pockets and Tuck Details; Brand: ; Review: Good quality as expected form the brand. It has a very loose fit, aimed at comfort, but could be a little fitted to improve the overal look/feel. Most cubaveras have the same look/fit, but with ones that have a healthy cotten percentage, you can expect it to shrink a bit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jstyle Mens Vintage Leather Wrist Band Brown Rope Bracelet Bangle; Brand: Jstyle; Review: very nice.. only bad thing is the clasp becomes undone too easily.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: RW by Robert Wayne Men's Roma Chukka Boot; Brand: RW by Robert Wayne; Review: Showes are well mad, very comfortable. I am flat footed so I puchased a 1/2 size larger to allow for an over the counter inerts.. worked perfectly. I walk all day and this is my favorite shoe.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Suncloud Tailgate Polarized Sunglasses; Brand: Suncloud; Review: Love it.. Quality of the lenses is awesome. Frames are light and very comfortable. Excellent product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Louis Raphael LUXE Men's Slim Fit Flat Front Wool Pattern Dress Pant; Brand: Louis Raphael; Review: Great fit, feel of material and finish quality. It is true to size. It is certainly slim fit. If you are in shape and typically wear a 32, pants will be a tiny loose but fitted everywhere else - as slim fit should wear. Only personal observation, and could be how it fits me, but waist sits lower than typical dress pants, but not by much.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Adventures of Pinocchio 1996 VHS; Brand: Martin Landau; Review: Apart from the crush i had on Jonathon Taylero Thomas, this was a movie i enjoyed as a kid many times over.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mighty Joe Young; Brand: Bill Paxton; Review: Watched this as a kid and thoroughly enjoyed especially being a slight animal nerd. I wanted a Mighty Joe Young of my own.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planes (Mandarin Chinese Edition); Brand: ; Review: My son loves, trucks, tractors, trains, and planes. This was an excellent addition to our movie collection along with cars, and thomas the train.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: X-Men Origins: Wolverine; Brand: Hugh Jackman; Review: spent a fun evening with the spouse. hadn't seen the wolverine, came across the download and liked it. nice action.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wall-E (Mandarin Chinese Edition); Brand: Ben Burtt; Review: I think this movie portrays a good message but my son especially loves it because of the robot wall-e. great charater.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Crystal VHS; Brand: Jim Henson; Review: I have always love this movie. The imagination of it all is fun and exciting. I have many memories watching this movie as a kid,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes; Brand: Andy Serkis; Review: action; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Orange Is The New Black: Season 1 Digital; Brand: Taylor Schilling; Review: distasteful...; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: American Sniper 2014; Brand: ; Review: reality check; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dancing for Mr B - Six Balanchine Ballerinas / Moylan, Tallchief, Ashley, Kistler, Hayden, Kent; Brand: Maria Tallchief; Review: NICE.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Art of Having It All: A Woman's Guide To Unlimited Abundance; Author: Visit Amazon's Christy Whitman Page; Review: Excellent guide for any woman, young or old.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Change Your Life: An Inspirational, Life-Changing Classic from the Ernest Holmes Library; Author: Visit Amazon's Ernest Holmes Page; Review: Exellent; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Complete Works of H. Emilie Cady; Author: Visit Amazon's H. Emilie Cady Page; Review: purchased as a gift, I read it years ago it was helpful. I recomend to anyone who wish to improve their life spiritually.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Five Steps to Freedom: An Introduction to Spiritual Mind Treatment; Author: John B. Waterhouse; Review: excellent advice; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Creative Visualization Workbook: Second Edition (Gawain, Shakti); Author: Visit Amazon's Shakti Gawain Page; Review: very, very, good; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Commodore Roma; City: Rome Lazio; Review: I stayed for 4 nights with my wife and this hotel is a typical average Hotel with great location. Rooms are just ok with old styled furniture and very dull/tired look. No fancy stuff ( like Iron, microwave etc). Very close to Termini station and Colosseum. Day staff at the front desk was good but the guy in the night was really bad. Doesn't understand and speak English and argued with me for free wifi which I got as part of my vacation package. Wifi connections were really weak in the room. Breakfast was decent. I would not recommend this Hotel for a longer stay. If you are looking for a place which is close to train station/tourist locations and just required to rest in the night then this is a decent option. Please don't set high expectations from this after looking at hotel pics on their website.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Chattanooga Hamilton Place; City: Chattanooga Tennessee; Review: Very clean property with very good staff. Excellent service and very good location. It was a pleasure staying in this hotel. I would prefer this hotel again if I go to Chattanooga in near future. Breakfast was good too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn and Suites Charlotte Pineville; City: Pineville North Carolina; Review: I stayed here for one night on my business trip. Room was clean and of decent size. Interstate is not too far from this hotel. So easy to get on road for work or business. Breakfast was little disappointing to me. I was expecting more option but no big complains.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Le M; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: I was on a Honeymoon trip in last week of April and had a wonderful stay in this beautiful hotel. Great location and super excellent staff. Very generous and helpful. Rooms are really good and train station is just a min walk away. Some really good restaurants around this hotel. Tega (Service staff) is an awesome guy. He helped us a lot in planning our daily trips to tourist locations. Morning breakfast is also good with lot of options. I highly recommend this Hotel for both short and long stay in Paris.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Royale Parc Hotel; City: Orlando Florida; Review: This hotel is close to Disney Downtown and there is Shuttle which runs from Hotel to Epcot theme park. Staff is friendly and the rooms are average. They need some updates in the bathroom. Pool is OK with a small slider ride for kids. They offer a typical continental breakfast in the morning. Plenty of eating options around this hotel. Nice surrounding area. I would recommend this hotel if you just need a place to crash after long days in Disney theme parks. They have a guest service inside the hotel for Disney theme parks (very helpful).; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Springfield Airport; City: Springfield Missouri; Review: Nice hotel, clean room with new furniture. Close to highway but still very quiet inside. You can sleep well. They have a good kitchen in the hotel. I stayed here for one night while driving to Dallas from Chicago. It's half way between the two cities. Staff is friendly too. This can be a good choice in Springfield, MO.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Northeast; City: Columbia South Carolina; Review: There is a reason why I like Hilton's and this hotel exactly matches all my expectations. Very comfortable, good sleep quality and nice/friendly staff. Their kitchen is also good and serve Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar is decent. I will definitely recommend this Hotel if you are staying in Columbia.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn and Suites Charleston Mt Pleasant Isle Of Palms; City: Mount Pleasant South Carolin; Review: Good Rooms, friendly staff and nice surroundings. There are lot of eating options around this place. Good Sleep Quality. Breakfast options are typical. They have a small pool and fitness center in the hotel. Good experience overall.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Woodcliff Lake; City: Woodcliff Lake New Jersey; Review: I was not impressed with the room in this hotel. The entire property looks good from outside but i was very disappointed when i entered my room. It was on the first floor. No where close to Hilton standards. Dull, tired room. Even the guy in the restaurant was very rude. There bar looked good but i didn't tried after coming back from Restaurant. Staff at the reception was good though. I am not sure if i will stay again in this hotel. There is a Marriott down the street which is far better than this one. I went there to meet my frnd and noticed the difference after paying the same price. I stayed only for one night and was on a business trip.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites New Haven South West Haven; City: West Haven Connecticut; Review: Another good stay at Hampton Inn. Room is big. I stayed for only one night (i was on business trip). Good option for short stay in the city. Regular breakfast options. Few decent restaurants around this hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Americas Best Value Inn; City: Niagara Falls New York; Review: Worst stay of my entire life. I went on the long weekend and booked the room in the last min. Everywhere else was very expensive. I was fooled from pics on their website. This place is just terrible. DO NOT STAY there. I will also complain to the chain to close this property. The bathroom in my room was in filthy condition. dirty towels. Carpet in the room was dirty. 60's AC was not working. And the smell in the room literally killed me. I had no choice but to stay there for one night. :(:( . I honestly felt unsafe in the room specially when i saw the door handle on the slider doors broken ( i was on ground floor). I kept all my valuables in car. There breakfast area is same as there rooms. Wifi was not working anywhere in the hotel. I even tried in the lobby. THIS PLACE SHOULD SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. I request you all to not make the same mistake I did. Please pay little extra and stay in a better and safe hotel.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Econo Lodge Inn Suites South; City: Sandusky Ohio; Review: It was a surprise for me. For the price i paid for this motel, it was actually very nice. The manager of this hotel is very friendly and helpful. Rooms are pretty average but very clean. Bathrooms were clean too. Their breakfast is served in the small lobby area and has very limited options. Dont set very high expectations. This is a very typical motel with great price.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel; City: Columbia Maryland; Review: This hotel is good with decent size rooms. i just didn't like the layout of the property. I can hear lot of noise coming from the lobby area/bar on the 4th/5th floor. Even late in the night i was disturbed with the noise. Also the rooms were so close that i can hear the person in my adjacent room. I had a hard time to get some good sleep. Breakfast was decent. There is lake/pond around this property where you can go for some nice morning walk/jog. A mall is right across the street with some good options for food.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Conrad New York; City: New York City New York; Review: Excellent Choice... This is a very beautiful property right next to WTC and new Path transportation hub. Rooms are very clean and nicely decorated. Bed was very comfortable. Perfect place to stay in NYC. Very close for 9/11 memorial & Statue of Liberty. A small walk to the train station can take you to any other place in NYC. Spectacular architecture and innovative contemporary interior design. Staff is very friendly. Had an awesome experience overall. I am staying here next time too for sure. No other choice for me :):). Highly recommended....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Denver Marriott Westminster; City: Westminster Colorado; Review: I stayed in this beautiful new property for two nights on business trip and had a really good time. I generally don't get good sleep in hotels during my trips but this was an exception. Bed in my room was very comfortable. It was clean and very well organized. I didn't eat in their restaurant but i heard from my other colleagues that it's good. There are some good restaurants around this hotel. This meets all high standards of Marriott. Overall my stay was very pleasant and i will definitely coming back soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home2 Suites by Hilton Denver West Federal Center Co; City: Lakewood Colorado; Review: Just came back from Denver and stayed at this hotel. The hotel appears to be recently built or you can say very nicely maintained. Room was very cozy with all basic features. Bed was comfy with quiet sleeping. Everything was very clean and i like the color combinations which calms you down after lengthy day of work. Breakfast area is big with plenty of options. Staff is very friendly. Pool with Hot tub is great to relax in evenings. Fitness area is small but enough for basic workout. I must say that wifi in the rooms was very weak. I asked at the reception and they didn't have any other option. Infact when i tried the LAN.. it was still very slow. Lots of restaurants around. But this hotel is nice and very comfy. Definitely try if you are staying near Golden.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Renaissance Dallas Hotel; City: Dallas Texas; Review: This is a great hotel in Dallas downtown area. Great ambiance, excellent food in the restaurant and wonderful-friendly staff. I stayed in this hotel for couple of days for business and had a wonderful experience. I was on 30th floor and the view outside was amazing. Room itself was very big with all necessary things of high quality. Wifi speed is fast. Overall the property looks very classy. ASADOR Restaurant: Dont miss "Texas Heirloom Tomato $ Queso Chihuahua Sandwich". One of the best I ever had. Just amazing.. I am definitely recommending this hotel for Dallas going people...!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Buffalo Marriott HARBORCENTER; City: Buffalo New York; Review: This property is brand new and Marriott has done a great job throughout. Great room. Very spacious with all amenities. Concierge is also good with great options for Breakfast & Snacks. Fitness center is really nice. I loved my stay and will definitely book it again whenever I am in Buffalo.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Renaissance Albany Hotel; City: Albany New York; Review: Wowwwwwwwwwwwww...... what a treat. First time ever to Albany and booked this Marriott property and I must say that everything looked so perfect. It's absolutely NEW and looks Fresh. Excellent Staff service. Rooms are very spacious with all modern amenities. I loved the room decor and bathroom shower. I have already booked it again for upcoming trip. It's a master piece. Well Done Marriott..... simply amazing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Inn Suites Rochester West Greece; City: Rochester Finger Lakes New York; Review: Although it's a Marriott property and that's why I booked but my stay was really UNPLEASANT. It was a last minute booking and i saw the pics online of the room and lobby and decided to book. Room itself was ok but the bed was too small for me. Coffee pot was dirty. I some how slept right after checkin as I was really tired. I woke up early to prepare for customer meeting but there was no pressure in the shower. Water was kind of leaking from the shower head. It took me a while to bath that morning. Iron machine was not functioning properly as well that day. Either I was just having a bad day or the hotel maintenance itself is not good. But I am not coming back again. There is a Marriott across the freeway which I have already booked for my next stay.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park; City: Falls Church Virginia; Review: I had a really nice stay here few weeks back. Great hotel with excellent service from staff. Room was really spacious with all modern amenities. There was a air cleaner in the room. I have never seen this before in any hotel and I was pretty impressed. Their Lounge was good too. Surrounding area is pretty green and I actually went out for a walk in the evening. Lobby area is nice. Overall, great choice if you are around in this area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SpringHill Suites Wheeling Triadelphia Area; City: Wheeling West Virginia; Review: I had a pleasant stay in this hotel couple of days back. Arrived very late from PIT airport and receptionist welcomed me with a great smile. Very friendly staff. Suite was quite roomy with all standard options. Clean and comfy bed and I got really good sleep. Breakfast options were also good. Nice view from the room in early morning. Good job overall. I am definitely coming back again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Albany Airport Inn Suites; City: Latham New York; Review: This is great place to stay for a short trip. I was in Albany for a day and stayed here couple of weeks back. They upgraded me to a nice suite and it had everything you can imagine. Although I was little disappointed by the service as I had little issue with my door (it was not locking), my overall stay was fine. At one point no one was picking the phone at the front desk which to me was kind of awkward. Rooms were clean with comfy beds. I personally think that a major remodeling is required for this property. I may not come back again here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Inn Suites Mahwah; City: Mahwah New Jersey; Review: Definitely a new property in Mahwah Area. Usually I stay in Double Tree but this time I tried Fairfield and was not disappointed. My room was not that big but I still enjoyed my stay. Bed was comfy & clean. Good sleep quality. Fitness center is too small with 2 TM's and 1 Elliptical. I wish they can expand it. Breakfast area is nice with standard continental options. Staff is very polite. My next visit to Mahwah is in few weeks and I am definitely coming back here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pittsburgh Marriott North; City: Cranberry Township Pennsylvania; Review: Stayed here for 1 night and had a great experience. Beautiful property. Great friendly staff who are always ready to assist. Concierge is good. Rooms are spacious with all basic amenities. Lot's of restaurants around this hotel. I tried the fitness center and it's ok. I believe they need to update it. Overall a great place to stay if you happen to be in town.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport; City: Linthicum Heights Maryland; Review: Best part about this property is location. Very close to BWI, so easy IN and OUT from the airport. Property is neat and clean. Rooms are big enough with all necessary things inside. Staff is polite. Decent options for Dining in the hotel. There are restaurants around as well. Fitness area definitely needs improvement big time. WIFI is poor in the rooms. I humbly request the management to work on that. It was hard for me to work and upload files because of poor connections in my room. Overall I had a comfortable stay for a night in Baltimore.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sorrento Services; City: Pune Pune District Maharashtra; Review: Stayed with my wife on 4th floor for 3 nights. There is nothing great about this place. Only good thing I liked about this hotel is staff. They all are helpful. The room we got was not cleaned. There were hairs in the bathroom. Beds are too small for two people. AC was working ok though. There was a smell inside the room and I had to ask the servant to get a freshener. There is no view around this property but location was great for us as our friends were in the nearby buildings. Didn't try any food. Wifi was good to be honest. This place definitely need upgrade. and the first one on the list should be elevator. It is from 1960's... slow and scary. Overall.. not satisfied with the amount we paid for this hotel. For anyone looking to stay in Hinjewadi.. my recommendation is to try other properties.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Towson University Marriott Conference Hotel; City: Towson Maryland; Review: I stayed here recently for one night during my business trip. Hotel property is good and just went thru a renovation in the lobby area. I got a King Bed suite and it was too big for a single person. Everything was there in my suite and I had a good night sleep. Concierge lounge was little disappointing, I was expecting more options for evening snacks and morning breakfast from a full service Marriott. Area around this property is great. It's a university campus with lots of great food joints around (walkable). Starbucks is just next to this hotel. Overall, I recommend this hotel for anyone looking to stay in Towson MD.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Inn Suites Baltimore BWI Airport; City: Linthicum Heights Maryland; Review: Trendy, fresh, new hotel around BWI. Friendly staff. Room is very spacious with all basic amenities. Fitness center is small but good for a quick workout. Ample space for parking. Bed was very comfy. This whole property is very clean and looks very fresh. Breakfast in the morning is good with standard options. There is a starbucks just down the street. I am definitely staying here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Philadelphia Bensalem; City: Bensalem Pennsylvania; Review: This hotel appears to be new with a very fresh vibe. Rooms are big and beds are very comfy. I was welcomed very well at the reception and got an upgrade for being a platinum member. But I was little disappointed by the room choice. My room was right next to the elevator and thus I had a hard time focusing on my work until I slept. I could have asked for a diff room but I was so occupied in my work that I just felt lazy to call the front desk. Moreover, wifi is little slow in this hotel. I would like to ask the management to work on that asap. Room was very very clean. Very pleasant appearance. Service overall is very good. Area around this property is very green and perfect for early morning walk. Some good restaurants around. I will definitely try to stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Inn Suites New York Manhattan Fifth Avenue; City: New York City New York; Review: This hotel is perfect for those who like to stay near Times square. Few blocks walk and you are in Times square. Property itself is trendy and every available space has been used in prefect way. Rooms are small but kind of cozy and you will not feel that you are missing anything. It's just that you will not have enough room to walk around. But hey.. you are in NYC. .. so go out, walk and enjoy the vibe of this great city. I had a great view of Empire State Building from my room on 10th floor. Breakfast is good with standard options. I paid a heavy price this time as US open was in the final stage when I stayed. But I am sure you can find a good deal if you book in advance. Good choice to stay near Times Square and Theater area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Portland Airport; City: South Portland Maine; Review: Great place to stay near Portland Airport. I just stayed here for one night and had a wonderful experience. For me the most imp thing after a hectic day of office+traveling is good sleep so that I can start my next morning fresh and with lots of energy. And this is exactly what I got here. Very comfy bed and quiet sleep. Property looks very new and appear fresh. Lots of eating options around (Maine Mall is about a mile away). Room itself was pretty big with all basic amenities. I recommend this place to anyone looking to stay near airport. I am coming back again next month :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort Spa; City: Fort Lauderdale Broward County Florida; Review: Great property right on beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach. I just stayed here for 3 nights on a business trip and because of excellent service and great experience.. I am already considering to come back with my wife for couple of days in Feb. I got upgraded to 15th floor.. ocean view room .. everything was just amazing. Staff is really helpful. Fitness center is nice will all machines for good workout. Best part is POOL and the bar near to that. Lot's of open space for your own little party. Walkable distance to good restaurants. Overall.. great choice in FLL area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn by Hilton Presque Isle; City: Presque Isle Maine; Review: This is the only regular high end hotel chain in this small town. Property itself is very neat and clean. Staff is super nice and helpful. Room are large with all basic amenities. You can get a decent view if you select a high floor room. 15 mins drive from regional airport. Great experience overall.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Duval Autograph Collection; City: Tallahassee Florida; Review: This was my first time staying in autograph property and I must say that the staff left a very good impression. They all are really great and I just sent a personal note to the hotel manager as well. Rooms are great and lounge on 7th flr provides decent snacks/breakfast for Marriott premium members. Overall I had a really nice stay for 2 comfortable nights in this property. I would love to come back again and stay here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marriott at the University of Dayton; City: Dayton Ohio; Review: Great place to stay in Dayton. Always picks this one as this is in great Dayton Univ location. Looks new and fresh after recent up-gradation. Rooms are very spacious. Lounge is great. Diana in the lounge is a gem of a person. Staff overall is very polite and helpful. Great eating options around in the Univ Campus. Definitely recommending for stay in Dayton area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Universal Jaws Clip-heavy Duty Locking Tarp Clamp 6 Pack.; Brand: The Dirty Gardener; Review: Went on a camp out with 30 Scouts. Started to rain. Fortunately, I had a bunch of rope and tarps in the back of my SUV. However, tarps only have a limited number of "holes" through which we could tie the ropes. These came in very handy since we were able to cobble several of the tarps together to make a grand tent under which we camped and ate. Buy them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TravelJohn-Disposable Urinal (6 pack); Brand: Travel John; Review: There are times when I go camping that I don't want to leave my tent and walk all the way to the kaibos or toilets in the campground. This is when this particular product comes in very handy. The fact that I can relieve myself in my tent makes camping life a little bit better. Also, if you are traveling a long way and there are no rest stops when you hear nature call, it's easy to pull over and use this product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SleekLighting GU10 LED, 5 Watt, Dimmable,550 lm, Light Bulb Spotlight, Recessed, Track Lighting. Ac 120v UL Listed (Pack of; Brand: SleekLighting; Review: Great product. Really puts out alot of light. Will probably purchase more in the future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves - High Performance Level 5 Protection, Food Grade. Size Small, Free Ebook Included!; Brand: NoCry; Review: Received them right on time. My family and I use these all the time. Why I never got these before escapes me If you work in a kitchen with sharp knives ( your knives should always be sharp) you MUST GET THESE! If you value your hands and your skin, YOU MUST GET THESE! If you like to work a little faster than normal in cutting items for your next mea, YOU MUST USE THESE! Would I recommend this to the public? Absolutely! Am I a paid shill for the company? Absolutely, NOT.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VCCUCINE Modern Euro Style Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinet Door Handle Bar Handle Pull, 3" Hole Centers and; Brand: VCCUCINE; Review: Works as advertised. Use them ALL the time when using knives in the kitchen. The whole family uses them .Excellent product. Even tried to "cut" my hand with them by grasping a newly sharpened knife. Did it's job and protected my hand.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Weatherproof Gaskets for Outdoor Electrical Connections. (5 pack); Brand: Rain Block Weatherproof Gaskets; Review: Works as advertised, which is why I love purchasing items through Amazon. This is an excellent product. We have numerous outdoor lights. We've had rain since we started using this product. Thus far, we have not had any problems.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 20 PAIRS Keepons Superstretch Black Prevent Eyeglass Slipping Anti Slip Anti Slide Eyewear Sunglasses Spectacles Glasses Temple Tips Sports Ear; Brand: Keepons; Review: Work well. I only gave 4 stars because they have slipped off of the glasses I wear. Don't really know if anything can be done to remedy the problem/issue. Still, they work.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Lightweight Knife; Brand: Spyderco; Review: Gave this as a Christmas gift to my #1. He loves it. It is very light. It easily slides into his pocket. Love the quality that Spyderco puts out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Onite Extended Capacity 3500mah Li-ion Battery (With; Brand: Samsung; Review: This battery has been powering my Google Samsung Galaxy Nexus for about 4 months now, and I absolutely love it. Whereas previously I was only BARELY able to get a day's worth of use on my stock 1750 mAh battery, this new 3500 mAh battery gets me easily through 2 days of moderate usage. You can expect light usage to get you around 3 days of power and heavy usage to get you about 1.5 days of power. Not having to worry about my phone running out of juice is awesome. If I forget to plug in my phone at night, it's no big deal because I almost always have enough juice to get through the next day. The NFC capability of this extended battery is a great addition and makes this a 5 star product in my mind. The only unavoidable drawback is that the extended battery and case increases the profile and weight of your phone. Even so, they constructed it in such a way that it slides in and out of your pocket nicely. In fact, I find that the extended battery cover is easier to handle than the stock cover and I am much less likely to drop it. If you are like me, and value the battery capacity of your Galaxy Nexus, then I think this is the product for you. I hope this review helps!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magic-T Hi-Speed Extra Long(6ft/2m) Bundle of 10 Durable Braided Fabric Micro USB Charging/Sync Cable for Samsung Galaxy S4,; Brand: Magic-T; Review: Did not receive product as described. Received very short 3 ft cables instead.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fast Wireless Charger Station, Tiamat Wireless Charging Pad, Ultra Slim Charge, 7.5W Compatible iPhone; Brand: Tiamat; Review: Will last me 2 days on average with heavy usage, 3 with light to moderate usage. The weight takes some getting used to but after 3 days I don't even notice it. Get the peace of mind of not ever having to worry about your phone being charged.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WATER ASLEEP One Touch Windshield Universal Smartphone Car Mount Holder Cradle for Iphone 6s 6s Plus 6s+ 6; Brand: Water Asleep; Review: Holds my phone even with a large extended battery. Long enough for me to reach and strong the clamps are big enough to fit different phone sizes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BLU Studio Energy 2 - 5000 mAh Super Battery - 4G LTE GSM Unlocked - Grey; Brand: BLU; Review: Premium feel android without the premium price tag. User interface is not great, as others have said, but this can easily be remedied by installing a custom launcher such as Nova. Battery life is incredible and is probably the best feature of this device. Hardware is very good for the price; little to no stuttering observed during use. I bought this phone for my parent but I am now heavily considering a Blu or off-brand android as my next phone. Definitely would recommend to others.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Silence of the Lambs, The (1991); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thelma & Louise (1991); Genres: Adventure, Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dick Tracy (1990); Genres: Action, Crime; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sabrina (1995); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: I Love Trouble (1994); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Color Purple, The (1985); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sphere (1998); Genres: Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon (1987); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: M. Butterfly (1993); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Godfather, The (1972); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shawshank Redemption, The (1994); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Godfather: Part II, The (1974); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Amadeus (1984); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Genres: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Deep End, The (2001); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indochine (1992); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Predator (1987); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Life Less Ordinary, A (1997); Genres: Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sommersby (1993); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Miguel Cervantes' Wife Reveals Daughter, 3, 'Died in My Arms' After Entering Hospice Care; Abstract: Miguel Cervantes' Wife Reveals Daughter 'Died in My Arms' After Hospice Care; Category: tv
Title: Eddy Merckx Hospitalized for Serious Head Injury Following Bike Crash; Abstract: The five-time Tour de France winner was injured Sunday during a bike outing with friends.; Category: sports
Title: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel hits the long, bumpy road to stardom in season 3 trailer; Abstract: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel hits the road in new season 3 trailer; Category: tv
Title: Harry Dunn's family launches legal action against the UK Foreign Office; Abstract: The family of a teenager killed in a road traffic collision that police believe involved a US diplomat's wife is launching legal action against the UK Foreign Office over its handling of the incident.; Category: news
Title: New Movies and TV Shows You'll Be Able to Cozy Up With on Netflix in November; Abstract: Movie watchers divide themselves into two camps when November rolls around: those who aren't ready to stop watching all the horror flicks that creeped them out around Halloween, and those who can't wait to dive into cheesy holiday movie season.; Category: movies
Title: President Trump says UFC reception was 'like walking into a Trump Rally'; Abstract: Despite hearing boos, President Trump compares reception from crowd at UFC 244 in New York to one at a campaign event. "Plenty of MAGA ..."; Category: sports
Title: AP Sources: Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to announce Alabama Senate bid on Thursday; Abstract: AP Sources: Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to announce Alabama Senate bid on Thursday.; Category: news
Title: 4 High School Students Killed in Texas Car Crash That Also Injured 3: 'We Grieve Together'; Abstract: 4 High School Students Killed in Texas Car Crash; Category: news
Title: Donald Trump Jr. reflects on explosive 'View' chat: 'I don't think they like me much anymore'; Abstract: After a heated appearance on "The View" Thursday, Donald Trump Jr. talked about the experience later that day with Sean Hannity on Fox News.; Category: tv | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: David Archy Men's 4 Pack Underwear Micro Modal Separate Pouches Trunks With Fly; Brand: David Archy; Review: I bought the baby blue feels like silk. This is my favorite underwear. I planing to buy it again. Feels smooth and comfy..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: David Archy Men's 3 Pack Micro Modal & Bamboo Rayon; Brand: David Archy; Review: Overall it is a good product love to have this except the quality is not as expected. First I bought this in medium size it was really perfect for the quality. Small size qualities some how different than medium size quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: David Archy Men's 100% Cotton Classic Rib Tank Top A-Shirts Sleeveless Workout Undershirts in 3/4 Pack; Brand: David Archy; Review: Fits well. Great product with rich texture..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Calvin Klein Women's Gayle Pump; Brand: ; Review: I bought this shoes for my sister she likes it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: David Archy Men's 3 Pack Bamboo Rayon Undershirts Crew Neck Slim Fit Tees Short Sleeve T-Shirts; Brand: David Archy; Review: I would love to buy this aging. Feels great..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: David Archy Men's manner Cotton Stylish Sleep Top and Bottoms Set; Brand: David Archy; Review: Perfect PJs feels so good; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Salomon Women's X-Mission 3W Trail Running Shoe; Brand: Salomon; Review: These are too narrow for my feet, even after going a full size up from my normal shoe size. New Balance and Inov-8 fit my narrow heel and wide toe box better. Love the lacing system though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Altra AFW1759F Women's Olympus 2.5 Trail Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: These felt very sloppy. Great room in the toe box, though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Saucony Women's Peregrine 7 Trail Running Shoe; Brand: Saucony; Review: Not enough room in the toe bow for me. My pinky toes were touching the edges.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Saucony Women's Nomad TR Trail Running Shoe; Brand: Saucony; Review: These fit my narrow heel and wide toe box well (but not true for all Saucony models. I wish there was just a little more arch support, although that isn't something that can't be corrected for with inserts. These feel pretty light and airy while on.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Women's Leadville v3 Vibram Trail Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: These fit my narrow heel and wide toe box well! The arch support is also perfect for me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer Tea, 20 ct; Brand: Celestial Seasonings; Review: This tea works really well and tastes great. It is sweet and very stress relieving. It does help me unwind but I have noticed that if I drink it at night, then I can't sleep. So, I make sure to drink it in the AM. I would definitely repurchase this item!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jack Link's Combo Pack Pepperoni and Cheese, 1.6-Ounce Packages (Pack of 24); Brand: Jack Links; Review: These are soooo tasty! I love the combination of beef jerky with cheddar cheese. It satisfies my cravings and is a great snack.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jack Link's Combo Pack Jalapeno Sizzle Beef and Cheese Sticks Combo Pack, 1.2-Ounce (Pack of 32)" />; Brand: Jack Links; Review: These are soooo tasty! I love the combination of beef jerky with cheddar cheese. It satisfies my cravings and is a great snack.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Traditional Medicinals Organic Back on Tract Hibiscus Cranberry Tea, 16 Count (Pack of 6); Brand: Traditional Medicinals; Review: This is such a great product. I get PMS symptoms about 2 weeks before I start my period. The cramping gets bad and even when I have taken Advil, it still fails to get rid of all the pain. After drinking this tea 2-3 times a day (depending on how bad the cramps are) all discomfort is gone. And this product also helps lift my mood! This is a no-brainer. I love how this tea is natural and it is better for my system because I am not consuming 4 Advil a day like I used to. When I actually start my period, I transition to the Healthy Cycle Tea which is made my the same brand! The only negative is that I wish I had found this excellent product much sooner!! Try it, you won't be sorry...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Glaceau Smart Water, 33.8-Ounce (Pack of 12); Brand: Glacau; Review: This is the only bottled water I drink. I love that the bottles are 33.8 ounces which is a lot! Electrolytes are a unique blend of calcium, magnesium and potassium which creates a taste that is distinctly fresh, crisp and pure. This is the best.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BRAGG VINEGAR APPLE CIDER UNF ORG, 16 OZ; Brand: Bragg; Review: This is a wonderful health product. My order arrived quickly and undamaged. Apple cidar vinegar has so many health benefits which is why I take a tablespoon every single day. Yes the product tastes horrible but this is my trick. I put some apple cidar vinegar in a shot glass & some cranberry juice in a second shot glass. I consume the cranberry juice right after I down the vinegar. If you are unaware of the health benefits of this product, you should google it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brownie Brittle, Salted Caramel & Chocolate Chip Variety Pack, 1 Oz Bag (Pack of; Brand: Brownie Brittle; Review: This is the first time I've tried this product and now I completed understand what the hype is all about! Brownie brittle tastes amazing. It's like a cookie that tastes like a brownie. YUM! It's soooo good that the only negative is finding a way to not eat the whole bag!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Grocery_and_Gourmet_Food |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Brookwood Inn; City: Branson Missouri; Review: Just got back home from our trip to Branson and just had to write a review for this wonderful hotel. Checked in and checked out with ease. The lobby was very nice. The room was GREAT! Plenty of towels, hand towels, washcloths, toilet paper, toiletries, cups, coffee, etc., and the best part - it was very CLEAN! Beds were comfortably and had alot of pillows. The room had everything you need except for a microwave, but that is not an issue because you are more than welcome to use the one in the breakfast area. Breakfast was yummy and absolutely loved the dessert bar, it was nice to come back after a show and have cobbler, cookies, ice cream, and coffee. The hotel has very easy access to alot of the attractions (2 wineries close by also). I just can't say enough about this place. All the employees were friendly and helpful. I will be staying here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Galveston; City: Galveston Galveston Island Texas; Review: This hotel was great, got there early and had no problem getting an early check in. Lobby area was very nice. We had 2 rooms and both were very nice and clean. Parking is limited but had no problems finding a space. Nice pool and hot tub. What was really nice about the pool is that after about 3pm the sun is shining on the front of the hotel and with the pool being on the backside of the hotel it is shaded by the building, great for someone like me who burns easily. I was able to enjoy the pool for hours with my grandson without the fear of sunburn!!! Close to the beach and easy access to all the fun stuff. If ever in Galveston again - will definitely stay here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn; City: Painesville Lake County Ohio; Review: Was only there for one night. Very clean. Lobby, room, halls, vending room, breakfast room were all very nice and clean. Indoor pool, looked very nice (can see from the fron t desk). Employees were nice and helpful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Le Georgesville; City: Saint Georges Chaudiere Appalaches Quebec; Review: This hotel was superb. They had a very large wedding and reception being held there during my visit and that didn't hurt their level of service at all! Employee's were extremely helpful. Hotel is beautifully decorated. Restaurant was great (only had dessert but was so yummy). My room was HUGE, beds were so comfortable. Bathroom was HUGE, with plenty of supplies. Very, very clean.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inn of Acadia; City: Madawaska Maine; Review: We had such a pleasant stay here. Very clean, very nice rooms. We stayed in room #18 and it was huge - 2 full size beds and a sofa sleeper, dresser, chair, plus a table with 2 chairs. The continental breakfast was FANTASTIC! The employee's were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this place, you will not be disappointed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quality Suites Mont Sainte Anne; City: Sainte Anne de Beaupre Quebec; Review: My room had a murphy bed (cool!), separate bedroom, nice bathroom, and smakl kitchenette. Was only here for one night but was very comfortable and was close to the church that we wanted to visit. Several places to eat close by. Nice view from our room. Nice breakfast. Room was clean.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Indianapolis South; City: Indianapolis Indiana; Review: We had a large room, large bathroom. Room was clean. Beds were not firm, the were very soft but comfortable. Breakfast was good - eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, waffles, yogurt, fruit, juice, coffee, tea. Employee's were friendly and helpful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: La Quinta Inn Tallahassee North; City: Tallahassee Florida; Review: Motel was pet friendly, nice staff, clean and located near the interstate. Did not have a computer for guest use. Several common franchaise places to eat nearby. We stay there primarily because of no hassle with our 2 dogs. Not a luxury place, but adequate, safe, clean and reasonably priced.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Roanoke Salem; City: Salem Virginia; Review: This motel was reasonably priced, very clean and comfortable, pet friendly (without additional charges), and extremely nice staff. If travelling by car, easy access from the interstate. There was a public computer as well as internet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Midland; City: Midland Texas; Review: Extremely nice staff. They are friendly and helpful with information. Room of good standard quality. The room and bathroom were very clean. Very good location. Pets are very welcome even when you have three. Will stay here again when in Midland.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Las Vegas KOA at Sam s Town; City: Las Vegas Nevada; Review: This campground has high quality bathhouses, laundry, etc., and very helpful staff. We liked being able to walk to the hotel/casino for places to eat, walk around, movies even though not interested in gambling. Also, they have a shuttle bus to take you into Las Vegas which is much better than having to drive and hassle with parking. A grocery store is across the street. The rates were standard, and the spaces were adequate considering this is a camp ground in a city.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Richmond Midlothian; City: Midlothian Virginia; Review: We arrived early with our 3 dogs, and they asked us to wait for a few minutes and the staff would prepare our room immediately for us to get in. They made an extra effort for us, and we really did appreciate not having to wait in the heat with the dogs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Lynk Professional Organizer with Pull Out Under Cabinet Sliding Shelf, 11" W x 21" D x 4" H, Chrome; Brand: Lynk; Review: I was very very VERY pleased with the commercial grade weight of this product. Even more exceited that I was able to install BY MYSELF within 15 minutes. I didn't need the power drill (although I can see why it would be easier) so do't let not having one scare you away. I keep finding places to install new ones. LOVE LOVE LOVE this product!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anchor Hocking 85754 Stackable Square Jar; Brand: Anchor Hocking; Review: I purchased 1 1/2 dozen of these to replace the canisters on my kitchen counter and they do make a statement. Their seal is very good and they stack fairly well. However, I was very disappointed to find that Target carried the same three sizes for half the cost. I am a fan of Target and their quality so the fact that they also carry these jars is a testiment to their quality. I gave it 2 stars only for the high Amazon cost..; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: ITALIAN 1200 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Duvet Cover Set , King, White; Brand: Egyptian Cotton Factory Outlet Store; Review: This is worth spoiling yourself for. Pricey, perhaps but quality is worth it. I have not laundered yet so I cannot speak for durabiity..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elite Home Collection Sea Breeze All-Natural 100-Percent Cotton Twin Chevron Woven Blanket Twin, White; Brand: Elite Home; Review: Not very soft. I will give it a few washing and update but so far not exactly meeting my expectations however next to bamboo sheets the plushness may be under exaggerated..; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Egyptian Bedding LUXURIOUS Two (2) Goose Down Pillows - 1200 Thread Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Cover , Soft, Queen; Brand: Egyptian Bedding; Review: These pillows are well worth the money as they are sinfully soft and snuggable. I bought both the medium and soft and didn't see alot of difference bewteen the two which was good for me. Sleeping better now.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Egyptian Bedding LUXURIOUS Two (2) King Goose Down Pillows - 1200 Thread Count 100% Egyptian Cotton , Medium; Brand: Egyptian Bedding; Review: I ordered four of these. Two in soft and two in medium. My personal preference is the soft and wish I had ordered all 4 soft, but that is a persoanl preference. They are quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sturdy Clear Plastic Top Hanger, Box of 100 Durable Space Saving Hangers; Brand: The Great American Hanger Company; Review: I had been buying these seperate at Wal-Mart. They were almost $1 each in packets of 4. This is a much better value. The cheaper plastic hangers are not as fabric friendly as these are.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Royal Hotel's 300 Thread Count Twin / Twin-Extra-Long Size Goose Down Alternative Comforter, Overfilled Comforter, Duvet Insert; Brand: Royal Hotel; Review: This is a high quality beautiful comforter. I have laundered it seperatley several times and it keeps its shape and soft feel. Recommend this product to spoil yourself at night.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kuhn Rikon 2315 Epicurean Garlic Press, 100, Silver; Brand: Kuhn Rikon; Review: Heavy duty quality item. I ordered one for me and one as a Christmas gift. I recommend this for any kitchen; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Design Toscano Animal Mask of the Savannah Wall Sculpture Giraffe, Multicolored; Brand: Design Toscano; Review: for the money. The quality is resin that looks like wood but it does not look plastic. It is heavier than anticipated and smaller than I thought it would be. Not sure why they categorize this as [kitchen]. All in all very happy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LinenTablecloth 6 ft. Rectangular Stretch Tablecloth Black; Brand: LinenTablecloth; Review: Used it at the last three conferences and really made our booth stand out from the generic draped tables provided. I will be ordering an 8' one for adaptability to shows.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Corkcicle Classic Wine Chiller, Cork; Brand: Corkcicle; Review: Perfect for wine lovers without diluting the vino. Gift for my daughter-in-law so I haven't had hands on useage but she seems pleased.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Neato Boundary Markers, 13 Feet, Compatible with all Neato Robot Vacuums; Brand: Neato Robotics; Review: These strips do the job for the vacuum however I am lost at the concept. If you have to have these sitting all around areas you don't need cleaned what's the point aesthetically?; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ECOMAID Vacuum Cleaner Filter For Neato XV-21 Robotic Pet Allergy Filter Replacement 945-0048; Brand: ECOMAID; Review: a filter is a filter. They are exactly what comes with your model and fit appropriately. Everything about NEATO is neato. I am in love with their product!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lasko 4000 Air Stik Ultra-Slim Oscillating Fan; Brand: Lasko; Review: I wanted something small for my night stand that wasn't on the floor. This blends into the room without the obtrusiveness of the big floor fan. I am a white noise sleeper and after a few nights I got used to the difference and have no problem with the noise. I do however wonder why in the design process they felt the need to put a blue light on the buttons that would bring in planes. I paited the button with nail polish which worked on the surface but the light glows behind the button and the only solution is to tape is over the buttons which means you have to retape after access. So it lost a star. Now for the fan output it is a powerful little unit worthy of any solution to nighttime menopause. I only wish I didn't have to ruin the sleek look with tape.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tumbled Leopard Skin Jasper - Healing Stone, Metaphysical Healing, Chakra Stone; Brand: The Chrysalis Stone; Review: I understand that each piece is different but I was disappointed how muted the colors from the picture. Kudos to the photographer; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Royal Hotel's Striped Black 300-Thread-Count 3pc King Duvet-Cover 100-Percent Cotton, Sateen Striped, 100% Cotton; Brand: Royal Hotel; Review: It's been over a year since I have had this duvet cover. although it has held it shape well and washes up without major shrinkage I am very disappointed at how much it still pills. I thought after a few washings it would calm down but it has had over 2 dozen washing and it is very linty.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wine Enthusiast 3-Bottle Neoprene Wine Tote Bag; Brand: Wine Enthusiast; Review: My daughter in law loves her wine and she loves this carry all. I also bought her a wine purse for one bottle take along.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hamilton Beach TrueAir Plug Mount Odor Eliminator- 04531GM; Brand: Hamilton Beach; Review: It was either this or the cat! She can stay now. Highly recommend it. Also order the smaller eliminator for the specific cat area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lush Decor Prima Window Curtains Panel Set for Living, Dining Room, Bedroom (Pair), 54 x 84-inch, Gray/Purple; Brand: Lush Decor; Review: even the workmanship on the stitching was good but the quality control of the final product needs attention. Because the sheerness of the panels any additional items (loose threads, fabric scraps etc) could be seen as a shadow when hung. I was able to work the larger fabric scraps to the bottom where the silver was not so sure but it was painstaking. As for the loose thread that was between the layers it was impossible to remove or work out. Too bad as it could be 5 stars; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1; Brand: Bissell; Review: At first I was a little disappointed. I guess I expected instant magic but with a little consistence this little baby was able to remove har embedded in the fabric that the vacuum attachments couldn't remove (even those designed to remove pet hair). I had very dark fabric as well. I did not have to scrub. I don't know what the other reviewers were saying about the air puffs and the short cord as I found the cord more than ample and experienced no additional exhaust. I would HIGHLY recommend this for all pet owners.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SureFit Stretch Pique 1-Piece - Ottoman Slipcover - Garnet; Brand: Surefit; Review: These are elegant and well made. I was able to soften the look of my diningroom from a hard eggplant to a creamy ivory. I was worried about the fit when I ordered because my parsons chairs had a curved underlip on the back rather than a straight back but the stretch of the fabric allowed it conform nicely. I would recommend these covers to anyone who likes to change up their look for minimal cost and it looks like it was reupholstered. I haven't washed them and will update when I do. I was able to modernize 6 chairs for less than the price of one with these slipcovers and by stripping the legs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SureFit Stretch Pique - Shorty Dining Room Chair Slipcover - Antique; Brand: Surefit; Review: These are elegant and well made. I was able to soften the look of my diningroom from a hard eggplant to a creamy ivory. I was worried about the fit when I ordered because my parsons chairs had a curved underlip on the back rather than a straight back but the stretch of the fabric allowed it conform nicely. I would recommend these covers to anyone who likes to change up their look for minimal cost and it looks like it was reupholstered. I haven't washed them and will update when I do. I was able to modernize 6 chairs for less than the price of one with these slipcovers and by stripping the legs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Safavieh Soho Collection SOH712B Handmade Fireworks Brown and Multicolored Premium Wool Area Rug (5' x 8'); Brand: Safavieh; Review: What a statement! You hate to wipe your feet on this rug. It is beautifully crafted and very elegant with a slight country look. I wish it was available in a larger size for a sliding door.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Safavieh Leather Shag Collection LSG511A Hand Woven Black Leather Round Area Rug (4' Diameter); Brand: Safavieh; Review: Not as shown. The pile is not near as thin or dense. It is very scrappy and pieces of leather come out easily. The binding is a cheap lavender??? what inspired this tackiness can be nothing more than cheap manufacturing. You get what you pay for but in this case it was $60 too much.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Astar Magnetic Ironing Mat, Grey; Brand: Astar; Review: I am using this as a cushion for the top of my dryer where the kids throw all their keys and other scratching items. I had a carpet piece in place that kept slipping around and frankly looked tacky. This one stays puts because of the magnets and looks good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rada Cutlery Deluxe Vegetable Peeler – Stainless Steel Blade With Aluminum Handle, 8-3/8 Inches; Brand: Rada Cutlery; Review: Went all over town looking for a basic peeler to replace the one I had for decades. All I could find was a series of bells and whistles. I used this for the first time today on cucumbers and absolutely am thrilled with the sharpness and easy of use. It fits very well in my hand and right to the dishwasher. Recommend as a staple tool in any kitchen; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deco 79 32661 Ebony Black Hand Carved Wood Wall Decor Sculpture; Brand: Deco 79; Review: I had been pricing carved doors for my bedroom and just couldn't pull the pricy trigger. So.... I ordered two of these and mounted them on the solid core doors. They are light weigh enough not to compromise the hinges and look like they are part of the door. Many many compliments on the new space.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Creative Co-op 12 Battery Operated LED Tealight Candles Flameless Heatless Faux Wedding Holiday Christmas Thanksgiving Party Light; Brand: Creative Co-op; Review: Very nice touch when you can't use flame. Look like the real thing. All of them worked.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fennco Styles Handmade Crochet Lace Pineapple Beige Doily. 6 Inch Round. 100% Cotton. 4 Pieces.; Brand: Fennco Styles; Review: I know it says white so believe it. They are white white. I soaked them in tea to get the antque look and they worked wonderfully.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 12 Clear Plastic Ball Fillable Ornament Favor 4" 100mm; Brand: Party Favors Plus; Review: I cannot believe I found these 2 weeks before Christmas and received them in time. My new daughter in law was so surprised when I dried her wedding bouquet and inserted them as tiny arrangements in 12 Christmas ornaments. They are well made. Can snap an unsnap with confidence. Good value.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Plaid Gallery Glass Window Color in Assorted Colors (2 oz), 16008, Kelly Green; Brand: Gallery Glass; Review: Ordered about 12 of these over the process of filling in a lead glass window. It covered the defaults of old glass and worked very well. I might have put it on too thick as each bottle only did about an 8 x 10 area but I needed the camouflage.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Plaid Gallery Glass Window Color in Assorted Colors (2 oz), 16020, Amber; Brand: Gallery Glass; Review: Ordered about 12 of these over the process of filling in a lead glass window. It covered the defaults of old glass and worked very well. I might have put it on too thick as each bottle only did about an 8 x 10 area but I needed the camouflage.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Whitmor Ornament Storage Box; Brand: Whitmor; Review: Couldn't find any of these preseason. Very well made although I question stack able with heavier items.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 4 pcs High-Performance Filter for Neato BotVac Series, Part#945-0123, By AI-Vacuum®; Brand: AI-Vacuum; Review: It's a filter. Hard to review the repeatability of a filter depending on the cleanliness and how often you use the neato. I can say the larger filter is a plus over the small ones in the earlier neatos.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Neato Replacement Batteries for Neato XV Series Robot Vacuums, Set of 2; Brand: Neato Robotics; Review: Got Rosie back up and running. Happy with this purchase but not with the fact I had to replace the ones the Neatly came with after a year; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Neato Botvac 80 Robot Vacuum; Brand: Neato Robotics; Review: This was sent to me as a replacement for the Signature Pet and Allergy that ceased to work. I was told it was an upgrade but it has been a lemon. Here is what it does.... first it fails to map the room. Then it spends most of the time running backwards and up the wall until it stalls and error message says that the bumper is stuck. Pushing on the frin of the bumper and it fires up again. Runs a total of about 30 seconds to a minute before it quits. It also has moment of spastic behavior where it just rotates back and forth and then quits. Do not buy as just to get it looked at I have to ship it California with a diagnostic fee of $38 which does not included the repair or return shipping. NOT NOT HAPPY. Too bad as it started out great.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: MOSO NATURAL Air Purifying Bag. Bamboo Charcoal Air Freshener, Deodorizer, Odor Eliminator, Odor Absorber For Cars and; Brand: MOSO NATURAL; Review: Appears to be working however, I had no progress until I hauled out the contaminated boxes and blankets. I am not talking mold but a definite mildew smell. I used two in a 10 x 6 space (tornado room) that doubled as a catch all closet. Cleaned it all out. Disinfected the floor and repainted the walls with dry lock. Ventilation to this product is the key. Also, be careful when cleaning areas that need this product, wear a mask to prevent inhalation of airborne mildew. I will update on progress in a few weeks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Metrokane 6119 Rabbit Wine Bottle Stoppers 2-Pack in Multi-Color (Colors Selected Randomly); Brand: Metrokane; Review: Cheap but colorful; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chef Buddy 82-Y3458 Deviled Egg Trays with Snap On Lids, Set of 2; Brand: Chef Buddy; Review: Used it to make jello Easter eggs. Although this was not intended as a mold it worked brest maybe a little shallow. However. If you plan on transporting your reviled eggs it is flimsy and the lids to do snap on and stay. Works if you want to stack 18 eggs x 2 in your fridge but id find another way to transport. Have to turn sideways to snap shut which would be impossible if loaded; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Regal Pak One Piece Black Velvet 18 Finger Ring Stand 8 1/4" X 4 3/4" X 2 1/2"H; Brand: Regal Pak; Review: Excellent solution to my jewlry. It fits great in my bathroom vanity drawer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fred FUNNY SIDE UP Silicone Egg Mold, Owl; Brand: Fred & Friends; Review: Cheap plastic and small.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: InterDesign Microfiber Leaves Bathroom Shower Accent Rug, 34 x 21, Black/White; Brand: InterDesign; Review: Well made lays flat; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elite Bakeware NonStick Baking Pans Set - Baking Sheets - Cookie Sheets - Premium Bakeware Set (Pack of 2); Brand: Elite Bakeware; Review: Small but durable; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cotton King Fitted-Sheet Brown - Premium Quality Combed Cotton Long Staple Fiber – Breathable, Durable & Comfortable - Deep; Brand: Utopia Bedding; Review: Seems very large for a king. I hope it isn't to allow for shrinking; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Smart Living Company PIZZA STONE, 15" x 15" x 0.4"; Brand: Smart Living; Review: Seemed to received well. Have not heard any complaints since Christmas; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OXO 1234780 Good Grips Salt and Pepper Shaker Set with Pour Spouts, 2 oz, Clear/Silver; Brand: OXO; Review: Beautifully made ordered another one for pepper. Love the shake or pour option; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Free Spirit Marina Cotton Comforter And Sham Set, Blue, Queen; Brand: Free Spirit; Review: Ordered a queen a little short on the sides. Well made. Went great with blue jean decor; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Modernhome Gourmet Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set, Silver; Brand: Modernhome; Review: Love it but seriously do not understand why I need a light.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pancake Batter Dispenser- Gourmet Stainless-Steel Pourer- Perfect for Baking Cupcakes, Waffles, Cakes, and; Brand: Chef Buddy; Review: Welding broke on first use; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mattress Protector â€" King Size - Waterproof & Hypoallergenic - Protects Against Dust Mites, Allergens, and Bacteria; Brand: Bella Sleep; Review: This is not an incased mattress cover it is a mattress pad.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Clear Magnetic Picture Frames, Set of 4"x6", 5"x7" & 8.5"x11" Magnetic Photo Frames for Refrigerator, Freez-A-Frame; Brand: Freez A Frame; Review: Not a frame more of a eeve; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Old Wooden Tool Box - Barnwood Tote and Tool Caddy by Rustic Decor; Brand: Rustic Decor; Review: A little sloppy in the construction but served the rustic purpose; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: eHemco 29" Heavy Duty Saddle Seat Bar Stool in Dark Oak, Set of 3; Brand: eHemco; Review: Durable easy to assemble. They fit well under table or counter in limited space. Lost a star because they were lighter stain than portrayed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hosley Set of 6 Tea Light Holders - 1.8" Diameter. Clear Glass. Ideal Gift for, Parties, Events, Votive Candle; Brand: Hosley; Review: Shallow but perfect for my Yule log intentions. I ordered another set; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GIL 2156790 20-Pk of 6.1" H Spun Glass Icic Christmas, 3.75InL x 1.75InW x 7InH, White; Brand: GIL; Review: Classy classy addition to my Christmas decorating. I hung from chandelier over dining room table and it became the focal point of the dinner. These are glass so they are fragile.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SPT WC-3302US 33-Bottle Under-Counter Wine Cooler Commercial Grade; Brand: SPT; Review: Beautiful and exact fit replacing an ice maker. Holding temp.... update stopped cooling after 9 months. Working with customer service now. Will update on results; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: mDesign Soft Microfiber Polyester Non-Slip Extra-Long Spa Mat/Runner, Plush Water Absorbent Accent Rug for Bathroom Vanity, Bathtub/Shower, Machine Washable; Brand: mDesign; Review: Cheaply made. Imagine I will be replacing it within a few months. I hope it flattens out more; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Safavieh Montauk Collection MTK753A Handmade Flatweave Silver Cotton Runner (2'3" x 7'); Brand: Safavieh; Review: Sent in for a return and gave yet to hear back. Filing a complaint; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: RHF Non-Slip Area Rug Pad 5x8 Ft - Protect Floors While Securing Carpet Rug and Making Vacuuming Easier; Brand: Rose Home Fashion; Review: Solved the animal rug surfing. Also purchased one at lowes for sons apartment. Quality and pricing was the same. Didn't add any noticeable height to the rug but did add a noticeable cushion feel under bare feet which made a semi cheap rug feel more plush.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Neato XV-21 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Black (Certified Refurbished); Brand: Neato Robotics; Review: Love this product. Own 3. Great customer service. Stay away from the Botvac.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BACON KEEPER; Brand: Apollo International; Review: Great idea. Bought mine a while back bought two additional as gifts. Lost one star because sometimes doesn't snap tight; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crock-pot Oval Manual Slow Cooker, 8 quart, Stainless Steel (SCV800-S); Brand: Crock-Pot; Review: Extra large. Did the trick but already chipped; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: LUCID Plush Down Alternative Fiber Bed Topper-Allergen Free, Full XL; Brand: LUCID; Review: New quality mattress but bad hip pain in the morning. Chiropractor actually suggested a pad. Found this and sleep effortless through the night. More importantly wake up in the morning pain free. There are many products out there like this one.... first one Ive tried so cant compare but extremely happy with the price and quality of this one. Also love the corner straps that hold it in place. I have a deep mattress and no problem; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Neato Botvac D80 Robot Vacuum for Pets and Allergies; Brand: Neato Robotics; Review: Update from 5 stars to 3 stars. I have 4 neatos. Owned 6 over the years. The first models the signature pros were bullet proof and dependable. The only ones Ive had issues with are the Botvacs. Neatos customer service used to be fabulous but lately they miss the mark. Be aware that any issue you must mail into a third party repair. Example the last botvac missed warranty by 1 month. I had to mail it for $14 plus pay $200 plus change for a new motherboard and postage back to me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Comfy Bedding Frame Jacquard Microfiber King 5-piece Comforter Set, Gray; Brand: Comfy Bedding; Review: Middle of the road quality. Bachelor son liked the design so reordered twice after pet incident.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hamilton Beach Travel Case & Carrier Insulated Bag for 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 Quart Slow Cookers (33002); Brand: Hamilton Beach; Review: Got tired of watching daughter in law struggle with coaches pot luck dinners. She loves it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brookstone Slim Personal Oscillating Table Fan Finish: Black; Brand: Brookstone; Review: Sleek. Just the right amount of white noise. Menopause air friendly! I am very happy about this fan. Replacing a larger desktop tower that wasn't as aesthetically pleasing as this one. The lights are green and very dim so they do not affect sleep like the previous one that I had to cover with tape because the blue glo could have guided a 747 in my bedroom. Brookstone is quality and so far this does not disappoint. Will update on longevity as time goes on!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marquis by Waterford Markham Iced Beverage, Set of 4; Brand: Marquis By Waterford; Review: Very beautiful. Elegant yet sturdy. Impressed by the amount of liquid it holds.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB Portable External Hard Drive for Mac USB 3.0 + 2mo Adobe CC Photography (STDS1000100); Brand: Seagate; Review: Easy to install, working OK/Good for three days.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Case Logic CDW-32 32 Capacity Classic CD Wallet (Black); Brand: Case Logic; Review: It's a case.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cable Matters 5-Pack, Gold Plated 3-RCA Coupler; Brand: Cable Matters; Review: AOK Used two, they worked.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mediabridge HDMI Cable (6 Feet) Supports 4K@60Hz, High Speed, Hand-Tested, HDMI 2.0 Ready - UHD, 18Gbps, Audio Return Channel; Brand: Mediabridge; Review: My TV says I'am getting a ULTRA HD picture at times, so Medsibridge is working "GOOD" !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mediabridge HDMI Cable (10 Feet) Supports 4K@60Hz, High Speed, Hand-Tested, HDMI 2.0 Ready - UHD, 18Gbps, Audio Return Channel; Brand: Mediabridge; Review: My TV says I'am getting a ULTRA HD picture at times, so Medsibridge is working "GOOD" !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crucial 4GB Kit (2GBx2) DDR3/DDR3L 1066 MT/s (PC3-8500) SODIMM 204-Pin Memory For Mac - CT2K2G3S1067M; Brand: Crucial; Review: Made my old MAC computer run faster, about did away with the spinning beach ball.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Panlong 3 Port HDMI Switch 3x1 Auto Switch with Fixed 3FT Pigtail Cable Supports 3D, 1080P, HD Audio; Brand: Panlong; Review: It works, auto switch also works, my 2 HDMI input TV now has 4 inputs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twisted Veins HDMI Cable 1.5 ft, 3-Pack, Premium HDMI Cord Type High Speed with; Brand: Twisted Veins; Review: Very good USB cables, also right length for my HDMI switch.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lithonia Lighting OMS 1000 120 DDB M6 180-Degree Detection Zone Bronze Outdoor Motion Sensor Retrofit Kit, Black Bronze; Brand: Lithonia Lighting; Review: Was NOT sensitive enough for my use, returned it, got a better and less expensive one at HD.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Attmu 50 PCS Reusable Fastening Cable Ties, Microfiber Cloth 6-Inch Hook and Loop Cord Ties, Black; Brand: Attmu; Review: They work when needed; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EBL Advanced LCD Battery Charger for AA & AAA Ni-MH Ni-CD – Blue Color; Brand: EBL; Review: Nice charger.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Poweradd 903A 4 Bay High-Speed Intelligent Battery Charger with LCD,Smart Rechargeable Battery Charger for AA AAA NI-MH/NI-CD Rechargeable Batteries; Brand: Poweradd; Review: Very good charger.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VonHaus TV Wall Mount for most 23-55 inch LED, LCD, Plasma and Flat Screens, up to 77lbs lbs Weight; Brand: VonHaus; Review: Heavy Duty, Well Made, Good Design!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Men's Leather Slide Belt; Brand: boxed-gifts; Review: with practice belt easy to adjust; hope to be able to find narrow width in future; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hanes Women's Cotton Bikini Panty Multipack; Brand: ; Review: considering there was an all white option; & I selected assorted/solid-- expected to get different color than all white.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fruit Of The Loom Women's 6 Pack Crew Socks; Brand: ; Review: a bit course to the touch being a poly/cotton blend; mostly use to non poly blends; will see how they where & fee with washigs.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Viosi Womens BLACK Cowhide Leather Cross Body Mini Travel Handbag Shoulder Purse; Brand: Viosi; Review: great size for dress up going out to carry the few essentials; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amazon Essentials Plated Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings (Round & Princess); Brand: ; Review: posts very thin. & bend extra easy. soft metal. arrived fast.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: var aPageStart = (new Date()).getTime(); var ue_t0=ue_t0||+new Date(); window.ue_ihb = (window.ue_ihb || window.ueinit || 0) + 1; if (window.ue_ihb; Brand: ; Review: posts very thin. & bend extra easy. soft metal. arrived fast.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Amazon Essentials Plated Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings (Round & Princess); Brand: ; Review: posts very thin. & bend extra easy. soft metal. arrived fast.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Liquid Blue Men's Grateful Dead Banjo T-Shirt; Brand: Liquid Blue; Review: Perfect for my husband. He loves it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DailyShoes Women's Combat Style Up Sweater Top Ankle Bootie with Pocket for Credit Card Knife Money Wallet Pocket Boots; Brand: ; Review: I love these; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Simlu Womens Basic Short Cap Sleeve Round Crew Neck Short Crop Top Shirt; Brand: Simlu; Review: Colors are spot on; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jstyle Titanium Engagement Rings for Men Vintage Wedding Band 8mm; Brand: Jstyle; Review: Really nice quality and comfortable for daily wear; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: vcmart 14G-00G 36pcs Ear Gauges Stretching Kit Ear Tapers and Tunnels Expanders Plugs Set; Brand: vcmart; Review: Great quality; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Longbeauty 20/30 Pcs Set Mixed Stone Saddle Double Flared Ear Tunnels Expander Plugs Stretcher; Brand: Longbeauty; Review: These are too good to be true. So many beautiful stones for the price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: J&K Apparel Women's Skinny Stretchy Leggings Colorful Print Sexy Ankle Pattern Jeggings Pant; Brand: J&K Apparel; Review: Colors and fit were perfect. Super soft and comfy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Cavalieri Art Hotel; City: Saint Julian s Island of Malta; Review: The service and the staff team were excellent in helping our conference run soothly. Especially thankful for the help of Michael and Laszlo. We found the catering arrangements excellent for our working lunches and that the team were very flexible with our requests/last minute changes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Budehaven Guest House; City: Bude Bude Stratton Cornwall England; Review: Just returned from a 4 night stay at the beginning of August. Brian And Hilary were great hosts. They were warm welcoming and went out of their way to be helpful (even washed my wet suit!!) The breakfasts were great and the service was top rate. Our room was spacious and our bed was very comfortable; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gloria Hotel; City: Jerusalem Jerusalem District; Review: Really enjoyed my recent stay here. All the staff were really attentive and helpful. The owners family were very engaging and took care to talk to the guests The wifi has radically improved from last year there was great signal strength even in the rooms; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ohalo Manor Hotel; City: Kinneret Northern District; Review: Just returned from staying here with a group of friends, we found the staff at reception very helpful with any problems we has with the rooms, there was a few but all minor ( like no bath mat) The food was great and the views over the sea were fantastic .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Notre Dame Guest House; City: Jerusalem Jerusalem District; Review: I took a group here in September and was impressed by the attentive staff who wanted to help in any way . And the roof top terrace is not to be missed for the impressive night time views of the city , if you want a location near the old city then this place comes highly recommended; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Cabin Express; City: Frederiksberg Copenhagen Zealand; Review: Stayed here this week, not sure how it would have been if three people had shared the room but for single occupancy it was great. The room had everything you could need The only complaint would be that the room was really very warm ,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kaunas City Hotel; City: Kaunas Kaunas County; Review: Was told about this place by a friend. It has good reviews for a reason, it's a great place Nice comfy beds and a nice little touch if the heart shaped pieces of chocolate on the pillows Despite being on a major street the noise level was no problem; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Playafels; City: Castelldefels Catalonia; Review: Stayed here for three nights in January for a team meeting held in the hotel. The rooms were great I had a view of the sea :) The breakfasts are truly amazing The staff at reception were very helpful letting me check out of my room much later than normal The hotel is right on the beach , it was great to have breakfast and watch the sunrise .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Highbury Centre; City: London England; Review: Very very reasonably priced place. The rooms are small but clean and have all you really need. Super fast WiFi Very helpful staff The breakfasts were enormous. Liked the kettle in the rooms too. Great location near to the tube and the park; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Utopia Village; City: Utila Bay Islands; Review: My GF writes: Before going to Utila I read several reviews and they had nothing but good things to say about the Utopia Resort. From the moment we arrived we were treated like old friends. The resort team were all so friendly and helpful. It's hard to put into words how exceptional the service from everyone there is. Also the food is 5 star, so fresh and flavorful. And catered to your desires. I had asked about mango one morning which I learned was a bit out of season. But by the next day they were serving it to me for breakfast and the following days as well! They went out of their way to make this happen. We upgraded to a bungalow which is worth the extra cost. I couldn't say enough about how luxurious it felt. The sitting room area, the bed and oh the pillows! Gonna get me some of those. The towel animals brought smiles everyday! Paul and Crisna are so good at listening as well as willing too share their story once you ask. I simply cannot say enough great things about this resort. Their style of service reminds me the the Ritz! "Going the extra mile" and than above and beyond. If you are thinking of going to Utopia than think no more. You're going to love it! Also we wish to once again thank Fede, Lany, Evelyn, Andrea, Lori, housekeeping and maintenance. And of course our wonderful hosts Crisna and Paul. P.S. Nearly forgot the diving is valet. The food is a foodies dream. Enjoy your stay!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Log Cabin Motel; City: Pinedale Wyoming; Review: We enjoyed the small cabin on our way through the parks to the Madison River from Colorado. Quite and charming with cookies to welcome us. We stayed another time and could only get a room which was fine. We however preferred the small cabin and would recommend it for couples.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: San Francisco Marriott Marquis; City: San Francisco California; Review: If your location in San Francisco is important to you than this is one of the best places to stay. It is indeed close to everything or just a short cab or Uber ride away. Walk to Union Square and enjoy the Trolley to Fisherman's Wharf. The views from the bar atop the hotel are quite astonishing as are of the course the libation prices. Save on parking by picking up your rental car when you decide to leave the city. $70/day valet or $35 + if you self park. Breakfast buffet is available for a price. I suggest a short walk to Mel's Diner which is a classic not to be missed! Enjoy your visit!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taveuni Dive Resort; City: Taveuni Island; Review: We travelled from Colorado to dive again in spectacular Fiji. This was our 2nd trip but our first to Taveuni, Rainbow Reef and the White Wall. We dove 20 plus times and the only dive we repeated was the White Wall. Soft corals, hard corals and abundant fish of all shapes and colors await you. The 12 day 13 night package is highly recommended due to the unbelievable beauty both below and above water. If you travel this far why not stay? Other visitor's during our visit were envious of our stay's duration. As for the bures that are all named after dive sites the design is unique, well thought out and quite comfortable. Solar power supplies the hot water with backup heat if needed. The Salty Fox restaurant and bar serve a good basic menu with a couple of lunch and dinner specials daily to choose from. You won't go hungry and they will cater to your special diet requests just let them know on checkin. Our humble thanks to owners Carl and Muriel, the entire staff including Weis, Jerry, Lana and everyone else who helped make our stay wonderful. PS It's also possible to play a little golf just remember to bring along golf balls and tees! Cheers and enjoy your dive vacation. We will definitely be returning to Taveuni Dive Resort!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kohala Village Inn; City: Hawi Island of Hawaii Hawaii; Review: The meals from breakfast through dinner here were all delicious and fairly reasonable to boot. Service can be a bit on Hawaiian time so be patient and enjoy the meal when it does arrive. Also on weekends some quite good local musicians play on the little stage. Highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Clarks Women's Leyden Bell Boot; Brand: ; Review: go up half size; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sporto Womens Quilted Boot with Buckle Detail; Brand: ; Review: Nice looking boots. Run 1/2 small. First time a 7 1/2 wasn't perfect.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: David Tate Women Boston Booties; Brand: David Tate; Review: Nice Quality; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sam Edelman Women's Michelle Ankle Bootie; Brand: ; Review: runs narrow, but I will stretch them. They are gorgeous boots.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CL by Chinese Laundry Women's Anslee Mary Jane Pump; Brand: ; Review: very narrow; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: New Balance Women's 520v3 Comfort Ride Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Comfortable walking shoe.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crocs Women's Isabella Flat Sandal; Brand: ; Review: Pretty beach sandals. However sizing is off. Size 7 (My other crocs) is too big. Size 6 is snug. I'm hoping they give just a little bit.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: alpine swiss Beau Mens Dress Shoes Genuine Suede Wing Tip Brogue Lace Up Oxfords; Brand: ; Review: Pretty shoe. Terrible quality.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: DREAM PAIRS Women's Duchess Heel Sandals; Brand: DREAM PAIRS; Review: Finally a dress sandal for arthritic big toe. Fits nicely over bone spurs. Not too high but still look contemporary.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bogs Women's AMMA Sandal-W; Brand: Bogs; Review: Weird shaped foot bed. I returned them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Life Goes on; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Gulley Page; Review: A continuation of the Harmony series. I read this to my wife at bedtime. We get a lot from the message in these stories and enjoy his writing style. Great reading at any time of the day or night.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nik Color Efex Pro; Author: Visit Amazon's Robin Whalley Page; Review: This short book is very easy to understand,clearly written and covers all of the topics needed to effectively incorporate Nik Color Efex Pro into your workflow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Circle (Dan Lenson Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's David Poyer Page; Review: This is a novel written by someone who has lived through the events described. All of the Dan Lenson novels have you feeling you are there with him. Some other reviewers complain about the use of technical terms or terms specific to the navy, or to sailors. Most of the jargon used can be understood by their context. If there are any terms that are not clear, they should use a dictionary. I have read all of the Dan Lenson novels once. This is my second time through them and they are as fresh as the first time I read them. If anyone likes military stories that are written form experience by a good author, I recommend any of these books. I would start with "The Circle" as it is the first book in the series, from the perspective of Dan Lenson's career. The publish dates do not reflect Lenson's timeline in the service. the author's website lists the books in this order.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Firm; Author: Visit Amazon's John Grisham Page; Review: Another good book from John Grisham. This is his second novel. It is a good description of what new law school grads have to do the first years with the big firms. Add to that the plot that the form is run by the mob and you have a novel that will keep you up at night to get to a solution.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pelican Brief (Random House Large Print); Author: Visit Amazon's John Grisham Page; Review: I have read all of Grisham's books dealing with the legal system. I am now going through them again on my kindle while traveling. I enjoyed reading them the first time through and am enjoying them the second time around. His books are an enjoyable read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Executive Power; Author: Visit Amazon's Vince Flynn Page; Review: I have read all of the Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp books. For me they are a good read. I have enjoyed reading the series for the second time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Client: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's John Grisham Page; Review: This is another great book by John Grisham. It is a wild ride. The descriptions of the participants in this drama are spot on. I recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pursuit of Honor: A Thriller (Mitch Rapp); Author: Visit Amazon's Vince Flynn Page; Review: I have read all of the Mitch Rapp novels written by Vince Flynn once. This is my second time through the series. If you like any of the Mitch Rapp novels or some of the Tom Clancy novels you will like this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Man (Mitch Rapp); Author: Visit Amazon's Vince Flynn Page; Review: I have enjoyed all of the Mitch Rapp books written by Vince Flynn. If you like the Rapp books but haven't read this one, I recommend it. If you are new to Mitch Rapp I recommend you read the first Mitch Rapp book. Then continue with the rest.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mother Tongue - English And How It Got That Way; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Bryson Page; Review: I have read several of Bryson's books. They are hilarious and informative. The only drawback I have found is I am unaware of how long I have been reading. Time just goes by. I recommend this book and any others by him.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cardinal Of The Kremlin; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom Clancy Page; Review: I have always enjoyed Clancys writing and his books. This s the third time I am going through the Jack Ryan series. Every few years I read the again. If you like Vince Flynn, John Grisham, or David Poyer, give Clancy a try. Always a good read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cardinal of the Kremlin; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom Clancy Page; Review: I have always enjoyed Clancys writing and his books. This s the third time I am going through the Jack Ryan series. Every few years I read the again. If you like Vince Flynn, John Grisham, or David Poyer, give Clancy a try. Always a good read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Road to Perdition (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tuxedo (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tuck Everlasting (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Steel Magnolias (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Frailty (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 1 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sorority Boys (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Full Frontal (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Final Destination (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Playing Mona Lisa (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Who is Cletis Tout? (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trapped (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Simone (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Usual Suspects (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: If Lucy Fell (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unfaithful (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crush (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Relative Values (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: City by the Sea (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rules of Attraction (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries (Widescreen) (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Good Girl (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Exotica (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Death to Smoochy (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sleeping Dictionary (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Oleander (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rat Race (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iris (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Happy Accidents (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Never Again (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Far from Heaven (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sunshine State (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Banger Sisters (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Hour Photo (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Transporter (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Believer (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Real Women Have Curves (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Drumline (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Birdcage (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Analyze That (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Antwone Fisher (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Equilibrium (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Guy Thing (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Nemesis (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Night (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Guru (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 25th Hour (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Existenz (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lockdown (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Deliver Us From Eva (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Recruit (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Roger Dodger (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Basic (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Blue (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Punch-Drunk Love (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 8 Mile (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Quiet American (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gods and Generals (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bringing Down the House (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Head Over Heels (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What's Cooking? (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Biker Boyz (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Man Apart (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tea with Mussolini (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Playing by Heart (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bulletproof Monk (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Longitude (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Daddy Day Care (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Down With Love (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Identity (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blow (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Unconditional Love (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Confidence (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Santa Clause 2 (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde 2: Red (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Freaky Friday (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holes (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alex and Emma (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Medallion (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: X2: X-Men United (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The In-Laws (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Out of Time (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How to Deal (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: S.W.A.T. (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Order (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The School of Rock (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Rundown (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Open Range (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Honey (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Le Divorce (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hope Springs (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Something's Gotta Give (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Casa de los Babys (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: House of Sand and Fog (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Liberty (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Calendar Girls (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miracle (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Haunted Mansion (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Secondhand Lions (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 3 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Welcome to Mooseport (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Station Agent (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bad Santa (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Spartan (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: And Now ... Ladies and Gentlemen (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 21 Grams (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Secret Window (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Human Stain (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Butterfly Effect: Director's Cut (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starsky & Hutch (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hellboy (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie 3 (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Taking Lives (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tiptoes (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Connie and Carla (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Highwaymen (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Godsend (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Twisted (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Vanity Fair (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Super Size Me (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raising Helen (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saved! (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Man on Fire (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Stepford Wives (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dune (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Elf (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wonderland (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Terminal (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hero (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Supremacy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pride and Prejudice (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Little Black Book (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Friday Night Lights (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wimbledon (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Prince and Me (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vanity Fair (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Shall We Dance? (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 4 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Garden State (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saw (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sideways (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: P.S. (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Spanglish (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taxi (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Twelve (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: First Daughter (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Be Cool (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Woodsman (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Flight of the Phoenix (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Zatoichi (1962); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Aviator (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Guess Who (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sahara (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bewitched (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Robots (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kicking & Screaming (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Day Human Prince (The Day Human Trilogy) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's B. Kristin McMichael Page; Review: My first book by this author, given to me as a gift. I instantly fell in love with the characters. The book has a fresh new take on mixing the world of vampires, magic and humans. I was so excited when I got several more books by McMichael for Christmas from my husband. I look forward to reading all the books in the trilogy as well as the other books she has written.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carnelian (The Chalcedony Chronicles) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's B. Kristin McMichael Page; Review: Loved this book! Hard to put it down; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Day Human Way (The Day Human Trilogy) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's B. Kristin McMichael Page; Review: I didn't want the trilogy to end. Would love to read more and see their story continue; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chrysoprase (The Chalcedony Chronicles) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's B. Kristin McMichael Page; Review: This is book #2 in this series. I find myself reading this book for hours at a time. Mixing the sci-fi of time travel, timeless love and Egyptian history shows how creative and imaginative B.K. is in her ability to write books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aventurine (The Chalcedony Chronicles) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's B. Kristin McMichael Page; Review: Definitely my favorite series so far! I find it hard to put the book down. Twists and surprises about the characters keep you engaged in the book to see what is to come for Mari and Seti. Can't wait to read book #4; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chrysocolla (The Chalcedony Chronicles) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's B. Kristin McMichael Page; Review: This was the fourth book in this series. It captured many emotions from me as I read it. I cried, laughed and couldn't put the book down sometimes! I loved the ending- perfect!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Silo; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I visited Silo earlier this month with my mom and we had a truly spectacular meal and experience. The food is outstanding, deviled eggs - a MUST! Southern food and flavors, yet not overly heavy, rich and creamy. Our waitress recommended a Lebanese wine (yes, Lebanese!) and it was delicious. The owner, Paul came by our table, very very nice guy! I'm not a Nashville local, but may make a special trip back just for Silo!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Juice Bar - Brentwood; City: Brentwood, TN; Review: Game changer! I was visiting Nashville this week (will be moving in August) and was surprised to find such few juice options. So I made the less than 10 min drive to Brentwood (totally worth it, by the way) to find this gem of a place. The staff is so friendly (kindness goes a long way, but the goodness didn't stop there!) and helpful. I opted with the green smoothie as I wanted something more filling than juice. DELICIOUS! They use fresh produce (except for some frozen fruits, which is pretty common with juice bars because of the perishability), make your own juice or smoothie, etc! Also, they have a digital punch/rewards card where you enter your phone number - no annoying keychain or password or card to keep up with! Price: competitive when it comes to fresh pressed juice/smoothies. If you're not familiar with the pricing, you may balk at it, but it's in line with most places. Everything about Juice Bar is a win in my book. I can't wait to become a regular at Juice Bar once I move!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: O.liv Body Bar; City: Nashville, TN; Review: First let me say that if you are in Nashville and are getting a massage anywhere other than O.liv - you are missing out!! O.liv is not an over the top swanky place and for those of you (like me!) who feel really out of place at high end, ritzy hotels/spas like this place is perfect! I highly recommend the hot stone massage (if you can handle the heat!) - super relaxing. My only complaint is that parking is a bit of a pain - it's possible to get lucky & get a parallel spot outside but highly unlikely if Taco Mamacita has cones there for valet - so you're left to pay in the lot across the street or try to get to O.liv before 4:30(ish); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Edley's Bar-B-Que - 12 South; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I heard and read great things about Edley's before trying it out. Overall, I wasn't too impressed. I'm from Texas, so I know better than to order beef bbq in Tennessee and opted with the pulled pork instead. The sandwich was pretty good, but the pork itself would have a hard time standing alone sans bun & sauce. I ordered the mac & cheese as a side by the recommendation of the girl that was taking my order and really my only complaint - not sure why the mac & cheese gets such rave reviews. I personally thought it had zero flavor and the cheese sauce was really grainy. I would, however, give Edley's another shot.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Price's Collision Centers; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I went to the Price's in Madison as they are Lexus Certified. I picked my car up today (after a wreck) and my car looks BRAND NEW! I do not know how Price's compares price wise since this was the first body repairs I've had done, but if you need a great body shop - this is the place!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edley's Bar-B-Que - 12 South; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Back with an update on Edley's- get the Tuck Special. It sounds intimidating on the menu (it IS a ton of food!) but it is a seriously delicious sandwich. Just do it, you won't be sorry!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Posh Nail Spa; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I visited Posh for the first time earlier this week and am very pleased. My friend and I walked in and did not have a wait at all. Posh has a HUGE selection of gel/Shellac colors so if that's your thing, you're sure to find a shade you like. The salon is very clean and the staff is friendly. This is my first time getting a mani/pedi in Nashville (so I'm not too familiar with pricing) but for a gel mani and basic pedi I was out $58. I'll say that pricing is pretty competitive! One of the things I liked most about Posh is that they didn't try to up sell me with anything - eyebrow wax, more than basic pedi, etc. The only negative thing I have to say is that the guy doing my friend's manicure accidentally cut her cuticle and it bled - but accidents happen I guess. PS the basic pedi INCLUDES a hot stone leg massage!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Urban Juicer; City: Nashville, TN; Review: The only reason Urban Juicer gets 2 starts is because I absolutely SWEAR by the Cold Buster. If you feel a cold coming on don't wait, the juice will kick your cold out! Ok so as far as everything else....meh. I've been to this place many times (and kept holding out hope for improvement)...alas, here is my review on what I consider a mediocre juice bar. First, as someone pointed out - their equipment consists of $100 Breville juicers that you can buy yourself at Bed Bath & Beyond or Amazon. If you buy about 12 juices at $7 each from Urban Juicer, you could've just bought the same equipment that they're using. The staff is also less than friendly and I hate that when you complete your credit card transaction, it asks for tip. Call me old fashioned, but I am rubbed the wrong way when prompted for a tip before a good/service is rendered. Seriously - you think I should tip you 20% for taking my order? You didn't even SMILE and welcome me when I walked in! Their juices and smoothies lack consistency. I've tried several different ones (multiple times) and they taste different every single time. For a $7 juice, I expect to not have any (or at least, very little) of the foam that accumulates when you juice. Instead Urban Juicer will hand you a juice where the top quarter of it is foam. Overall, I'm completely unimpressed with Urban Juicer - the Cold Buster will keep me coming back though.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fit Food Revolution - Green Hills; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I walked in to Fit Food Revolution and was greeted by a polite employee and she promptly gave me the low-down (portion controlled, no preservatives, fresh, healthy food). The refrigerators seemed a little picked over but it was around 5pm and they still had a decent selection of foods - cuisine, different types of proteins, etc. I browsed the refrigerator and picked out 4 meals and wound up spending about $36. 1. Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles 2. Coconut and Mango Shrimp 3. Stuffed Chicken Breast 4. Pork Tenderloin with Kale and Collards I opted to try the Meatballs and Zucchini first. When I got home, I followed the instructions to open the lid and place in microwave for approx 2 min. Within about 30 seconds, I smelled an awful smell from the microwave. It wasn't the food, but I'm not sure if it was the flimsy ("microwave safe") container or the label, but I transferred the food to a plate (can be inconvenient if you're relying on heating and eating it right out of the container) to finish heating. The Meatball and Zucchini meal lacked flavor. The zucchini was tender, but neither the meat nor the zucchini was seasoned. I can appreciate food that is not over seasoned (especially sodium!), but this meal didn't taste like it had any flavor. The meat was dry and flavorless, I added hot sauce to give it some pizzaz and moisture. The following day I tried the Stuffed Chicken Breast (at the employee's recommendation). The meal was served with two cooked baby carrots, a few pieces of pencil asparagus and a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Again, the meat was dry, flavorless - a seemingly common factor in their meals at this point. The asparagus, mashed potatoes and carrots were definitely the highlight of this meal, but those things are kind of hard to mess up. Next I tried the Coconut Mango Shrimp. I was extremely surprised and impressed with this meal. I took extra care to heat the shrimp delicately as they can be tricky to re-heat and can get over cooked and chewy very fast! The flavor of this meal was delicious and I loved the sautéed peppers. I would return to Fit Food Revolution for this meal. Lastly, I heated up the Pork Tenderloin with Collards and Kale. Again, I was pleasantly surprised! The pork was moist and over fingerling potato halves, kale & collards were yummy. There was some type of unidentifiable root that was thinly sliced in sticks, but overall a really good meal. Pros: healthy alternative to junk, convenient location, meals available without pre-order Cons: labels do not yield much information (ex: Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles - what kind of meat is this?, Stuffed Chicken Breast - stuffed with.....?), at about 250 calories (or less) each, the "small" portion meals may leave you hungry; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Yazoo Brewing Company; City: Madison, TN; Review: A must do in Nashville - for locals and tourists! Took the 5 pm or "Rockstar" Saturday tour as our guide, Lucas, called it. Lucas was knowledgeable and hilarious and really made the 55 minute tour experience great. Tip: there may or may not be extra beer if you're on the last tour of the day :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: European Wax Center; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I've been a customer of European Wax Center for a few years. When I moved to Nashville it was really great to not have to find a new place to get waxed. There's nothing fancy about European Wax Center but that's probably why they can keep their prices low. They have you in and out quickly and are always friendly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City Winery Nashville; City: Nashville, TN; Review: First, I want to start by saying that before I write a review I give establishments ample visits to earn the rating. I've now been to City Winery 3 times and remain less than impressed. SERVICE: The service at City Winery is either on overdrive and in your face or non existent and there doesn't seem to be a happy medium. During my last visit to City Winery on Friday (upstairs in the "lounge") our waiter asked for our drink orders and food orders at the same time. Our food came out first, after about 20 min (without even water on the table) and then about 10 min later, we got our drinks. Also, on a previous visit I was denied a taste of one of CW's on-tap wines because the bar was "too busy". PRICE: Pricing for shows is competitive. PARKING: Valet - I've been charged $5 sometimes then they didn't collect payment another time..not sure what the deal is, but they never seem to have enough attendants working for when a show that seats a few hundred lets out at one time. FOOD: The food is tasty, nothing extraordinary, especially with the great food scene in this city. A little pricy. SEATING: Unless you buy seats at an entire table you'll be sitting with strangers, which can be fun, but not when you're literally rubbing elbows with them. The tables are tiny and wayyyy to small to seat strangers together. Also, it's a bummer that you have to buy a seat - City Winery is more about selling the "experience" than a ticket to a great show. Also, you're SOL if you have more people in your group than a table can accommodate, so I would be very hesitant to say this place is group friendly. Overall, Nashville has such wonderful, unique and historic venues (lookin at you Ryman, Marathon Music Works, War Memorial Auditorium) that I'm not really sure how or why City Winery has a place here. I would much rather go to a show at any of these other venues or a laundry list of others not mentioned before coming to CW. In short, go back to New York. However, I'll likely return because they book great shows.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Frothy Monkey; City: Nashville, TN; Review: My absolute favorite spot for many reasons - yummy food (favs- breakfast: the California, lunch/dinner: PMP sandwich or Gale salad - however, the specials are also always delish) & drinks (White Monkey Mocha or fruit tea), the friendliest staff (seriously!!), wifi (that doesn't get shut off when it's busy), FREE parking, beer & wine - good local selection. There are no words to express my love for Frothy Monkey.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thai Papaya Restaurant; City: Antioch, TN; Review: One stop shop for anything Asian. I can't remember exactly what I get...it's the pork spring roll noodle bowl thing on the bottom part of the menu on the left side. It's YUM YUM! Also, the price point is awesome (like under $10 for dinner)! I've had friends get lots of other things on the menu and they really liked everything, I just can't get away from the dish I got the first time because it's so tasty.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Embers Ski Lodge; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Okkkkk so this place just opened. Even though I only gave it 3-stars, I'll give it another shot (and will be back with an updated review). So here goes - my friend and I were taking a study break and decided to walk down to Embers. It still looks like it's under construction and we probably would have just kept walking past it had we not actually seen people sitting inside. The decor is neat, they have some neat fixtures and I guess they nail the "ski lodge" feel with the birch accents, hanging fire pit, and mountain mural on the wall (except this place is inspired by travels through the Pacific Northwest and the mural is of Everest - sorry, that just bothers me). Also, I think it is tacky to have the staff dress in ski-lodge "theme" - especially since in 2015 terms that means tacky printed leggings, a t-shirt and hiking-esque boots - no flannel, denim, or anything that someone older than 25 would associate with "ski lodge". Since it's a new spot, I always like asking the staff for their recommendations - our server, really had nothing to say about the menu other than suggest the most expensive starters - Foie Gras or Salmon Spread (which she described as "having lots of salmon" - YA THINK?). And let me say, I am totally against passing judgement on people, but my friend and I dropped into this restaurant, probably way under dressed (ok, VERY underdressed in workout clothes). for lunch. on a Wednesday. - do we really look like the people that are going to order a Foie Gras hors-d'oeuvre at lunch on a Wednesday??? Anyway, they pride themselves on their craft cocktail menu - which was impressive and I'm sure I will be back to give those a whirl. However, our server told us they don't have any specials or happy hours because they "worked really hard on the menu" (which I assume implies that if you work hard on something, you can't sell it for less than $12) - ok, Embers. Also - they have shot skis, so if a $12 cocktail isn't your thing, act like you're at frat party and do a shot ski with some friends! On to the food - Lava fondue - glorified queso. Actually, it's JUST queso. But it's damn good. However, if you're calling something fondue, you should probably offer it with other dipping accompaniments - not just chips. Delicious though. And you should order it. Farro salad - just okay, lacking major "umph" or really anything that would make me order it again. Chicken Salad Sandwich - I had a bite of my friends sandwich and MAN was it good, light, fresh and so flavorful. It came with a side salad which was also really tasty. Overall Embers seems to be going through a bit of an identity crisis. I'll be interested to hear what people think.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Yoga Harmony; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I don't even know where to begin with Yoga Harmony. Yes, yes, yes. I have tried other hot yoga studios in Nashville and other cities, but I seriously didn't really love any, at all...until my friend referred me to Yoga Harmony. The staff is aaahhhhh-mazing (I particularly enjoy going to classes taught by the owner, Nicole) and they make the classes fun and lighthearted without loosing focus on the class or the intention of your practice. I love that there are options with the hot classes (60 min, 75 min, or 90 min) because sometimes a 90 min class is just such a commitment! Also, YH gives discounts to military, students and teachers AND has a referral program. Thank you YH for being so awesome!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Epice; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Goodness gracious, Epice is something special. Epice is a MUST if you are in the 12 South area or... if you aren't, make it your destination for lunch or dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner (maybe close to necessary, unless you're okay with grabbing some of the 6-8 seats at the bar) but feel free to walk in at lunch time. The food is to.die.for. Seriously, omg. Everything that I have had (majority of the menu) is delicious. The entrees come with a fabulous Peasant Salad tossed with cucumber, tomatoes, radish (I believe) and a minty vinaigrette. The staff at Epice is well trained and if you aren't familiar with Lebanese style food, they will happily explain it to you and make recommendations.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mas Tacos Por Favor; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Best I've ever had? Not quite. Best I've had in Nashville? Without a doubt (hence the 5-star rating). It's really hard for a Texan to get used to the mediocre Mexican food that Nashville has to offer. However, after almost two years in here, I finally discovered the gem that quite literally has me saying, "mas tacos, por favor"! My friend and I went to Mas Tacos for lunch during the week (on a really rainy day) and the line was out the door (yes, in the rain) but they have pretty fast service and are only open for lunch. Counter ordering then the staff calls your name over the PA system when your order is ready (FYI they call you as items in your order are ready, not all at once). Cash only, but they have an ATM inside. Tacos are really great and flavorful, they are street style topped with chopped cilantro (NOT your typical Tex-Mex crispy taco with ground beef. If that's what you are expecting, this is not your place). The Elote is so so so so yummy, geeze. I'm salivating now just thinking about it. Also, try the Aguas Frescas - I had one of the daily flavors, pineapple cilantro, and it was so delicious and refreshing on a hot day!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Bicycle Coffee; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Really cute coffee shop in what seems like a coffee shop desert of Nashville but overall I wasn't too impressed. I guess without much competition, you don't have to be superb. I promised myself I would try a new spot for some lunch and afternoon studying and decided to give Red Bicycle a try. Parking is not an issue as there are a few street spots on Nolensville and parking lot in the back. When I approached the counter, I'm pretty sure (fairly positive) that I wasn't greeted with anything other than a half way engaging, "are you ready to order?". What happened to friendly staff, possibly asking if you had questions, wanted a recommendation or had even been to the place before? Sorry for the rant, I but I'm just not a fan of places with mediocre customer service and on top of that ask for a tip BEFORE a service is rendered. Ugh, anyway. Perhaps I also went wrong by ordering a panini at a crepe place, but it was lunchtime and all paninis come with chips for under $10 each, kind of hard to beat. I went with the Woodbine (pimiento cheese and bacon panini) and was not impressed. The pimento cheese was tasty (and the jalapeños gave it a nice kick) but the bacon was a sad, sad situation. I pulled apart the thick, toasted pieces of sourdough (?) only to find what looked like 3 day old, shriveled up leftover bacon and didn't have much of a taste. Anyway, I'm sure I'll go back to Red Bicycle, but probably order a crepe.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Perch; City: Nashville, TN; Review: WARNING: do not go on the weekend and EXPECT to order a crêpe (hour long wait for crêpes & not making more til then, crêpe chef not here, etc) - however all of the other food (salads, waffles, etc) are excellent! After several failed attempts at ordering a crêpe here, I finally had one today! And man, was it worth it. The crêpe with egg,chorizo, Manchego, & salsa is so.freakin.good. This Texas gal is 110% satisfied with the Tex-Mex flavors and portions (omg) I'm completely stuffed but feel like I could eat and endless supply of that deliciousness. Oh yeah, coffee here is pretty tasty too!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Embers Ski Lodge; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I am back with an update. Last weekend my friend and I decided to give Embers' brunch a whirl. We walked in and were told there would be a little bit of a wait for a table (no big deal) but we could go grab drinks at the bar. Brunch = mimosas, am I right? So that wasn't a problem. *Service observation - the couple ahead of us were directed to their table with some pointing and "you can go to that table in the corner" rather than "let me show you to your table" and being walked there* To our surprise, the hostess notified us a few short minutes later that our table was ready, so we walked over and sat down. Shortly after us being seated, the table situated behind us, placed their order. Then, several minutes later, they received their food. At this point, no one had come by our table to greet us, ask us if we wanted another round of mimosas, bring water, take our order, or anything. We finally stopped the hostess and asked if we had a server, she was appalled, and very apologetic. She immediately went to find a server to take care of us and brought us a round of mimosas on the house. When we finally do order, I opted with the Eggs Benedict (with LOBSTER, yes lobster) and my friend went with (something??) Breckenridge, croissant with gravy and reindeer sausage. My meal was delicious, the hollandaise sauce was the perfect citrus complement to the lobster and the portion was HUGEEEE (plenty to share if you don't have a large appetite, plus it comes with potatoes). I tried a bite of my friend's food and it was great also. The reindeer sausage has great flavor and isn't real "gamey". Again, I'll be back, but the service really needs to step it up! Overall - food was excellent, hostess was very nice, but service/communication could still use some fine tuning.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miss Fit Academy; City: Nashville, TN; Review: A MUST for birthdays, bachelorettes, or just for a fun girl's night out! My friends and I celebrated last night at Miss Fit Academy with pole dancing and erotic chair dancing. For about $30 per person, we had a wonderful instructor guide us for almost 2 hours through choreographed pole dances first, before moving on to the chair dancing. Our instructor was energetic, helpful, and made us feel super confident and sexy! She took great pictures of us all night and recorded our chair dance routine! To finish out the night, we had a lovely champagne toast! Thanks Miss Fit Academy, we had a blast!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Baja Burrito; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Baja Burrito is solid. Great patio. Great food. Their set up is cafeteria-style, I suppose in 2015 people now liken it to Chipotle style vs. cafeteria...alas, I've had a good selection of tacos (chicken, steak, fish- yum yum!), but usually opt for a salad. Their salsas are fresh, delicious, and you can load them up with whatever meat and toppings you wish! Don't forget to try all of the salsas at the salsa bar down past the cashier! Bottom line: The food is always fresh and the service is always friendly. Make Baja your go-to burrito/taco place!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Olive and Sinclair Chocolate; City: Nashville, TN; Review: A hidden gem in East Nashville! 5 stars for the chocolate (which you can buy in several local retail spots - Frothy Monkey, Fido, etc), 5 stars for the shop and 5++++ stars for the tour! Every Saturday, O&S gives tours of their facility and every step of their intricate chocolate making process (with samples along the way). Tours are $5 and will last for about 45 minutes. The staff is great, super informative, and will really leave you with an appreciation for not just chocolate, but their craft! My sweet tooth does not discriminate, but these are high quality sweets! Their duck fat caramels are OMG MELT IN YOUR MOUTH SLAP YO MOMMA good, and all of their chocolates are decadent! If you're visiting, put this on your to-do list! If you're a local - what are you waiting for?!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dry House; City: Nashville, TN; Review: OBSESSED with the vibe of this place! So well done! Glam, rock, edgy, and fun! Loud hip-hop fueled top 40 tunes to the likes of Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, Disclosure, The Weeknd, etc. As a new customer, I easily made an appointment online and received an email confirmation (actually asking you to confirm your appointment, a day or two prior). I would have maybe appreciated a phone call from a receptionist, asking if I was coming in for a special occasion, how I found out about them, etc, or really any personal contact - however, I am just glad the appointment making process for a new client is so easy online! The pricing is listed on the website, $40 for a blow out - no hidden fees, no extra charge if your hair is long or thick, no nothing - $40 flat. I went for my first blow out at The Dry House Monday night. The staff is friendly, and they offer complimentary coffee, water, and champagne. My stylist, April greeted me and we chatted about what I wanted done with my hair. I did find it odd that there were no pictures of hairstyles like what is common at other blow dry bars, however they do have styles appropriately and uniquely titled via area codes & styles from major US cities - 615 (duh!), 214, 310, 212, etc! I was not having my hair done for an event that night, but rather for the next morning. I told my stylist that I wanted waves, so she opted for a tighter curl so that after I slept on it, it would be wavy in the morning. The shampoo and washing treatment was so relaxing that I almost feel asleep during it (ok, I was wiped out, but still). I loved my curls, but I def think she could have used the hair spray a little bit more liberally, as others have mentioned. My hair looked great the next morning, too! Also, The Dry House has blow out packages available - per the website - discount on 4+ (don't quote me!). I REALLY appreciate the staff not trying to upsell me on the packages, it's likely that I will purchase them at some point, but I can read the info for myself. Thanks Dry House! Cheers!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste; Author: Visit Amazon's Bea Johnson Page; Review: After reading her blog, I knew I wanted to read her book. This book has many useful tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Christmas Bliss: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Kay Andrews Page; Review: I loved Blue Christmas so was excited to read this, but wow, was it awful. It is written for an 8 year old. It stopped reading half way through.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fisher Price Little People Noah and the Animals (Lift-the-Flap); Author: Fisher-PriceTM; Review: I bought this for my nephew for his baptism. The book is very cute and went well with the plastic Ark.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Toy Story 2; Author: ; Review: My niece loved this movie.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Eagle Tree; Author: Visit Amazon's Ned Hayes Page; Review: This book was a quick read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Moonlit Garden; Author: Visit Amazon's Corina Bomann Page; Review: This book was just okay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Moonlit Garden eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Corina Bomann Page; Review: This book was just okay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Christmas in Vermont: A Very White Christmas; Author: Visit Amazon's Bryan Mooney Page; Review: This was not a good book at all. I would not recommend it to anyone, even at Christmas.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: ToBeInStyle Women's One Piece Swimsuit Draped w/ Wide Cushioned Straps Fully Lined; Brand: ToBeInStyle; Review: Style is great with straps that stay put! The leg openings are a little high for my preference, but otherwise love the suit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ricardo Beverly Hills Luggage Montecito Micro Light 16 Inch 4 Wheel Universal Wheelaboard, Wine, One Size; Brand: Ricardo Beverly Hills; Review: As tiny as this bag appears, I was pleasantly surprised at how much it holds. There is an interior pouch if you want to carry a laptop or tablet. I wanted a smaller carry-on because larger ones are difficult for me to lift to the overhead compartments. This one was perfect for me. It gave me enough room to carry camera, tablet, overnight clothes, make-up, and other items needed in case your checked luggage doesn't make it. With the rollers, I can move with ease.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men's Weapons Of Mass Percussion. Drum Sticks T-Shirt; Brand: Chicago Pneumatic; Review: Perfect gift for any dedicated drummer! Grandson not only plays drums but also teaches so this was a favorite gift which he wore for his band's gig that same night! Fits great and has not faded with washing!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tibetan Embedded Yak Bone Medicine Wrist Mala/ Bracelet for Meditation; Brand: Hands Of Tibet; Review: Bracelet was chunky and so thick that it was uncomfortable to wear.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: EFYTAL Sterling Silver Three Sister Birthday Gifts Necklace, 3 Circles Sister Necklace, Jewelry Gift for Sisters; Brand: EFYTAL; Review: A delightful necklace with a light, delicate feel. I bought it for myself, but it comes in a cute box perfect for a gift and even has a bow! If you are like me and hate a necklace that is so heavy it feels like your neck is pulled forward, then you will enjoy wearing this one. I have a feeling it will become one of my favorites!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 14k Yellow Gold Seven Lucky Rings Pendant Necklace, 18"; Brand: Amazon Collection; Review: I was surprised by how small the chain and rings are. They looked much larger in the photo. The chain is very pretty and delicate and the links are a style I hadn't seen. But, because of the size of both, they almost disappear in what you are wearing. I think if the chain had been shorter where the rings were closer to the neck it would have been better. Unfortunately, when I took it to a jeweler to shorten the chain, it would have cost more than the necklace.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: HBO'S Game of Thrones Men's "Winter Is Coming" Circle T-Shirt; Brand: HBO Game Of Thrones; Review: Good quality but a little snug and shorter than expected.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: HBO'S Game of Thrones Men's Throne T-Shirt; Brand: HBO Game Of Thrones; Review: Good quality, but fit is snug and a little shorter than expected; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.