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Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: CamelBak BPA-Free Better Bottle with Bite Valve; Brand: CamelBak; Review: So much easier to drink while on a bike. Sadly the nozzle isn't as sturdy as I would have liked, had to replace is after just a few months of use. Still a better alternative than other bottles.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harbinger Power Non-Wristwrap Weightlifting Gloves with StretchBack Mesh and Leather Palm (Pair); Brand: Harbinger; Review: Ordered large for my hands but they could definitely be a bit bigger. Comfortable and keeps hands from hurting too much while lifting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: YogaAccessories 1/4" Thick High Density Deluxe Non Slip Exercise Pilates & Yoga Mat; Brand: YogaAccessories; Review: Smells of strong plastic odor which can be distracting when you're in the zone but for the price you cant really beat it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Retrospec Bicycles Urban/Fixed Gear Saddle; Brand: Retrospec Bicycles; Review: Doesnt look all the comfortable when you pull it out of its bag but i have no complaints. Looks sharp as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tenn Unisex Cold Weather Waterproof/Windproof Cycling Gloves; Brand: Tenn-Outdoors; Review: Works well on my bike or playing in the snow. Inside can get a little damp after a while but my hands sweat and awful lot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Bali Women's Lace and Smooth Underwire Bra #3432; Brand: ; Review: This is one of my favorite bras. It is much less expensive than the other bras I've purchased over many years, but it is a better bra than the expensive ones I've owned and do own. The bra is comfortable. The band stays in place. The straps are easy to adjust because they are in the front instead of the back, which is one of my favorite things about this bra. The cups make a nice, high shape and do not droop. Because they are a little pointy, they don't work with everything I own, but for anything fitted, they make a nicer shape. The cups also provide good coverage.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bali Women's Lace and Smooth Underwire Bra #3432; Brand: ; Review: This is one of my favorite bras. It is much less expensive than the other bras I've purchased over many years, but it is a better bra than the expensive ones I've owned and do own. The bra is comfortable. The band stays in place. The straps are easy to adjust because they are in the front instead of the back, which is one of my favorite things about this bra. The cups make a nice, high shape and do not droop. Because they are a little pointy, they don't work with everything I own, but for anything fitted, they make a nicer shape. The cups also provide good coverage.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: KNG Chef Tie Back Cap; Brand: KNG; Review: Not much to report. It does the job.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Red Blossom Travel Jewelry Case - Silk Jacquard (Violet),4.5 x 1.5 inches; Brand: Red Blossom; Review: I love this little jewelry case. Ive had no problems with the seams or zipper. It is a pretty fabric, and just the right size for what I take with me when I travel. It tucks neatly into my carry on and is very lightweight.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RITZ Stick -Length & Width - Foot Measuring Device - US Shoe Sizer; Brand: Ritz Stick; Review: It doesnt appear accurate. Ive not worn the size shoes this items says I would wear in decades. It is also really overpriced for the quality. I believe I wasted my money on this purchase.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: PattyBoutik Women's V Neck Pleated Empire Waist Top; Brand: ; Review: Gorgeous! I am moderately breasted 36 B-C) with a more athletic shape and I love a more natural look to my breasts--even at my age *blush* but with the right push-up bra this top rocks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PattyBoutik Women's Turtleneck Eyelet Inset Sweetheart Sweater; Brand: ; Review: PB comes through again, sexy without being slutty.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PattyBoutik Women's Turtleneck Lace Inset Long Sleeve Blouse; Brand: ; Review: Gorgeous! Stretchy but not too thin, nice fit, love the lace. My bf even commented on much he liked it...and he is a def a guy's guy!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KOINECO Women's Black Lace Trimed Open Back Crop Tank Tops; Brand: KOINECO; Review: Sexy and beautiful, coverage in the right spots! Nice material, but runs small.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Women's Decora Prelude Waterproof Winter Boot; Brand: Merrell; Review: Other women go nuts when I wear these boots. The look is less clunky than Sorrels or Beans. The foot bed size was perfect, the calf was a little tight but you can adjust laces to accommodate a slightly more athletic calf. I'm 5'7" 150 lbs and a ski instructor so, I waterproofed because they will be my sore ski boots.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oyangs Womens Leather Sheepskin Ladies Cozy Slippers; Brand: Oyangs; Review: OMG sizing was perfect, good sturdy fit, super soft and comfortable. They felt like...slippers; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with food recipes as follows:
Title: awesome egg rolls; Review: My famiy and I love egg rolls. This was a wonderful recipes and we will be adding this to our Chinese night menus. The first time we made them, we hardly had any left for dinner. I made them earlier in the afternoon to avoid the dinner time frenzy and DH, DS, DD and even myself could hardly keep our fingers off them. They were even good cold out of the fridge! At dinner time I just put them on a cookie sheet and plopped them in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes, using a thermometer we brought them back up to 160. They were fabulous!! Thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: double chocolate covered cherries; Review: My kids needed a project during summer vacation. This was one recipe I choose. It was fun and easy for them. The results were delicious. However, here in the west it was very warm and I used shortening with my chocolate. I wish I had had some paraffin on hand (it is packed away, from moving a couple of months ago and I have not got to those boxes yet) because I think the chocolate would have set up better. We kept them in the fridge and they were awesome. Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: stroganoff; Review: My kids loved this one. It was so simple to make. I think my 12yo DS could put this together by himself. I usually have pre-browned hamburger and onions in the fridge to use whenever we need it, so all he would have to do is put it all in the pan, warm it up and cook the noodles. Oh, we added a can of mushroom pieces w/it's juice. Yum!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: kittencal s italian melt in your mouth meatballs; Review: We loved this recipe. We had to change a couple of things but basically it is the same. We used ground beef only. We used crushed saltine crackers instead of breadcrumbs. We omitted the parsley because we didn't have any. They turned out fabulous. We cooked some of the meatballs right in our pasta sauce and they were perfect!! The rest of the meatballs were cooked in the oven and when they came out instead of cooling and getting frozen, they were gobbled up like cookies!! My kids and I loved them. Too bad DH was not home to have some of our freshly baked 'meatball cookies' LOL! Thanks, this is a keeper. We used a very small cookie scoop to make the balls uniform.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: grape dogs; Review: This was one of those, I really want to try it recipes. So skeptical about it's simplicity, I put it together in my crockpot. DH, DS, DD and myself loved it! I know that simple rules!! My DD who doesn't like Grape Jelly loved it. We had some left over sauce that I saved and then cooked meatballs in it. That too was wonderful. Then with the final 1/2 cup of sauce we heated it up and used it for Chicken Nugget dipping sauce. Thanks for a wonderful recipe.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: linda s kitty litter cake; Review: This turned out so fun. We used Tootsie Rolls, soft toffee rolls in lighter brown colors, Mary Jane and Bit-O-Honey candies for a variety of nice poop. All of my candies were fresh enough to mold by hand and not use the microwave. We had this for a small Family Party and did not finish it all. So I put the rest in the fridge. When your cake is cold- Watch out for the really cold hard poop! I did not think of them hardening up when cold, but the warmth of your mouth will soften them up in no time. I was unable to find a Carmel flavored Cake Mix, so I just mixed in some Carmel Ice Cream Topping into the Butter Flavor cake mix we used before baking and it turned out very tasty. I used the whole box of pudding and after sitting in the fridge, I would have liked a bit more pudding as it was very much absorbed into the cake. It is delicious, easy to make and so fun to introduce to the table. Such an unexpected cake. The only thing I would change in the future is to add a bit of color like JuJuBeJen did. Thanks for this version, we like the chocolate and carmel flavors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: lisa s swirled chocolate chip cookies; Review: People wonder why we keep adding to the comments when a recipe is tried. Part of it is for our own use of course. The other part is when a recipe works for us it is worth thanking the giver/sharer. *Thanks for a great recipe.* My family of 4 loved them. We added red and green chips along with milk and dark chocolate chips for a festive look. They taste wonderful. I baked half at the recipes 10 minutes as I like them soft and chewy. I baked the other half for 2-3 mins longer for a more crispy cookie which my son said were better. He normally likes soft and chewy. Go figure! The best part (or worst part) is that I like both versions and this recipe will not be in the 'waste' pile, but will be added to my 'waist' line!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: very moist banana nut bread; Review: We all liked this!! Yum-Yum !! I made this using Milk w/vinegar to sour and forgot the nuts- oops. I did put them in Renyolds star shaped alum muffin cups. I filled 24 star cups and 5 custard cups lined with non-stick foil. They took about 15 to 20 minutes to cook and I think they were a bit overdone, but nowhere near burned. Everyone loved them. We have given most of them to the neighbors for New Year Treats. We usually do treats for New Years instead of Christmas. Anyway- thanks so much for such a great tasting recipe.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: brattens famous clam chowder; Review: This is just like I remember going to Brattens years ago. This is a wonderful find for myself and my family. Thanks. Even my sweet 10yr old liked it and she doesn't normally like fish dishes. The rest of us loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: rich fudge ribbon bundt cake; Review: This made a very moist delicious cake for my Dear Hubby's Birthday. I topped it with a cooked fudge frosting. The worst part of this was that it took my family of four only two days to devour this cake!!! We all thought it was delicious. Thanks for such an easy great tasting cake. We will make this again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | food |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Lettin It All Hang Out; Author: RuPaul RuPaul; Review: This is a good book, I like autobiographies, especially when the whole truth is told.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The PEOPLE Celebrity Puzzler Superbook; Author: The Editors of PEOPLE; Review: Loved doing the puzzles in the original peoples magazine so was ecstatic when they started printing these books. Great time waster & quite entertaining!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The People Puzzler Book: Jumbo Edition; Author: The Editors of PEOPLE; Review: Loved doing the puzzles in the original peoples magazine so was ecstatic when they started printing these books. Great time waster & quite entertaining!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Big Boy Potty Lap Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Joanna Cole Page; Review: My little guy loved this book & it served its purpose. It help make training easy. Pics were good also!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Toilet Training; Author: American Academy Of Pediatrics; Review: This book was quite boring to read. It did not serve it's purpose because I couldn't get through the first few pgs.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Dell Inspiron i15N-2728BK 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black) [Discontinued By Manufacturer]; Brand: Dell; Review: UPDATE--- It is now September of 2013, This computer is junk. In March of 2013, the FIRST hard drive crashed and since it was under warranty, I had Dell replace it. Now it is September and the new hard drive crashed. Dell won't fix it because it has been SIX MONTHS since they put the new hard drive in. Now what is wrong here? I use this for papers and notes in class. They wanted 200 bucks to fix it. A, no, I don't think so. So this computer has become a shooting target and I had to buy a new computer, So I went with HP instead. I am done with Dell. They use to be great quality but boy have they slipped. So I had not even owned it for a year and it fried 2 hard drives. DO NOT BUY DELL. I have had this computer now since November 29, 2012. It is now February 20, 2013. The computer is still running strong and I have yet to have any issues with it. I am very impressed and would recommend the refurbished computer to anyone looking to get a laptop at a good price. 5 stars all around.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bobber - Floating Hand Grip for GoPro HERO Cameras; Brand: GOPOLE; Review: This has saved my gopro several times. It floats anu gopro with any bacpac on it. And it makes a great handle for recording anywhere. 10 out of 5 stars.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 5.25 Car Sound Speaker (Pair); Brand: Pyle; Review: I blew out my 14 year old stock speakers in my Silverado and wanted to just get a cheap set to replace them. I am very impressed with the quality of the sound. You can't even tell that they are aftermarket.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HP - ENVY Touch-Screen Ultrabook 14" Laptop - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive - Midnight Black; Brand: HP; Review: First off, people need to stop complaining about Windows 8. Windows 8 is a great operating system. I love it more than windows 7. Yes the start menu is gone, but they replaced it with more of a Tablet style menu. And since this is a touch screen laptop, Windows 8 is extremely easy to use. I was nervous about it at first about it due to people saying that it was a bad system, but that is false. Windows 8 is meant to be used with a touch screen. So if you don't want or have a touch screen, don't get windows 8, stick with 7. Now for the computer, It is very fast. The lighted keyboard is sweat and yes, this computer does have REAL Beats Audio. The sound is amazing. The touch screen is so nice to have for just about anything. I rarely have to use the mouse pad because I can do everything just by touching the screen. The screen resolution is also very crisp and clear. One thing that you will need is a screen protector. The computer is by far the fastest one I have used yet. So overall, I am very impressed with it. I will never go back to Dell after this.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iPearl 16-inch Soft Neoprene Sleeve Case for MacBook & UltraBook laptop (built-in external pocket) (BLACK); Brand: iPearl; Review: I have a HP Envy Touch 14inch screen and it fits like a glove. Very good product and would recommend it again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LifeProof Fre Waterproof Case for iPod touch 5G/6G (Black/Clear); Brand: LifeProof; Review: This is a great case for the iPod touch. LifeProof did a very good job on it quality wise. The case feels great in my hand and it looks amazing. All camera functions are excellent with no interference and all buttons work the way they should (with the exception of the power button. It is very sensitive to touch, but I can turn it on or off.) However, I just cannot get over the fact that this case is sealed by a sticker. And once that sticker is sealed, You cannot remove the iPod without breaking the seal and rendering the screen protector part of the case useless. One thing I hope that LifeProof will do is make a case for the iPod like their iPhone cases. I would have given this 5 stars, but I feel like the case is just missing the protection for the screen. (And its sealed by a permanent sticker!) For the price I paid, ($50.00) I expect nothing less than the LifeProof quality that we are all use to. SO would I recommend this to a friend? Yes, I would. Its a great case made by a great company. I would just tell them to be aware that the iPod gets sealed in permanently once you put the screen protector on the case. Simple Breakdown Pros -"Life" Proof -Slim Look -Feels great -Camera ports are crystal clear -Feels like it could take a good fall and protect the iPod -Charging/Ear Bud ports are easily accessible -Speaker sound is much better that original LifeProof Cases -Clear back to see iPod Color Cons -Uses a STICKER for seal -On/Off button VERY sensitive -Cannot remove iPod from case once the screen protector is installed -Could use a little more of a lip around the screen to protect it -Did I mention it uses a permanent sticker for the seal?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Smatree® power Rapid Dual USB Battery Charger w/USB Cable for GoPro® HD HERO3, HERO3+ camera and GoPro® AHDBT-201,; Brand: Smatree; Review: It does what it needs to do and charges the gopro batteries nice and fast. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to charge multiple batteries.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Verbatim DVD+R DL 8.5GB 8X Surface - 5pk Jewel Case Box; Brand: Verbatim; Review: Does not work very well for burning Gopro footage. Would not buy again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: SanDisk Extreme 32GB UHS-I/U3 Micro SDHC Memory Card Up To 60MB/s Read With Adapte-SDSDQXN-032G-G46A [Older Version]; Brand: SanDisk; Review: This card is great for my gopro. Had a Sandisk Ultra for my Gopro Hero 3 Silver but that was not enough for my new Hero 3+ Black. This card is much faster and records better video.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SANDMARC Pole - Metal Edition: 15-50" Waterproof Extension Stick (Pole) for GoPro Hero 7, Hero 6, Hero 5, Fusion,; Brand: SANDMARC; Review: This pole is super high quality. It is a little heavy but worth it to not have plastic parts on it. I will absolute recommend this to anyone looking for a pole. 100 times better than any other pole on the market.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JBL GTO19T Premium 0.75-Inch Component Tweeter - Set of 2; Brand: JBL; Review: Awesome sound and easy to install. Fit perfect in my 99 3 door Silverado. Been 6 months and still going strong.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RAM Mount ATV/UTV Strap Clamp Roll Bar Mount; Brand: RAM MOUNTS; Review: Bought this for getting diffrent angles while riding a snowmobile. For the most part it works but when the trails got bumpy, the hose clamp would loosen. I fixed that with lock tight however. 4 stars due to that.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Samsung LN40A550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (2008 Model); Brand: Samsung; Review: Samsung LN40A550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV I selected the model which is not the most recent because of numerous reviews about the matte non-reflective qualities of the screen compared with the newer A650. I also was impressed with the reviews on this and other sites. I am not at all disappointed. Even with large amounts of light coming through the very-nearby windows, the picture is clearly viewable without reflections. I am very happy with this. In general for my needs (satellite HD signal) this set is terrific. It provides a great picture with HD source, and very good with SD source, as well. The previously noted limitations of the inputs are not, for me significant, but depending on your set-up, I would consider checking out detailed descriptions or images of the inputs. In this regard, also, there is a somewhat limited ability to change the names of inputs as they appear on the on-screen menu. I cannot comment on the sound, as I run the sound through a BOSE 3-2-1 unit. The set is also extremely attractive in design. Over all, I have no complaints with this set. On the contrary, I am extremely happy with it. I would absolutely recommend it. I also want to compliment Amazon's delivery service. Considering that their price was among the lowest, it included "white-gove" service, which is to say, carrying the unit up to its installation location, unpacking and setting up, and removing packing materials. And, as the first set arrived with cosmetic damage, Amazon rapidly replaced it with a new one, which arrived equally rapidly, and was installed equally efficiently and pleasantly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LG Electronics LAP340 Wireless Soundplate Surround Sound Speaker System (2013 Model); Brand: LG; Review: Bought the LAP345c, which I assume is almost identical based on descriptions, an impulse buy at Costco because we needed to replace a 10 year old Bose 321 system which recently died. Returned it. Used an optical out cable from my tv. Not much bass, not much separation. Better than TV sound, and voices were clear, but otherwise unsatisfying. If you have zero space for additional speakers or a subwoofer, then this might be a decent choice, but I would not recommend it strongly.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kenwood DDX470 Double Din [Electronics]; Brand: Kenwood; Review: I'll try to keep to the basics, as this particular unit is no longer a current model. I bought this to replace the factory unit in a 2004 VW Passat, after struggling with an add-on aftermarket ipod converter that was only okay. I did not go for the steering wheel control or the special iPod cable - that would have added far too much to the price. Over all this unit does what I want and need: bluetooth music or podcasts (or Google GPS directions) from my iPhone, hands-free calls, cabled connection to my iPod or iPhone. Not interested in the DVD, but wanted to fill the space of the factory unit. The good: looks good, good sound, customizable sound and appearance; USB input works well, bluetooth works well most of the time (see below). Over all more than satisfactory for those functions. The bad: switching from one bluetooth source to another is quirky, almost impossible. It requires going into the system and then bluetooth setup - multiple inconvenient menus bury this deep in the system - and playing with it repeatedly, and even then sometimes it refuses to recognize a new bluetooth source, or makes it difficult to isolate the phone and music functions. This is very disappointing. The menus over all are clunky. Even though it is possible to customize the sources on the home screen, once in your music scrolling or seeking is almost impossible with a large number of albums or artists, as I have on my iPod. It is nearly impossible to scroll down without accidentally accesing an album or artist you're not looking for. This is very disappointing, and actually I often just wait till I am parked because it is so unwieldy that it could be dangerous while driving. The lag in time to recognize tracks is a minor annoyance, but the lag in resuming music after each spoken set of Google Maps directions is a major annoyance. In short, considering the cost of the unit, it is okay, given that it falls on the low end of the spectrum for its features, but I would hestitate to recommend this unit, and in the future I would think twice before buying another Kenwood unless I have some evidence that they've addressed some of these negatives.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sony STRDH130 2 Channel Stereo Receiver (Black); Brand: Sony; Review: Excellent for Its design and intended function. I don't need too much power nor do I need surround. For basic stereo with tuner, this unit is excellent.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 4 x 2 HDMI Matrix Switch [Ultra HD 4K x 2K], FosPower 4 in 2 Out Switcher/Splitter with Optical; Brand: FosPower; Review: Replaced an older HDMI switch that died. This unit is sleeker, and in fact functions better. I have 4 HDMI inputs and one output, but needed a separate audio out for my external speaker system. The old unit often failed to switch the audio and needed to be reset often. Initially I had a problem with the signal, but at the suggestion of FosPower (they were very responsive to my requests for help) bought a new high def HDMI cable for the connections from cable box to switch and switch to TV. My tv is several years old, 1080p but not 4K or 3D or anything like that. Works beautifully.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sony Xperia Z1 Screen Protector + Full Body, Skinomi TechSkin Full Coverage Skin; Brand: Skinomi; Review: excelente; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact Screen Protector + Full Body, Skinomi TechSkin Full Coverage Skin; Brand: Skinomi; Review: perfecto; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Terrapin Hybrid Rubberized Back Cover Hard Case for Sony Xperia Z1 Compact (Solid Black); Brand: ; Review: perfecto; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Z1 Compact Case, Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit TPU Case Compatible for Sony Xperia Z1 Compact (Z1F) - Smoke; Brand: CruzerLite; Review: excelente; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shocksock Reflective Sports Armband for Sony Xperia Z1 Compact - Black; Brand: SHOCKSOCK; Review: perfecto; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000 for Business; Brand: Microsoft; Review: We have a couple of computers running Linux Mint 13 and the MS LifeCam VX-2000 works well with these installation. Linux Mint 13 has built in kernel support for this USB webcam, making it plug & play. We're happy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: niceeshop(TM) 1GB Thumb Stick Swivel Design USB2.0 Flash Memory Drive ,Red; Brand: niceeshop; Review: I bought 2 thumb drives. One works. One doesn't. They didn't cost enough to pursue it though. I'll purchase a higher quality product next time.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Keys-U-See Large Print USB Computer Keyboard; Brand: Keys-U-See; Review: Purchased this keyboard a long time ago. I have destroyed the myth that these keyboards have key failure within several months of purchase. Mine has been used quite heavily since I have had it and I have never had any key problems. This keyboard is a great solution for someone with vision difficulties. As with any keyboard, keep it clean, clear of foods and liquids and you should not experience key problems.; 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: Does a good job of hooking my computer to my Vizio HDTV. I have absolutely no complaint with the consistent quality video it transfers from the computer to the TV screen.; 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: Does a good job of hooking my computer to my Vizio HDTV. I have absolutely no complaint with the consistent quality video it transfers from the computer to the TV screen.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Logitech MK520 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo — Keyboard and Mouse, Long Battery Life, Secure 2.4GHz Connectivity; Brand: Logitech; Review: I like this wireless keyboard/mouse combo. It plays well with Linux Mint operating systems. This is my 2nd purchase of this set. I've used the other one extensively on my main computer box for a couple of years now. This new one is being used with a Linux Mint 13 computer that's utilizing our living room HDTV as a monitor. Keyboard and mouse action excellent. This item was shipped in excellent packaging and arrived right on time. Super!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Generic 250GB 250 GB 3.5 Inch IDE/PATA Desktop Internal Hard Drive - 1 Year Warranty; Brand: Generic; Review: A good hard drive that I have fully encrypted and have installed Linux Mint Debian Edition 2 'Betsy' on. I haven't had the drive very long but I gave it a good test prior to usage and it passed without difficulties. I have confidence this drive will be providing me the dependability I am counting on. I am confident it will do me well as an encrypted hard drive.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HDE 16 dBi 2.4GHz WIFI Antenna; Brand: HDE; Review: This antenna is long and therefore it has substantial weight. The antenna will not stay upright without some sort of added support. The swivel connection is too loose to support the antenna weight and there is no way to increase swivel tension.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: uxcell® 5 Pcs Beige RJ45 8P8C Female to Female Ethernet Connector Couplers; Brand: uxcell; Review: No problem with these and they work as expected.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Logitech S120 2.0 Stereo Speakers; Brand: Logitech; Review: We simply needed a speaker set with volume controls to help increase headphone volume. These speakers work well for that.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Love Again; Author: Visit Amazon's Sharla Hintz Page; Review: This book is so real and just honestly raw. I love the transparency of Sharla opening up and showing that with God you truly can make it through really rough and tough trials of the world. Once I started I could not put down. At times in my own marriage I have felt how she expressed herself. Truly an inspirational book, I highly recommend the read! You may laugh, cry, feel sad, angry, or just plain joyful! She walks you through it and shows the light at the end of the tunnel!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Harmless Little Game (Harmless #1) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Meli Raine Page; Review: This book is great for anyone who likes semi suspenseful and romance books. It was a great read and I could not put it down wound up reading book 1 & 2 the same day and finished book 3 the next. Wish there for more from this story line. Loved Lindsay and Drew!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Catching Caden; Author: Visit Amazon's Samantha Christy Page; Review: I swear I had a cheek hurting smile throughout this book. What a love story. One I couldn't put down! Excited to see what happens with the other players.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Blue; Author: Visit Amazon's L.J. Shen Page; Review: Stumbled across midnight blue and didn't put it down until I finished. Definitely was worth the all nighter. I love reading about the rock star romances and have read several, but I loved how the story lined played out and kept me intrigued. Bonus I love the little prince which made me heart midnight blue even more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Dare You; Author: Visit Amazon's Ilsa Madden-Mills Page; Review: This book was just as good if not even better than Fake Fianc. I could not put it down. Only downfall I have with the book is the end seemed to be rushed and I wanted more meat to the ending. Overall a quick and good read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sparrow - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's L.J. Shen Page; Review: I enjoy L.J Shen as an author and have read several of her other books. But wow! I really enjoyed Sparrow a lot. Definitely up there as one of my favorite books she has wrote. If you like enemies to lovers type books this book is one to read. I didn't put the book down until I had finished reading it. Sparrow & Troy have a love that is a push and pull. Definitely kept you on edge as to what was going to wind up happening in the end. Love how L.J wrapped it all together.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Exit Wounds (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Identity (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: X2: X-Men United (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Species II (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bringing Down the House (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snow Dogs (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Final Destination 2 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bicentennial Man (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Waterboy (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Boys II (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phone Booth (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: S.W.A.T. (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The In-Laws (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 28 Days Later (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Company (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cries and Whispers (1972); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clockstoppers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Airplane II: The Sequel (1982); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Predator 2 (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Poseidon Adventure (1972); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 451 (1966); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Evolution (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Daredevil (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Death Becomes Her (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Fears (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Reloaded (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Signs (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Judge Dredd (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Time Machine (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Starfighter (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy Returns (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Space (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Edward Scissorhands (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Space Cowboys (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Langoliers (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Beastmaster (1982); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Predator: Collector's Edition (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Showtime (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: RoboCop (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fire Birds (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silent Running (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Airport (1970); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Towering Inferno (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Windtalkers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fantastic Voyage / Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1966); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Outbreak (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 20 (1954); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Escape from L.A. (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Contact (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dreamcatcher (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Battlefield Earth (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blade 2 (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Abyss (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Andromeda Strain (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Trouble in Little China (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Specimen (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Core (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hollywood Homicide (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Total Recall (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starship Troopers (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tomb Raider (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Planet (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Running Man (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Demolition Man (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Sunday (1977); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: RoboCop: Dark Justice (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Revisited (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Highlander 2: Renegade Version (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Security (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Boat Trip (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jaws (1975); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Vacation (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aliens: Collector's Edition (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop III (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Collateral Damage (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking (1989); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Don't Say a Word (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Ship (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hard to Kill (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Patriot Games (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Mars (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twins (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue's Big Musical Movie: Blue's Clues (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Terminator (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hunt for Red October (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beethoven (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: High Crimes (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop II (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Romancing the Stone (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Another Day (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blade (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eraser (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Extreme Edition (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swordfish (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 48 Hrs. (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Behind Enemy Lines (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Specialist (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: True Lies (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tango & Cash (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clear and Present Danger (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: GoldenEye (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kingpin (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Old School (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Secondhand Lions (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: U.S. Marshals (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crimson Tide (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Head of State (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Passenger 57 (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spy Game (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Entrapment (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Conspiracy Theory (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Man on Fire (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Silence of the Lambs (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Surviving Christmas (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seven (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Happy Gilmore (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chronicles of Riddick (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Bride (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shining (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The General's Daughter (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batman (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Recruit (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elf (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: End of Days (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Steel Magnolias (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Wild West (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dude (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cheaper by the Dozen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Butterfly Effect: Director's Cut (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Broken Arrow (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: White Chicks (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hidalgo (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Garfield: The Movie (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Own (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grumpy Old Men (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Friends: Season 2 (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Alamo (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: K-9 (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Liar Liar (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Boys (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: On Golden Pond (1981); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Planes (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Around the World in 80 Days (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: History of the World: Part 1 (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wrongfully Accused (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park III (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Passion of the Christ (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bowling for Columbine (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Porky's (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Proof of Life (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Overboard (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bodyguard (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Jury (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vertical Limit (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spaceballs (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky (1976); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gremlins (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Black Hawk Down (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Dolittle (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flubber (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Net (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Good (1966); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deliverance (1972); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: True Grit (1969); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Airplane! (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sound of Music (1965); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coming to America (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Copycat (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Payback (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Carrie (1976); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Red Heat (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue Streak (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Basic Instinct (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Jackal (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raising Arizona (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Analyze That (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pet Sematary (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beetlejuice (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dead Man Walking (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blade Runner (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Amigos (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walking Tall (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ransom (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Easy Rider (1969); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: West Side Story (1961); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Harry (1972); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Days of Thunder (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Out of Time (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Negotiator (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Me (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tootsie (1982); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hulk (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Van Helsing (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Manchurian Candidate (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Terminal (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Samurai (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Without a Paddle (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Cinderella Story (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unbreakable (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alien vs. Predator (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Risky Business (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Underworld (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starsky & Hutch (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Daddy Day Care (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coyote Ugly (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taking Lives (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie 2 (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie 3 (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Domestic Disturbance (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Urban Cowboy (1980); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phenomenon (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Elektra (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Aviator (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Beach Club Resort Spa; City: Gulf Shores Alabama; Review: We just returned from our first trip to Gulf Shores and The Beach Club. What a great way to spend a week. Being located right on the beach with very little tourist merchants makes it easy to relax. It is true that the condo owner needs to be a member in order to access the clubhouse so definately make this point clear before renting. We are already starting to plan for next year!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Fort Wayne East New Haven; City: New Haven Indiana; Review: Stayed here recently with 13 familes of 11 year old girls for the Ft Wayne soccer tournament. Upon arrival, the hotel employee very promptly had us our room keys and that was the good experience. The girls wanted to play in the pool and the parents wanted to socialize. Rule #1, no food or drink in pool area. We're grown adults for cryin' out loud. Rule #2, no jumping in the pool. Tell that to 15 kids. Rule #3, no drinks in the lobby. Rule #4 tell your children not to run and to please be quiet. Obviously, not a person who understands catering to the service industry. Back to the amenities, beds are hard and internet connection very poor. Our room had a huge flood light right outside the window so the room could not get dark. Pool had way too much chlorine in it. Bathrooms are in good shape and breakfast was of standard HIX quality / selection. Overall, hotel is okay but service ruined the experience. I do not plan to return to this property.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hyatt Regency Pune; City: Pune Pune District Maharashtra; Review: The hotel was nice, rooms were clean however a little smaller than expected, security was evident and restaurant was very good. The check-in experience however was a poorly planned attempt at customer service. Hotel is close to airport and hotel provides pickup. Upon arrival you are greeted and taken directly to your room. I guess the thought is to expedite the process however that was not my case. The room they took me to on the 8th was not available, so down to the lobby we go just so we can go back up to the 6th floor. Then it was time for the paperwork. Representative ask for my passport so he can make copy and then fails to take with him so I need to bring down to lobby. And lastly, I requested a King size bed and that request was not attended although reservation existed for over one month. Simlar situation for business companion who has frequented hotel many times. It's a nice hotel, they've just got to improve the process.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport; City: New Delhi National Capital Territory of Delhi; Review: The hotel is close to the airport, about 10 minutes away and hotel provides pickup. Rooms are large, with 40" LCD TV. Bathroom has plenty of space and includes tub and shower. Shower has wand and overhead rain fall fixture. An attendant is always on the floor and responds to needs / requests. Restaurant in hotel has okay offering of food for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is included in daily rate. Roads to get to the hotel are in significant need of repair.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites Prattville South; City: Prattville Alabama; Review: This is a newer HIE...so new most maps cant locate. Check in was fast. Room was clean. Breakfast had good offering. Nice location next to RTJ golf course. Many restaurants nearby and close to I65 for the travelers. Highly recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Detroit Pontiac Auburn Hills; City: Pontiac Michigan; Review: Overall not a bad hotel. Arrived on Friday night for a 2 day stay. Room was clean. Bathroom well light and sink in separate vanity outside shower / toilet area. Refrigerator and LCD tv in room. Only negative was in the main walkway of the room the carpet was bunching together. Hotel breakfast buffet was very good. Staff across the hotel was very friendly and helpful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel Towers; City: Hong Kong; Review: Stayed here on business trip for two nights. First night had view of Victoria Harbor and second was view of shopping district. Hotel has good breakfast buffet. Gym is small but sufficient. Nice rooftop pool but it was closed to the time. Only complaint would be that the front desk staff was very distracted and check in process was above average in length of time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Safi Royal Luxury Towers; City: Monterrey Northern Mexico; Review: Upon entering this hotel you are struck my the majesty of the marble floor and pillars. The high ceilings make the lobby impressive. The rooms include a reclining chair, work station, flat screen tv and clothes butler. Bathroom sink area is separate from shower / lavatory. Internet connectivity was average for hotel industry. There is a large restaurant and bar next to the lobby area. Service was good and food was served hot. Prices for everything are very reasonable. Across from the hotel is a shopping mall with coffee shop and additional restaurants. Definately will return to this location for future trips to Monterrey!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites Prattville South; City: Prattville Alabama; Review: Just off I65 is Holiday Inn Express located in Prattville. There is nothing I can say wrong about this hotel. Friendly greeting upon arrival, quick checking, clean rooms, fast wifi, and reasonable breakfast offering. Make reservations in advance because they are always busy. Los of nearby restaurants are easily accessible.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UNAHOTELS Varese; City: Varese Province of Varese Lombardy; Review: Located just outside city center of Varese is the Atahotel. Very efficient staff at desk for check-in and any additional matters that require assistance. Rooms are clean and we'll maintained. Nice feature is the open air balcony allowing for fresh air in the rooms. Fitness center has a couple treadmills and stationary bikes along with a limited selection of weight machines. There is a pool but it was not yet open during my visit. The breakfast is limited but sufficient. Prefer to be closer to city center as walk from hotel is slightly lengthy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn Hoffman Estates Schaumburg; City: Hoffman Estates Illinois; Review: Booked this hotel online ($60 per night on the weekend) from company website. The hotel is not elaborate but has similar feel to HIX but a little bit older. Rooms are okay. Standard configuration with double beds, night table, flat screen tv and work table. Room also had larger refrigerator and countertop microwave on top of refrigerator. Bathroom area is small, sink area is separate from toilet/shower. Hotel provides a breakfast offering, again not fancy but sufficient. Hotel is located next to gas station, dominos pizza, subway, dunkin doughnuts, and Starbucks.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Concord Inn Suites; City: Concord New Hampshire; Review: There's only two hotels in Concord so your limited. Booked this room based on recommendation from local business. Upon pulling up to this hotel we were very concerned. Hotel lobby is small and had a musty smell. Still concerned. Booked a king bed room. Upon entering room my concerns were lightened. Big room with separate sitting area. Work space and flat screen tv. Nice sitting bench at end of bed. Dresser and nightstands were solid wood. The bathroom area was small and did not have much counter space. Shower had good water pressure. Overall the room was very clean and well taken care of. Breakfast area was located on the 2nd floor in what appeared to be a former conference room. Not quite up to par with HI Express but provided essentials. Located next door to hotel is an Italian restaurant.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel Towers; City: Hong Kong; Review: This is a very nice hotel in both accommodations and service. It has all the amenities. Nice restaurants, a bar to look out at the Harbour, and exercise facilities. It is located near many shopping stores and restaurants.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Trident Gurgaon; City: Gurugram Gurgaon Gurgaon District Haryana; Review: This is an upscale hotel, mainly for business travelers. Facilities and grounds are well maintained (hotel is 11 years old). Fitness center has good selection of equipment. Normally I would prefer staying at the Oberoi but this hotel is a good second choice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The OCT Harbour Shenzhen Marriott Executive Apartments; City: Shenzhen Guangdong; Review: Definitely worthy of being called apartments. Very large rooms with kitchen and washing machine facility, big open area in room, quality bedding, and lavatory with both shower and tub. Located next to large area of restaurants and other shopping activities easy to walk around and navigate from hotel. Hotel has breakfast and exercise facilities which are of good quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Chicago Mt Prospect; City: Mount Prospect Illinois; Review: Stayed here recently for Palatine Soccer tournament. Checkin was friendly, informative, and fast. Parking garage is under the hotel with gate and automated door to completely secure the area. Hotel rooms are clean and well maintained. Breakfast was above average with good selection to choose from. Exercise room and pool are also available but didn't get a chance to use them. Only complaint was of the air conditioning in the room. The chiller unit is in the room so there is constant noise. Fine if you can block it out as white noise which was a mixed result for our family. This room was on the 4th floor.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Boston Bunker Hill Area; City: Somerville Massachusetts; Review: Upon arriving the hotel seems like it might be a little dated but after entering the building those concerns are out to rest. There is a plaque on the wall distinguishing an award received by the hotel for a recent renovation. The hotel feels modern and is appointed as such. The room was spacious with furniture that appeared to be new. Bed was comfortable and there is plenty of space to spread out your belongings. Great value and close to the city / airport. Only downside was the occasional road noise from the nearby streets.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western at Historic Concord; City: Concord Massachusetts; Review: There are not many hotels in Concord. The Best Western is not fancy yet it is comfortable. Upon checkin there were two attendants who quickly moved through the paperwork for all three travelers in our party. My room was on the second floor facing the rear parking lot. Upon entering the room there was a strong stale odor so quickly opened the patio door to air out the room. Actually left the door open all night as the parking lot was relatively quiet. Bed was comfortable and pillows provided good support. Not a lot of counter space in bathroom but shower pressure was good. Complimentary breakfast is served in large conference room with good variety and quality. Free wifi has strong signal.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Concord; City: Concord Massachusetts; Review: New hotel. It's well decorated and has upper end fixtures to give a nice touch. There's a lounge in the lobby. Rooms are large allowing for space to walk. Well stocked kitchenette. Breakfast is offered in common area. Everything is just refreshing. Definitely will be back.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Inn at Brookline; City: Brookline Massachusetts; Review: This is a poor hotel. Every part of it is old, dated, and sucks the life out of you. The rooms are poorly lit, the space is cramped, and the room was not sound proof from outside noise. The refrigerator was old, dented, and so loud that unplugging it was the solution. The lounge / bar was sparse (actually had other patrons say don't expect much). Breakfast is not included although the cost for one night was $350! Parking is difficult and the systems are not functional. The employees do not seem happy and it shows when they engage with the guests. This hotel needs to be removed from the Holiday Inn brand. Obviously, I would never return or recommend this property.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Concord; City: Concord Massachusetts; Review: Open for a little over a year and still looks like new. Quick check in, clean rooms, and courteous staff. Breakfast included with stay. Only negative was the hotel bar closed early in the night so we had to take our business elsewhere. Recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Boston Bunker Hill Area; City: Somerville Massachusetts; Review: This is a good Holiday Inn. Well decorated, and offers all the modern amenities. Rooms are clean, bathrooms and showers are well maintained. Beds are comfortable and plenty of pillows are provided. Only negative comment is the room lighting needs to be improved / brighter. There is an on-site bar. Location is close to downtown without the downtown prices. Free parking onsite.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wyndham Ocean Walk; City: Daytona Beach Florida; Review: First opinions are usually right and this place confirmed it. After arrival, entered building to check in. Traditional hotel desk was dark and empty. See people in line so go over there. Get to front of line and am told I have to go to another place. Go over there and get checked in. Am told that rooms are not available until 4pm but would get text when ready. 4:45pm rolls around, no text so I go back. Am told to get into another line to get room keys. A significant line. People are pissed, especially those who are told their room is not yet ready! Terrible process! On appearance the pool deck is quite large. 2 pools, lazy river, child splash area. What you don't know is that there are no where near enough chairs. To get a chair you actually have to get up early, stand in line, and then race to get a chair when they drop the chain. Plus, they have security making constant walks around the pool. If you leave your chair for too long they will take your towels. Ridiculous!! So much for relaxing on vacation!! They do provide towels but you can only exchange them on Monday and Thursday so if it's dirty from sweat and sunscreen that's your problem! Lastly, the keys. There are separate keys for getting into the property. Separate keys for getting into your room, and separate key for getting into the parking garage. Needs to be combined into one system. Not a Resort and not planning to be back.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sonesta ES Suites Auburn Hills; City: Auburn Hills Michigan; Review: Quick overnight trip. Booked a room due to proximity of appointment. Never heard of this chain. Lobby was small. But the rooms are a surprise. I had a 2 bedroom suite. Both beds were king size. Alomost never see that these days. Both rooms had separate bathrooms. Kitchenette and small seating area. Room was in generally good condition. Free breakfast was nothing lavish. Good price for value.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Marshall; City: Marshall Calhoun County Michigan; Review: Rented 4 rooms with high school sports team. Front desk was welcoming and friendly. Rooms were clean and appeared well maintained. Did not get a good nights sleep however. The air conditioning is external units that kept me awake. The bedding was a heavy comforter so could not get a good temperature to sleep. Breakfast was well supplied and maintained.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel; City: Foxborough Massachusetts; Review: Upper scale hotel next door to Gillette Stadium and part of Patriot Place. Service is very good and members recognize patrons as guests. Rooms are fairly nice. Bedding was comfortable. Air system was built in and quiet. Temperature seemed accurate. Hotel food was good. Only knock would be hotel bar closes early. Last call at 10:30pm.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Rockford; City: Rockford Illinois; Review: Arrived late. Host was very professional and accommodating to all questions offering any needed assistance. Room was good sized with king bed. Heating system was quiet allowing a good night sleep. Windows are not well insulated as the snow plow during the night sounded like a freight train coming down the tracks. Nice little bistro in the lobby for food and drinks, not complementary.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Cleveland Beachwood; City: Beachwood Ohio; Review: Good size rooms. Average amenities. Internet signal strong. Multiple pillows to choose from to find comfortable position. Small deli / coffee shop in lobby. Comfortable and close to some restaurants. there is an indoor pool but did not utilize.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Coromose® Womens Sexy Lingerie Net Lace Garter Belt Thigh Stocking Pantyhose; Brand: coromose; Review: Awesome x 10000.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alexander + David Womens Halter Flare Tank Top Jersey Loose Blouse Shirt; Brand: Alexander + David; Review: I love this shirt, it is so adorable and fits me wonderfully. It is very soft and well made, and has an abalone shell button on the neck line. Absolutely would recommend to the ladies.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coromose® Womens Sexy Lingerie Net Lace Top Garter Belt Thigh Stocking Pantyhose; Brand: coromose; Review: Awesome product, so cute. I have two pairs, they function like regular stalkings. I am a webcam model and my customers adore these on me! Would recommend 100 times over.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Minnetonka Women's Baja Moccasin; Brand: Minnetonka; Review: These moccasins are adorable and super comfortable once you have broken them in. I want the red pair, too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 5 pcs Belly Button Rings with Crystal Body Piercing Jewelry 14G Vcmart; Brand: vcmart; Review: The paint chipped and made my belly button so itchy, I can't wear them at all! Do not buy!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rene Rofe Women's Reform Schoolgirl Mini Skirt; Brand: Rene Rofe; Review: Item arrived, but not as advertised.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Minnetonka Women's Chrissy Bootie Slipper; Brand: Minnetonka; Review: Boots are beautiful. I originally ordered a size 8 because some Minnetonkas are reported to run large (I normally wear a size 9). The 8 fit nicely without socks on, but when I wore them with socks they were too tight. I returned them and ordered a size 9, and they fit perfectly with socks on and off.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Wildwood Wisdom; Author: Visit Amazon's Ellsworth Jaeger Page; Review: I ordered two copies.... one for my husband and son, they both enjoy learning useful information that they may or may not use. They had never heard of this book... it's a big hit! We had fun looking through all the topics! It's the kind of book that you can read a little here and there... entertaining, useful and helpful information. The books arrived quickly and new as promised.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wishcraft : How to Get What You Really Want; Author: Visit Amazon's Barbara Sher Page; Review: Wow! I'm still reading this book slowly and mindfully taking it all in. Much of what she writes is RIGHT ON TARGET! Its a new way of thinking for me... its enlightening... it changes my view of the past and present! Since I haven't finished the book its impossible to say that I will "get what I really want"... but half way through I can say I'm very happy with what i have! I will use the information in this book to be more supportive of my love ones too! Great read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ani's Raw Food Asia: Easy East-West Fusion Recipes the Raw Food Way; Author: Visit Amazon's Ani Phyo Page; Review: This book arrived quickly and new as promised! Its filled with pictures and fabulous recipes! I'm not even on a Raw Food Diet... Just working towards a healthier lifestyle. The flavor pairing of her recipes are very delicate and exotic without being loaded with fat and sauces.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Humble Homes, Simple Shacks, Cozy Cottages, Ramshackle Retreats, Funky; Author: Derek Dr Diedricksen; Review: This is a gift for my carpenter son and I looked through it before I wrapped it. It looks like a very interesting book on building whatever... however you want to build! I like to look for unusual items as presents to maybe get a persons creative juices flowing! Who knows maybe one of the Funky Forts will be a project my son will create with my future grandchildren someday. I'm happy with the purchase and hope he likes it too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tiny Buddha, Simple Wisdom for Life's Hard Questions; Author: Visit Amazon's Lori Deschene Page; Review: I got this book on my kindle and loved it! She is a really good writer! This book would make a lovely gift to anyone! It was an enjoyable read and I felt uplifted when I finished it. I expect to see more books by this author in the future!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reiki for Dogs: Using Spiritual Energy to Heal and Vitalize Man's Best Friend; Author: Visit Amazon's Kathleen Prasad Page; Review: I am a Level III Reiki Master and absolutely love this book! She covered all the bases with helpful information and tips! Sometimes when life is so busy we don't always have time to get together with other humans to share Reiki one on one in person... my little Chi who is always at my side (even now while I type this review) is always ready for a Reiki Treatment! Getting this book has given both of us a Reiki Booster! I was gonna order it a few times and change my mind... don't hesitate to order a copy! Absolutely wonderful book to use as a guide for you and whatever furried, winged or scaled friends you encounter!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Total Gun Manual (Field & Stream): 335 Essential Shooting Skills; Author: Visit Amazon's Phil Bourjaily Page; Review: I bought this book as a present and I'm sure he will like it because it was requested. The book is very nicely bound and arrived quickly and in perfect condition! I'm happy with the transaction!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal: A Five-Year Record; Author: Visit Amazon's Gretchen Rubin Page; Review: I've never kept up with a diary or journal.... This little journal is just perfect for me. I have wrote an entry every single day since it arrived! The limited daily writing space keeps me from going on and on with boring gossip type entries that have in the past always stopped me from keeping a journal! Haha! You only have space for short and hopefully "sweet" daily entries! Would have never thought of this style of journaling on my own and so far it works for me! I'm very happy with the journal though it is small... the smallness of it keeps it simple... and not dreadery to write am or pm daily entries.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drinking and Tweeting: And Other Brandi Blunders; Author: Visit Amazon's Brandi Glanville Page; Review: This little book was an entertaining and guilty pleasure read for me! I can't imagine going through a very public divorce with all the google and internet crap these days. Yikes! That had to suck beyond words! Even with all that... Brandi told her story with humor and honesty. She survived and is doing better than ever!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Declutter Extreme! How to Satisfactorily Declutter Your House or Room in Record Time - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Mabel Roark Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book. I'm guilty of organizing clutter and have made tons of progress over the last year clearing items I no longer need or use or want. It's spring so I needed a little boost to get started spring cleaning. The instruction of 15 mins sounds perfect and I'm excited to get started. If you need a little help with clutter this is a great help. You can't clean clutter:) The process outlined in this book will ready my house for spring cleaning. I'm on it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Little Dogs' Activity Book: Fun and Frolic for a Fit Four-legged Friend; Author: Visit Amazon's Deborah Wood Page; Review: This book is full of information and ideas! Lots of pictures and easy to follow advice to get the littlest member of the family up and out in the world! I take my chihuahua with me anytime I can and this book inspired me to do even more activities with her. Thank you!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Job!; Author: Visit Amazon's Rick Gillis Page; Review: Luv it! But keep track of your resumes to be sure to have the correct version for the interview! Very helpful and after using the method suggested I did strat to get calls from potential employers! Whew! Finally broke my dry spell of sending resumes into outspace!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins, Volume 2: Half Dimes Throug Gold,; Author: Bill Fivaz; Review: I'm new to collecting coins and got this book to familiarize myself with spotting coins that may be of interest. It's a nice book and I have spent many hours reading it. I'm very happy with the information I've learned so far.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Red String Book; Author: Visit Amazon's Yehuda Berg Page; Review: This book arrived with a brand new Red String contained it a tiny pocket in the back. I was shocked cause the copy I ordered was used. That was a nice surprise. The book itself actually is tiny in size but I have no problem reading it the text is normal size print. I like reading the book a little here and there to work on improving myself. I ordered another copy for my son's house for them to ponder.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Before the Change: Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause; Author: Visit Amazon's Ann Louise Gittleman Page; Review: Great easy to read filled with good advice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: #Girlboss; Author: Visit Amazon's Sophia Amoruso Page; Review: I really enjoyed her story. I'm older (51) & pass the books I read to my son's gf. I got this book with her in mind not expecting much interest for myself... but it was a really great read. Recommended for anyone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Small Time Operator; Author: Bernard B., C.P.A. Kamoroff; Review: So happy I ordered this book. Filled with great advice and I will refer back to it as needed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Barcode Booty: How I found and sold $2 million of 'junk' on eBay and Amazon, And you can,; Author: Visit Amazon's Steve Weber Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book. Great advice and filled with tip8.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Balloon Animals; Author: Aaron Flanders; Review: This book is somewhat useful for an absolute beginner.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Finding Me; Author: Michelle Night; Review: Best book I've read in years. This woman is absolutely beyond amazing! I pray her future is filled with peace, love and happiness... May she want for nothing all the rest of her life. PS: I read this book in ONE DAY... first time in my life. The mail man handed me the book... I opened it to skim the contents and could not stop reading!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arbitrage: The authoritative guide on how it works, why it works, and how it can work for you; Author: Chris Green; Review: Wow! This book is filled with tips and information about Arbitrage! I'd love to see Chris Green speak in person! Helpful and motivational writer!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Adventures in Arbitrage: One Man's Journey Through The Jungle of eBay to Prosperity on the Amazon River; Author: Mr. John M Groleau; Review: I really enjoyed this book. I would love to have his bravery to try different things. This book is worth reading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Paleo Primer: A Jump-Start Guide to Losing Body Fat and Living Primally; Author: Visit Amazon's Keris Marsden Page; Review: Love this book! Lots of pictures of the recipes. Everything we've made so far is delicious!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Thich Nhat Hanh Page; Review: This is very thoughtful, deep writing. It seems something new pops out when I reread sections. I'm putting to practice the instruction just a little at a time without effort. Great help for being present during meals... I don't feel like I'm a prison convict sitting with my tray of food lately... gobbling. I'm actually focusing on my meal choices, preperation and eating like I never have. It feels good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Out on a Limb; Author: Visit Amazon's Shirley MacLaine Page; Review: Worth the time to read. Very interesting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF; Author: Visit Amazon's April Winchell Page; Review: This is a funny book... pretty silly. People are crazy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques (Natural Building Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Kaki Hunter Page; Review: Great book! Filled with instruction and ideas. These structures are definitely more labor intensive than they look.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Etsy Empire: Proven Tactics for Your Etsy Business Success, Including Etsy SEO, Etsy Shop; Author: Visit Amazon's Eric Michael Page; Review: Filled with information and very helpful. I'm undecided about selling on Etsy but this book has been interesting. I feel this single book does provide you with the instruction needed to be a successful Etsy seller. There is definitely more involved in selling than meets the eye and the success the popular sellers enjoy is hard earned. Good book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment; Author: Visit Amazon's Thich Nhat Hanh Page; Review: Wow... I'm really enjoying this book. I read a portion everyday and sometimes reread portions to focus on. Very thoughtful and interesting. Definitely changes my view and thoughts on all aspects of my daily life. I'm a opininated big mouth sometimes... this has helped me "shut the he'll up" in a sweet thoughtful way BEFORE I spew out something that doesn't contribute. Also seeing the miracle in food especially fruit is moving. I like this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ScanPower Monthly Magazine - May 2014: News and Information about Amazon and FBA from the Creators of ScanPower (Volume; Author: Chris Green; Review: Filled with helpful information and useful if you are interested in this topic (retail arbitrage).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease; Author: Michael Greger M.D.; Review: This book is the best info on a plant based way of life I've come across... highly recommended and please check Dr Greger on youtube... he is brilliant at explaining everything!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: UGG Men's Ascot Slipper; Brand: ; Review: Uggs do fit snugly at first but stretch perfectly as worn a few times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UGG Men's Ascot Slipper; Brand: ; Review: Uggs do fit snugly at first but stretch perfectly as worn a few times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UGG Men's Ascot Slipper; Brand: ; Review: Uggs do fit snugly at first but stretch perfectly as worn a few times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UGG Men's Ascot Slipper; Brand: ; Review: Uggs do fit snugly at first but stretch perfectly as worn a few times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UGG Men's Ascot Slipper; Brand: ; Review: Uggs do fit snugly at first but stretch perfectly as worn a few times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EvoLike Premium Reflective Vest of Unique Design for Running Walking Cycling Jogging Motorcycle with Pocket; Brand: EvoLike; Review: Great gift pack for price! Runners delight; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Merchant's Daughter (Fairy Tale Romance Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Melanie Dickerson Page; Review: I have thoroughly enjoyed "The Merchant's Daughter". I loved the characters and the biblical perspectives. Made me ponder a lot on my own walk with Christ. Good job Mrs. Dickerson! And a big pat on the back to her publishing company for printing quality material!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miss Match (Lauren Holbrook Series, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Erynn Mangum Page; Review: I love Laurie' s sense of humor! It's a great thought provoking Christian book! With a lot of comedic flare!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Bride in Ballymuir; Author: Visit Amazon's Dorien Kelly Page; Review: I enjoyed the story of Michael and Kylie and was rooting for them. However, I did not like at all the vulgarity in this book.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Fairest Beauty (Fairy Tale Romance Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Melanie Dickerson Page; Review: I loved this book! I loved the characters, the story and the cover. The conversations between Sophia and Gabe gave me butterflies. I thank God for this book and may He continue to bless this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To Whisper Her Name (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Tamera Alexander Page; Review: I LOVE this book. I have lost many a night's sleep learning about Olivia and Ridley. This is a wonderful God inspired novel that won't disappoint.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Inheritance (Women of Faith Fiction); Author: Visit Amazon's Tamera Alexander Page; Review: The Inheritance was the first Tamara Alexander book I read. And I have been hooked on her writings ever since! What an amazing Christian author!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits (Austen Takes the South) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Jane Hathaway Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book. I stayed up late reading this book. I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Shelby & Ransom! I really appreciated this being a Christian romance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silent Night Standoff (First Responders); Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Sleeman Page; Review: Last night I finished reading Silent Night Standoff by Susan Sleeman. I honestly did not want it to end. I was carried away on a mysterious adventure with Skyler and Logan. The plot was believable and had me guessing who the bad guy was! I was certain I had it figured out. I was nicely surprised with the pulse racing ending! And I so look forward to book two!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Web of Deceit: An Agents Under Fire Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Sleeman Page; Review: Susan Sleeman has done it again...I was hooked from the first page of Web of Deceit! The suspense of Kaitlyn Knight's life delivers ups, downs and many unexpected twists. Kaitlyn is a no nonsense FBI agent who is raising her twin sister's daughter Lily. Kaitlyn's brother in law, Fenton killed her sister. He continues to be a fugitive on the run who has come back to make Kaitlyn pay. The reader follows Kaitlyn on her clockwork life until unexplainable events began to occur and wreck havoc in her daily life. And then walks in Sam Murdock, the detective who helps Kaitlyn rediscover who she really wants to be if she can outlive Fenton's chilling plans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Explosive Alliance (First Responders); Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Sleeman Page; Review: Whoa! What a ride! I loved Susan Sleeman's book Explosive Alliance! Krista Curry portrays a very believable damsel in distress. I love the relatable relationship between Krista and her grandfather, Otto. Like putting a puzzle together, the reader begins to learn bits of Krista's shady past. Krista finds a backpack with a bomb in it at a baseball game. She then finds the dashingly handsome, Cash Dixon to help her with this slight problem! Cash is an explosives expert with trust issues. He immediately feels a unexplainable connection to Krista and Otto and vows to provide personal protection for them. I loved how the story was fast paced, a real page turner. I also liked how identifiable both main characters' struggles with turning their everyday lives over to God was displayed. Will the two work together or will the person after Krista find her first?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Thorn Bearer (Penned in Time) (Volume 1); Author: Pepper D. Basham; Review: Ashleigh Dougall is a nurse who strives to help others while not taking care of herself emotionally. Sam Miller is her very best friend who hasn't a clue what deep and painful secret Ashleigh is hiding. As the two sail the Lusitania, destruction follows them literally. Unexpected friends show up and family members turn out to be who they aren't pretending to be. This book is a great book with a wonderful story line about letting go and depending on God to lead you through life. Does Sam and Ashleigh go through life together? One must read the book to find out! ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Captive Imposter (The Everstone Chronicles); Author: Visit Amazon's Dawn Crandall Page; Review: I really could see myself as Elle Stoneburner! I loved her search for simplicity. I enjoyed this book immensely. It had romance, chivalry, turns and twists. Elle encounters obstacle after obstacle. Even though she is a work of fiction, I could relate to her roller coaster emotions and feelings. Elle cries out to God, "Why did it so often seem as though I was purposefully placed in such painful situations? Had I not just offered my everything to God the day before?" Dexter Blakeley is like an 1800's refined gentleman. Dexter is handsome, charming and he has a strong dash of intrigue. Dexter is the kind of man you find yourself following in love with right alongside Elle. Circumstances stop and start their developing relationship. Will it blossom or wither?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bound Heart (The Everstone Chronicles); Author: Visit Amazon's Dawn Crandall Page; Review: I just finished The Bound Heart. I loved Lawry and Meredyth even though I wanted to strangle her sometimes! I also loved her, Wynn and Lawry together! I loved the use of Christianity throughout the book. The first night, I read to 2 am!!!! And each day since I've been reading the book or thinking about it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hiding Places; Author: Visit Amazon's Erin Healy Page; Review: I received a copy of Hiding Places written by Erin Healy from the Thomas Nelson Fiction Guild. This was the first book I have ever read by Erin Healy. The beginning of the book sectioned off into three stories. I must admit it was hard to follow and I did not really begin to enjoy the book until Chapter 21. The gist of the book resolves around a 11 year old girl named Kate who lives with her dysfunctional family. They own the Harrison Lodge located in the mountains of Colorado. They do not pay attention to each other and no one is happy with their lives. A street gang of vagabonds appears in the second chapter. Charlie Fuse is the main character here. He is a 21 year old who lives under a bridge with his "adopted" street family. Charlie doesn't see eye to eye with the newly self appointed leader Merridew. After a failed robbery attempt goes sour, the group kidnaps a 12 year old boy who has ties to a gang called the Mile High Heavies. Merridew and Charlie argue about killing the boy. The third group of people are the Mile High Heavies, a street gang with a lot of muscle and weapons. They seek out Charlie and his street family after the leader's son is kidnapped. The leader is called the Fox and he and his gang stalk Charlie down. After Charlie runs away and crashes a motorcycle in Evergreen, Colorado. Kate comes upon him and hides him in a secret cubby in one of the inn's cottages. Much is talked about the secret cubbies of the Harrison property and their origins, but I was left wanting to know more about the ending of that era. All three groups of lives become intertwined. Secrets are revealed and loyalties are tried. My favorite character of this book was Grandma Pearl, the owner of the Harrison Lodge. She interjected humor into the story and formed a warm bond with her great granddaughter Kate. There are a few references to God, I was expecting and wanting much more.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Girl From the Train; Author: Visit Amazon's Irma Joubert Page; Review: This is such an admirable story. It's also a beautiful love story that follows the journeys of a six year old girl named Gretl and a young man named Jakob. The story takes place during World War II. Gretl is a little girl struggling with Jewish and German descent. Her father works for Hitler and is killed. Gretl's grandmother, Oma keeps the family functioning and on the move. However, Gretl's mother is an emotional bundle of nerves and does not provide much of anything. The family plans to live at Oma's house at the edge of a forest. Unbeknownst to Gretl, they are boarded on a train for a concentration camp. At just the right moment, Oma makes Gretl jump from the train and tells her to hide until Gretl's sister Elza comes for her. She also tells her, "Darkness is your friend. Get as far away from the railroad as possible while it's still dark. And hide during the day." While Gretl is hiding, Jakob Kowalski from Poland is nearby working feverishly to place bombs on the bridge to blow up a German troop train. Unfortunately, an unscheduled train arrives and the bombs kill the people on the train including Gretl's family. Elza and Gretl find each other. Elza is very sick. Gretl find a man who takes them to his home and his wife begrudgingly cares for them. Jakob visits the farm the girls are staying at and the wife convinces Jakob to take Gretl to his home. A genuine friendship is born between the Jakob and Gretl. Poor Gretl is hurled from religion to religion. As time go by Gretl is eventually placed in an orphanage. Jakob makes sure she is placed in a program for German children to be adopted by South African people. Gretl moves there and is raised by a loving family where she flourishes. Many events happen in their lives during and after their separation. Thankfully, Jakob and Gretl's paths cross again but this time it's Jakob's heritage that has him on the run. I really loved this book! It can be daunting to keep up with all the places but it makes you appreciate the freedom they search for. I highly recommend this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: High-Caliber Holiday (First Responders); Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Sleeman Page; Review: I enjoyed reading High-Caliber Holiday by Susan Sleeman. This book is a fast paced who done it read. The victim Morgan Thorsby who was born into privilege and currently disowned by her father, now presumes making a life on her on. She works for an office who helps others prepare for job interviews. Morgan loves her new job. Brady Owens grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. He never fit in until he joined the Marines as a sniper. After his tours of duty, he moves to Portland to becomes a member of the First Response Squad as the team sniper. Morgan and Brady's lives become entwined when a crazy man, Craig Shaw tries to kill Morgan on a train. Brady and his team come to her rescue. While Shaw is in jail, red roses and strange notes begin appearing in Morgan's apartment. Brady vows to stay by Morgan's side until the stalker is brought to justice. As they spend more time together, they have a hard time denying their chemistry for each other. The pair have a limited amount of time to figure out who Morgan's stalker is before he kills her.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All Is Calm, All Is Bright: A Colleen Coble Christmas Collection; Author: Visit Amazon's Colleen Coble Page; Review: I enjoyed Colleen Coble's book of two Christmas novellas, All Is Calm, All Is Bright. The book was a quick read with a fast paced story line that I kept me entertained. The first novella is about Lauren Everman, an avid horse trainer who has a checkered past and witnesses a crime. No one believes her, so she decides to change towns in the dead of night carrying a horse with her that she leaves a check for on her nightstand. She arrives at Bluebird Ranch that welcomes foster children. She begins a new life there until someone figures out she knows to much. A guest of the ranch owners arrives and sparks begin to fly along with danger at each turn for Lauren. The second novella was my favorite. All Is Bright is about Delilah Carter who is the manager at Tidewater Inn in Hope Beach, North Carolina. Right from the beginning of the story, Delilah's car is rammed into the ocean. She barely survives. With the help of the local sheriff, Tom Bourne, the two become intermingled in mystery and make it a point to find who wants to kill Delilah.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Respectable Actress; Author: Visit Amazon's Dorothy Love Page; Review: India Hartley has performed as an actress all over the world. She performs at Savannah's prestigious Southern Palace Theater. One night a horrible murder takes place on stage and India is charged with her fellow actor's death and booked at Savannah's Chatham County Jail. A wealthy benefactor, Mrs. Celia Mackay believes in India's innocence and hires a reputable lawyer, Phillip Sinclair to defend India. Due to Ms. Hartley's high profile case, Mr. Sinclair receives permission to take her to his plantation on St. Simons Island to avoid prying eyes. India soon becomes acquainted to life at Indigo Point as Phillip works to build a strong case to defend her. Phillip's sister Amelia befriends India. Somethings and some people at Indigo Point do not make sense and the further India digs, the more tangled things become. Phillip and India slowly become very important to each other. Her trial begins and does not go well. Her life quickly unravels when Phillip's dead wife returns. There are many twists and turns in this book. I really enjoyed this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago Worlds Fair Mystery Series); Author: Shelley Gray; Review: At first, this book took some getting use to. And then the pace picked up. This book is set in the late 1800's in Chicago. The sweet entanglement begins when Sebastian Marks enters the library where Lydia Bancroft works. He comes several times a week for one year. They never speak and he always sits and reads at the library. He never checks out a book. Lydia is engaged to the prestigious Jason Avondale. While dining at the Hartman Hotel, Jason becomes violent towards Lydia and accuses her of bad behavior. Mr. Marks witnesses the exchange and comes to Lydia's rescue. The two become friends and Avondale grows more jealous and suspicious. The engagement is called off and Avondale learns that Lydia isn't a heiress. Meanwhile, poor Lydia has to keep up with the constant whining of her demanding mother and continue to go to work to put food on the table. Their financial situation grows dimmer by the minute. Mr. Marks becomes aware of their money problems and sends over his personal maid to help. Lydia and Sebastian begin spending more and more time together. Sebastian falls in love with Lydia and the two begin a courtship. Sebastian eventually comes clean about his unsavory business and immediately the two are thrust into legal troubles. The are thrown many obstacles to overcome before someone tries to snuff them out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Mistake: A Novel (White Knights); Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Sleeman Page; Review: I really loved this book! This title is my favorite Susan Sleeman book. I really enjoyed the intensity of this book. It was very fast paced. Tara Parrish is an average all American girl who is continually rushing to stay two steps ahead of her wayward childhood friend, Oren Keeler. Keeler is out for revenge only Tara doesn't know why he is trying to kill her. In steps the dashing and direct FBI agent Cal Riggins. Cal and his team are on the hunt for Keeler but when Tara discovers Keeler is too near she runs away. The hunt for Keeler and the search for Tara proves to be taxing for Cal and his team. I really liked the inspirational messages this book provided. Such inspirational messages as "God is with me. Nothing is bigger than He is". These reminders throughout the book really resonated with me as a Christian to give God my problems and trust that the outcome would work for my good. Tara came to that conclusion in the book regarding Cal and God, "That's why she had to trust him, like she had to trust God. To believe the unseen and know that it would all work out for her good". I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a great Christian suspense filled book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: PORTER-CABLE BN200B 5/8 Inch to 2 Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer; Brand: PORTER-CABLE; Review: I got this for my very modest (read as novice) shop and I love it. Paired with the Makita MAC700 they have proved to be unstoppable pair. I have started and miraculously finished several projects and bookshelves around the house and have yet to have a single problem for about six months now. I love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor; Brand: Makita; Review: Have used it several times and find that its powerful and holds pressure for long idle periods. Used with brad and framing nail guns and have yet to have a hickup, I can get through half a stick of brad nails before I have to chill. (yes I did try, I was bored and wanted to see what it would do). Great for weekenders like me and very quiet. Quiet matters a lot to me because I'm usually in the garage in the winter with the door down.. it makes a difference.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Streamlight 88850 PolyTac LED Flashlight with Lithium Batteries, Black - 275 Lumens; Brand: Streamlight; Review: Ya I know, Cheesy line.. anyway... I used 1" scope rings to mount this light to a magpul moe hand grip with a L2 Rail section. Very bright and cant tell its mounted on. Get yourself 2 and keep one in the car, nightstand, pocket with your CCW.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Freud D1080X Diablo 10-Inch 80-tooth ATB Finish Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor and PermaShield Coating; Brand: Diablo; Review: Awesome. Not really much more to say. Very clean cuts and quiets down any miter saw. When I get up enough nerve to get a table saw, one of these blades is going on it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker; Brand: Hitachi; Review: I am by no means a pro but this saw has power to spare and is relatively easy to setup. If you want to get the most out of a saw that you are no going to use every week on the job, go for it. I started out just building one or two things in the garage for myself and friends and this was just the task for a cheaper, smaller saw. This is by no means a saw for someone that is a carpenter or cabinet maker by trade, but it was just the ticket for an avid tinkerer. The laser is a bit jinky to set up and stay put,so I don't really use it. That's probably the only reason for 4 stars.. A good Diablo 80 tooth blade really helps with clean cuts. I found it cheaper at a home superstore (with 5 blue letters :) on a fathers day sale for $99 so I figured why the hell not... I don't think you will be disappointed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Fresh Starts Baby Food Prep Steamer, 1 Cup; Brand: Fit & Fresh; Review: I use this daily to steam veggies for my son. It's quick and the veggies turn out good. Can't complain for the price.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Joyce Chen 26-0013, Bamboo Steamer Set, 10-inch; Brand: Joyce Chen; Review: I use this steamer once a week at a minimum. I love it. I make homemade dumplings and potstickers. They come out so good. Definitely buy the steaming ring and the parchment liners to go along with this.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Core Products Tri-Core Pillow Full Size - Standard Firm Support; Brand: Core Products; Review: This pillow is awesome. It takes some getting used to for sure but after a week or so you get used to it. I have been a stomach sleeper forever, but after seeing a chiropractor for my neck I realized I needed to change my sleep position. This pillow really helped. My neck has felt so much better after using this pillow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirt Devil Junior Reaction Vacuum Cleaner; Brand: Dirt Devil; Review: I got this or my now 21 month old son for Christmas a few month ago. He's literally in love with it. He vacuums everything. It actually does pick up tiny scraps of paper or crumbs too which is nice. It doesn't use suction so it's totally safe. It's well made, cute, and good for both boys and girls.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen 4-Inch Bamboo Steamers, Set of 2; Brand: Helen's Asian Kitchen; Review: Definitely a must have if you are into steaming with a bamboo steamer. This ring allows me to put my steamer on my large spaghetti pot instead of on my wok. I didn't want to singe the sides of my steamer and this solved the issue. It's great because you can steam for longer periods of time with this without worrying about running out of water. Love it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wilton 2105-4889 Easy Flex Silicone 24-Cavity Bite Daisy Pan; Brand: Wilton; Review: Used this mold to make valentines day chocolates and it worked perfectly. They came out beautifully, popped out easily, and it washed with ease. Can't ask for more!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hoang Gia Huy Hotel; City: Ho Chi Minh City; Review: You get what you pay its the correct phrase i think. Very good location , closed to a markets and walking distance too with some city attractions too like War Museum , Post Office etc. Room clean aircond also in good condition .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur Autograph Collection; City: Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan; Review: Check in procedure very smoothly staff friendly and helpful. Licated in Heritage Row walking distance with Masjed Jamek, Indepe dence Square and KL Tower.. Very closed to monorail station and Putra light rail train (LRT). Hotel itself is newly open so room fantastic new. Have good ambience and very cosy overall very happy stay here as can enjoy our time the most here. If have time spend a hour at swimming pool area @ the skybar.. Amazing view!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pullman Jakarta Indonesia; City: Jakarta Java; Review: The 5* hotel category strategic location in Thamrin City, walking distance with major shopping area in Thamrin City . 7-10 minutes walking to Grand Indo Plaza, Sarinah Thamrin Plaza, Thamrin City Plaza and street food hawkers for those who loce to taste food like a local. For Asean tourist Tanah Abang is hood place for shopping but since traffic bad, alternative is Thamrin City similar products even not too many like Tanah Abang but still have varieties with good price to. Actual distance to Soekarno Hatta Airport is actually 30 -35 minutes drive however it will be dragged to 2 hours travelling journey as Traffic condition. Don't be surprised because Jakarta is one on the city in Asia which have a very bad traffic congestion. The traffic is really terrible that is reason suggest to stay hotel closest to the main shopping mall/foods/ entertainment center for those who loves to be entertained. There is train station closed by. The train cost 80 rupiah per pax from Sudirman Station to Bandara( Airport). Is still a best choice though.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nabalu Kundasang; City: Ranau Sabah; Review: Homestay we booked very nice with a mountain background, located at the serene foot of mountain surrounded with vegetables farm. Most famous here cauliflower. We spent only anout RM160 for 2 night stay at Teratak Indah Kampong Dumpiring Kundasang Ranau. Planned hiking Sosodokon Hill nearby the homestay failed due to heavy rain 3 days in a row while been there. So we spent our days like local and like tourist as well by taking more and more pictures; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur; City: Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan; Review: Came to the hotel for room inspection and lunch only. Opulent is a well describe for this hotel. Costly and luxury but worth for all the money spent. Cozy room with very classy and lavish decoration with high end technology even the toilet as well The set lunch at Horizon is so good . It offered an astonished stunning view of Twin Tower and surrounding area from level 57. However if having tea or dinner at Vertigo, you will be impressed with stunning view of both Twin Tower and KL Tower as well. The hotel is connected directly with the mega shopping mall in KUL city called Pavillion.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cordoba Centro; City: Cordoba Province of Cordoba Andalucia; Review: Visit the beautiful city which are rich with moorish’ architecture building. The most beautiful is Grand Mosques Cordoba. The building is so grand. The city is full of historical story. The ancient city is ever once become a centre of education and that was on 8th century. During 10th century had grown become probably a largest city in europe at that time. The city now been declared as one of the World Heritage Site. One building is enough to become a reason people came to visit The great landmarks that unfer a must visit list mezquite -cathedral of Cordoba, Roman Bridge , Alcazar of Cordoba etc.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Ela; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: My date and I both had the 4-course tasting menu and were both floored at how delicious everything tasted! The diver scallop noodles and lamb shank were standouts, and the cookie dough dessert is not to be missed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dandelion; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: Went for dinner with my dad on a weeknight and the place was packed and really loud. We sat at a little table by the fire which was nice and cozy. Oysters were good, but the beet horseradish really detracted from the taste and texture of the oysters themselves. I had the shepherds pie and my dad had the fish and chips, both of which were good. Sitting by the fire for dinner was nice, but next time I go for dinner, I'll sit in the dining room.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Danger Salon; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: I got a great cut at a reasonable price from Gia - will definitely be going back! I felt comfortable putting my hair fate in Gia's hands, and usually trust stylists to do what they think is best with my short hair. She gave me a great cut that I'm constantly getting compliments on, so I'm a fan.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Abe Fisher; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: The tasting menu is a can't-miss. My friend and I sat at the bar to eat on a busy Saturday night and the bartenders couldn't have been more fun, friendly, and helpful. Everything tasted delicious, and left there with a full belly and a smile on my face.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pep Boys; City: Philadelphia, PA; Review: No surprise this is the lowest-rated Pep Boys location in the area. I've been a loyal PB customer for 3+ years (in my old neighborhood in NJ and while traveling), but I can guarantee I'll never return to the Aramingo store. The last time I came in for an oil change, I made a reservation online (as I always do) and when I arrived at the store, I was told I would need to wait at least an hour or two before my car could even be put up on the rack. Why did I even make an appointment?! 3 hours later, I left with new oil and 4 new tires, which were surprisingly quick to install, and everything was fine. I went in again tonight for an oil change (again with an appointment). I referenced a $19.99 weekday oil change special, and Joseph at the counter looked at me as if I were from Mars. Another gentleman, not wearing a uniform or a name tag, told me he could honor the special. I handed over my keys and was told the job would take 30-40 minutes, so I went to run some errands in the shopping center. I returned 40 minutes later to find my car in the parking lot. I went to the counter to retrieve my keys and was told that my car hadn't yet gone up on the rack. I asked for my keys, as I refused to wait another 40+ minutes. Joseph handed them back without so much as an apology. Pitiful, people.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Crux: Nexus Arc Book 2; Author: Visit Amazon's Ramez Naam Page; Review: Take today's tech, social trends, and human condition and carry it all forward 20-30 years, add complete neural mapping and digital interface with the mind and you get to Naam's post human world. This series makes you wonder what could happen as things like uber connectivity, wearable tech, social transparency, pervasive surveillance, nano and bio technology, and the seemingly inescapable reality that few humans will always want to control the balance of humanity continue to advance and merge. Faced-paced story, thought provoking, and borderline scary.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Turing Exception (Singularity) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's William Hertling Page; Review: Talk about a radical extension of evolution and natural selection, this book takes it to extremes. Very much enjoyed this final 4th chapter in Hertling's AI Series. Recommend you start with his first book and go from there. All are page turners for sure. Mini-side bonus for me was Portland OR subtle back drop since I live there. Kind of cool. As a techy myself and early adopter of same, not sure if this makes me more excited about our potential or eerily scared to the core of my being. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Apex: Nexus Trilogy Book 3 (Nexus Arc); Author: Visit Amazon's Ramez Naam Page; Review: What I enjoyed most about Nexus is the vision and very very real possibility of the technology already in place and continuing to evolve reaching this point. Also I enjoy the underlying theme of human evolution and augmentation with technology- it's very scary as well as exciting, it's here and accelerating, and the human race must address it on social and political terms on a global scale.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amped; Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas E. Richards Page; Review: Excellent character development on all sides of the twisted plot. Scary peek at neuroscience's potential for good and evil. Ultimate conclusion is only real option for humanity regardless of fictional basis. Warning: if you like a strong, sexy, female leader you risk a bit of an imaginary crush.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Game Changer; Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas E. Richards Page; Review: So enjoyed this adventure of Quinn and Rachael and the wonders of neuroscience. The science and factual backdrop woven into a believable and all too potentially accurate future make this one a page turner start to finish. Mind the sub plot of the ever present Jihad and if this series does not make you sit back and think with even a little concern then you are in complete denial. Buy it, read it, believe it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Darknet; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew Mather Page; Review: My favorite authors are those who tell a great story within a current to near-future cultural, technological, and political framework that is so easy to see yet so scary to imagine. Mather delivers on all counts with Darknet. With todays business headlines riddled with possibilities and threats of AI and real life corporate corruption, this plausible storyline makes you think twice or three to 30 times about what you hear, read, and even see. Are you absolutely sure its me, a human being writing this review?; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: North by Northwest (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Princess Mononoke (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life: Special Edition (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mean Girls (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Clerks (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jaws (1975); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Beautiful Mind (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Vacation (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wallace & Gromit in Three Amazing Adventures (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bend It Like Beckham (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sixteen Candles (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Aladdin: Platinum Edition (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Supremacy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Top Secret! (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moonstruck (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lion King: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Children of a Lesser God (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spirited Away (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?: Special Edition (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The King and I (1956); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Noon (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Prince of Tides (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Footloose: Special Collector's Edition (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love Actually (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Roman Holiday (1953); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seabiscuit (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bonnie and Clyde (1967); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edward Scissorhands (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Morning (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Kill a Mockingbird (1962); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Legends of the Fall (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Little Shop of Horrors (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop II (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Romancing the Stone (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Red Violin (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Attraction (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Nights of Cabiria (1957); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Name of the Father (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hudsucker Proxy (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ice Age (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's And Now for Something Completely Different (1971); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Barton Fink (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Music Man (1962); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Waking Ned Devine (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The School of Rock (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Emperor (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Back to the Future (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Knights (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Airplane! (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A League of Their Own (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sabrina (1954); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cabaret (1972); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shining (1980); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Working Girl (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Pink Panther (1963); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bull Durham (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Life Is Beautiful (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Toy Story (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The First Wives Club (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mary Poppins (1964); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Starship Troopers (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What a Girl Wants (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Toy Story 2 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Bigger (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Man Walking (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gosford Park (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Witness (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amadeus (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde 2: Red (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hellboy (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 13 Going on 30 (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shine (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chicken Run (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Fair Lady: Special Edition (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mostly Martha (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Airplane II: The Sequel (1982); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: High Fidelity (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Basquiat (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Indochine (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: For Your Eyes Only (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Piano (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shall We Dance? (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Il Postino (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Like Water for Chocolate (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Freaky Friday (1976); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: 50th Anniversary Edition (1954); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Frankie and Johnny (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beaches (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Odd Couple (1968); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wizard of Oz: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Full Monty (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rat Race (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reality Bites (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Born to be Wild: The Leading Men of American Ballet Theatre (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Out of Africa (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The West Wing: Season 1 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Again (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oh God! (1977); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Bug's Life (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Babette's Feast (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Roxanne (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Breakfast Club (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stand by Me (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Antonia's Line (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Before Sunrise (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rescuers (1977); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Night (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Antwone Fisher (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Annie Hall (1977); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Das Boot (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Road to El Dorado (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Analyze This (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Election (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arthur (1981); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Little Romance (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary: Special Edition (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beavis and Butt-head Do America (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Antz (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Flashdance (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Splash: 20th Anniversary Edition (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Far and Away (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dancing at Lughnasa (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Brown (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sound of Music (1965); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Secret of Roan Inish (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Coming to America (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 6: Part 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An American in Paris (1951); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moulin Rouge (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Billy Elliot (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The West Wing: Season 2 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Fish Called Wanda (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Producers (1968); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Truman Show (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Batman (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty in Pink (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zoolander (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Welcome to the Dollhouse (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fantasia (1940); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dave (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Clear and Present Danger (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Miracle Worker (1962); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Waiting for Guffman (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Family Guy: Vol. 1: Seasons 1-2 (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hours (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Birdcage (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: West Side Story (1961); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quills (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Muppet Movie (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Supercop (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bounce (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Run Lola Run (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tootsie (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mulan: Special Edition (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Creature Comforts (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phone Booth (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Elizabeth (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pingu: Chillin' with Pingu (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tokyo Godfathers (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Amy (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: First Knight (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Three Musketeers (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nine to Five (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Into the Woods (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie 2 (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nowhere in Africa (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Triplets of Belleville (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Snatch (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hunt for Red October (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crying Game: Collector's Edition (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Robin Hood (Disney) (1973); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gone with the Wind: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: O Brother (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hannah and Her Sisters (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Pie 2 (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Clerks: First Cut (Not Theatrical Version) (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Animal House (1978); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Aristocats (1970); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Night at the Opera (1935); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Farinelli (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Man on the Moon (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Room with a View: Special Edition (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Crystal (1982); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blazing Saddles (1974); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shark Tale (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Angels in America (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Remains of the Day (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Graduate (1967); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mansfield Park (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shaun of the Dead (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Coach Carter (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Singin' in the Rain (1952); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pianist (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cradle Will Rock (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jackie Brown: Collector's Series (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fiddler on the Roof (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Twelve (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Howards End (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Robots (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Clone Wars: Vol. 1 (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hero (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Neverland (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Cousin Vinny (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beyond Silence (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miracle (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Europa Europa (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down With Love (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spanglish (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Possession (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Avalon (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Heart Huckabees (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Extended Edition (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Hobbit; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: This was an excellent book. The way it unfolded itself while you read it was magnificent. The death of the Dragon was a bit anti climactic though. I expected much more of a fight and was hoping that Thorin would be king but the outcome was still quite good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hobbit; Author: Visit Amazon's J. R. R. Tolkien Page; Review: This was an excellent book. The way it unfolded itself while you read it was magnificent. The death of the Dragon was a bit anti climactic though. I expected much more of a fight and was hoping that Thorin would be king but the outcome was still quite good.; 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: This was an excellent book. The way it unfolded itself while you read it was magnificent. The death of the Dragon was a bit anti climactic though. I expected much more of a fight and was hoping that Thorin would be king but the outcome was still quite good.; 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: This was an excellent book. The way it unfolded itself while you read it was magnificent. The death of the Dragon was a bit anti climactic though. I expected much more of a fight and was hoping that Thorin would be king but the outcome was still quite good.; 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: This was an excellent book. The way it unfolded itself while you read it was magnificent. The death of the Dragon was a bit anti climactic though. I expected much more of a fight and was hoping that Thorin would be king but the outcome was still quite good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble; Author: Visit Amazon's D. Robert Pease Page; Review: Mixing time and space travel then adding the family atmosphere works here for the young readers looking for adventure. Nice read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Line (Witching Savannah); Author: Visit Amazon's J.D. Horn Page; Review: Didn't expect to be so captivated and now I look forward to the next book in this series. Well done Mr. Horn; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 2287 A.D. After Destruction: A Post-Apocalyptic Saga (The Ashlyn Chronicles); Author: Renee Van Dyke; Review: I really couldn't put this down. The changes of theme and thought kept me in suspense to the end then made me want another chapter.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Star Cross (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Raymond L. Weil Page; Review: I chose the five star rating because the series showed the propensity of humanity s refusal to quit ! Or to be enslaved.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Vegetable Butcher: How to Select, Prep, Slice, Dice, and Masterfully Cook Vegetables from Artichokes to Zucchini; Author: Visit Amazon's Cara Mangini Page; Review: love the book!!!!!!!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Fountain of Secrets (The Relic Seekers); Author: Visit Amazon's Anita Clenney Page; Review: Not 5 stars because the character development could have had more depth. Less conversation between minor characters and more visual could make this an excellent story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Pride; Author: Visit Amazon's Jill Sanders Page; Review: A relaxing good read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Extreme Prey (A Prey Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's John Sandford Page; Review: Pithy humor and appropriate amount of cynicism about power and people. As always Sanford takes you on an interesting journey with twists and turns.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Year One (Chronicles of The One); Author: ; Review: Great character development and twist in the plot. However the descriptions make light of life without electricity and amenities. Good tale.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Raider's Daughter; Author: Visit Amazon's Kimberly Cates Page; Review: The dialogue was very clever and witty. The plot was predictable but fun. It was a great take you away read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Magickal Angels: Instant Contact With the Angels of Power; Author: Visit Amazon's Damon Brand Page; Review: Damon Brand's new book is fantastic. Like all of his other books, it is extremely readable and nicely organized. While Damon's previous books were more focused in on certain outcomes, Magickal Angels describes angels to help you with a wide variety of outcomes you might want. Really terrific stuff, Damon. Thanks for writing these books. I own all of them, and I've seen some amazing changes in my life because of the Gallery of Magick! Thanks to you Damon and thanks to the rest of your magickal society!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Words of Power: Secret Magickal Sounds That Manifest Your Desires; Author: Visit Amazon's Damon Brand Page; Review: This wonderful book contains 25 specific magickal actions in a simple, easy-to-read format. I own and use all of Damon's other books. I have just finished reading this one, and it is like his other books--terrific! Thanks Damon and Gallery of Magick for putting this road-tested magick out for people like me to use. I appreciate it! Update: Monday Feb 9 2015. The magick in this book works! I use it on a daily basis. It's easy and fast to perform a magick action. I hope you readers will use this wonderful book. I started out using Geof Gray-Cobb's New Avatar Power many years ago. I could not get the results I wanted with that book and system. Damon Brand's book, on the other hand, is easy to use and works! Thanks Damon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magickal Cashbook: Attract Money Fast With Ancient Secrets And Modern Wealth Magick; Author: Visit Amazon's Damon Brand Page; Review: I've been using Magickal Cashbook for about one month. It has produced immediate and consistent results. The magick in this little book works very well and very fast! If you need quick bursts of cash, this book will absolutely work for you! I'm a singer/songwriter who plays for tips, and the magick in this wonderful book has opened up a nice, steady stream of dollars. Very nice indeed!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magickal Protection: Defend Against Curses, Gossip, Bullies, Thieves, Demonic Forces, Violence, Threats and Psychic Attack; Author: Visit Amazon's Damon Brand Page; Review: Just finished reading this latest offering from Damon Brand. Like all of his other books, this is an easy and quick read, and very easy to put into immediate practice. My main interest in using this book is dealing with some very malicious gossip and jealousy in my workplace. It has already worked wonders in calming things down and turning enemies into friends. Thanks Damon and Gallery of Magick!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Greater Words of Power: The Secret Calls of Archangel Magick; Author: Visit Amazon's Damon Brand Page; Review: Hi Damon, I'm a big fan. Just purchased the Kindle book. Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ho'oponopono Secrets: Four Phrases to Change the World One Love to Bind Them; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Jackson Page; Review: Paul, thanks for writing this book. It's easy to read and understand. I learned a lot about Ho'oponopono, and I love your personal application of it via your meditations. I hope you'll consider writing a followup book to let us know your experiences on the Ho'oponopono road! All the best.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Archangels of Magick: Rituals for Prosperity, Healing, Love, Wisdom, Divination and Success; Author: Visit Amazon's Damon Brand Page; Review: Thanks Damon. Just started reading the book today. I expect it to be great, like all of the other Gallery of Magick books I own. Cheers mate.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Frozen (Little Golden Book); Author: RH Disney; Review: Precious and follows the movie.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Frozen Read-Along (Book and CD); Author: Nolan North; Review: Great audio CD!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ten Little Ladybugs; Author: Visit Amazon's Melanie Gerth Page; Review: Had to buy another because my kids wore out the first. Quick delivery; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brave Read-Along Storybook and CD; Author: Disney Book Group; Review: Great audio book for my Brave fans!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sofia the First Read-Along Storybook and CD Once Upon a Princess; Author: Visit Amazon's Disney Book Group Page; Review: My 4 yr old has so many audio books and this one is one of her favorites! Great story and voices!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Peter Pan Read-Along Storybook and CD; Author: Disney Book Group; Review: This audio book is such great quality! The voices and sounds are really good!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Disney Princess Sleeping Beauty Read-Along Storybook and CD; Author: Visit Amazon's Meredith Rusu Page; Review: My 4 yr old has so many audio books and this one is so good!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tractor (Steering Wheel Play-a-Sound Book); Author: Kathy Broderick; Review: Our 2 yr old loves this book! It is a little wordy for him but the sounds are so fun.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LeapFrog LeapReader Disney/Pixar Brave 3D Book (Works with Tag); Author: LeapFrog; Review: The voices and illustrations for this book are so good! My kids love to touch the pictures with their Leap Reader!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Matched (Matched, #1); Author: Ally Condie; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I read 2/3's of this book so I feel as though I can review it. The idea was intriguing, but it was just so boring! When I realized I had read 200+ pages and I couldn't care less about a single character I decided to return it to the library along with the other two books in the series. Good idea, poorly executed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Eleanor & Park; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Seriously one of the best books I've read all year! Love love love. She has to write a sequel or I will be forced to write one of my own and nobody wants that.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Prince (The Selection, #0.5); Author: Kiera Cass; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I guess I didn't see the point in this book. There was nothing in it that made me see Maxon in a different light. The story with the French princess seemed gratuitous. I think it would have been a much better novella if it focused more on his interactions with the girls because let's be real... we all get it, the king is a major dick why she felt like she had to spend half of this novella reinforcing this was confusing. The whole books seemed pointless to me. One good thing I will say is that I felt like it was unnecessary is because I feel like I already know Maxon. His character is well written in The Selection and The Elite, He isn't different in this novella than how America sees him in the other two books so I guess I just didn't feel I gained anything by reading it. I was surprised I didn't like it I usually love other POV's.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The One (The Selection, #3); Author: Kiera Cass; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This was a pretty disappointing ending to the series. I really liked the first two books but this one was just poorly written. I was annoyed by how cheesy it was and I usually like cheese.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Fault in Our Stars; Author: John Green; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: I've never cried so hard over a fictional character ever before in my entire life. Wasn't sure I was going to like it for the first third of the book but once I got into it, man there was no turning back.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Allegiant (Divergent, #3); Author: Veronica Roth; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** I can not be the only person who thought this book was pretty bad. The writing was just not at the same level as the previous two books. I literally felt like nothing was happening through out the whole book. Even the Tris and Four's relationship felt weak in this book like she was forcing it to be something that wasn't. It just wasn't as organic but just sort of stuck in there to please the fans who wanted more making out, except those parts didn't have the same feeling behind it as their other intimate moments in the previous books. Four wasn't attractive to me at ALL in this book, the strong brave Four that we all came to love disappeared. I feel like Tris' death was a cheap shot, like the whole book was written so she could shock us at the end by killing Tris off. I wasn't even sad because I thought it was dumb... bad story writing. I know I am being harsh, but even before I suspected Tris was going to die (or I thought maybe it would be Four) I found myself picking apart this book noticing flaws in the story telling and just generally being bored by the story. I am genuinely surprised I am having this reaction to this book. I have forced everyone at work to read this series and I recommend it often at the library, I take back all the negative things I said about the ending of the Delirium series. I much rather of had an ending like that than the one Veronica Roth gave us in this book. People will say it was a great book because the majority of people only read what's popular and what is marketed well. I guess on some level if it connects with people who am I to say it wasn't a good book. I can say it wasn't the book I wanted to read to end out this series.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1); Author: Jamie McGuire; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This is probably the worst book I've ever read the whole way through. I felt like I was reading bad fan fiction. I don't understand how books like this get published/ on the best sellers list. There is no way a guy like Travis Maddox would not be arrested, the authors descriptions of the fight scenes/ jealous scenes were so ridiculous, it reminded me of the scene in the movie Hot Rod when Andy Samburg describes his dad's death. So over the top its funny. Ugh I'll never read a book written by Jamie McGuire again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Just One Day (Just One Day, #1); Author: Gayle Forman; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This is my favorite YA book of 2013. Read it. That is all...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Attachments; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I tried to read this book about a year and a half ago and just could not get back the second or third chapter. I picked it up this weekend and read it in one sitting. I loved it! Every part of it. Beth and Jennifer's relationship and conversations reminded me so much of convo's I've had via texts with my friends. If they were real people I would want to be their BFF. Have I mentioned that I loved this book. officially on my "favorites" shelf!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss, #1); Author: Stephanie Perkins; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I liked this book, I didn't love it. I had issues with how the characters were described. Maybe I'm shallow but nothing about the way St. Clair was described made me want to swoon. like I said, Im shallow... Other than that, its hard for me to believe that an ex-wife and mother of a man who is on the New York Times best sellers list and has had movies made from his work is struggling for cash. It was like she was trying to hard to add a layer of difficultly to Anna's character to make her more normal. The situation is already totally fantastical, just make her a rich kid with a dad with control issues, if Anna's dad cared so much about appearances to go to the lengths to send her to school in Paris, Im pretty sure he'd make sure his kid wouldn't be shopping at Target for her wardrobe. The tension between Anna and St. Clair was pretty fun when it made sense. I think the whole " holy crap I'm in love with my best friend" angle is really relatable since Just about every person goes through that phase at least once as young adults; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss, #3); Author: Stephanie Perkins; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Hold on to your butts ya'll because while I liked it, I didn't love it. I read this a few weeks back and forgot to write a review so I will try to remember why I didn't love it. I went back to see what sort of review I gave Anna and Lola and its about the same. I feel like in all three of the books there comes a point where I didn't want to keep reading because I didn't find the character relatable, but in the end I come around and end up liking her. Isla was no exception. I really enjoyed the first quarter of the book and the last quarter of the book, but the actual building of their love story and the writing felt a little forced and sometimes boring. Sometimes I felt I was reading a really weird juvenile book with sprinkled with adult content. My favorite part was when she reached out to her sister. This also explains why I love Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Sisters in stories get me every time. I really liked Kurt in the story too even though I thought the whole "my guy best friend sleeping in my bed is NBD" was lame. I can't think of many dudes who would be okay with that. I am glad I read it. I waited 2 years for this book so maybe that contributed to my lack of awe. I had it really hyped up in my head and honestly it took me about a week to get through, which never happens. If you're a young adult reader of course you will want to read it, but I don't know that I will be pimping it out at the library.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1); Author: Jenny Han; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I hate the cover of this book. "Conrad" looks like a dweeb and they all look way younger than I picture them. That being said. I loved this book. I love the characters and I love their different relationships nothing seems forced or unrealistic. Laurel and Beck's relationship is so sweet and reminds me to cherish my life long friends. Stephen and Belly's relationship reminds you that no matter who your friends are siblings are forever, and even though they don't get a long you know they both love each other fiercely. And Belly and Conrad's relationship is what YA readers live for, that stomach clenching first love. I LOVE this series!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Spectacular Now; Author: Tim Tharp; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: Am I the only person who thinks Sutter is going to be okay? A lot of reviews said they were fearful that he was going to die in the end. There were definitely times I thought something horrible was about to happen. The Story does feel a little incomplete a coming of age that never really is realized in a way.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane; Author: Neil Gaiman; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I feel like I have to read this book at least 3 more times in order to really glean all of the symbolism in it. It was haunting but not scary, deep yet easy to see his ideas of childhood, God, creation and the moment you begin to question if your parents love you, if God loves you and just the general nature of our existence. It had me thinking for days.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: It's Not Summer Without You (Summer, #2); Author: Jenny Han; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: the whole time I was reading this I just wished that Jeremiah would disappear! You like him as a character but if only he wasn't around Con and Belly could give in to each other!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: We'll Always Have Summer (Summer, #3); Author: Jenny Han; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I loved this series so much! I feel like its one of those series that I will come back to down the line.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1); Author: Beth Revis; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I liked this book, but some of the scenes seemed really redundant which makes me fearful for the rest of the trilogy.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Meant to Be; Author: Lauren Morrill; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Its easy to compare this book to Gayle Forman's "Just One Day" They have a similar feel, but in comparing the two books the wide gap of young adult content is very noticeable. This is VERY much a YA book. I tend to think Gayle Forman's "Just One Day" is only a YA book because the character is a young adult, the content is much more mature than "Meant to Be" and because I am in my 30's I tend to like YA books thats are on that more mature line than ones like this. I did enjoy this book. I thought it was a great debut novel for Lauren Morrill. I like her writing style even if it did feel a little too young for me at times. The resolve at the ending was a little anti-climatic, and it was obvious to me what was happening the entire time (the mixed up phones). I wish she would have written a short epilogue about being back in the states with Julia and Jason. For me it was difficult for me to think that Julia would have lasted even a week dating him. He was a little too obnoxious, but I guess thats how high school boys really are.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Distance Between Us; Author: Kasie West; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I loved this book, but I HATED the ending. It could have used at least 50 more pages to resolve some of the questions I had. Caymen is my perfect YA female character, she is smart, funny, sassy, but not unrealistic. I do think that Xander's and her relationship could have been developed a little more but he was a dreamboat! Just wish we could have had more of them actually together. I loved Kasie West's style of writing and I totally recommend this as a light fun read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Beginning of Everything; Author: Robyn Schneider; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Solid book. I really enjoyed it. I did guess the mystery of Cassidy about a third of the way through the book (even before she realizes it). Ezra is a very likable character. I remember popular guys like him in school the nice ones whom everyone loved, but I also remember the Evan's in high school ugh... I loved that it was told in his POV, there isnt a ton of YA books with a male POV that I have enjoyed as much as this one. I read an ARC of this book so I am not sure how much of it changed in final publication. I did see a few shameless nod's to the Twilight saga in this book, which I thought was a little lame. The book is a little bittersweet and ends on sort of a sad note but all in all its a great coming of age novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nantucket Blue (Nantucket, #1); Author: Leila Howland; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I love summer stories! I liked this book, but I felt like there was a whole lot going on! So many plot bunnies running to and fro throughout the entire book. I think this book could have been edited a little better. just so much of the drama was unnecessary. It just felt really scattered, like the author really wanted to write 3 different books, but ended up with only enough material for one. It was an okay book, I read it quickly, but comparing it to "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han it lacks big time! Jules is a major bitch and while I did like the main character, Cricket didn't seem to have much self respect at times and that bothered me. There's a difference between being understanding and letting people walk all over you and I didn't feel like she came off as strong as Leila Howland intended.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Eve (Eve, #1); Author: Anna Carey; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I really wanted to love this book, but something about it was just a little too simple for me. It was a quick read though. My main issue is with the character development (there is not much) and how relationships in this book grow and evolve (just all together strange.) This is very much a young YA book... I'm talking middle school YA. I wont be reading the rest of the series.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Second Chance Summer; Author: Morgan Matson; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 stars. With all of her books I feel like I am not as invested in the characters as I want to be or expect to be. Maybe because she tends to write longer books than most YA authors do. I don't know I just always feel like there is something missing, but I can't put my finger on what it is. It was good, but it took me forever to get through. I could only read bits of it at a time I wasn't obsessively reading it. It definitely had sweet moments and heart to it though .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops; Author: Jen Campbell; Genres: non-fiction, comics, graphic, fiction; Review: this is my life; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Life Next Door; Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: *Spoiler* This book was SO long and not in a good way. I didn't dislike the book, but I thought it could have been about 100 pages shorter. The only parts that made it worth it was when she was at the Garretts house. The rest of the book was a snoozefest. I had a lot of problems with the book... awful mom, a best friend that sucks ass and as much as they talk about things always working out in Samantha's favor and she desperately thinks that its not true, it sort of is. She get its all in the end. Pretty unrealistic conflict and resolution.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight; Author: Jennifer E. Smith; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Where to start... While I did like Oliver and Hadley's story in this book. I found it really difficult to forgive her father. This story made me sad that this is a too common reality. Men who leave their families for a short time and "fall in love" with another woman. No matter how nice Charlotte is, she is still a woman who stole another woman's husband and while it is a reality of life, it still makes me very uncomfortable to read a book like this because everyday men do this to their wives with no thought for anyone but themselves. I certainly do not think people should live in unhappy marriages,but I think Men like Andrew get off far too easy, while daughters like Hadley suffer for their selfishness.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Never Let Me Go; Author: Kazuo Ishiguro; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This is probably in my top five favorite books of all time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anatomy of a Single Girl (Anatomy, #2); Author: Daria Snadowsky; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I read this book on a whim I didn't know it was a sequel and I was quite shocked that it is categorized as a YA book. It definitely reads more like an adult book in my opinion which I tend to like since a lot of books like this seem a bit insipid in the YA category. It was a quick read that got me hooked almost right away.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Letter from Your Lover; Author: Jojo Moyes; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Pretty disappointed in this one the last two books I read by Jojo Moyes were amazing. This one was somewhat flat for me. I rather read A story about Ellie and Rory... It was super confusing for the first quarter of the book part 3 was my favorite portion of the book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fangirl; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I liked the parts of the story where she is interacting with real people and grew very tired of all the fan fic talk. Maybe that was the point of the book though. I didn't like this book as much as I was expecting to which bums me out since typically I love everything that Rainbow Rowell writes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Heartbeat; Author: Elizabeth Scott; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I received a Galley of this book a couple weeks ago and while I think the book is a great idea, I think emotionally the author didn't think the whole thing through. My only problem with this book is how redundant it is. She explains the same situation and the same feelings the EXACT same way over and over again. I totally get that when you loose someone every time you wake up you come to and have this realization that the person you love is gone and it feels like a gut punch every morning for a while. I can relate to that feeling, but I just found Emma's internal dialogue a little annoying. Not all of it, but most of it. I was surprised the author didn't connect the fact that Emma was treating her step dad the exact way Caleb's parents were treating him. The book made no mention of this I thought it was an obvious piece of the plot that would help restore her relationship with Dan. The ending seemed a bit hurried and I would have like to have a small epilogue so we could see how the family was moving on with the new baby. Also I guess the baby's name as soon as I saw the mom's name was Lisa. While everyone seems to think that Caleb was the bright spot in this book I loved her best friend and her step father. They were the ideal support for someone who goes through something this tragic at such a young age even if Emma couldn't see how much Dan loved her at the time you imagine she would think back and realize how great his love was for her. I think this book will probably do well, but I definitely think there was opportunities missed.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Golden; Author: Jessi Kirby; Genres: young-adult, thriller, poetry, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: It's perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: This Song Will Save Your Life; Author: Leila Sales; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: Oddly enough, I hated this book just as much as I liked it. The cheesy everything works out for the socially awkward girl ending was super lame. but I actually liked the bulk of the book. The ending was just too "happily ever after for me"; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Where the Stars Still Shine; Author: Trish Doller; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I'm really confused by the negative reviews this book has on goodreads. after reading quite a few it seems as though someone has a beef with this author. it's obvious the people who reviewed negatively only read the first half of the book. I am stingy with my five star reviews but I really liked this book. so much that I read it in one sitting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Landline; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I am not even married and this book destroyed me. I cried a lot, and now I want a Neal of my own.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outlander (Outlander, #1); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: The boring parts of this book (mainly the first bit) were oh so boring but the good parts of the book were so very good!! I'm not a historical fiction reader and found it difficult to get into the book at first but I stuck it out and enjoyed the bulk of the book. The end was a little rough for me too though. I felt like the book could have been at least 100 pages shorter, his encounter with Black Jack kept going on and on. He explains what happened like 4 times. I think I will wait a while before picking up the Dragonfly in Amber.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Took me three months to get through this book mainly because it does go quite slow for a chunk of it. Half way through it picks up a lot and I ended up really liking it. I cannot wait to see this part of the series on tv!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fiery Cross (Outlander, #5); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I had to renew this book SIX times to get through it. I sort of feel like it was a jumbled mess compared to the previous four books. Of course there were some good moments in it. The last couple hundred pages were good, but I can't tell if that's only because I knew it was almost over. I think Diana Gabaldon is one of those people who just likes to hear herself talk, WAY too much unnecessary storylines and chapters in this book. It could have been 500 pages shorter and still gotten the point across. I think I am going to have to take a break. I've been in this series for 9 months non stop. This one was rough.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander, #6); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Out of all the books in the series I enjoyed this one as much as the first until I got to the last 150 pages or so. It felt a little over the top. Its almost like she had way too many ideas and tried to hook us in too many ways. Up until the last quarter of the book I was really digging it. Trying to decide if I want to go on to book 7 right away or give myself a break.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Echo in the Bone (Outlander, #7); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** There were some really great parts of this book but some really weird parts too. I felt like the relationship between Claire and Lord John was so unnecessary. It seemed like Diana Gabaldon really just wanted to explore the idea of their intimacy for gratuitous reasons. It really was inconsistent with Claire's loyalty towards Jamie. call me crazy but a month after the love of my life dies (in which she spends hardly NO time mourning) I wouldn't be offering up hand jobs to the dude who has had a giant gay crush on my husband for 20 years. I thought it was ridiculous. I did enjoy getting to know William and meeting the Hunters. Loved that we got to see Brianna and Rodger back in current times but felt like the whole middle of the book when they went missing was BORING! Wish we could have had more of them scattered throughout the boring war stuff. I am finishing these books on pure principle now!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Let the Sky Fall (Sky Fall, #1); Author: Shannon Messenger; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: First of all the cover is beautiful, if you're in to that sort of thing. I think the story starts off pretty strong and it is very original compared to most new YA books coming out now. Be warned this is definitely boardering J fiction and YA so if you like your YA reads to be more on the adult side this isn't the book for you. The character development falls short and while I really wanted this to be a great book I think it sort of implodes on itself about 3/4 of the way in. Which is unfortunate. She does a good job creating this mythology and explains it pretty well but still it's almost too cliche. I would recommend this book to my 13-15 year old self and I would have loved it back then but I feel she wrote both characters a little too immature for their ages and what they have gone through in life. This isn't one I'd recommend to an adult who likes to read YA. I rolled my eyes at times and the characters are too CW for me but more mature Tweens are sure to love it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Program (The Program, #1); Author: Suzanne Young; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Liked it a lot well, as much as a person can like a book about depression and suicide. Sure there were some obvious loop holes in the plot but the characters were strong enough to make you care about their next move. I think the writing was a little stifled by the YA nature of this book. If it was a little more flushed out it would have made a better adult fiction book. It's sort of The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets the Delirium series which I know a lot of people didn't like (but I did). The love story is pretty strong and finding their way back to each other was a little ridiculous/ unbelievable but you're so glad for it at the same time. I'm excited to read the sequel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1); Author: Jenny Han; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: I just cannot. I loved this book more than any other book so far this year. She better be writing a sequel because the worst part of this book was how it ended. I need more closure than that. Every character is so well thought out and there is never a moment you will want to skip ahead. I can not say enough good things about this book it was exactly what I was expecting from Jenny Han.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nantucket Red (Nantucket, #2); Author: Leila Howland; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: So much better than the first book. The characters were more true to life and emotive compared to the first one. I liked it a lot!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Guard (The Selection, #2.5); Author: Kiera Cass; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: It's not Shakespeare, but I like the fact that it was short and helped me remember where we left off in "The Elite" since it has been over a year since I've read it. I am super excited for "The One"; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Panic (Panic, #1); Author: Lauren Oliver; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I liked this book. I didn't love it. I felt like Lauren Oliver was really pushing for there to be more to the story than it needed. I felt like Dodge's storyline and character was pretty inconsistent. One minute he seemed like he was a kid with a good heart and the next minute he was ruthless. It was a good quick read, but It wasn't spectacular by any means and definitely not worthy of a movie deal. I like the fact that it was a stand alone read, but I found it to be a little too simple.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Twisted (Tangled, #2); Author: Emma Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Predictable, but I still liked it a lot better than I liked the first book in this series. I would totally read more of Emma's work.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Treatment (The Program, #2); Author: Suzanne Young; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: It took me forever to get through this book but I devoured the first in the series in a couple hours. I think the author forgot her main characters. Their personalities choices and relationships were off throughout most of the book. Details about being on the run were sketchy at best. How did they have electricity, hot water and money for food and gas to travel like this? James reaction to Realm and Sloanes friendship was unlike him too. James has always been the secure one in their relationship and I felt like we already dealt with this poor excuse for a love triangle in book 1. I didn't like the resolve at all. We spent hundreds of pages reading them plot and plan to take down the program and there really isn't much of an explanation of the fall out. I was disappointed by this book but it's still not nearly as bad as Allegiant and there were some good spots in it that made me remember why I liked the first so much. The epilogue was good as well.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Searching for Perfect (Searching For, #2); Author: Jennifer Probst; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Everyone of her books is exactly the same yet I will not deny that I've read every single one. Guilty pleasure to the max. This is 100% mind numbing romance novels and not even at its best.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Man Called Ove; Author: Fredrik Backman; Genres: fiction; Review: If you haven't read this book make it your next read. Best book I've read in a very long time. [?][?][?][?][?]; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Was Here; Author: Gayle Forman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I just don't know. It did feel a little "Just One Day" ish to me, but I just feel like something was missing from it. I am just sort of meh about this one. I got through it fast, but it really wasn't one that I was desperate to get home from work and spend the evening reading. I will say that I like her pacing. I like that she doesn't use a ton of flowery speech and she knows how to end a chapter with a punch! I think that is one of her best qualities as a writer. Lots of good quotes that make you think, but the story as a whole wasn't all that compelling to me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: On the Fence; Author: Kasie West; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Don't start this one unless you have time to finish the whole thing. I stayed up way too late reading it. Made me wish I had brothers and a cute neighbor growing up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Time Between Us (Time Between Us, #1); Author: Tamara Ireland Stone; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The perfect time traveling YA book. Super easy to follow and not in an annoying "I am going to to be overly obvious and explain everything for the benefit of the reader" way. I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read the next one. I feel very invested in these characters. All of them from grandma Maggie to best friend Emma the characters are strong and suck you right in. Loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Time After Time (Time Between Us, #2); Author: Tamara Ireland Stone; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I never thought I would like a time traveling series, but both Time After Time and Time Between Us have become two of my favorite books I have read this year. My only gripe with the second installment was I felt like the secondary characters were not as strong in this one as they were in the first installment. I missed Emma & Maggie. This book was much more internal than the first one was. I listened to half of this book on audio book and the last chapter I had chills for like 5 straight minutes. I want to stalk Tamara Ireland Stone and beg her to write more about Anna and Bennett!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What I Thought Was True; Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This one is a little more on the contemporary romance side than YA to me. I really enjoyed it and I am surprised I did since I didn't like her last book all that much. I am a huge sucker for summer stories. Just a solid weekend read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Since You've Been Gone; Author: Morgan Matson; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Cute book, loved how the relationship with Frank and Emily evolved through out the book. Fun summer read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: We Were Liars; Author: E. Lockhart; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Well that was a trip. Guess I won't be sleeping tonight. No one should read reviews on this book. Just read it and go on the journey yourself. They have to make this into a movie. It seems inevitable; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Life by Committee; Author: Corey Ann Haydu; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I have mixed feelings about this one. It was alright. Sort of annoying in a lot of places, but was a quick read. Also the Ending was a totally a rip off of Mean Girls.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Just One Night (Just One Day, #2.5); Author: Gayle Forman; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: #howitshouldhaveended; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #2); Author: Jenny Han; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Perfect as expected. Review to come.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Geography of You and Me; Author: Jennifer E. Smith; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This book makes up for her previous two books in a big way. I loved it! I loved the juxtaposition of Owen dealing with the loss of his mom and Lucy finding a way to connect with her mom. It's a small part of the book but I thought it was powerful. His book is beautifully written and represents some of the best in YA fiction. Loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children, #1); Author: Ransom Riggs; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I sort of feel like it got boring towards the end which is weird because that's when the "action" happens. I thought it was a good book, well written and I will probably read the sequel but its not normally something that I would read. It felt a little too juvenile to me but in some ways it reminded me of Neil Gaiman's "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" it had a similar feel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reality Boy; Author: A.S. King; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: Well written and heartbreaking. Very different from what I normally read but it was really good. Deals with family, anger, mental illness,how no one really knows what goes on in a family but those in that family and how easily we become what people tell us we are instead of forging our own way in life. I really enjoyed it and by the end of the book I felt like Gerald was going to be okay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1); Author: E.L. James; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I needed a good hate read and boy did this one did not disappoint. I often feel like the only woman my age who has not read this so I gave it a go yesterday. This book is beyond ridiculous and I think it is a bit shocking that it was even published. Its obvious it was once a twilight fan fiction because there are parts of this book that are almost WORD FOR WORD of what Edward says to Bella in Twilight. How is this legal? I know that there was a lot of controversy surrounding this so I had to check it out for myself (3 years later). I can not imagine how they are going to pull this off as a movie, and I am not even talking about the sex aspect of it, I am talking about the asinine dialogue, if reading some of these sentences make me cringe I can't imagine how I would react to hearing actors speak them I think I am going to listen to the audio book of the second one just for kicks to see if it really is as bad as I think it will be.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades, #3); Author: E.L. James; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Please see my review for FSOG. I literally had to skip pages upon pages of annoying redundant sex to get through this one. At least there was a little more of a story behind this one. I haven't read the second one but I had no trouble following the story in this one even though I haven't read the second one. I swear if Ana says "Oh my" one more time I will burn this whole place down.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: I'll Give You the Sun; Author: Jandy Nelson; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: ** spoiler alert ** This is a hard one to review for me. It took me forever to get through this book. Most of the book felt a little "above it all" in terms of young adult fiction. Like she was really trying to write a book that was unique that it came off like she was trying too hard. There were some really good moments in the book. Noah was ANNOYING up until the last part of the book I couldn't stand him. The only times I liked reading about him was when he was with Jude. His last two chapters made me like him a little more but still his commentary was so redundant for the majority of the book. WAY too much flowery speech and poetic stream of thought for a 13 year old boy. Even a very artistically gifted one wouldn't be describing shit like Noah does. She never makes him like a real teenage boy apart from his zero to sex thoughts which were awkward to read when you're reading about a 13 year old, gay or not. Maybe I am naive but for a kid who is 13 and never has even kissed someone to be dreaming of shower sex was little weird. Calm your nuts Noah. For the most part I really did like Jude's story up until the end. The majority of her story intrigued me but there were too many happy coincidences and the happily ever after ending REALLY annoyed me.This family was a mess and to tie up the story in such a neat bow just didn't feel right. I can't wait for book club because there is so much more that I have left to say about it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Arranged; Author: Catherine McKenzie; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I liked it, didn't love it but that being said, I did read it in one sitting so it most definitely hooked me in.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Boy Most Likely To; Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I was not a fan of this book. I didn't like the first one much either, I went ahead and read this one because I really liked her last book. There was a huge lack of emotion for me in this book,T he characters weren't emotive enough for the situations they were put in. It was unrealistic and just seemed like it was a book that her publisher forced out of her. The flow of the story the way it unfolded all was a little gimmicky for me. I recently read a book about a teenage father that was such a spot on book that I fear nothing will ever compare to it. Maybe I am being harsh because I am measuring everything I read on the topic against this other book.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades, #2); Author: E.L. James; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This was probably the worst book I've ever read in my entire life. I finally got through it, the third and the first weren't even as bad as this one was. My dream is for someone to make a movie of these books and have the lines in the dialogue be word for word spoken as in the book, I listened to this one on audio and it is RIDICULOUS. Why do women think this is good?; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: When We Wake (When We Wake, #1); Author: Karen Healey; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: There was nothing that made me want to keep keeping even though I only had less than a hundred pages left to read. It was trite and the authors political agenda overshadowed the actual story. She attempts to tackle every major world problem in one story and it just becomes too much. It also becomes clear on where she stands on each topic. The poor character development is the main cause of the boredom. You never learn much about these people therefore you never really care about what happens to them; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Only with You (The Best Mistake, #1); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Loved it! Can't wait for the next in the series. The summary for this book isn't quite right it sounds much more generic than it actually is. I almost didn't read it bc of the summary but I'm glad I gave it a chance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Things You Kiss Goodbye; Author: Leslie Connor; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This book offered one of the biggest WTF moments towards the end. Her dad annoyed the crap out of me; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fire with Fire (Burn for Burn, #2); Author: Jenny Han; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: So the next book has a whole lot of explaining to do.... Also Mary is the worst.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Some Boys; Author: Patty Blount; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I think this book had major potential, but I felt like it missed the mark big time in dealing with bullying and sexual assault. If someone really was going through that sort of Hell books like this would do nothing to help the healing process. There was no mention of therapy, no mention of what to do to get help and it was set in an unbelievable school and world in which not one single person, sympathized with her. Furthermore, Zac would have been arrested just for putting that video on facebook since the book clearly states that it was porn, she is underage and it would have been considered child pornography, which is illegal. I get that kids in high school can gang up on girls and "slut shame" them, I know girls whom have said they've been raped and not everyone believed them, but I can tell you who did believe them; their parents, teachers, and principals. When you are in such a profession it is your job to believe a kid when they've said they have been abused. In a society that is so full of anti bullying groups and help for those people who have been assaulted (and it seemed like Grace was looking for help and was clearly not in denial) this type of thing would not have continued without a lawsuit. This isn't a story where it all should work out in the end. I HATED the ending. Life is messy, horrible things happen to people and Grace, in the end proved to be a weak character in my eyes because she ended up with a guy who called her names, and I get the whole idea of forgiveness but his back and forth was a sort of abuse. He doesn't believe her at all until he finds the video been though he was the one that discovered her passed out alone and abused??? For such a "badass" girl she never took the steps to get healthy and thats what made me upset about the whole thing. The happily ever after this book provided was as unrealistic as the rest of the book. It made me mad for sexual abused people who need to have a real story told.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 17 First Kisses; Author: Rachael Allen; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This book suuuuuuccckkkeeddd. Mainly because it had potential to be good and it never really happened. I kept waiting for a normal human reaction to come out of the main character. I kept waiting for her to kick her so called "friends" to the curb or to have some self respect. No girl would be a okay showing up to school one morning with her best friend dating her boyfriend and just getting over it. I feel my blood pressure going up with every word I type about this book because of how idiotic it was. The writing was just bad especially towards the end. It felt really immature. This book made me so friggin angry because it shows a world without justice! I HATED IT!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Jewel (The Lone City, #1); Author: Amy Ewing; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I really wanted to like this book. I think I sort of liked it during the first quarter of the book. Some of the world building is just plain confusing. The love story within the book is so miss placed and ill paced it just doesn't feel like it belongs in the book. If this is meant to be a series of books she probably should have introduced the love interest but not moved forward with any of the falling in love until the plot was a little more resolved. I think this book had potential but really missed the mark.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I really felt like this book should have been marketed as Juvenile Fiction not Young Adult Fiction. The only time I remembered she was an assassin is when the author would refer to her as "the assassin" The character the author created was a whiny princess not a hard ass assassin. There was nothing ruthless about her, She loves puppies, pretty dresses and thinks all the boys are SO cute, furthermore she is so sure of herself but unsure at the same time. She was completely inconsistent. The whole love triangle within the story was a little lacking. I just don't get why people are obsessed with this series. A little too trite for me.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Let's Get Lost; Author: Adi Alsaid; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This book was rough to get through. I really don't think it was worth the read. The main character was not a character but rather a tool used to move the plot forward. You really don't get to know anything about her until the very end of the story even though she is the one constant throughout the book. I rather have read a book about any of the other character's full stories. The whole idea seemed a little forced. It was okay. After Hudson's story I really didn't care about anyone else until Sonia's story, but even with Sonia, I liked the idea of what she had been though but the whole way Leila got tangled up with her was just lame. This book really just wasn't worth my time.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Isn't She Lovely (Redemption, #0.5); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Net Galley took FOREVER to get back to me on this one. I ended up just buying it on Amazon.com. It was worth the.99 I bought it for but the day after I read it It showed up on my Net Galley dashboard! I've been on a Lauren Layne kick these last few weeks. I have been really enjoying her books. This one wasn't my favorite but it was definitely a good pool side read this weekend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Longest Ride; Author: Nicholas Sparks; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: If only life worked out like a N.Sparks novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Giver (The Giver, #1); Author: Lois Lowry; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I didn't realize this book would traumatize me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Looking for Alaska; Author: John Green; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: This one really didn't do much for me. In every John Green book I've ever read I have had a difficult time trying to hear the voice of the characters beyond the voice of the author. He writes teenagers in either a predictable way (lots of cursing, "dude" type of talk) or way OVERLY intelligent. So when these characters are telling me the stories I only hear the author not the character. It makes it difficult to get lost in the story. I know that YA readers revere him as the KING of YA but I just don't get it. Is this book a good story? Sure?? Is it ground breaking? Not at all. Did it change my view on the world? Nope! Maybe if I had read it at 15 it would have but after reading it I wouldn't want my 15 year old reading it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vanishing Girls; Author: Lauren Oliver; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Not a fan of this one at all. It was a struggle to get through. So many people are comparing the twist to the twist in We Were Liars... ummm no. not nearly as well written. It just really fell flat to me in every way.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Annihilate Me Vol. 3 (Annihilate Me, #3); Author: Christina Ross; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: She really should have stopped while she was ahead. this was terrible.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: His to Command (His to Command, #1-6); Author: Opal Carew; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This was pretty bad. like embarrassingly bad.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Say What You Will; Author: Cammie McGovern; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I have serious mixed feelings about this one. Mainly because Amy really wasn't a very likable character to me. I hate to say that, because the book hits very close to home to me. My mom worked as an aid for a girl eerily similar to Amy for 4+ years. She even lived with us at one point, for all accounts and purposes my mom was basically her mom for a season(she had a really bad home situation) She was very bright but was unable to talk and had very little control over her body she was also terminal so my mom wanted to make sure she made her high school years the best of her life since she would not (and did not) have many beyond. I also have two cousins diagnosed with CP. My concern was how selfish Amy was and how Matt's OCD was dismissed as something he could fix easily, OCD is a serious mental illness and I don't think the author was as sensitive to his struggle as she was to Amy's but maybe that was the point to show that mental and physical disabilities are equally difficult to deal with but one has more of "get it together" stigma attached to it. I felt like even in the end their relationship was co dependent and unhealthy for Matthew. He gave a whole lot and received very little. He was a much more likable character to me. I liked the book because it was real, and I haven't come across a book that address' some of the issues it presents but I felt like a little something was missing in the character development. Amy is HIGHLY intelligent but did very unintelligent things at times. I see the need for the conflict towards the end, but I don't know if that was the right conflict to go with. Its definitely worth a read but it fell a little short for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1); Author: Susan Ee; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I don't get why people like this book so much I wasn't a fan at all. I am not usually a paranormal fan and I read this because so many people told me how great it was. I just wasn't into it at all. Took me forever to get through it and I had no interest in what happens in the second book.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Onyx (Lux, #2); Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I dig it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone; Author: Adele Griffin; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, graphic, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I'm not sure what I think about this book. I just know that I will be thinking about it for a while.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rouse Me (Rouse Me, #1); Author: Crystal Kaswell; Genres: romance; Review: I have no words for how bad this book was.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Girl with All the Gifts; Author: M.R. Carey; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This book is totally not what I usually read, but it was really good. I feel like I have to read it again to really glean everything I feel like I should have from it. The end was crazy and perfect at the same time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fill-In Boyfriend; Author: Kasie West; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I really liked it, but I didn't love it like I usually love her stuff. The writing was fun, but I am really not a fan of stories like this, where a lie is told and you know it will eventually come out... Its not my cup of tea. I did love the evolution of Bec and Gia's friendship and of course of Hayden's relationship with Gia, but her friends were the actual worse. One major issue I have with the book is the last chapter it skips around so much and the book ends so abruptly . I felt like I was missing a whole chunk of the book. It is a fun light read but the last two contemp stories were much better.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eight Days a Week; Author: Amber L. Johnson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I read this as a fan fic years ago. So glad it got published. Its a super cute and quick read. Enjoyed it the second time around as much as I did the first.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bad for You (Sea Breeze, #7); Author: Abbi Glines; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This was THE WORST "romance" book I have ever read in my life. She ends up with an abusive, controlling asshole who is addicted to sex and not in a good way. I knew from the moment the pastor's son came into the picture that they were going to make him a villain. UGH I literally cannot with this book. This is not romance this is a controlling man who takes advantage of a girl who doesn't know better, again, not in a good way. I HATED THIS BOOK! if I could give it zero stars I would. I could go on and on about how terrible it was but I don't want to give this terrible book any more of my time.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Grave Witch (Alex Craft, #1); Author: Kalayna Price; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Its was Meh for me. Won't be reading on, but I will probably hound someone who has read the rest of them to tell me what happens. I REALLY hated it until about half way through just wasn't my bag.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tied (Tangled, #4); Author: Emma Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This was the worst of the series. It was just downright boring I was super bummed out.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Charlie All Night; Author: Jennifer Crusie; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Super cute and cheesy. I needed a mindless one to cleanse the palette after my last book. The end was a little lame but it was a quick read; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gone Girl; Author: Gillian Flynn; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** I think because this book has been so popular I thought it was going to be a lot more shocking when I read it. I was waiting for that "I want to throw this book across the room" twist moment. I think If I would have read it when it first came out I would have had that. Even though I remained spoiler free I still saw everything coming before it happened. I guessed the twist very early on, who was involved and even how she would end it. I think I over thought it, I really wanted Andi to be in on it. One of my earlier theories was that he was having an affair, Amy found out and reached out to Andi lied about something and Andi would be on her side.. Andi being interested in journalism would want a story and agree to help Amy... The idea of him attracting two crazy women was interesting to me maybe I will write my own Gone Girl Fan Fic haha. It was a good book, but a little too easy for me to figure out. PERFECT idea for a movie though, seeing it tonight can't wait!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: While It Lasts (Sea Breeze, #3); Author: Abbi Glines; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: The thing that annoys me about these books is how effed up every male character is. This dude feels hurt and so he went out and slept with a whole bunch of girls, but its okay because he was thinking of her the whole time he was doing it. Everytime I feel like she maybe writing a decent guy he goes and proves he really shouldn't be getting the girl, with the exception of Marcus. Makes me think the author has some major issues with men.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Finding Mr. Brightside; Author: Jay Clark; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: You had me at "Taco Bell"...I REALLY enjoyed this book. Thought it had heart and dealt with some difficult things in a great way. It was serious when it needed to be and lighthearted when things started to get depressing. I LOVE the back and forth narrative and I usually hate when books are written like that, mainly because most authors tend to write the characters way too similar. I didn't find that to be the case at all. Abram's voice was his voice as was Juliette's. There were times when I felt like the story could have been a little more flushed out but for the most part I devoured this book. Really liked it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maybe One Day; Author: Melissa Kantor; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: I really enjoyed this??? It was a difficult read, but it really hooked me. The only thing I could say that I didn't really like was how much God blaming was happening. God gave my best friend cancer, God is so mean, She constantly is blaming God and saying F U to a God she doesn't believe in. It was sad to see her mock people with a hope of afterlife and showed how much despair there is when someone doesn't see beyond life on earth. I really liked the love story within it but really thought it was too sporadic. Wish we would have seen more Calvin. It was much more believable than TFIOS to me mainly because the teenagers worried about teenager things and spoke like teenagers.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flirting With The Competition; Author: Kerri Carpenter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: quick cute read. Wasn't amazing but a good read for someone waiting to get their oil changed... or if your stuck in an elevator... wink wink...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Paper Towns; Author: John Green; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Much of this book was a little heavy handed to me. I did rate it higher than I originally thought I would. What constitutes a good book to me is when I can get lost in the characters and the relationships within the book. I must believe a story that is not fantasy can actually happen and I must want to be in the adventure with the people in the book. I want to read a book where I feel like if I met the people in real life I'd want to hang out with them. I found that ONLY in Q's relationships with his best friends. I didn't care at all about his mission to find Margo, who seemed like an over privileged selfish brat. The best part of this book was the road trip. I really enjoyed their time bonding with each other, but up until that point it was like blah blah blah Margo blah blah blah Black Santa Blah Blah Blah Margo. I liked it better than I liked Looking for Alaska, but I still hold firm that John Green is one of the most over rated voices in young adult literature. sorry not sorry.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Love Thy Neighbor; Author: Sophie Wintner; Genres: romance; Review: it was okay, way predictable but a super quick read.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Rowdy Thing (Wild Seasons, #2); Author: Christina Lauren; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I liked this book so much better than their previous books, not that I disliked the others but this one was tops!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Invisibility; Author: Andrea Cremer; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Ugh.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bad Romeo (Starcrossed, #1); Author: Leisa Rayven; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Just as amazing the second time around. So glad to see this get published!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Noggin; Author: John Corey Whaley; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The most disappointing part of this book was when it was over. I feel like I need to know a little more about how Travis will live his life going forward, but maybe that's the point, there's no telling the future, you've got to live in the moment. While doing a display for the National Book Award winners this year I came across this book. I thought I would give it a go, even though the premise was a little weird, based on the fact that a lot of people had given it great reviews. I am so glad I did. I laughed and I cried. Its about friendship, change, and moving forward even though you miss "the good old days" and most of all accepting the season you are in even if it looks nothing like you expected your future to look like. This is definitely one of the my top 5 favorite books I've read all year long. I loved it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tamed (Tangled, #3); Author: Emma Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Meh, her last two were much better.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 99 Days; Author: Katie Cotugno; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: To be fair to this book, the title tells us what to expect. We are getting 99 days. Those 99 days were filled with horrible decisions, but I wasn't expecting to read a happily ever after, because again, we've got 99 days. I don't like reading books that have a character making the same mistake over and over again, it seemed redundant. I am a fan of character driven stories, where we see a progression (good or bad) in their character development. I thought all the characters pretty much stayed the same from the start of the book until the end. I thought Mollie was an idiot and Patrick was a dick. There really wasn't a likable character in the entire book. It was okay but it wasn't my fav.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Anatomy of a Misfit; Author: Andrea Portes; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I HATED this book. Why some reviewers think it's groundbreaking is puzzling to me. The whole "love story" was convoluted and the main character was a horrible person. I could not stand her the entire book I just wanted it to be over with.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Holy Frigging Matrimony: A Tangled Series Short Story (Tangled, #1.5); Author: Emma Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I liked this short story way better than most of her more recent stuff.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Crushed (Redemption, #2); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Great pacing, the best heroine of any of her books so far. I loved this one. I read it in one sitting and now I'm bummed its over.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: It Happened One Night Shift; Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: romance; Review: It had a pretty abrupt ending. that wrapped things up too perfectly. I thought the bulk of the story was great though. Wish an epilogue would have been included.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All We Have Is Now; Author: Lisa Schroeder; Genres: young-adult, poetry, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Very juvenile. As a YA novel the emphasis is definitely on the "young" side of the continuum; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Things We Know by Heart; Author: Jessi Kirby; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I haven't loved a book like I loved this one in a long time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What You Left Behind; Author: Jessica Verdi; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: A book about life, death and how choices and young love effect the rest of your life. Everything about this book was great. The pacing the unique storyline (side note: I predict that there are going to be a steady stream of books about teenage fathers after the success this book is sure to have). The circumstances are believable and Ryden's Struggle is realistic. Perfect mix of tragic, coming of age, and realizing everything might not go as planed but everything is going to be okay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Life with the Walter Boys (My Life with the Walter Boys #1); Author: Ali Novak; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: A rambling mess of a story with no real plot far too many characters with no real character development. Lesson I learned from this book: is good reviews do not equal good book. PAINFUL to get through.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Althea & Oliver; Author: Cristina Moracho; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I feel like this started out really good, but it sort of went off the rails. It felt pretty disjointed and ultra unrealistic towards the last third of the book. It was actually a good idea but it wasn't executed very well. I would read another book by her in the future though, I think she has some major potential as a YA author.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dear Girls Above Me: Inspired by a True Story; Author: Charlie McDowell; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: There were some really great one liners and funny moments, but the book really didn't go anywhere. It was a quick fun read though.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Go Set a Watchman; Author: Harper Lee; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: I am going to come right out and say it, I have never read To Kill a Mockingbird. I know, I know, the public school system failed me, but I thought it would be a good opportunity to be able to review this book completely unbiasedly so while I have TKAM loaded on my ipad right now and plan on reading it this week, I am glad that I did it this way because it allows me to really see this book for what it is. With no context I went into this book with no expectations and I loved it. I am aware of the controversy surrounding this book, many say Harper Lee never wanted it released, or wished that it would be released after her death. I am not sure her reasons, or if there is any truth to these rumors but it seems that this book, like its first, was released for such a time as this. It is natural that people are reviewing this within the context of TKAM but and claiming "its not as good as the first" but I feel like after reading it people are being unnecessarily cynical about this book. Looking at it as a stand alone piece has allowed me to really see the intricacies of the story, the flow of the novel, and all of the amazing connections between the lessons Scout learned as a child and how she is living those out in adulthood. I don't reread a lot of books but I feel like I will be coming back to this one and now I can not wait to get through To Kill a Mockingbird. I really enjoyed this book and it is astonishing that although it was written 60+ years ago, the dialogue, issues and passion it invokes is as relevant today as it was back then.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Grief Observed; Author: C.S. Lewis; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I wish I didn't have a reason to relate.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Remember You; Author: Cathleen Davitt Bell; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** Excellent idea, but the character development lacked. I cared more about the outcome rather than the characters. Their love story really wasn't built up, and the last few chapters were a bit of a whirl wind I was definitely left wanting more. I really think that it just slightly missed the mark of being something really special. I liked the idea, but I really was disappointed that I didn't feel emotionally invested in either of the main characters or their love story. I was invested in how it would end though, I just didn't care if they found their way back to each other I just needed to know what it all meant. I did think the idea of the switch in their relationship half way though (her attempting to convince him of his dream/future, instead of him attempting to convince her) was a nice touch. Worth reading? yes I'd say so, it reminded me a little of the "Time Between Us" series, but I believe Tamera Ireland Stone's character development, relationship and story building is much stronger, if you liked this one, you'd love her series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Emmy & Oliver; Author: Robin Benway; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 Stars. I really enjoyed this book I thought it was great but I was a little bit confused by the timing and pacing of the book. There were times that I felt like Emmy had described things that Oliver and her (and sometimes her friends) had done together that had made me think significant time had past but then she would say things like "was that only three days ago?" I would be like wait!? WAS THAT 3 days ago? it seems like she had just said that they spent weeks doing those things. Also the author used the "was that only such and such days ago?" line too often, like even she knew we would be confused by how much time had past and wanted to remind us. Because of this, which seems to just be an editing issue, some of the chapters felt a little misplaced. Other than that I thought the book was pretty great. The story is engaging and the Emmy was very likable as a character. I really enjoyed the dialogue with just about every character. It was witty funny and heartfelt. There was not even one character that annoyed me... okay MAYBE Emmy's mom did a little bit but for all the same reasons why she annoyed Emmy. I really loved the little in between chapters glimpses of Emmy and Oilver's relationship when they were little. All and all a solid read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Between Us and the Moon; Author: Rebecca Maizel; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I really liked this book but there were some really redundant parts of it. I really want a sequel to this I think there has to be more to their story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Time We Say Goodbye; Author: Cynthia Hand; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: This is a book about grief and I think it is one of the most realistic heart wrenching books about grief I have ever read. There are no happily ever afters, no hero to save her from her pain, just a girl who is in pain and trying to find a way to not hurt as bad. It's about regret, and also moving on from your past. I thought this was one of the most beautifully written books on the topic of suicide I have ever read. Nothing is sugar coated, There's no over quirky charming unrealistic characters to break up the sadness, speaking from experience this is life when you loose someone plain and simple. The emotions are raw and so real to life, it was difficult to get through but also so worth it at the same time. Brilliant.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between; Author: Jennifer E. Smith; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This is the first Jennifer E Smith book that I didn't absolutely love. It was okay it was VERY dialogue heavy, and the story just wasn't as strong as her other books.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Every Last Word; Author: Tamara Ireland Stone; Genres: poetry, fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I don't even know how to review this book. All I can say is that I related a little too much to the main character and it sort of scared me. It dealt with a very real condition in a real way. A lot of times when you read books about kids with conditions like OCD you get a whole lot of "no one understands me" or "I am hopeless" stories that do exist in real life, but Every Last Word, I think, depicted a more realistic view of living with a severe case of OCD. Parents that were desperate to help, an outlet for her to express herself, a helpful therapist all balanced with the fact that she is keeping it secret. Its realistic, Its FULL of hope even in the darkest times. Some aren't so lucky but I think books like this are a great start to understanding others with OCD or maybe even yourself a little better.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander, #8); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: ALL MY TEARS FOREVER! Ties with Outlander for my favorite book of the series. This book was everything!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: After You (Me Before You, #2); Author: Jojo Moyes; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Everything I wanted it to be and so much more. Full review to come closer to the date of publishing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Recovery (The Program, #2.5); Author: Suzanne Young; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: For people who didn't hate Realm here's a couple chapters about what he's up to. It really didn't add anything to the story but I know that the next book is a prequel that will involve him. I am not sure I care enough about this particular character to read it though. It was just sort of a meh novella to me.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Heir (The Selection, #4); Author: Kiera Cass; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: At this point I will totally finish the series but I feel like with each book that is released, they are becoming more and more of a stretch. The authors is just really milking this cash cow to death. I will say that I DO like the fact that books like this exist for teenage girls, who just want to read purely for the enjoyment of reading. These are quick and easy reads but they have very little substance to them, especially the newest in the series. I guess they are good guilty pleasure reads, but I haven't walked away feeling like I had something to think about or my mind has been expanded by reading any books by Kiera Cass.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Confess; Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** I really didn't like this book. It was rough for me to finish, it was ridiculous. The two main characters are idiots. They both need to get their shit together. Auburn isn't likable because she is a freaking push over who lets Trey and his mom control her life. Even Owen admitting that his father's drugs are his is so completely stupid. When you are arrested on possession charges and get a plead deal to do rehab you better believe they do drug tests. There were so many lame things that happen in this book that it just annoyed the crap out of me. I liked the first maybe 30 percent, but by the end the whole tone of the book turned for the worse. An officer who vandalizes, arrests an innocent man and tries to rape the mother of his dead brother's son without any of them freaking going to his commanding officer... GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK! She is pretty much a shitty person for not turning him in and blackmailing him, the way it resolved was not okay with me. ugh. Maybe I just didn't expect this type of book... and books like this are not my cup of tea.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Extraordinary Means; Author: Robyn Schneider; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I really loved her first book, but this one just didn't do it for me at all.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Torn Away; Author: Jennifer Brown; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: I cried more throughout this book than any other book I've ever read. It was an emotional rollercoaster. Its so hard to review something like this but it was extremely touching.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Girl on the Train; Author: Paula Hawkins; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: It was well written and compelling but a quarter of the way through I guessed what was happening I spent the rest of the time waiting for the reveal. A lot of people are comparing it to Gone Girl I would say the story on this one was paced far better. I like it better but yeah it was a tad predictable to me and the main character was a little frustrating. It's a must read for the summer!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lick (Stage Dive, #1); Author: Kylie Scott; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: The worst of the series in my opinion. Whatever you do don't listen to the audio book the narrator sucks.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: After (After, #1); Author: Anna Todd; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Literally the actual worst book I've ever read. It's basically the same two chapters written 50 times. I can not fathom how books like this gain an audience.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: All the Bright Places; Author: Jennifer Niven; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** I struggled with giving this book a 3 star rating its really more like a 3.5. This book is often compared to The Fault in our Stars, but I felt like it was more like Paper Towns, either way it seemed like the author wrote this book with those books in mind. I am not a John Green fan so I will say the main characters in this book are stronger and more realistic than the ones in in John Green's books. They are written more like quirky teenagers and not like a quirky adult, which I liked. My problem with this book is how not a single person was able to identify his mental illness and report it to his actual parents instead of their answering machine. A lot of the things in this book are pretty unrealistic simply because an attempted suicide is always followed up with social services not with just a message left on an answering machine. If a kid is being expelled more than a message is going to be left for a parent informing this, especially if an assault occurred. There is an unrealistic amount of follow through among teachers, principals and parents in this book, all so it could lead to a tragic ending. I know there are many kids who fall through the cracks, but it seems like this was written to over dramatize mental illness and suicide. Its hard to articulate why this book bothered me but I will not deny she is a much better writer than some of the other Young Adult authors, but its her story telling that didn't do it for me. I think her past experiences which she acknowledges in an authors note informed her storytelling almost to her detriment. When you experience what she has experienced there are not enough words to write about how devastating a situation like that is. So attempting to build a character with extremely obvious issues that are over the top can get away from someone. I guess my motto is lets not write books to shock people or to be edgy, lets write books that mean something; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Never Never (Never Never, #1); Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: I'm a little annoyed by how short it is but I would have been super pissed if I had read it and I had to wait to read the second part. Thank god I just got around to reading it and part two is already downloadable! I am surprised by how quickly I was sucked into this book!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Royal We; Author: Heather Cocks; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This book was SO LONG! like probably 200 pages longer than it needed to be I liked it but it really could have gone through some pretty aggressive editing. Also I felt the end was a little anti climatic. I really felt like it ran out of steam with about 100 pages left. It was worth the read, but some parts of it felt a little annoying to get through. The humor in it was my kind of humor and there are some really special parts in this book but also some really cheesy parts and some really awful scummy characters that you want to slap. The whole book really felt a bit like fan ficiton to me. I guess it's a good summer read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dark Wild Night (Wild Seasons, #3); Author: Christina Lauren; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I read a lot of these types of books and I can honestly say no one is doing this genre like Christina Lauren is. Their books are by far the best in their class. If you know of anyone of any other authors are that killing it the way these ladies are, let me know because I have yet to find them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: First There Was Forever; Author: Juliana Romano; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I have mixed emotions about this one. I liked it at the beginning so much more than towards the end. The whole story just seemed a little redundant. I honestly felt like Lima and Nate's relationship really was underdeveloped for how fast they went from sort of liking each other to having sex on her friend's dad's bed. Seemed a little crazy to me. some of the dialogue seemed very juvenile at times while what was being described was very adult; Sex, Drugs, excessive drinking. I understand that "kids these days" do all of these things but at times I felt like the author was glorifying drug and alcohol abuse. It just was strange for a book that is geared towards 9-12 graders, I would not let my teenager read this book, but as an adult I thought it was a pretty good story, with some really odd immature dialogue that seemed pretty misplaced and felt very "first novelish" to me. With all that being said, I would totally read another book by Juilana Romano I think she has potential to be a great young adult author to look out for.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Maybe in Another Life; Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I will read anything she writes. I loved this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Queen (Red Queen, #1); Author: Victoria Aveyard; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Nope. No. Just no.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kissing in America; Author: Margo Rabb; Genres: poetry, fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Yes it was a little predictable but at the same time it was not what I was expecting at all! I really enjoyed this one, it had me crying pretty much instantly, but one of the characters goes through something that hit way too close to home and I wasn't expecting it. I love how it felt like two distinct books. It was way more a book about grief than it was a romance. It seems like a lot of books lately have been released in the Young Adult world about dealing with extremely traumatic events. This is one of the few that dealt with grief in a realistic and beautiful way. The integration of poetry in the book worked pretty seamlessly. I thought it was a great read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Très Green, Très Clean, Très Chic: Eat (and Live!) the New French Way with Plant-Based, Gluten-Free Recipes for Every Season; Author: Rebecca Leffler; Genres: non-fiction; Review: One of the best lifestyle books I've ever read! I checked it out at the library and knew that I would have to purchase it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In the Unlikely Event; Author: Judy Blume; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Hands down my favorite book of the year. Full Review to come. If you haven't read it, read it, if you don't like it, you have no heart.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Sunshine Away; Author: M.O. Walsh; Genres: history, young-adult, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction, mystery; Review: There were times in this book that I thought I would give it a one star review. Times where I thought "holy crap is this how teenage boys think?" Ultimately I do think this book gave one of the most honest narratives of a teenage boy obsessed with a girl that I've ever read. It is raw and nothing in his head was hidden from the reader.. I think the way this book is marketed is a little off, I was expecting much more detail about growing up in Louisiana based on the books blurb. I thought it would dive deeper into the culture of that area, but instead this story could have been set anywhere. I don't think the fact that it was set in the south had any impact on the story whatsoever. Still This book was engaging and while some parts had me cringing, I think it was extremely well written and a must read for the summer for readers who enjoy a character driven mystery.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Irresistibly Yours (Oxford, #1); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 stars I really love Lauren Layne's books I pimp them out to all my friends as some of the best contemporary romance out there, but this one didn't do it for me. Was it worth the read? Yes in my opinion it is, but I found the heroine in this book pretty weak and I was shocked to see that since she usually writes such strong women. If I had to hear her describe her flat chest one more time I was going to freak out. Who cares the dude is in to you stop referencing your flaws. It felt a little like she needed a man to make her feel good about herself and I am so not into that, but then again maybe other people relate to it. I am looking forward to Lincoln's story though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Breathe (Sea Breeze, #1); Author: Abbi Glines; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I am now dumber for reading this book. It was painfully stupid. I am embarrassed that I read it. By far the worst book in this series.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Past (The Burke Brothers, #2); Author: Emma Hart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I don't like romance books with weak heroines. I felt like she was super weak and the worst part is, I think the author THOUGHT she was writing a strong heroine. I also don't like when completely illogical decisions are made to simply keep the plot going. Like when a man breaks into a hotel room and nearly kills a woman, who just lets that go and doesn't involved police? There are so many parts of this book that didn't make sense to me, but most of all the romance part just was underdeveloped, I have never met a girl who is that easily won over after a dude basically just curses non stop at her and has to deal with the other women her "hero" is sleeping with. Especially for a woman who was in an abusive relationship. Just no on this one.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ugly Love; Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I am so glad that I gave this book a try. I read another Collen Hoover book a couple months ago and I really didn't like it. This book redeemed her in my eyes. I thought it was a solid read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Worth the Fall (The McKinney Brothers, #1); Author: Claudia Connor; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: This book is for women who are knocked up and need a man to rescue them. No thanks.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ignite (Explosive, #1); Author: Tessa Teevan; Genres: romance; Review: This book went on forever! I was so over it half way in, so much could have been cut out.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Never Never: Part Two (Never Never, #2); Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: So mad that it is so short and that I have to wait until for the next book. If you are thinking about reading this series WAIT! don't pick it up until the series is completed. Its so good but I am super bummed that I have to wait to read the last part.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Maybe Someday (Maybe, #1); Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I really enjoyed this book, but I do think it sort of dragged towards the last half of the book. The extra time it dragged on started to convince me that Ridge was sort of an asshole for stringing her along. I also didn't really like how much blame Sydney received throughout the story when it seemed like he was hard core pursuing her. She was never a Tori in my eyes but he was sort of a Hunter. I still really liked the book and was glad I finally got around to reading it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Knockoff; Author: Lucy Sykes; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: One of my favorite books of the year! It's funny and frustrating at the same time. Such a fun summer read. I want to be Imogen Tate when I grow up, The whole time I was reading it I was wondering do people like her really exist in the world? She was the perfect character, smart, classy, a little goofy, generous and kind! For so much of the book I just wanted her to put Eve in her place, but I loved that the authors stayed true to the character they built and kept her on the high road. I LOVED this book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: November 9; Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 stars only because the ending seemed so rushed and I wanted an epilogue.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To Kill a Mockingbird; Author: Harper Lee; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: I finally get it and I am still so glad I read Go Set a Watchman first!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sustained (The Legal Briefs, #2); Author: Emma Chase; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: By far her best book yet. I really enjoyed it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Appealed (The Legal Briefs, #3); Author: Emma Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Not my favorite out of the series. It was a little everywhere the story wasn't as flushed out as I would like it. I really liked the idea that he wasn't physically perfect nice little twist to the hero. The end was pretty sweet too.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Until Friday Night (The Field Party, #1); Author: Abbi Glines; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Like all of Abbi Glines books this one is a mindless quick read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: P.S. I Like You; Author: Kasie West; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: It took me a really long time to start getting attached to these characters. The first half of the book felt a little juvinile to me but about 200 pages in I started to like it much more. I give it a 3.5 stars.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: For the Right Reasons: America's Favorite Bachelor on Faith, Love, Marriage, and Why Nice Guys Finish First; Author: Sean Lowe; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, romance; Review: This was so much better than I thought it would be. Really enjoyed reading about the behind the scenes of the show and how he came to his decision to marry Catherine. At the time when I was watching the show I really didn't understand their connection but it all makes sense now. Read this in one sitting I couldn't put it down. It was paced extremely well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Remember When 3: The Finale (Remember Trilogy, #3); Author: T. Torrest; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: I really liked this series. It was a quick read that occupied my time this week. Super sweet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Didn't Come Here to Make Friends: Confessions of a Reality Show Villain; Author: Courtney Robertson; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, romance, fiction; Review: She's just as horrible as I thought she was.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: One True Loves; Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This book makes me understand what people on the bachelor mean when they say its possible to love two people at the same time haha. I loved Jesse and Sam so much at the same time. Why does she always write these impossible love stories and why do I always love them so much!?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Some Sort of Happy (Happy Crazy Love, #1); Author: Melanie Harlow; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I really enjoyed this series so far. I liked the second book better,probably because I read it first... but I am excited to read the third.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Summerlost; Author: Ally Condie; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I loved this book so much. I don't ever read middle grade books, but this one was so great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pucked (Pucked, #1); Author: Helena Hunting; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Took me forever to get through this book, finally finished it months after I started it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Square Root of Summer; Author: Harriet Reuter Hapgood; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I think I loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Unexpected Everything; Author: Morgan Matson; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: By FAR my favorite book by Morgan Matson. The first little bit were a little difficult for me to get into but as soon as Bertie showed up I was hooked. Even though some of it was predictable, it was predictable in the best ways. I laughed I cried and I just didn't want the story to end. I feel like I could read another 500 pages of their story! Its one of my favorite books of the summer!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When We Collided; Author: Emery Lord; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This story would have been much better if it were about Jonah and the girl he works with at the restaurant.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: It Ends with Us; Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** This by far the best book she has written, but there is always something in everyone of her books that sort of annoys me. This time it was the Letters to Ellen as the means to telling the story. I thought it felt like a super juvenile way to facilitate her memories of the past. It wasn't the letters/ journals that bothered me, it was that they were to Ellen, it just seemed super forced and the whole Finding Nemo references were just lame to me. She was far too old (15/16) to have had such a deep connection with a cartoon. She could have written the same sentiment using a different method and it would have felt more relevant to a woman in her teens moving on to adulthood. Other than that, the book was excellent, heartbreaking and hit a little too close to home. I really do think her books keep getting better and better. This one and November 9 have been standouts for sure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Always and Forever, Lara Jean (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #3); Author: Jenny Han; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Perfect ending to a perfect series... I loved every word. I love these characters so much (except for Margot when she's being a jerk sometimes) I am so sad to see it end, but so grateful I got to read this chapter of Lara Jean's life. I give this book 5 heart eye emojis!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Places No One Knows; Author: Brenna Yovanoff; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book did nothing for me. It was long and repetitive with a strange ending. Not my favorite.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Always Loving You (Danvers, #6); Author: Sydney Landon; Genres: romance; Review: it started out okay but it got so repetitive towards the middle and until the end.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Thousand Boy Kisses; Author: Tillie Cole; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This book was so drawn out and it was bordered on gratuitous. I thought the emotion, the love, and the entire story just felt so forced. Like she sat down and was like "hummm how can I make people cry" and just kept beating a freaking dead horse. I was really hopeful at first but the redundancy of emotion just annoyed the crap out of me.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cream of the Crop (Hudson Valley, #2); Author: Alice Clayton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: My least favorite of all her books.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Because I Love You; Author: Tori Rigby; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This book was all over the place. It could have been so good but there were so many melodramatic rabbit trails that were unnecessary that just made me roll my eyes. Nothing flowed realistically and it just got increasingly annoying. I was so done with it after the first "twist of fate."; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Losing It; Author: Emma Rathbone; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: There were a few bright spots in this book, but overall just an okay read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Our Chemical Hearts; Author: Krystal Sutherland; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This is a young adult book that felt real. The language the situations and the terrible problem solving/ decision making skills of teenagers were realistic. Took me a while to get through this, but I am glad I finished it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: By Your Side; Author: Kasie West; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This was cute, but didn't have a ton of substance. I also think its pretty unrealistic that in a large library they were unable to find a single telephone, but the most unrealistic part was the fact that they were unable to find food. I have worked in 5 different libraries and no one is going to tell me that there would not be a cup of coffee or tea to be found within the walls of any public library, the amount of snacks in my office could feed someone for at least two weeks, and don't even get me started on the break room fridge being empty, that would never ever happen. haha; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Serpent King; Author: Jeff Zentner; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Emotional, real, sweet, and one of the best books I've read this year.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tell Me Three Things; Author: Julie Buxbaum; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Incredibly predictable and all around pointless.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Goodbye Days; Author: Jeff Zentner; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: Rip your heart out good. I loved his first book, probably my favorite of the year. After reading this one, I am convinced I will love everything he writes from now on.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Where Things Come Back; Author: John Corey Whaley; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I'm bummed that I didn't like this one because I loved his other books, but this one just didn't hook me. The only person I cared about in the whole book was Gabriel and he was the only reason I finished it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Signs of You; Author: Emily France; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: took me forever to get through this, I am so completely confused by the good reviews on this book. It was really sort of a mess. I wasn't a fan at all.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Will You Won't You Want Me?; Author: Nora Zelevansky; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** I really liked this book until the last little bit. Through her self discovery she revealed herself to be pretentious and sort of mean to people who weren't as driven and intelligent as she thought she was. Especially the part where she goes off about Mac being a cheater because he was cheating at playing Words with Friends. That portion of the book felt self righteous and completely ridiculous considering she ACTUALLY cheated on him with her boss, while she was discovering that he took sort cuts she never stooped to think that maybe what she saw in him was what she hated about herself, she just saw his fault and not her own. The added elements of the political and social commentary woven within the book felt a little heavy handed, created to make either the author or the character seem as though by referencing them constantly it proved that they were better than others for being affected by them enough to mention them. It got to be a little tedious. I really liked her up until the last probably 10 percent of the book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hating Game; Author: Sally Thorne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I loved this book! Probably my favorite book of the year! I borrowed it from my library, finished it in a day and immediately went online to purchase it. In my profession actually purchasing a book is pretty unheard of, I have so many books in my "tbr" pile so I don't usually retread books but I know I'll come back to this one soon. Can't wait to read more from Sally Throne in the coming years!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scrappy Little Nobody; Author: Anna Kendrick; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction; Review: Unpopular opinion alert, please stand by. I like Anna Kendrick. Obviously I wouldn't have read her book if I didn't. I think she is talented and funny and all of the things one needs to be in order to be successful in Hollywood. She begins her book saying that she doesn't like to tell people she is a child actor because the typical child actor is crazy. I don't think Anna is crazy, but I in trying to prove that she is just like you and me she unintentionally proves herself to be a product of a life that is completely unrelatable to any "normal person" no matter how many chapters she spends insisting that she is. This is my biggest problem with this book. I think if she would have leaned into the fact that she found herself in these weird situations instead of trying to seem above it all in so many instances I would have liked it a bit better. Part of this is because she is a 31 year old writing a book about her life. Anna is just a couple years younger than me and maybe but I found it really difficult to glean much from this book. I really expected to like this book and was sort of bummed when it made me cringe in so many places at how "geeky" and "uncool" she promises she is right after telling a story to first convince you that really is bad ass. There were just so many parts of this book that rubbed me the wrong way. I don't know about you but I just could not relate with the perfectly normal idea of being underage, living on my own and partying at the Chateau Marmont with my friends; the stripper, the model and the one with the much older boyfriend buying bottle service. A story she just casually dropped in to make her look like she was a loser??? The whole book felt like a big humble brag to me. I still will watch her movies and enjoy them and maybe I will even read the book she promises to write at the age of 70.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Girl Walks into a Bar . . .: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle; Author: Rachel Dratch; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction; Review: I really enjoyed this book. I found that I could relate to a lot of her stories. Totally gave me perspective and hope for the future.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Love and to Cherish (The Wedding Belles, #3); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** I really liked this one but I do feel like a little was left unsaid, It could have used a little longer epilogue or just one more chapter heck even a couple more paragraphs. We were left hanging when it came to his family back in England and after it being such a struggle for him, it was obvious what his choice was but no follow up with his family and how his decision impacted them felt a little off. Usually this wouldn't bother me, because usually in her next book she does a little blurb about the previous story and how things worked out, but knowing this is the end of the series I wanted that loose end tied up. All that being said I think this was my fav book in this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diplomatic Immunity; Author: Brodi Ashton; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: booorrriinnngggg.... Seriously, I hated the main character. She is selfish, liar I was not a fan of this ridiculous book at all.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Royally Screwed (Royally, #1); Author: Emma Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Definitely not my favorite book of hers. I almost felt like she was trying too hard to write a story about a Prince. It just didn't work well at all. Pretty disappointing because I really enjoyed the last few books in her last series.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Beloved (Salvation, #1); Author: Corinne Michaels; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: took me forever to get through this book. It just did not keep my attention at all and the way it ended was so lame that I won't read the second book.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo; Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. One of the things I love about TJR books is that the characters always have a very authentic voice that makes me empathize with them, but I just didn't get that feeling in this one. Unlike every other main character in every other one of her books I just didn't like Evelyn Hugo. I wasn't rooting for her, because I didn't know what she really wanted. Her story just seemed so repetitive and by the end I was rolling my eyes at the "twists" in the ending. I feel very torn about this whole book because I wanted to love it, but it just fell short for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zenn Diagram; Author: Wendy Brant; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I hate math, but for some reason I really love reading books about people who are good at math ( I loved The Square Root of Summer by Hariett Hapgood). I think the specialness (is that a word?) of Eva's gift was a little downplayed in this novel, she is supposed to be extraordinary but becomes just a normal teenager girl infatuated with a boy very quickly. It was a pretty predictable book, but I still really enjoyed it and tore through it very quickly. It read pretty true to life, but because we don't even get even a hint of resolution to the mystery of her condition the book felt a little unfinished to me. The ending felt a little quick as well, still all in all it is a solid debut novel that I would happily recommend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just Say When; Author: Kaylee Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I had to start skimming it until the end because it was sort of pointless and cheesy. Not great.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Secret History of Us; Author: Jessi Kirby; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I just wanted this book to be like 150 pages longer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mothers; Author: Brit Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: It took me a week to finish this one because it was just too heartbreaking at points, I had to take breaks. It was written beautifully and made me want to love people better because you never know the secrets people keep in their hearts.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: We All Looked Up; Author: Tommy Wallach; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: Three quarters of the way into it I just wanted everyone to die so it would just be over with. This one was really all over the place in all the worst ways.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Can't Touch This (Can't Touch This, #1); Author: Tess Hunter; Genres: romance; Review: literally one of the worst.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 100 Sideways Miles; Author: Andrew Smith; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: EXCELLENT! Really enjoyed this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spare and Found Parts; Author: Sarah Maria Griffin; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book had the strangest flow. I really didn't feel like there was much of a storyline or a resolve. It was a pretty good idea that wasn't really executed as well as it could have been.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Windfall; Author: Jennifer E. Smith; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: I always enjoy Jennifer's books. There were things about the story that really annoyed me at times, but it all really came together in such a great way. I found myself going back and re-reading parts of it after I finished because I liked it so much! 4.5 stars!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Upside of Unrequited; Author: Becky Albertalli; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: There were a few good moments in this book, but the plot was absent. The characters were underdeveloped and while I really appreciate diversity in young adult books, it felt like the whole point of the book was to cram as many diverse characters in the story instead of developing the actual story . Also in the attempt to be a "different kind" of YA book it stooped to some of the lowest forms of teenage angst (all about being boy/girl crazy). Her self talk was so unhealthy, constantly doubting herself and calling herself fat, as if weight is the most important part of a woman. All I know about Molly after reading this book is that she has a twin sister, two moms, a brother, she thinks she's fat, and without validation of a boy liking her she has no self esteem. There's nothing about what she likes, what her dreams are other than getting a boyfriend. She only finds her "real self" after making out with a boy. I just don't understand the crazy great reviews on this one.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cheater (Curious Liaisons, #1); Author: Rachel Van Dyken; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: The only thing I didn't like about this book was how little time lapsed before love was being professed. Other than that it was totally not what I was expecting. The heroine was great, I only read it because of how many positive reviews I found on goodreads and I flew through it. I really enjoyed it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: trans·fer·ence; Author: Ava Harrison; Genres: romance; Review: literally the most boring book I've read so far this year. I can't even believe I finished it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Million Junes; Author: Emily Henry; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I often like magical realism in books and I do really like the way Emily Henry writes, but I was a little lost a few times in this book. I needed a little more focus on Saul and June's relationship and less on the magical side. I just think it needed a little more grounding in reality. I feel like this book could have used a little more editing and it would have been a near perfect book. I guess I just wanted to know more about the two main characters and wanted to see more of their lives and how they entwined rather than only their families stories. Who was Saul in college? Give me more of June's relationship with her current family and don't hint at a romance with the English teacher and not give us the deets! I liked this book, but I could have loved it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sing; Author: Vivi Greene; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 2.5 stars for this Taylor Swift fanfic.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bad Husband; Author: Shey Stahl; Genres: romance; Review: I loved this one. It was hilarious and just a fun quick read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Take Me Back; Author: Meghan March; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: This book was pretty confusing and sort of all over the place. More of a mystery than it is Romance.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Midnight at the Electric; Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Why am I crying!?? I loved this one. I could have read 200 more pages of this story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Roar (Stormheart, #1); Author: Cora Carmack; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I thought I would give this one a try, I figured if I wasn't invested in the first 50 pages I would ditch it, but low and behold, I thought it was good and I needed to figure out how it would end! I can see this series becoming pretty successful, it ended with a cliffhanger that makes me excited to read the next in the series!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I See London, I See France (I See London, I See France, #1); Author: Sarah Mlynowski; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: DNF @ 35% This is literally like taking a trip to Europe with two of the most annoying and ignorant American girls ever. I couldn't take it. The author is trying way too hard in this one. From the many references to other books about Europe and other YA books to over emphasizing commonly known cultural differences to make it seem like these girls, who are 19, have never ever had any exposure to these differences. This book is just annoying. Also this book should not be considered a Young Adult book, YA is usually about people still in high school, these girls are in college and do very college aged things, casual sex, and drug use ect. not saying High School kids don't do these things, but YA really should be about girls and guys in the 13-17 years old range. Call it what it is, a poorly written New Adult book. As a person who spent a lot of time traveling in my early 20's I found this book to be a poor representation of how amazing a trip like this can actually be for your soul and discovering who you are as a person and your place in the world. What we get in this book is a lot of "oh how cute, the bathroom is called the loo!" and "his accent is sooo hot"; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Cop; Author: Laurelin Paige; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: fun guilty pleasure read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Heir (Westerly Billionaire, #1); Author: Ruth Cardello; Genres: romance; Review: Snoozefest; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Shacking Up; Author: Helena Hunting; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I'm sorry but no one believes ferrets are sexy. This one was weird.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kyle (Scandalous Boys #3); Author: Natalie Decker; Genres: romance; Review: One of the worst ever.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers, #3); Author: Sarina Bowen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This was my favorite so far in this series!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Burn; Author: Shey Stahl; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I do not understand the good reviews on this book. it is literally just sex and no real story line, it gets very boring very quickly. Call me old fashion but I need more connection between characters than just sex scene after sex scene. I ended up skipping all of these scenes and found that the book is pretty much 70 complete smut. It was a snoozefest for me.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: She Persisted; Author: Chelsea Clinton; Genres: history, children, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction; Review: I cried. Every mama should buy this for their little girl.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Ravine Hotel; City: Panchgani Satara District Maharashtra; Review: What a place to stay in panchgani and Mahabaleshwar!! I loved this place. Best part was the view of valley from the room. Mindblowing. Property is huge. loved each part of it... Highly recommended!! Go for it folks!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sia Resort; City: Alibaug Raigad District Maharashtra; Review: Resort is good! Clean rooms, tasty food and helping staff. We enjoyed dancing in the swimming pool with music played on speakers by the hotel staff. only thing which bothered me was the location of resort which is 1-2 km inside from the main road.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bamboo Grove Retreat; City: Gangtok East Sikkim Sikkim; Review: Don't expect much. This is an average hotel, clean rooms, average food, decent staff situated close to MG road though I felt lot of disturbance from Kitchen in my room. Lady at the main desk seems Strict somewhat like my English teacher in high school :P; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Summit Grace Hotel Spa; City: Darjeeling Darjeeling District West Bengal; Review: I had a pleasant stay at this hotel. Everything about this Hotel is awesome. Away from Market hustle, Clean rooms and washrooms, courteous staff specially restaurant trainees, good food..... I would like quote one incident which made us love this hotel..... we were late from early morning tiger hill sightseeing and reached hotel at 10:30 am. we were damn hungry. They usually closes their breakfast at 9:30 am but they arranged breakfast for us! Thanks for everything! Loved their hospitality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Sonam Palgye; City: Gangtok East Sikkim Sikkim; Review: I would not recommend stay at this Hotel. Though staff is pretty courteous so are the all natives of Sikkim. First of all you can not sell your old poor property in the name of Heritage. This property is pretty old one. Secondly, Sleep quality is poor as the hotel is situated…; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cliff View Residency; City: Lachung North Sikkim Sikkim; Review: This property is placed right in front of Snowy cliff and hence they named it Cliff view Residency. I had a worst experience at this place. I will summarize in the points below: - Dirty room and washroom, no wardrobes in the rooms. - Room window is not properly insulated which leads passage for freezing air into your rooms. - You need to request multiple times to the Hotel staff for switching on Hot running water of your room. - Pathetic food.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Bucket Boss Brand 08010 Bucket Grip; Brand: Bucket Boss; Review: Handle fits easily over the plastic handle of a Home Depot bucket, BUT it slides around and can easily fall off. A tighter fit would be better; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: BLACK+DECKER BDEQS300 1/4 Sheet Orbital Sander with Paddle Switch Actuati; Brand: BLACK+DECKER; Review: works fine fir small projects.. This is second sander of this type.. My first one lasted about 20 years; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Light It! By Fulcrum, 12 LED Wireless Magnifying Floor Lamp with Adaptor; Brand: LIGHT IT! by Fulcrum; Review: My wife uses this for her needle point as she sits in her easy chair watching TV... It works well for her and is not disturbing to me while I watch TV.... I have also found it helpful in getting splinters out of my fingers!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dremel 7700-1/15 MultiPro 7.2-Volt Cordless Rotary Tool Kit; Brand: Dremel; Review: I use this to trim my dog's nails.. Works great.. Not too noisy and helps me avoid cutting her black nails too short....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RugStylesOnline SHM-ST-8x30-BRWN-3 Comfy Collection Stair Tread Treads Indoor Skid Slip Resistant Carpet Stair Tread Treads Machine Washable,; Brand: RugStylesOnline; Review: I put these on our stairs to help our older dog navigate the laminate steps better.... They look fine and were easy to install using Duck brand double sided tape.... The carpet is on the 'thinner side' which is fine for us as I did not want too much height added to the steps. Color shown on line was vey close to what we received.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: FLOORLOT SHOP. FLOORS. DELIVERED. 200sqft 3mm Laminate Flooring Vapor Barrier Underlayment; Brand: FLOORLOT SHOP. FLOORS. DELIVERED.; Review: Worked well under a vinyl floating plank flooring. Gave the floor a 'cushy' feeling...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maxtech 53385MX Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set, 75-Piece; Brand: Maxtech; Review: No issues.. Plenty of bits....; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gibraltar Mailboxes Patriot Rust-Proof Plastic Black, Mailbox Mounting Board, GMB225B; Brand: Gibraltar Mailboxes; Review: I bought this for the Gibraltar Patriot Large Capacity Rust-Proof Plastic Black Post-Mount Mailbox, GMB515B01. It was not needed (though the on-line information would seem to make you think it is) when you are installing the mailbox to a horizontal 4" x 4" post.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gibraltar Mailboxes Elite Large Capacity Galvanized Steel Black, Post-Mount Mailbox, E1600B00; Brand: Gibraltar Mailboxes; Review: This is not easily mounted to a 4x4 post. I ended up returning this mailbox and buying the Gibraltar Patriot Large Capacity Rust-Proof mailbox from Amazon. You do NOT need the mount that goes with the Gibraltar Patriot Large Capacity Rust-Proof mailbox. The Gibraltar Patriot Large Capacity Rust-Proof mailbox looks and functions fine.... It took about 5 minutes to install...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gibraltar Mailboxes Patriot Medium Capacity Rust-Proof Plastic Black, Post-Mount Mailbox, GMB505B01; Brand: Gibraltar Mailboxes; Review: Great mailbox.... You do not need the Gibraltar Patriot Rust-Proof Plastic Black Mailbox Mounting Board, GMB225B to mount this mailbox to a horizontal 4x4 post. My wife and I love the little yellow flag that alerts you that that the mail has arrived.... Why all mailboxes do not come with this is beyond me.... Highly recommend!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men's Hi-Dexterity Leather Work Gloves, Ultra Comfort, Stretch Fit, Large (Wells Lamont 3214L); Brand: Wells Lamont; Review: Gloves seem to be holding up well.. I have used them several times moving rocks, soil, etc...Leather has not frayed or torn yet versus cheaper leather gloves I have purchased in the past. I did treat the leather with a waterproof conditioner before using the gloves.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: TORCHSTAR Dimmable E12 LED Candelabra Bulb, 5W (40W Equivalent), C11/B11, 2700K Soft White, 120° Beam Angle for Chandelier,; Brand: TORCHSTAR; Review: So far so good.. Lights (used 3) are in an outside ventilated fixture and do a good job of lighting up the front porch. They have not been exposed to very hot or cold weather yet (Washington DC area) so this review is a somewhat limited time test.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kinco 1927KW-XS-1 Premium grain pigskin palm, OttoTM striped fabric back, Snug 100% polyester knit wrist to retain warmth, Heatkeep; Brand: KINCO INTERNATIONAL; Review: I normally buy the largest size work gloves to fit my hands.. Be warned: These gloves are ENORMOUS! Had to return them. They are well made, just seem to be 'over-sized.'; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Plano Molding 1354 Stow N Go Tool Box with 4 23500 Series StowAways, Graphite Gray and Sandstone; Brand: Plano Molding; Review: Too small to hold nuts, bolts, nails and other things needed around the house.. Returned product and bought Stanley STST14027 SortMaster Tool Organizer ... (four of them actually..) This was a better solution for me...; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Finders Keepers: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: Very blah for my favorite author and too expensive waiting for Joe hill to come out with something new still love the master though; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Lord of Vik-Lo: A Novel of Viking Age Ireland (Norsemen Saga); Author: Visit Amazon's James L. Nelson Page; Review: Well written good characters; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Weaponsmith (Weaponsmith Chronicles Book 1) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Mike Crawshaw Page; Review: Good story; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bastard's Crown (The Normans Book 1) - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's H A Culley Page; Review: Good story going to read next book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Girl (The Dominion Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Hart Page; Review: Good book, good author; reading his other stuff; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Girl (The Dominion Trilogy Book 1) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Hart Page; Review: Good book, good author; reading his other stuff; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Empty Throne (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 8); Author: Visit Amazon's Bernard Cornwell Page; Review: All of his books are great, especially The Saxon Tales; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night Wolf: A Novel of Viking Age Ireland (The Norsemen Saga) (Volume 5); Author: Visit Amazon's James L. Nelson Page; Review: Great series, author; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scattered and the Dead (Book 1): A Post-Apocalyptic Series; Author: Visit Amazon's Tim McBain Page; Review: Good story; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tourists of the Apocalypse; Author: C. F. Waller; Review: What a great story, and well written-not the typical shallow apocalypse novel; finally something that was worth reading. I will be downloading this author's other books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Calling Tree; Author: C. F. Waller; Review: This guy is a great writer, and this is a good story. Pay attention as you go from one chapter to the next. Enjoy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alex; Author: Visit Amazon's Adam J Nicolai Page; Review: This guy is good read his books! Todd was very good as well. Going to follow him on amazon now; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Behavior (Letty Dobesh Chronicles); Author: Visit Amazon's Blake Crouch Page; Review: He's a greatcwriter- good story, and liked the screen shots from the show as you flip through the book. Well done.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Felicity Huffman Is Scheduled to Be Released from Prison on October 27 After Serving 13 Days; Abstract: Felicity Huffman's Release from Prison Set for Oct. 27; Category: news
Title: 'Tarzan' Actor Ron Ely: Actor's son allegedly killed his mother before deputies shot and killed him, sheriff's office says; Abstract: The son of "Tarzan" actor Ron Ely killed his mother before he was shot and killed by deputies on Tuesday, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.; Category: tv
Title: Meteorologist calls out body-shamer: 'I will not be strapping myself into a girdle'; Abstract: Tracy Hinson won't be giving up bread or pasta any time soon.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil delivers an empty, CG-dazzled fairytale; Abstract: Review: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil delivers empty, CG-dazzled fairytale; Category: movies
Title: Woman Spots Deadly Animal Hiding In Photo Of Her Kids; Abstract: Her unsuspecting children weren't the only ones posing for the pictures.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Gabbard says she's open to 'face-to-face' meeting with Clinton, amid 'Russian asset' accusation; Abstract: Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard suggested that a "face-to-face" with Hillary Clinton might be an appropriate next step.; Category: news
Title: Elijah Cummings to lie in state at US Capitol Thursday; Abstract: Cummings, a Democrat whose district included sections of Baltimore, died last week at age 68 from complications related to longstanding health issues.; Category: news
Title: Kylie Jenner and her bestie get surgery together, plus more news; Abstract: What kind of surgery did Kylie Jenner and her BFF just get together? Plus, more celebrity news for Oct. 23, 2019.; Category: entertainment
Title: Biden on being denied communion: 'I'm a practicing Catholic, I practice my faith'; Abstract: Former Vice President and 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden refused to confirm reports that he was denied communion at a South Carolina church on Sunday because of his stance on abortion, referring to the incident as his "personal life."; Category: news
Title: What the royals would earn in the real world; Abstract: Prince Harry, Sophie Wessex and Kate Middleton are among the members of the family whose skills and qualifications were analysed to match them with a job and salary.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 40 conservative groups sign ethics complaint against Pelosi; Abstract: A coalition of conservative groups have filed an ethics complaint against Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), arguing among other charges that she has usurped authority from the executive branch by "weaponiz[ing]" the impeachment process.In a complaint to the Office of Congressional Ethics, 40 conservative groups led by Jenny Beth Martin of Tea Party Patriots Action wrote to board chairman David Skaggs arguing that a vote scheduled for this week...; Category: news
Title: The richest country music stars; Abstract: Stacker used data from Celebrity Net Worth which aggregates publicly available information like real estate holdings, announced salaries, royalties, record sales, and endorsements to put together a gallery of the richest country music stars.; Category: music
Title: Bruce Willis brought Demi Moore to tears after reading her book; Abstract: Demi wasn't sure how her ex would feel about her book until he called her.; Category: movies
Title: Halloween snowstorm wallops the Midwest; Abstract: A winterlike storm continued to unload snow over the Midwest on Thursday, making Halloween feel more like Christmas in many areas.; Category: weather
Title: Heidi Klum's 2019 Halloween Costume Transformation Is Mind-Blowing But, Like, What Is It?; Abstract: You might say she's scary good at playing dress-up, because Heidi Klum's 2019 Halloween costume is even more impressive than we could have imagined and that's saying a lot, considering transformative Halloween costumes are kind of her thing. But this year Klum took it up one more notch as she shared her metamorphosis into,; Category: lifestyle
Title: She fought for human rights on a tiny island that banned guns. Then she was shot dead.; Abstract: Rachelle Bergeron had been the only prosecutor in Yap, a Micronesian island about 550 miles southwest of Guam.; Category: news
Title: Supreme Court refuses to block lawsuit against gun manufacturer brought by Sandy Hook families; Abstract: The Supreme Court refused to shield Remington Arms Co. from potential liability for the 2012 school shooting that left 26 dead in Newtown, Conn.; Category: finance | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: NongShim Shin Black Noodle Soup, Spicy, 4.58 (Pack of 18); Brand: Nongshim; Review: I saw these in the store at a little over 2dollars so i got the regular instead,loved them so figured I would try these since price was good. I have never had anything as good as these Black Style,they have all kinds of good ingredients ya don't find in normal Ramyun's. Now I know the salt content is bad but for a quick full meal,makes over 2 cups these are a winner!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lipton Iced Tea Mix, Diet Lemon, Makes 20 Quarts; Brand: Lipton; Review: I just received my shipment of Tea from Amazon. As usual box was 100% perfect when dropped off, But upon opening found 2 of the 4 glass jars completely shattered! Way to go Fed-ex ,Of course I also blame Lipton on using glass instead of plastic container. I contacted Amazon customer service and the took care of issue for me. Now for the product,I went right to making myself some Tea to drink for lunch. Mixing instructions a little confusing but once figured out I mixed me up 2 quarts of Lipton's finest! I have always used Crystal Light for my sugar free drink mix since I'm Diabetic, BUT NO LONGER !!! I could easily taste the Tea flavor with just the right hint of Raspberry flavor ! Congrats to Lipton on providing a Diet drink for Us that taste great and also Healthier than most ! PS: Thnx Amazon for offering this item at price you do and also on Subscribe n save ! either way it saves me more money than buying local stores !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Haribo Gummi Candy, Happy-Cola, 5-Pound Bag; Brand: Haribo; Review: If you are a raspberrie lover from Haribo this is best way to get them ,prices come out way better than in stores. Make sure to keep in cool dry place or else!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Keenan Farms In-Shell Pistachio, Naturally Tree Opened, Roasted with Sea Salt, 28-Ounce Jars (Pack of 2); Brand: Keenan Farms; Review: I have been looking for some good Pistachio's and found this 2 pack. Taste is great and they are opened on the tree naturally.price is great only complaint is they don't last long Lol !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blue Sky Zero Calorie Stevia Soda (Lemon Lime, 12-Ounce Cans, Pack of 24); Brand: ; Review: this is a great deal as price is less than .50 each and delivered.flavor is really nice just enough raspberrry taste as not to over power.try it you should enjoy !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Better Chip Tortilla Chips, Jalapeno and Sea Salt, 2-Ounce (Pack of 18); Brand: The Better Chip; Review: Howdy ya'll well this is a review of the Case of Chipotle chips i ordered. First let me say I think these are the best freshest least ingredient chips I have ever had,usually 4-5 ingredients in all flavors Wow ! So my why won't eat the Jalepno style caus they too hot for her lol. So she saw these and said of Chipotle flavor they should be ok caus they loose some heat when they bake the Jalapenos,Well here is the BUT in main headline,THEY don't loose heat and actually are hotter than the Jalapeno style no Kidding lmao. These are so hot that even I have to take them slow hahahaha,I am not a big Chipotle fan to begin with so now i got case of chips that will last long time. Back to the Jalapeno style for me lol. Enjoy them if ya like the flavor but be warned about the heat :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 2LB Pablo's Pride Gourmet Coffee - Guatemala - Medium-Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee - 2 Pound (2 lb) Bag; Brand: Pablo's Pride; Review: I am a heavy coffee drinker usually 12-14 cups a day. I have tried many many brands over the years and there were some definite favorites out there , Some were hand picked and shipped to me from islands and of course others bagged. I will say this that due to some unforeseen issues I could no longer spend the funny money on coffee that I used to. So that being said, I have been trying many different brands on Amazon and since I like just plain old Medium roast non-flavored coffee I have tried 20 or so different ones to date Pablo's Pride has my attention. For 2 pounds of beans(I Grind fresh daily) at the cost of about $13 this is by far one of my favorite coffee's of everything I have ever tried ! I recently tried the Organic version from this company and it was pretty good but still I love this version the best. Just remember folks that every single person has a taste and strength they each like so what's my favorite might not be your's,But I would highly suggest trying this brand !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Capri Sun Super V Fruit and Vegetable Juice Drink, Berry, 10 Pouches; Brand: Capri Sun; Review: Great juice paks for all ages and very tasty to boot ! price in Prime Pantry very good so I highly suggest you try if looking for pak style drink; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Grocery_and_Gourmet_Food |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Novotel Paris Rueil Malmaison; City: Rueil Malmaison Hauts de Seine Ile de France; Review: We stayed in novotel for four nights, it was a fairly good hotel with room for our coach to park out front of the hotel, however it was very difficult to get the coach out the next morning due to the large sculpture in the centre. the rooms were very clean and at first glance were a very good basic room however in our twin room there was only one proper bed the other was a settee fold out bed which made the room feel very cramped and the sofa bed wasn't the comfiest. There are lots of restaurants around the hotel however on sunday only one was open at the bottom of the river so we ate in the hotel. 2 out of the three meals that we ate in the hotel were lovely and i can highly recommend the "notre cave" near the hotel. I did however find a piece of plastic in one of my meals at the hotel and was offered no apology or anything else. Customer service at the hotel was not exceptional but it wasn't too bad, i think the language barrier may have had something to do with this. It's very easy to get into paris from the hotel and we found it easy to buy tickets etc. the only other complaint is that it was very expensive both around paris and in the hotel itself, a litre botlle of evian in the hotel was 4,40 which felt like a bit of a rip off, however inside the room there were cups and tea and coffee facilities which were replenished each day. overall i enjoyed my stay in novotel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Park Grand London Hyde Park; City: London England; Review: I came into London earlier than check in but was able to leave my bags at reception with no fuss. When I came back my room was ready and I was helped to carry my luggage upstairs by the lovely gentleman at reception. My room was a tiny bit worse for wear, there was a tear in one section of wall paper, there were a few scuff marks on the walls and one of the lights and one plug socket was a tad temperamental but there were plenty of other light and power sources in my room so it didn't matter! And more importantly the room was clean. The bed was comfy, the shower was amazing and there was plenty of wardrobe, drawer and cupboard space, as well as a safe. Plenty of complimentary tea, coffee, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and soap on offer too! Just make sure your door is shut properly when you leave, mine needed a bit of a tug to close fully! If you do book this hotel, book direct from them as you get breakfast included, the breakfast was delicious but not something I'd pay £15 for on top of my room. That said the rooms here are incredibly well priced. The wifi in this hotel is brilliant and a quick phone call down to reception will sort you out with the password (or ask on check in). Check out is at 12pm which is plenty long enough and a quick ring down to reception meant I got a hand with my luggage again. My only real downside to my trip was that the bar wasn't open very late, it'd have been nice to get a drink when I got in from the theatre. (on another note, this hotel is ~5 mins from paddington tube station- not hyde park as you may think- and it was really easy to get around from here) This hotel is definitely worth booking, the staff are amazing, incredibly accommodating and the rooms are the perfect size. Good price, good experience. I'll definitely be back!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caerwylan Hotel; City: Criccieth Gwynedd North Wales Wales; Review: Our stay at Caerwylan was absolutely fantastic, our room was lovely, such a good size and the view of the beach and castle was incredible. Breakfast on a morning was nothing special but it filled us up for the morning and I'd definitely recommend eating in the hotel at least once, the meal we had here was amazing! The owners are lovely and know a lot about what they've got behind the bar, every drink we got recommended was fantastic from wine to beer to whiskey. The hotel is located in a brilliant place, it's a very short walk to the beach front, it's close to criccieth centre where there's loads of beautiful antique and boutique shops. You can get to criccieth castle in a 5 minute walk and the bus stop to get to porthmadog (worth a visit) is 2 minutes away. My only tiny criticisms are that the shower was a bit powerful for me (although my partner loved this) and that the blinds could do with some curtains behind them or something just to block the light out a bit more on a morning. We had a lovely stay. Thank you!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Apartments Alondras Park; City: Costa del Silencio Arona Tenerife Canary Islands; Review: We booked this as a group of 5 friends, we wanted a chilled out few days and that's exactly what we got. The apartment was clean, check in and out was easy and the staff at the place were really friendly and helpful. You definitely get what you pay for, don't expect 5 stars for the price you pay, we had to prop the fridge shut with a chair and the bath had rust so we only used the shower but it was clean, we got fresh towels and there were pans and cutlery to use. The weather wasn't amazing but we still got plenty of time round the pool which was clean with plenty of pool chairs. There's a rocky beach with a big hill that we enjoyed exploring literally 2 minutes from the hotel, there's also 2 supermarkets with in quick walking distance and loads of little restaurants. The only thing with this area is it's very English, we struggled to find anywhere that served spanish food instead of burgers or bangers and mash. Lots of pizza and pasta places though. Chicken shack gets a special shout out, not a fast food place like you'd imagine- does an amazing paella. Las Galletas is a 20 minute walk away with loads of nice restaurants and a slightly sandier beach. Siam park is definitely worth a visit, it was the best thing we did and the bus stop is only round the corner from the hotel, it's only about half an hour away on the bus. So in summary- basic but clean (no cockroaches!) and central to lots of attractions! A good place to stay, would return.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: MedPlaya Hotel Santa Monica; City: Calella Catalonia; Review: We spent 7 nights here in august and it wasn't the best but could certainly have been worse. The food was the biggest let down for me, I'm not a fussy eater but most days I found it difficult to find something I enjoyed eating. Breakfast was a mostly unpleasant cooked breakfast, the beans and fried eggs were okay but were often cold even when fresh out of the kitchen. Cooked dinners at lunch and dinner were very salty and again often lukewarm or cold. The salad bar was mostly okay and the bread rolls were alright. Something that put me off about the dining room was that the nearest toilet had no soap in it for the entire week we were there, whilst I used hand gel I'm sure not everyone did. Positives were that the rooms were tidied with fresh towels put in everyday, the pool was big enough for the amount of guests with no fighting for sunloungers, and the beach is right on the doorstep. The all inclusive drinks weren't bad, nice lager and sangria and the all inclusive ice cream is the perfect size for kids. The wifi here is really good too if that matters to you depending on how you keep in touch with family back home. The entertainment on evenings and during the day for kids was truly awful but typical of what most other places I've been put on, bare in mind that I'm 21 but even my little sisters for the most part stayed away. On an evening we escaped into Calella, if you eat out you have to try 'Casa Carlos' who do the most amazing rotisserie chicken and 'Luna Gaucho' for the chicken kebabs or steak, we had the nicest meals there. We've been on 4 all inclusive holidays before as a family and this was definitely the worst food wise and the pillows and beds weren't particularly comfy but we had a lovely holiday it just had room for improvement.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: CitySuites Aparthotel; City: Manchester Greater Manchester England; Review: My partner and I stayed here Friday and Saturday night, the room was lovely,and it was spotless, the kitchen was perfect for 2 people (we managed to make an M&S dine in for 2 one night) and we really loved the room. The hotel is in the perfect position, right in the centre of the city. We had breakfast in the hotel both mornings and it was lovely, even when the induction hob was broken on the sunday morning they found ways around it and made my omelette in the oven which I really appreciated. We didn't manage to use the pool but it looked lovely and the facilities of the hotel were just generally well set up. Staff were great, thanks to Matthew who was really helpful when we were struggling to find the hotel and parking. (Parking is available in the Q-park at £16 per night). Nothing was too much for staff though and we had a really lovely stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Women's Soleful Loafer; Brand: ; Review: LIKE GOING BAREFOOT. SUPER COMFORTABLE. GREAT ALL DAY SHOE. LOOKS GREAT WITH ANY OUTFIT. YOU CAN WEAR THEM WITH CASUAL OR WHEN DRESSING UP.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skechers Sport Women's Liv-Beachy Sandal; Brand: ; Review: I LOVE THESE SHOES, THEY ARE SO COMFORTABLE. I HARDLY WEAR ANY OTHER SHOEALL YEAR. AFTER WEARING THESE ,OTHER SHOE JUST DO NOT COMPARE IN COMFORT. I NEED OTHER COLORS.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bogs Women's Classic Short May Flower Waterproof Rain Boot; Brand: Bogs; Review: I USE THESE ALL SUMMER OUT AT THE BARN, THEY GO THROUGH ANY CHORE AND CLEAN UP WITH EASE.FOR OUT IN THE GARDEN THEY KEEP YOUR FEET DRY.THEY ARE REALLY COMFORTABLE TOO.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skechers Women's Bravos Outshine; Brand: ; Review: I HAVE BOUGHT THIS PARTICULAR SHOE SINCE THEY CAME OUT WITH IT, I LOVE THEM! PACKED AND SHIPPED NICELY ON TIME.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brooks Women's Cascadia 7 Trail Running Shoes; Brand: ; Review: A GREAT SHOE FOR EXERSIZE. GOT THEM VERY QUICKLY AND PACKAGING WAS EXCELLENT.IT IS A GREAT LOOKING CASUAL EVERYDAY SHOE.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: CLARKS Men's Desert Chukka Boot; Brand: ; Review: not good for long distance walking but great for any occasion except sports and rainny days, its kinda hard to keep it super clean but u will get use to it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CLARKS Men's Desert Chukka Boot; Brand: ; Review: not good for long distance walking but great for any occasion except sports and rainny days, its kinda hard to keep it super clean but u will get use to it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CLARKS Men's Desert Chukka Boot; Brand: ; Review: not good for long distance walking but great for any occasion except sports and rainny days, its kinda hard to keep it super clean but u will get use to it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CLARKS Men's Desert Chukka Boot; Brand: ; Review: not good for long distance walking but great for any occasion except sports and rainny days, its kinda hard to keep it super clean but u will get use to it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CLARKS Men's Desert Chukka Boot; Brand: ; Review: not good for long distance walking but great for any occasion except sports and rainny days, its kinda hard to keep it super clean but u will get use to it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CLARKS Men's Desert Chukka Boot; Brand: ; Review: not good for long distance walking but great for any occasion except sports and rainny days, its kinda hard to keep it super clean but u will get use to it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CLARKS Men's Desert Chukka Boot; Brand: ; Review: not good for long distance walking but great for any occasion except sports and rainny days, its kinda hard to keep it super clean but u will get use to it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CLARKS Men's Desert Chukka Boot; Brand: ; Review: not good for long distance walking but great for any occasion except sports and rainny days, its kinda hard to keep it super clean but u will get use to it; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: OP Italian; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: Wonderful! The calamari, crab cake, sea bass, and lamb chops are all amazing!! We finished up with warm italian doughnuts-FABULOUS!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Two Sisters Cakery & Bakery; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: We went to Two Sisters today-very cute shop....however they open at 8 we got there at 9 and they were already out of donuts. The muffins were good-cupcakes very cute but they didn't have any drinks for the kids (I was expecting cold drinks in a cooler etc.) but just coffee....so I guess I was expecting more...I know it was a busy day for them-but we all left a little disappointed.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Foon Ying Chinese Restaurant; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: Total disppointment...a read was wanting chinese but didn't know of a good place. So I googled it and found this one had pretty good reviews so we went. I saw good reviews of the eggrolls so ordered one of each kind.....double yuck-they were filled with just cabbage no veggies and a cinnamon type spice that terrible. We also ordered the house special, veggies and rice-we ate one bite of each and got up and left...they were terrible....SAVE YOUR MONEY and go someplace else.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Maple Creek Country Club; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: Best restaurant on the East side!! The crab cakes are meaty and wonderful......a definite winner! The perch and chicken milan are also on our list of favorites-great atmosphere-big portions....go tonight!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mandarin House; City: Carmel, IN; Review: Really liked the food-it's not really kid friendly.....I felt guilty have little ones there. Nice staff-good food though!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Peterson's; City: Fishers, IN; Review: The food and staff won't disappoint here! The crab stuff shrimp wrapped in bacon and blueberry donuts.....are the best!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Some Guys; City: Carmel, IN; Review: The best pizza in Carmel...ingredients are fresh and they don't skimp! I love the thin crust!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Paradise Bakery & Cafe; City: Carmel, IN; Review: Best cookies in town at a GREAT price and always a good selection!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crust Pizzeria Napoletana; City: Carmel, IN; Review: Loved it! The four seasons think crust pizza was wonderful-the french wine, chopped salad, wedge salad and our waitress Kellina were all phenomenal! I'd definitely be back!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Divvy; City: Carmel, IN; Review: Awesome! From the lemon drop martini to the lobster mac and cheese, goat cheese balls, NY strip with blue cheese, quail, it was all fabulous including our server! We will definitely be back!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fantastic Sam's; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: First of all...I really liked the staff. They were nice and they cut my kid's hair nicely. My issue is...after I saw the kid's cut prices and my daughter was already in the chair getting her ALREADY layered haircut cut..did the stylist say..oh and it's $5 more to cut layers...so for a place like Fantastic Sam's to charge $16.95 for a child's hair cut...when it takes 10 minutes I felt like was pretty over priced when typically I'm charged $10 for haircuts anywhere else I've taken them. I've never heard of charging more for layers..and one of my daughters hair was ALREADY layered it was a 5 minute trim.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pizzology; City: Carmel, IN; Review: We went to Pizzology last night for a date night. We are sorry we haven't visited sooner! The restaurant was quiet and quaint and the food was awesome! We tried the chopped salad, breadsticks with 3 dipping sauces (garlic was AWESOME), homemade sausage pizza, and the green goddess....all of it was superb! We also had drinks which while very good...were pretty pricey....the food was very reasonably priced. Our server the quiet seemed nice enough and gave us good recommendations. We'll definitely return!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Woody's Library Restaurant; City: Carmel, IN; Review: Our waitress was nice...and our food was good.....I felt like the plain rice that came with the entrees could use some jazzing up as could the plain steamed broccoli...the salmon almandine had a nice flavor though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hong Kong; City: Carmel, IN; Review: We went here on a whim one night since it's so close to home and were pleasantly surprised with our take out. We'd definitely order again!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clay Nails; City: Carmel, IN; Review: This is my go to nail salon..they do a great job, they are friendly (know me by name now), and I think they're reasonable for this area. If you looking for a mani/pedi definitely try Clay! If you have a chance...ask for Kim....she is one of the best!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grille 39; City: Carmel, IN; Review: On a Saturday evening we booked reservations for a friend's Birthday. The restaurant was quiet...server was nice....food was good-we highly recommend the crab cake and scallops! The drinks were a bit pricey but good..we'd definitely go again!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zeke's Hot Chicken & Wings; City: Carmel, IN; Review: The food was really good and to boot the workers were super duper nice! I would definitely return!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Indianapolis; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: I wasn't expecting too much from Cooper's Hawk-but I was wrong! Our waiter, the appetizers (tostadas, cheese plate, and caprese flatbread), the wine, and the cocktails were superb! I would go back again anytime!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Another Broken Egg Cafe; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: A friend of mine recommended Another Broken Egg Cafe so we gave it a try today. The food was very good. However, our server wasn't very polite...okay he wasn't polite at all and the service was extremely slow. We waited about 30 minutes for our food and with two little ones that is rough....; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant; City: Carmel, IN; Review: We finally made it to Abuelo's and it was a disappointment tonight. Our server was unable to keep are drinks full, the salsa's they serve with the chips were not impressive, the cheese dip is more like velveeta (maybe is velvet), the shrimp tacos....terrible......my husband and Dad got the fajitas and the steak was tough... overall it was not at all impressive.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ristorante Roma; City: Carmel, IN; Review: Wow....the service, the atmosphere, the wine, the pasta, the appetizers, desserts...it was all wonderful..and the owner visits your table to ask you about your meal....I would definitely recommend!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vanilla Bean Bakery; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: I stopped in here on a whim over the weekend to get a treat to take to a friend in the hospital. I ended up getting a variety of cupcakes and they loved them! The staff was friendly and they had plenty to choose from even on a busy Saturday!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indy steam cleaning; City: Fishers, IN; Review: I had Clean Pro come today and I told them over the phone I had the $49 coupon in the Reach catalog for a regular sized, regular fabric couch. When they arrived they said my couch was a "light" color and an expensive fabric so instead of $49 it would be $154. I laughed out loud. I asked them to leave. They then came down to $100...I said no but it seemed they wouldn't' take no for an answer..so I reluctantly agreed. They were here 15 minutes and my couch looks no different than it did before they came. My husband called the manager Ryan to voice his complain and said Ryan had TERRIBLE customer service skills and basically could care less that his workers didn't do a good job. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Verde Flavors Of Mexico; City: Carmel, IN; Review: I hate to say this..but this restaurant was terrible. We waited 20 minutes to get a server...we finally got one and he was nice but it went downhill from there. He was so busy we didn't get to order for 30 minutes. The food...burrito, shrimp fajitas, fish tacos,...I'm sorry it wasn't good Mexican food at all!! Then the margarita was $16!! REALLY?!? My kids wanted dessert..but he brought our bill without even asking. Never again!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Terry Lee Honda; City: Avon, IN; Review: I am terribly disappointed in Terry Lee Honda. My husband e-mailed area dealers to see who had the best deal. We got a good e-mail response from Scott Clugston at Terry Lee. We drove the 45 minutes to visit the dealership and it turns out we were very mislead after many conversations on the phone. First of all they showed a faulty history report on our trade in car and not until after we called our insurance agency in front of them did they pull another report through carfax which turned up clean. When my husband sat down to review the price of the car he gave us a quote which was $600 higher than the number he e-mailed us the day before. We brought it to his attention and conveniently he said it was a mistake. Scott then proceeded to offer us $2000 less than the quote he gave us for our trade-in over the phone and when my husband pointed this out he said this was the best he could do. We are extremely upset that we tried to get an honest number before we drove all the way out there, yet, when we got there he changed his story and gave us a price $2500 more than we discussed. The whole experience from beginning to end was plain dishonesty from the dealer.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fat Dan's Deli Carmel; City: Carmel, IN; Review: We visited Fat Dan's over the weekend and it was an okay restaurant. I know another reviewer mentioned there was huge portions..however, we ordered french fries as an appetizer and felt there it wasn't a large portion at all. My husband loved the italian sausage w/italian beef and my Dad loved the reuben! The chopped salad was just okay..I'd definitely get the dressing on the side next time as it was drowning in it....the cheese breadsticks were-so/so and the corn dogs of course the kids loved.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bub's Cafe; City: Carmel, IN; Review: This is my second time visiting Bub's and I am unimpressed. Their famous breakfast sandwich is dry..the donut holes were dry...really disappointing.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Blue Sushi Sake Grill; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: The service is pretty slow but if you can get past that the chicken lettuce wraps, my kids bento boxes, and sushi were very good. The chocolate spring rolls for dessert were awesome! One major negative though..is if it is your Birthday..they don't give you dessert-most restaurants of this caliber do..and I feel it's just good business.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One World Market; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: I took my aunt here for lunch and the sushi is average..cute market though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Seasons 52; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: I loved our flat bread appetizer and the desserts but I felt the cedar plank salmon could have used a little something more.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fork + Ale House; City: Carmel, IN; Review: The owner, the Brussel sprout salad, the salmon, the dough balls, were awesome! They did not skimp on the alcohol in the drinks-loved it!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Prime Car Wash; City: Noblesville, IN; Review: Ugh..this place was terrible. I went today with my father and children to clean out our van. Paid $70 and the van was still dusty and the dirt had not been cleaned off my doors or mats. The lady working inside was terribly rude-and wore no mask as the company said all employees interacting with customers would wear them. It was a total bummer..I will never return.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Chicken Salad Chick; City: Fishers, IN; Review: I am so bummed. I heard great things about chicken salad chick. I drove from Carmel all excited... And they didn't have any of the salads I wanted made. They said that because it was Monday it was rough... And I get it but what a disappointment I left with nothing.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Wagan 900 Amp Battery Jumper with Air Compressor; Brand: Wagan; Review: Good jump starter will not start my f150 v8, probably good for small engines and lawn mowers, atv and etc; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fastronix 1/4" Stainless Steel Red Power Junction Block; Brand: Fastronix Solutions; Review: Good product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fastronix 5/16" Single stud junction block BLACK (406-204); Brand: Fastronix; Review: Good product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 20 X T10 Wedge Side Trailer 42-SMD LED Pure White Interior Light 168 192 2825 194 921; Brand: AUTOUS90; Review: Same brightness as old bulbs, a little disappointed; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Littelfuse 097023BP Tri-Puller Fuse Puller - Pack of 1; Brand: Littelfuse; Review: Works great; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Automotive |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Driftin' (Shad Cain Book 3) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lou Bradshaw Page; Review: All of Lou Bradshaws westerns are well written. Once I start a book I can't put it down until the end. The added subtle humor adds to the fun.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Lie (A Fitzjohn Mystery, Book 3) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Jill Paterson Page; Review: I have enjoyed all three books by Jill Paterson that I have read so far. There are many twists in her stories that bring about unexpected results. They are not whodunnits because it is never possible to know what will come next/; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deadly Investment (A Fitzjohn Mystery Book 5) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Jill Paterson Page; Review: Very good mystery but not a whodunit because there are too many unknown situations that can not be predicted.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Take Five: Mystery Short Stories - Kindle edition; Brand: Rene Pawlish; Review: As usual, Renee Pawlish has written 5 good stories; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moon Dog Night, A Confederate Soldier in Virginia - Kindle edition; Brand: Stephen Santiago Reynolds; Review: A fascinating book about the triumphs and trials of the Civil War and the many good people and, unfortunately the many horrible people who did some very wanton and evil Deeds. I realize for the first time that the attitude of the average foot soldier was very much the same for North and South.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Kindle_Store |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Athena; City: Brides les Bains Savoie Auvergne Rhone Alpes; Review: My brother and I stayed here for a week in April, to take advantage of the end of the ski season in Meribel. The staff couldn't have been more helpful, from the moment we walked through the door, until the moment we left (the receptionist even organised us some food for the morning of our checkout even though we had to leave at 6am). We stayed half board; breakfast was lovely, croissants, pain au chocolate, cereal, toast and eggs to boil. We were certain able to fill ourselves up before a morning on the slopes! Dinner was a bit more hit and miss. Brides-les-bains is a spa town, and so I think dinner was aimed towards these clients. Out of 7 meals, we had fish for 4 of them, I would say that if you have children who are at all fussy, then half board may not be the best option for them. However, despite the abundance of fish, the food was all beautifully prepared and presented, my advice though would be to stock up on carbs at lunchtime if you are skiing! In terms of skiing, meribel was lovely in the morning, but being at the end of the season, the snow was a bit slushy in the afternoon. Staying in brides was a good way to save money on the trip, the half hour on gondola ride was not too bad, we hired skis in brides-les-Bains and stored them free of charge at the hotel. I would definintely stay at the Hotel Athena again, if I was to go back to meribel, and would be happy to recommend it to friends looking for somewhere to stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Foyer Don Bosco; City: Pre Saint Didier Valle d Aosta; Review: I have stayed here several times with school groups. The food s excellent, and always plentiful. Franca, who runs the hotel is a delirium lady, who has puts up with all manner of requests from the children. There is a games room downstairs, and a bar to use. The ski slopes are a short bus ride away, and this is a lovely place to come back to after a hard days skiing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Villa Rosa; City: Kandy Kandy District Central Province; Review: I stayed here with my brother in July, and what a wonderful start to our Sri Lankan holiday, the rest of our accommodation has a lot to live up to. The staff were amazingly helpful. After a long trip to get to Sri Lanka, we arrived early in the morning, and I had been worried that we wouldn't be able to check in. There was no problem, and our host even provided us with breakfast whilst they finished readying our room. We had planned to eat dinner out in Kandy, but the Sri Lankan dinners at the Vila Rosa meant that we ate here every night. The views from the hotel are outstanding, and we ate breakfast out on the terrace every morning looking over the valley. As for the staff, they couldn't have been more helpful, anything we asked, and they were able to oblige. The hotel also organised us a trip out to Sigiriya and the Dambulla rock temple. Both of these re worth a visit if you are in Kandy. Overall an excellent hotel, and I would thoroughly recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: King Fern Bungalow; City: Nuwara Eliya Central Province; Review: I stayed here with my brother at the end of July, and we had a great time. The owner organised a tour of local waterfalls and tea plantations for us, and helped us organise our onward travel to Ella with a brilliant local guide Chandra. We were really lucky with the weather, and had two days of sunshine, although be warned, the temperature is still very cold compared to lower regions. In the evening, we sat in front of the open fire with a cold beer, it felt more like being in the Alps, rather than Sri Lanka. the accommodation itself is absolutely fine for the price range, and there were plenty of blankets to keep us warm at night. The food is excellent, but be prepared to make it clear how much toast you want I the morning, or they will just keep bringing it out for you! Overall a very enjoyable place to stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zion View; City: Ella Uva Province; Review: The view from the hotel is second to none, and we had a balcony with a hammock which gave us the perfect place to sit and admire it. It is a relatively expensive hotel, and I was disappointed by the lack of air conditioning in the room, which made for an uncomfortable nights sleep. Other than that, the service was exemplary. The food was excellent, and when we were unable to find a taxi for our onward travel, the host Sena drove us down to Tissa in his own car.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pier39Portrush; City: Portrush County Antrim Northern Ireland; Review: An amazing bed and breakfast. We stayed here two nights, and Adrian was the perfect host. From the moment we walked through the door he made sure that we wanted for nothing. He had tips on places to visit (and those to not bother with) along with advice for dinner locations. We used this as our base for the causeway coast, and it was the perfect central location to start our day from. An amazingly relaxing location and if we ever find ourselves back in Northern Ireland, we will definitely be back here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Malone Lodge Hotel Apartments; City: Belfast Northern Ireland; Review: We had a lovely stay in the Malone. Its worth mentioning that we upgraded our room which mean we had a bathroom the size of my flat!! The hotel were very polite on check-in and the added bonus of parking made this a very convenient hotel. It is quite a trek to get into the centre of Belfast (about 20-30 minutes walking) but I'm sure you could find a bus or grab a taxi if this is a problem for you. We ate in the bar in the evening and the food was really nice. Only small issue was breakfast. We turned up at 9am along with every other guest staying in the hotel, so we had about a 30 minute wait for food. However, the hotel did warn us that 9am was the time to avoid, so we can't really complain.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Burley Manor; City: Burley Ringwood New Forest National Park Hampshire Hampshire England; Review: A beautiful hotel, and the perfect choice for a valentines getaway. The room was lovely, with the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on (a big deal since I am 8 and a half months pregnant!). Everyone from the front desk to the wait staff were very friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. I would definitely recommend it for a weekend away.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Macdonald Windsor Hotel; City: Windsor Windsor and Maidenhead Berkshire England; Review: Lovely room with free champagne and cupcakes on arrival. The room was quiet and had a lovely shower. My only criticism would be the restaurant staff at dinner and breakfast who were very efficient but not very polite or welcoming.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Woolley Grange; City: Bradford on Avon Wiltshire England; Review: We stayed for 2 nights with our 13 month old daughter and had a lovely time. It was so nice to be in a hotel where our little girl could sit with us and eat breakfast and dinner and no one batted an eyelid at her eating habits! Woolleys Den gave us 2 hours of mum and dad time whilst our little girl was entertained, and we hired a babysitter one night so that we could joy dinner and drinks in the lounge. A lovely few days away.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Stained: Stained Series (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Ella James Page; Review: It's a great series, makes you want true love like how it has been writen in the book. It will also give you hope that love can overcome anything.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winter Fire (Witchling Series) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Lizzy Ford Page; Review: I received this as an ARC from Lizzy, and I have to be honest in saying I had not read the first two books yet. They had been sitting in my kindle for a little bit on my TBR list along with many others recently, but when I saw that this had come out and I received the ARC I got on top of reading Dark Summer and Autumn Storm. I finished both of those within a week or so and moved onto Winter Fire. This story had a little different feel to it then the first two and I think it was just because it swapped from focusing on our favorite dark Turner twin Decker to his swoon worthy brother Beck. While he was in the stories in 1 & 2 we definitly see a much different side of him in this book. Beck is forced to have to grow up now that he has taken over his new responsibilities and just when he swears off all girls Morgan comes into his life and he has a connection to her that he can not explain. Morgan is our new leading lady and has she ever demanded our attention! While we have grow up with watching Summer be a beautiful thoughtful and caring leading lady who balances the rough edges of her love Decker, Morgan is a free spirit that takes the world on with both fist cocked. She will decide that her path is to protect Beck while he is busy protecting everyone else. I don't want to give away what happens in the book, but I think that this is a absolutely great book, and I was glad to be a part of Lizzy's path to lighting a fire under this campaign! You absolutely don't want to miss this series and this book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charmed; Author: Visit Amazon's Cambria Hebert Page; Review: After receiving Charmed as an advanced reading copy I figured I had better read Recalled first, smart right? Well if you have read it then we all know what I mean when I say I was devastated, if you have not read it yet.... Well your going to have to cause I am not spilling the beans. We were introduced to Charming in the worst way possible (for a character that is) as the bad guy with no heart or compassion who seemed as cold as the arctic. So now fast forward to when I received this ARC and surprise surprise this whole book was about our evil heartless Prince Charming. As it started it with focusing on Frankie's POV I was not sure what to think about it, but when I realized she was going to be the kink in Charming's plans I cheered! But then as I kept reading and watched as Frankie was falling in love with Charming and vice versa (if you can't tell, I don't like to spill spoilers!) I was yelling NOT AGAIN! I didn't think my heart could take another Recall of two characters that were so much in love with each other yet tried so hard to fight it. Two people willing to risk everything for each other and giving the ultimate sacrifice for love and making the readers feel how strong and deep that is, shows how strong of a writer they are. Cambria made my heart swell bigger than I thought possible to make room for this group of characters than I could imagine. I closed the book and felt like I personally knew every one of them and what I thought made them tick on the inside. We were introduced to some new characters and we got to know some ones from Recalled a little better, and hopefully there will be more to come to see how everyone will grow and bloom into these amazing and fearless personalities like Frankie and Charming did for us in this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ever Wrath (A Dark Faerie Tale Book 4) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Alexia Purdy Page; Review: Alexia has completely sold me on another of her series and I was not disappointed with the final book in this part of the series. We have watched Shade grow up from being just a normal human teenager to this all powerful elemental and faerie queen. In this book Shade starts to realize that she is even more powerful than she thought before and wonders if some of her choices did more harm than good. I always hate giving away spoilers in reviews because I think that you should be surprised when you read the book, but I can say that Shade finally gets one of her greatest desires in this book and that it has been long awaited! The book was well written and it kept me pulled in as it has since the beginning with these characters. Shade has had me in love with her and with Dillon since day one, their bond is so touching and Alexia makes it feel real by showing that it is not always perfect but they are always there for each other. My other two favorite characters make an appearance in this book, Jack and Vange who we have not seen a whole lot of the past couple books have come back and play a significant part in the book and give us a new twist. Benton has grow up and shows us how he will be ready for his new spin off series that will be coming out sometime next year to pick up the story line. Overall I was very happy with this book, I gave it a 5 stars instead of a 4 because sometimes when books start hitting 3+ books in a series they start to become overly repetitive. Girl gets kidnapped, boy saves girl, girl gets kidnapped, boy saves girl, and we all groan because we love then book but we hate it too. I didn't feel that way about this book because there was enough variation and differences that it kept me guessing and was still unpredictable. So if you have not read the series yet, what are you waiting for?!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scribe: Irin Chronicles Book One (The Irin Chronicles); Author: Visit Amazon's Elizabeth Hunter Page; Review: I love Elizabeth's books and normally when I am asked who my book boyfriend is I would answer without a doubt Giovanni is..... until now. Malachi absolutely stole my heart in The Scribe! Malachi is a man who has gone 400 years without his sole mate, his other half until he meets Ava. A woman that intrigues him not only because she has caught the attention of the Grigori, but he can tell that she is more than she seems. He vows to protect her and hopes to keep her at arms length thinking that is the best for her. But when the Grigori close in, Malachi discovers that the only way to protect her is to give her all of him. If you have read any of my reviews before you know I dislike giving away spoilers to the book, if you want to know more about what I'm talking about.... go read the book! You will not be disappointed in any way for reading this as I have never been reading any of Elizabeth's books. I cried my eyes out and I fell in love with Malachi along with Ava, and my heart broke when hers did...(that's all your getting from me!) This book was well written, that even though the story baseline was something new at least for me I was never confused with what it all meant. I understood what scribes were and where they came from and the base of their origins. I finished this book within a couple days because I just could not put the book down, I had to know what happened next! Now as always I will be punished for reading so fast by having to wait so long for the next book in the series to come out. Join the wait and read the book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hear No (Hidden Evil) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Lizzy Ford Page; Review: I received this as a advanced reader copy for an honest review. Well here goes, I thought that this was a very interesting take on angels, fallen angels, and protectors. Normally when we read about them they are either angels that are protecting people or the fight about angels and demons. But in a world where angels can choose to become human and have assigned people to guide them and the bad of all bad demons in ghost form trying to find a way to come to the other side. Nathan is a Guide that helps angels that have chosen to become mortal and he ends up becoming responsible to take care of Amira who is a deaf First generation reincarnated angel (meaning first life after choosing to become mortal)who is in charge of protecting the portal for the demons to become whole and come to the other side. (yep I just said all of that) We follow them as Nathan tries to keep Amira safe and brings in more people to help and people who play a large role in keeping the portal safe. We find out that the angels are not the only people who want Amira and the other portal holders. Sorry as I always say that I don't give out spoilers and it is hard to give anymore information without starting to spill it. Overall this was a good book and I am excited to read the next book in the series to see where it leads to. Enjoy and Happy reading!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fragile Brilliance (Shifters & Seers) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Tammy Blackwell Page; Review: I was completely over joyed when I saw that this book was coming out because this was one of my favorite series and it had just been sitting on my Kindle collecting dust. I. Always wondered what happened after Liam and Scout took over, if everything went ok or if they had more problems. We'll look no further this book gives a little bit of a story right after everything happened but then jumps about 2yrs ahead from Scouts storyline. We get our first taste of an "impossible" character who takes front and center of all the drama in this book. We get a better look into what has become of Charlie over the years, and all the demons he fights since the loss of Toby and his near death injury. A new threat rises against the Alpha Pack, and they are going to have to pull together to find the source before one of their own ends up dead. As I always do and say in all of my reviews I don't believe in giving away spoilers, if you have read the first 3 books and 2 novellas (yes I said 2) then continue on the journey and keep reading. If you have not read any of these books then you have missed out on 5 awesome books so you had better catch up so you can read this one! Only negative that I found to this and it is easily corrected by not reading it at 2am after you have taken your sleeping pill is that it gets confusing to know sometimes who is talking or who's POV it is in. It sometimes changes quickly and I was not sure right away who was in control of the paragraph. I will still give it 5 stars because I don't think it bothered me enough to really drop it a whole star. Enjoy and keep reading!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charred Heart (Heart of Fire) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Lizzy Ford Page; Review: I received this book as an arc, and I absolutly fell in love with these characters. I have read very few books about dragons unless they have been just write in characters for other stories. I fell in love with Chase right from the start because there was this intensity to him that was innocent. He has been alive for a long long time but he was still unaware of the things that seem so normal to us. Then there was his Dragon Slayer Skylar, who was so sure of how the world was supposed to be that she failed to she what it had been trying to tell her. Eventually they will try to work towards the same goal only to find that they were meant to be more than that. But can Chase learn from his mistakes and make it up to the one person that is supposed to matter in his life. I guess that you will have to read the book to find out and then continue on with Charred Tears after that when it is released soon. Enjoy, Happy Reading!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meant for Me (Second Chances); Author: Visit Amazon's L.P. Dover Page; Review: When I was told I was going to be getting this as an ARC I was like, I though this was supposed to be a third book in the second chances series? LP of course told me it was and that it was about Mason and Claire...... My brilliant mind went who the hell are they?!? So I started doing searches through the second book to figure out who these two people were, and I was like omg duh! Book two starts to give us a little bit of information on Bradley Mason (Melissa'a cousin) and Claire O'Briane (Melissa's ex-sister-in-law) but not much on a personal level. In book three we find out the at the wedding of Brent an Melissa, Mason and Claire decide to give into their feelings for the night. Can Mason look past his fears to commit to Claire, or will he break her heart. This is a really great book, and if you follow my post you know I don't like to give away spoilers to any books. I have read lots of books and for me this was an interesting take on a romance/love story. Mason is a classic bad boy grown up, who has realized true what the real world is like and that it isn't always pretty. Claire is a classic spoiled girl who is used to getting her way and trying to always see the good, unfortunately that all comes crashing down on her when she puts her trust in someone from her past who she is still trying to find the good in. The love between Mason and Claire was just written beautifully, it is that kind of love that we all hope to find just once in our lives. We watch their was walls and defenses come tumbling down and as the books goes further along we watch it bloom into something amazing by the end. If you have read this series then what are you waiting for? Go read it! If you have not read it yet that is ok you can either start here or at the beginning with Second Chances book 1 in the series. Happy reading!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bomb: A Day in the Life of Spencer Shrike (Rook and Ronin Spinoff); Author: J. a. Huss; Review: Spencer Shrike is the muscle of our outlaw team, he handles all of the dirty work as we have learned from the books in the series. In Bomb, a day in the life of Spencer Shrike we learn that the man with the biggest muscles also has the biggest heart. He loves his Bombshell since the first day he met her his senior year in college, he knew at that moment that this was the only girl in for him... his one. As the trial comes up fast Spencer is worried about Veronica and not drawing any attention to her during this time, so it has been since the drunken night on New Years since the last time he has been with his Bombshell and she is not waiting for him. Spencer will have to decide whether to let his Bombshell go or risk everything to keep her in this one heart wrenching day. What would you be willing to do to keep the love of your life safe? If you have not read the Rook and Ronin series, what are you waiting for?! Go pick them them up and fall in love with this crazy world unquestionable love as our trio of bad boys one by one fall in love and change their lives forever.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fighting for Love (A Second Chances standalone) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's L.P. Dover Page; Review: Fighting for love and Trusting you have to be my two favorite books in this series. I have to admit I did not think I was going to love this book as much as I did but Matt Reynolds character just floored me. Matt to me was more like a person in real life then a character in a book, he was flawed, he had a temper that got out of control, and made bad decisions when he was hurt. That made me fall in love with him even more than most of the romance story men. But let's not forget our leading lady Shelby, she has been in love with Matt her whole life despite everything. She gave him what she though was his best chance at a future no matter what the cost was to her, my heart broke for her as her story unfolded and the understanding of why she did what she did. Throughout the whole story I was cheering them on hoping they could get past everything and had my heart break a bit for every step back they took. But the one thing that never failed was that I never questioned their love for each other. If you are not used to my reviews, well then I don't give spoilers so if you want to know more about what I am talking about..... Read the book! If you have not read it yet you are missing out, so what are you waiting for... Go read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guns: The Spencer Book (Rook & Ronin Spinoff); Author: J. a. Huss; Review: I am a series lover, which I guess also makes me a self torturer since you always have to wait for the next book to come out and see what happens next. The worst is when the author leaves you with such a cliffhanger that you know you will die if you do not get the next book soon. Well I can sum up most of JA's books in 2 words, breathtaking cliffhanger. It is that cliff that you know you shouldn't get to close to or you will fall right off to your death, but you swear if you just take another step you could touch the sky. If you have not read any of the series yet..... what are you doing here!? Go buy Tragic! GO NOW! I will see you back here after you have caught up! I have fallen in love with the members of the Shrike club, in book after book we have had the chance to fall in love with one character after another. We started with Rook and Ronin and how it was important to take the leap of faith and trust another even though the fall could crush you. We then fell in love with Ford and Ashleigh, and they showed us the importance of being yourself no matter what, if it is true love nothing will matter. In Guns we really get to know Spencer and Veronica. These two teach us about sacrifice, that it is not always easy and sometimes hard choices have to be made for the better of your loved ones. The only thing that these two want in their lives is each other, but it seems like there is always something that is getting in the way that keeps them apart. But they never stop fighting to be with one another, to make it right. In this book all of their past come slamming back to them at once, and for the first time The Team wasn't ready for what was to come. As they are attack all at once they realize there is a larger force working against them then who they had originally thought and not only does the team have themselves to worry about, they now had the girls to worry about. Will Team Shrike discover who is after them before it is to late, or will they pay the ultimate price? Sorry no teasers ;) Read the book if you want to find out what happens in the final book in the Rook and Ronin complete series and spinoff; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Intercepting Love (A Second Chances Standalone) (Volume 5); Author: Visit Amazon's L.P. Dover Page; Review: I have read all of LP Dover's books and this has to be one of my favorites! Each one of her Love's Second Chance series has been amazing and each has its own story line that keeps each one interesting. When we read Mason and Claire's story we fell in love with them, but what we only got a taste of what was the amazing character that Cooper Davis was going to turn out to be. I remember reading the book and feeling so bad for Cooper because he loved Claire so much, but she picked Mason. Reading this story and knowing the Cooper gets his second chance at love was just perfect. Kate is a heartbroken soul that needs someone to help remind her that there is more than one love possible for you, and nothing should stop you from finding true love. I could not have imagined making a better counterpart for Cooper than Kate, they force each other to step up to the plate and fight for something that you want. Unfortunately we learn that there is always someone wanting to bring you down when you are your happiest and these two must truly fight for what they want and their happiness. I can not wait for the next book in the series and I hope that the older characters keep making cameo appearances in the future books. If you follow my reviews you know I don't give spoilers, and I am not starting now. If you have not read the book, then go get it now! If you have not started this series then get to it and I will see you back here when are all a caught up! Have fun, and keep reading!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Fighter's Desire (Gloves Off) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's L.P. Dover Page; Review: This book was an excellent continuation of second chances series, yet the beginning of jumping into the world of the MMA fighters. In Fighting for Love we delved into the life of Ryan Reynolds and the MMA while he was fighting for his chance with his long lost love Shelby. Now in this 2 part book we see more of the life that the other fighters live, including the delicious Tyler Rushing and Camden and Ryley Jameson. While these men struggle with the extreme lifestyles of being in the ring and the bedroom, they will be faced by the challenge of two women that will throw everything in the air. Gabriella Reynolds and Ashleigh Warren will test the limits of what these men will do for a fighting chance at happiness. Part 1 is the story of Camden and Ryley Jameson, twin fighters that are used to sharing women until the day Ashleigh Warren comes into their lives. Both men unwilling to share her and neither willing to give up, they will have to persuade her to pick one of them. Who will she choose and will they be able to give up playboy lifestyles for her. Part 2 of the story is of Gabriella Reynolds, and her desire to be apart of a world that her big brother Matt has forbid her to be. Gabriella's desire of the newly famous Tyler Rushing will push them both to the limits and open new worlds for them both. Can Gabriella come to terms with knowing she will never be more than just another face, or can Tyler change his ways and fight for the one thing that makes him a better person. If you have not read any of the second chance series books then you need to pick them up! This can be read as a stand alone book, but things will make sense more if you are familiar with the story lines. Enjoy the book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's L.P. Dover Page; Review: Ryley's Revenge was another great addition to LP Dover's writing! I have been addicted to the second chances series and now the evolution of the gloves off series since the beginning. While a lot of the characters in these stories are all the equals of male pigs, you can't help but love them all. Watching as they all fight the pull of a true love in their lives from some of the most amazingly written women has been quite amusing. Ashleigh just as all of the other female counterparts is a strong and passionate character that draws you in as they fight for the chance at true love with a man that doesn't think that is what they want. At the end of a fighters desire we see that Ashleigh leaves Ryley for Collin the faithful best friend, then has second thoughts and leaves for Aspen. Ryley not only has to fight his inner demons, but he constantly has to fight his twin brothers influence and expectations. Camden has always had his twin brother to share his lifestyle with and when that is challenged by Ashleigh and the chance at a new life without Ryley by his side he fights back and not fairly. In the end Ryley will have to make a choice of either true love or family. I don't believe in giving spoilers when reviewing a book, if you have not read any of the second chances or gloves off series I highly suggest that you do. While this is a stand alone book and can be read alone but to truly understand the characters you should read them in order.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three, Two, One (321): Not Everything Should Come in 3's; Author: Visit Amazon's J A Huss Page; Review: I have to admit that I have been working with JA for some time now reading ARC's and reviewing them. This book for me was a little bit out of my normal reading, but I still wanted to be able to review it for others. The first half of the book was very dark while we learned about the characters and watched their relationships grow. At the halfway point I had thought about stopping because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to review it the way it deserved. But in the end I decided to keep reading it to the end. Once I got the end of the book I was tearing up and was so happy that I finished it. JA has always been able to make this beautiful story come out of any circumstances and this was no different. The road that JD, Ark, and Blue had to travel on was rough and sad, but in the end it reminds you that no matter what happens in your life you have to keep fighting and holding out hope. Cause you never know when the countdown will start or end, or even if you will start with One. So even if this book is out of your comfort zone, please give it a try. Enjoy the book, and keep reading!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Paxton's Promise (Gloves Off) (Volume 5); Author: Visit Amazon's L.P. Dover Page; Review: I have read all of LP's books and I again was not disappointed in how well she develops her characters. Throughout the whole series we have seen Gabriella show up in almost all the books as this strong take no crap character. We always got bits and pieces of her personality but I was never sure what was the projection on the outside verses what was in the inside. Now as one of her "worst enemies" slowly starts picking at the hard exterior of Gabriella to get to her heart, we see this whole new side of her. Gabriella is well aware of the bad boy Paxton and what he has done to her family, can she see through his rough exterior to see that his heart is true. These two will have to battle through their ideas of the other one while those around them that want to destroy them. Paxton will finally get the chance to prove to Gabriella how much he really does love her by commiting the ultimate sin to keep her safe. This is a standalone novel but to really understand the characters elation ships with each other and to have the full back story I would recommend starting from the beginning. Happy reading!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meet Me In The Dark: (A Dark Suspense); Author: Visit Amazon's J A Huss Page; Review: JA has done it again! I love these books! Merc and Syd had me guessing the whole time what was really going on and every time I thought that I had the answer it was blown right out of the water. I am not always a huge dark story reader because sometimes they can get a little overwhelming, but this book it was easy to find the beautiful storyline in it that made your heart melt. Merc has always been one of those characters in JA's stories that is the shadow man. He is always there in the dark, you can never figure him out, and yet you are drawn to him and you don't know why. Well at the end of this book you will know why you have always had a draw to him. I always felt like Ronin was always my character that was the best written, but now I will have to say once I got to know Merc it was definitely him. If you have not read all of the books up till this one I suggest that you read them. While this book can be considered a stand alone read, to truly understand the character and how he has been built up over time go read them! Enjoy the book, and keep reading!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: No Limit (Armed and Dangerous standalone novel) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's L.P. Dover Page; Review: Another wonderful spin off of LP Dover's Second Chance series. I have loved the fact that all of these characters from second chance and Gloves Off have all been included in all of the spin offs. Here we have Jason Avery who made his debut in Camdens story line and and a cameo in Kyles. I hated to see Gloves Off series end, but if this book is any indication of what the series is going to be like I am a happy person. Jason came into the picture from Camdens book with a punch, and made us all think about the sexy cop we all love to hate, and in this book he found his match for a dedication for the job. They will both put their lives on the line to solve a series of murders in Sin City. Aylee is a girl with a past and no tolerance for Jason's brutish ways. I love how L.P. Always creates this perfect opposite for each of her characters, they always prove that they can conquer anything in their way even if it is themselves. I absolutely recommend this book, while it is a stand alone I personally believe that you should start this journey from the very beginning so that you fully understand the struggles of each of the characters and how they have grown throughout the books. Enjoy the read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Joplin; City: Joplin Missouri; Review: The staff was very nice even at midnight at our check in. The hotel gets an A for effort in upgrading but a C in execution. While nice it wasn't special in any one area. The room was clean and the bed and linens were very comfortable. The breakfast was ok. Houskeeping knocked on our door at 8:30 am to clean the room. We were already up but if we had been sleeping.... All in all it was ok not great.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Topeka; City: Topeka Kansas; Review: We stayed last night and it was a clean, affordable and friendly stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Adel; City: Adel Georgia; Review: We stayed at Adel on our way to Disney World. We arrived late but the staff was friendly and helpful. The room was a standard Hampton room. It was what we needed to rest up for our trip. It was quiet even though the hotel seemed rather busy. The breakfast was good and kept us going.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Days Inn by Wyndham Steinbach; City: Steinbach Manitoba; Review: We recently stayed at Days Inn, Steinbach while in town for a hockey tournament. The building itself was nice. The pool area was really nice (but really small) except for the very liberal use of chlorine in the pool. We took shifts watching the boys because our eyes were burning after about 10 minutes and we were not even in the pool. The rooms were clean and modest. Aside from the huge TV, the rooms were very plain. They felt very sterile. The continental breakfast was pretty light. After staying at another chain twice in the last 6 weeks we were expecting the waffles, bacon and eggs we were "used to". Didn't happen. Cold cereal, pastries and juice. Far better than nothing but not special. There is also a lack of common space around the lobby for bigger groups. We had 8 families so it was hard to hang out as a group. There is a conference room off the lobby. We inquired weather we could use that room as it was unoccupied. We were told it was $75 per 4 hours. Every other hotel we've stayed it has offered us these rooms for our gear and to give us a group room. I was disappointed by the costs of Days Inn.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls; City: International Falls Minnesota; Review: We stayed for a hockey tournament. First impression was the parking lot really needed to be plowed and the exterior was very dated. Upon entering the lobby, you could tell work had been done recently. There were several hockey teams (us included) that all seemed to arrive at the same time. There was only 1 receptionist. It took 15 minutes to check in. The rooms are very nice, clean and updated. The pool area is one if the best I've been to in a long time. It was HUGE! Even with all the wound up hockey players it was easy to hold a conversation. All in all a nice, comfortable place to stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites Canal Park; City: Duluth Minnesota; Review: The hotel has nice curb appeal and was very clean. It is located within walking distance to a whole afternoon of activities. Check in was very smooth and quick. Our room, on the second floor, was very nice. At first it looked like a parking lot view but we could see the Aerial Lift Bridge from our room. We watched 3 BIG ships come into harbor from our room. The room is nicely updated and bigger than I thought. There were 2 queen beds and a sofa. The beds were very comfortable and the linens were too. The only issues were there was a fair amount of noise from the hallway and there was a weird clicking noise when the HVAC system ran. No big deals really. The breakfast was good with waffles, eggs, sausage and all the regular continental items. All in all a very nice hotel. I would definitely recommend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Bemidji; City: Bemidji Minnesota; Review: Our family stayed at the Hampton Inn while in town for a wedding. The staff was very friendly and the lobby was really nice with great views of Lake Bemidji. Our room (on the 3rd floor, lakeside) was HUGE. It was by far the largest standard room I've ever had. Again, great views of the lake and college. The mattresses and linens were great. The whole room looked "fresh".The pool area is really nice. It has an indoor/outdoor hot tub, awesome kiddie pool with a slide, water jets and other fun ways to get wet and a nice, but small, pool. What impressed me was the pool towels. Most chains offer scratchy, washcloth sized towels. Not the Hampton. They were bigger and fluffier than my towels at home. The continental breakfast was awesome( waffles,sausage, eggs, yogurt, pastries, cereals, etc...). There was a different wedding reception at the Hampton on Saturday and the areas between the hotel and the Green Mill were very crowded. Even with 2 wedding parties the hotel was very quiet. My only two dings were the cost (rack rate) and the small size of the parking lot. The cost can be justified with all the amenities though. Will definitely stay here when in town.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arbuckle Lodge Gillette; City: Gillette Wyoming; Review: We stayed on our way back to Rapid City from Montana. I was a little apprehensive skipping chain hotels but the price ($140)was so much better (Hampton Inn was over $200 for similar room). The room are huge and new. The bathrooms were large too. Everything seemed new and fresh. We arrived late so the kids got up early to swim. There was an issue with one of the keys as it wouldn't open the door to the pool area. After 3 trips to the desk the receptionist came down and let us in. After swimming we showered and went to breakfast. It was the only disappointment of our stay. While the did have sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy it was just so so. They did offer pre made french toast, burritos and omelet(?) but it again was just so so. We enjoyed our stay and would consider staying if they were a chain.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn West; City: Duluth Minnesota; Review: We stayed here for a hockey tournament. The front desk staff was very friendly at check in. The rooms were nice but are a typical hotel room, nothing "Wow!" But nice. There were at least 20 families from our association staying here as we had 4 teams playing in town. We kind of took over the second floor and pool area. The staff let us use the conference room off the lobby as our group room. As stated , we had 40+ kids and we got a little loud but the staff was polite and very understanding. The breakfast was good. We would definitely stay again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: AmericInn by Wyndham Crookston U of M Crookston; City: Crookston Minnesota; Review: We were on our way home from a hockey tournament in East Grand Forks. Due to the timing we left during a blizzard. We (9 families) tried to make a go of it but only made it to Crookston. AmericInn had plenty of available room so we stayed. The hotel is nice and clean. It shares a lot with a McDonald's and there is a Walmart basically across the street. The room had been redone recently and were nice but a little on the small side. As the day went on more and more motorists were checking in. The staff was very gracious and let us rearrange the lobby furniture so we could have an impromptu Super Bowl party. They were also very patient with 90% of a hockey team (9-11 year olds) plus siblings. After a very long weekend they were tired but rambunctious. As a not planned stay it was a good experience.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Inn Suites East Grand Forks; City: East Grand Forks Minnesota; Review: We stayed as a group with another team from our association. The hotel is very new and very nice. We had a standard two queen room. The room was very large, well appointed and clean. The beds were very comfortable and so was all the bedding. The breakfast was good, standard continental breakfast. The pool area is nice but small. The staff has been very nice too. I would definitely stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Hudson I 94; City: Hudson Wisconsin; Review: We stayed here for a hockey tournament. The hotel is nice. Not great not bad just nice. It is getting close to needing updates but is fine for now. Our biggest complaint was the "No party policy ". The policy states that there can be no more than 6 people in a private room (common areas such as the pool or meeting room is ok) or risk "eviction". As stated, we were staying for a hockey tournament with a whole team of 11-13 year olds. One of the best part of being a hockey parent is the socializing. The hotel was hosting other teams as well so the common areas were crowded and with the policy it wasn't what we were used to. For a family this would be a fine place to stay. If you're in a group of any size look elsewhere.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls; City: International Falls Minnesota; Review: We were in town for a hockey tournament. We had stayed here before. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The pool area is one of the best that we stay at. The only problem is the hotel opens the pool area for birthday parties so it can get crowded. The rooms are fine. Nothing outstanding. The biggest downside is all rooms have full size beds not queen. They are tight when you're 6'2". The breakfast was awesome! Standard continental fare as well as omelets, yogurt parfaits, bacon,sausage and eggs. Leonard's has good burgers but are a bit on the pricey side. There are not a lot of options in I. Falls but I'd probably choose AmericInn anyways.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Country Inn Suites by Radisson Alexandria MN; City: Alexandria Minnesota; Review: Our family of 4 stayed here for a hockey tournament. Our first room was very large for a chain hotel. The room was comfortable and clean. The continental breakfast was good. Standard fare. As we were leaving Saturday morning we realized our door wouldn't latch. We were told they had new latches on order and switched us to a different room. The second room wasn't as big as the first but was still fine. The hotel was crowded as there was a wedding party staying here also. I would definitely stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gooseberry Cabins; City: Two Harbors Minnesota; Review: My wife and I stayed in cabin 1 (honeymoon cabin) for a getaway weekend. We checked in on a Friday afternoon and checked out Sunday. Our cabin was recently updated completely. Everything was very clean and new. When they say on the water we were 20 feet from the rocks and 50' from the water. We had hoped to hike but Saturday was cold and very windy. We enjoyed sitting in the comfy recliners and fireplace watching the waves crash on the rocks. It was a very relaxing day. There is so much to do in the area. We definitely plan on staying again. A great experience at an exceptional price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Hotel Suites St Cloud; City: Saint Cloud Minnesota; Review: We stayed for a hockey tournament. Check in was quick and easy. We prepaid at time of booking for a little better rate. We went to our room (283). The room was ok. It’s an older hotel. The walls seem rather thin (hall noise and you can hear others flushing toilets). The beds are full size but very comfortable. The linens and pillows were the best we’ve had in a long time. The best part of this hotel is the pool areas. There are several smaller swimming pools in three different atriums with a great children’s area and arcade as well as a couple sport courts. This is an ideal location for groups of kids. Friday night we had the place almost to ourselves. Saturday was crazy busy. The also take the quit times very seriously. There is a bar/restaurant on site. We did not eat there but others in our group had and said it was somewhat overpriced bar food. There are a lot of great dining options very near. This quickly became our favorite hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Country Inn Suites by Radisson Duluth North MN; City: Duluth Minnesota; Review: We stayed last minute because of a hockey tournament. The hotel is new, clean and nice. We had reserved the conference room off the lobby because we had 13 families in our group. There was an additional cost to do so but it was well worth it. It has a very nice pool area with a 2 story water slide that was busy but manageable. In the evening it was staffed by Regina. She was fantastic with the kids (and parents). She ran a tight ship but was a highlight to our stay. Continental breakfast was the standard fare but very good. The only downside was the cost. Duluth is expensive to visit but $160/night (weekend) in January up on the hill seems a bit high. All in all it was a great stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Pure Grade 50 100% Unbleached Cotton Cheesecloth Strain, 2 Yards (18 Sq Feet); Brand: Pure Acres Farm; Review: I was used to using the cheap stuff from target; this cloth is much better and will last me much longer because I will not have to double and triple up like I had to previously. Well worth a few $; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fiesta 28-Ounce Gusto Bowl, White; Brand: Homer Laughlin; Review: Quality bowls; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Casual Grounds Stainless Steel Coffee and Tea Scoop with Bag Clip; Brand: Casual Grounds; Review: Long enough to scoop coffee from the bottom of the bag. Bag clip a built-in bonus!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GreenPan Lima 12" Ceramic Non-Stick Covered Frypan; Brand: GreenPan; Review: So far so good!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Body Pillowcase, 100% Egyptian Cotton, 540 Thread Count, 21" x 60" Pillow Cover, Striped with Wrinkle Guard by Fits; Brand: American Pillowcase; Review: I'm changing my review because it was five stars... It feels and looks nice, but it ripped along the seem within 1 week. It likely could easily be fixed but that's not the point. Disappointing.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Creative Co-op DA2553 Cast Iron Turtle Soap Dish; Brand: Creative Co-op; Review: Its cute; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Efficient Movers; City: Franklin, TN; Review: They call themselves efficient and careful and I would agree. They were recommended to me by 100 Oaks Storage and I was very happy with how efficiently (and carefully) they moved my things from a unit there to a condo in East Nashville. I would definitely recommend them. I also appreciated the fact that they called to tell me they were on their way and called again when traffic held up the truck to tell me they would be a little late for the scheduled time. Very customer friendly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hi Tech Service; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I probably should have read the reviews before taking my CDRW2000 to Hi Tech, authorized TASCAM repair service. December, 2015 - brought in the unit with a problem. They said no problem. Picked it up. Still the same problem, fade in and out repeats and repeats without command during recording. Returned it to the shop January, 2016. Still not checked by June 2016 (after I called multiple times over the six months to check) so I picked it up. They were outraged that I should want my deposit money back. Not worth fighting over so I left without a refund. So much for valuing customers. One would think Music City would have more repair choices. One other option in Franklin said I would have to deal with Tascam.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Kalamatas - Green Hills; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I was so thrilled to be able to get a great gyros sandwich when Kalamatas opened some years back. But the last three times I've been there (2015-2016) have been disappointing. I don't know what happened. The lamb should be heated -- not. The pita should be warm -- not. I had heard that the owner is no longer on site and gone to another restaurant. Fine, except I think people currently in the kitchen may need more training.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fix It All Plumbing; City: Old Hickory, TN; Review: Price is the issue. I was looking for a plumber that didn't cost an arm and a leg. The website suggests Fix It All is affordable. I called first to get some background and ask about an ongoing problem with an odor in my daughter's house. Replacing a disposal with a new one (already-purchased). $175. vs $75 she paid for the previous one (another company). I followed up with an email to protest the price but I didn't even get the courtesy of a response. And the response to the odor problem was "I don't know." Definitely not recommended.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: East Nashville Plumbing; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Ron was great. Very experienced and located in my area of the city. Got two jobs done efficiently (kitchen first and later bathroom) and at an affordable price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pharmacy; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I had heard that their burgers were amazing. It was very crowded at an off-time so it's obviously a very popular restaurant (meaning, the food has to be good). But the 5 of us, who all had different burgers, agreed that they didn't live up to the hype. Soda fountain drinks were awesome though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Porter Road Butcher; City: Nashville, TN; Review: The only reason to go with 4 stars vs 5 stars is the high price ($9 per pound for grass fed ground beef, $8.99 at Whole Foods) but, for quality of meat, outstanding. Chicken stays moist in cooking and ground beef (tried for the first time) made the tacos delicious.That's all I've tried. I do not know if PRB is connected to the barbecue place in the parking area. I tried a couple of the ribs once and did not like the sauce.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nicholson Cleaners; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I don't have a problem with the cleaning of Nicholson ..although they're pricey. But I tried to find the owner's name to ask why, since they must be profitable, they don't spend the money to replace the flooring in the Gallatin location. Pretty sad. It's in terrible condition.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brothers & Sons Granite And Marble; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Seriously nice and excellent craftsmen. I had an unusual request and they were able to make it happen!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brothers & Sons Granite And Marble; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I have been going to Firestone for several years so I have a history of work on my car wherever I live. So far, excellent.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ulta Beauty; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Thumbs Down! Bad management. Staff is not trained so if you want advice, go elsewhere. If you want in store help, forget that too. When I finally found someone, she was busy and referred me to another girl who knew nothing about customer service. What's the point of having a store?; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mas Tacos Por Favor; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Interesting place. Jammed. Food is good (taco) and prices are low but cash only.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Marché Artisan Foods; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Saturday brunch. First time there and last time. Food was not worth a one hour wait. Why did we wait that long when we ended up being seated at an occupied table with three spare chairs? Another big table empty as the line grew longer. Take out counter deserts looked good though.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Michael's Plumbing Service; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Nice guys who seemed to know what they were doing but YIKES! Two hours of work to repair a hot water heater invoiced at $742.67. And they would not provide a breakdown of costs. According to my online research, materials were about $50 so they charged roughly $350 an hour. Never again. I would consider this a ripoff.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Coleman Worldwide Moving; City: Nashville, TN; Review: I join the other reviews in recommending that you do NOT hire this company. My things were loaded Oct. 20 in Nashville and were not delivered to Chicago until Oct. 30. A tiny one bedroom that took 11 hours to unload? Seriously. Also I'm writing this December 1 and still waiting for the five (at least) missing boxes to be traced, with items like toaster, flatware, pots and pans, etc.The communication and coordination of the company is zero: warehouse in Nashville and other staff in another state. They did find a missing carpet and when it was shipped to me, someone had dropped chewing gum on it (I do not chew gum). One box was full of glass from broken casserole dishes. What puzzles me is how Allied can associate with this company because Coleman is definitely a black mark on their reputation. One star may be too many.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Taking Lives (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Seabiscuit (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Collateral (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Fockers (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Aviator (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Notebook (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Phone Booth (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Van Helsing (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Visions of Greece (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Downfall (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Runtastic Sports Armband for Smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, BlackBerry, Nokia, HTC); Brand: Runtastic; Review: This is about a good an armband for smartphones as I can imagine. Fits tightly and allows for functionality during workouts, running or cycling. I have to remove my iphone 4s from its Otter case for it to fit, but that also makes it lighter and less bulky.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OTRON 2.1A (12W) Dual-Port Turbo USB Car Charger Designed for Apple and Android Devices - White; Brand: ETRONIC; Review: This product charges my iphone and ipod shuffle surprisingly quickly. I have not tried both at the same time, but for one at a time, this works well. For the price and convenience, this can't be beat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tech Armor Apple iPhone 5 Ballistic Glass Screen Protectors for Apple iPhone 5C / 5S / 5 / SE; Brand: Tech Armor; Review: This is a good extra protector for the screen. It seems to be held onto the screen strongly and is itself a strong piece of protection. If you want a screen protector only rather than a "case." This seems like a good way to go. Once you put it on, though, don't take it off. So get it right the first time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tech Armor Apple MFi Certified Lightning Cable - 6FT Space Grey - Tough-Braided Extra-Strong Jacket - Sync/Charge iPhone; Brand: Tech Armor; Review: Having a 6 foot cable for a speedy charger comes in handy and works well. I can't imagine any disappointment with this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OXA 2600mAh Portable Mini Stylish External Battery Power Bank with Key Chain for iPhone, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, HTC,; Brand: OXA; Review: The portability of this battery is definitely its selling point. If you cannot be near an outlet, you can walk around with this while it charges your device. It is great for taking with you, so you can be assured to have a charge when needed. It is too big to actually serve as a key chain for me but can easily fit into purses or bags. It is surprisingly quick for a battery in charging my phone. My only problem will be keeping the right adapters on hand that are needed to charge the battery and then my device. The adapters are interchangeable. For the price, it is a good product.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diztronic Matte Back Black Flexible TPU Case for HTC Windows Phone 8X (Verizon & AT&T) - Retail Packaging; Brand: HoHoHoHot; Review: This portable speak is a great, easy way play your tunes in the office or the wild. The ruggedness of the speaker makes it durable to take outdoors, and its Bluetooth connection allows you to have your phone on you unattached to the speaker. The sound is excellent for a speaker this size and price. The phone/voice is fine and adequate; it is not ideal but allows you to talk and hear easily. The pairing is simple and takes seconds on an iPhone. The controls could be better. You use the same buttons for forward/volume + and another one for reverse/volume -. You hold it down for volume control and it pauses the music and makes an awful beep sound, so you don't hear the volume going up or down fluidly. Oh my gosh! As I'm testing this, a One Direction song came on...whatever you do, do not play your pre-teen daughter's songs on it. Otherwise, it is great sound.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HDMI Switch,burkemany 3 Port 4K HDMI v1.4 Switch Splitter with with High Speed Pigtail HDMI Cable &; Brand: burkemany; Review: So far this cord works fine with a iPhone 5s and an iPad. It seems like a good cord. I don't have anything to complain about it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: FRiEQ Waterproof Case For Outdoor Activities - Waterproof Bag/Pouch For iPhone X/8/8plus/7/7plus/6s/6s plus/Samsung Galaxy S9/S9 Plus; Brand: FRiEQ; Review: This waterproof case keeps the water out and the cell phone's camera useable. Mine is an iPhone 5. It is easier to unlock the phone out of the water, as the unlock slide doesn't always recognize my finger underwater. The push buttons work fine. This is an inexpensive product--cheap in every sense of the word. Watch it carefully. This is a one vacation use and throw away most likely, but it works for that one trip. It's like the plastic rain cover you buy for $5-10 at Disney World or a Football game when it starts raining. It works but doesn't last. If you plan to use the phone underwater often, then you might want a more rugged case.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: iPhone SE Case, Benuo [Vintage Book Series 2] iPhone 5S Genuine Leather Case, Protective Folio Case Flip Cover; Brand: Xawy; Review: I really do like this wallet phone case. I'm using it for my iPhone 5s that fits snugly in the pocket. This is an attractive, sleek case that provides good protection for the phone. It has become my new case. I mainly keep my phone in a shirt, blazer or pants pocket and it fits fine with this case. The other thing that is nice with this wallet is when I lay my phone on my desk or a table this looks professional and also covers the phone face so it is not a distraction. The Vintage brown leather is attractive and I recommend it. I received this product at no cost or a discount.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ChiTronic® Shinecon VR Virtual Reality Headset, Smart Phone 3D Movies Games Video Glasses with Bluetooth Remote Control; Brand: ChiTronic; Review: This is a cool device. It is simple to use and provides an entertaining experience. I have used it with an iPhone 4S with side by side VR videos from youtube. It actually does create a 3D experience without much trouble. There are apps that can be downloaded for more videos. I have not used the bluetooth remote control but that is a nice feature if for any reason you want a remote control for the phone. I think for the price and simplicity, this is a worthwhile device. I actually thought it would work for any videos, but they have to be the split screen kind developed for vr devices like this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Lost Symbol (Robert Langdon, #3); Author: Dan Brown; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I remembered some of the puzzles from my youth.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bookmarked For Death (Booktown Mystery, #2); Author: Lorna Barrett; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I love this series. It is interesting that a reference is made to a teashop that is part of another series that I love to read. It is fun to have a town that respects books and even has a mystery bookstore. Tricia Miller seems to have murders find her or does she find them? It is no wonder the female law officer does not like her. Tricia's bookstore is named Haven't Got a Clue but she seems to find them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Plum Lovin' (Stephanie Plum, #12.5); Author: Janet Evanovich; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: My review is on my blog [url]; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, #1); Author: James Patterson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: My review will be at my blog [url] when I finish it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Walled Flower (Victoria Square, #2); Author: Lorraine Bartlett; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I love Lorraine Bartlett/Lorna Barrett books. This one is even better than A Crafty Killing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Down a Sunny Dirt Road; Author: Stan Berenstain; Genres: history, comics, children, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I got this out of the Grreen Free Library after Jan Berenstain died. I wanted to find out more about the authors. I certainly found out more than I knew as their first Children's book came out while I was in high school and I do not have any children.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The signers: The fifty-six stories behind the Declaration of Independence; Author: Dennis Brindell Fradin; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: This book was read from the Green Free Library. I borrowed it to find out more about the signers of the Declaration of Independence. I learned a lot. Elbridge Gerry from Massachusetts is responsible for making political districts favorable to his own party. The term "gerrymandering" came from a district that looked like a salamander but someone thought it looked like a gerryymander and the name stuck. One also learns that most of the signers actually signed in August of 1776, not on July 4. This may be a children's book, but I realize that we are lucky if we can name 5 signers of the Declaration unless you are a serious student or have been in 1776 the musical. I certainly remember Richard Henry Lee from that show!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Skull And Dog Bones (Dog Lover's Mystery, #4); Author: Melissa Cleary; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I liked the interaction between Jackie and the detectives - her boyfriend and the California police. I would not mind owning Jake as we had 2 shepherds and a mutt that was part beagle before I got married. The shepherds never solved any crimes but were very protective. Buffy, the mutt once showed how smart he was by going to a fountain and then stealing a bucket from a sandbox and bringing it to the fountain to show us he needed a drink. Thus, I know how smart dogs can be.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matzo Ball Heiress; Author: Laurie Gwen Shapiro; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I loved this book. I finished it just in time before St. Patrick's day. See [url] for review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Dad; Author: Judith Arnold; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I enjoyed this book. I see it has been re-written with more of Daddy School in the title. A widowed doctor is raising his pre-teen daughter when an actress moves in next door. They try their best not to fall in love but as this is published by Harlequin, they have to. I like the descriptions of the characters including the cat.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wedding Bell Blues; Author: Alice Sharpe; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: My review is under Just for Fun Group.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Buried (Goth Girl Mystery, #1); Author: Linda Joy Singleton; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I loved it! I used it as a mini-challenge for May (mother is featured in it) on A-Z Challenge. See my blog [url]...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club (The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, #1); Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I loved this book. Emma decides to teach quilting to raise some money. A married couple, a new widower, a young girl, a ministers wife and a man on probation become her first students. They learn how to quilt but also wind up better off in their lives. Emma seems to have the knack of bringing out the best in others and along the way, her life is also changed. It took me a bit to get started reading this book but once I got into it, I did not want to put it down without finding out what happened in the end.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: X-Dames:A Lucy Ripken Mystery; Author: J.J. Henderson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I started reading this book and had to look at the cover to see who Lucy Ripken was. Her occupation is not described right at the beginning of the book. Her friend calls and asks her to write for a new TV show to be called X-Dames. The cast was to be female athletes competing in extreme sports with surfing off Mexico's Pacific coast as the first event. Lucy is out taking pictures of the competition when one of the surfers goes down. She tries to help but soon is unconscious. When it takes time to wake up, Lucy suspects she might have been drugged. She sends off some of her blood to be tested. She had hoped the bloos of the surfer who went under could be tested also. The surfer dies and Lucy finds out she was drugged. She looks at the video taped so far and saves it to her computer. She sees something suspicious in the tapes. The rest of the book is about proving a crime was committed. This is one other problem to solve, who posed as her friend to get admitted to her apartment in NY. She has been having problems with her landlord and proving she lived there would help. She has to break into her own place when she gets home from Mexico. Lucy is an interesting character, the book I bought was a library book at one time and was hard to find. I did enjoy reading this book but would not recommend it for anyone under 18 due to language used.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pink House; Author: Louise Platt Hauck; Genres: fiction; Review: I loved this book. It was easy to read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 50% Off Murder (Good Buy Girls, #1); Author: Josie Belle; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: My review is on my blog.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1); Author: E.L. James; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This book is getting a lot of press. Topic is not for young as about dominance and submission.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades, #3); Author: E.L. James; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book gives you more inside into Mr. Grey and helps explain some things.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sunrise at Sunset (Sunset Vampire #1); Author: Jaz Primo; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: My review is on my blog [url]; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trumpet; Author: Bill Hayes; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction; Review: Review is at [url]...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghastly Glass (A Renaissance Faire Mystery, #2); Author: Joyce Lavene; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I liked this so much, I had to buy another copy since I could not find the original so I could finish the book and just ordered the third book of this series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deadly Daggers (A Renaissance Faire Mystery, #3); Author: Joyce Lavene; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I love this series. Each book I read seems to get better and I want to read more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scarlet Pepper (A White House Gardener Mystery, #2); Author: Dorothy St. James; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I loved this book. I really did not want to put it down but had too. It is a very good 2nd book and I look forward to reading more about the White House Garden and its gardeners.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harrowing Hats (A Renaissance Faire Mystery, #4); Author: Joyce Lavene; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I think this one has the best mystery. You think one person did it but is it? Read the book and find out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Buttercream Bump Off (Cupcake Bakery Mystery, #2); Author: Jenn McKinlay; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: My review is part on the Just for Fun group for August.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Begging for Trouble (Dog Walker Mysteries, #4); Author: Judi McCoy; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I love these books. This one had an unexpected ending.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The 5 Moons of Tiiana (The Chronicles of Rez Cantor, #1); Author: Paul T. Harry; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Rez Cantor is the protector of the Crown Princess of Melana and holds the rank of Captain. When Melana empire is to be overthrown by the Relcor and the royal family killed. He is asked to save Princess Leanna. They flee the planet in a warp-drive ship which is blown up. Rez winds up on one of the moons of Tiiana and is taken prisoner. The book tells of how he escapes and how he is re-united with Leanna. Before, he can return home he must save Tiiana. Rez meets many "people" on the moons of Tiiana and unites the various species he meets to conquer their enemies. I enjoyed the descriptions of the various species and the various locals. Pyramids hide a means of travel between the various moons which Rez eventually understands. The author loved Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars series and created this book along the same lines as that one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zero Mostel: A Biography; Author: Jared Brown; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction; Review: I very good biography.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Axel of Evil (A Figure Skating Mystery, #3); Author: Alina Adams; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, fiction; Review: This mystery keeps you guessing. Bex is in Russia as a coach has been murdered. She has a helper named Sasha who looks 18 but is her age, 24.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Operation XOXO; Author: Elle James; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: I like theis book and used it as part of Alphabet Challenge.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Destined to Play (Avalon Trilogy #1); Author: Indigo Bloome; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I read this in one sitting. It held my attention but I like some other books I read more. It does leave you wondering what happens next.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iced Chiffon (Consignment Shop Mystery, #1); Author: Duffy Brown; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Iced Chiffon is the first book in a series about a consignment shop. Reagan has been left with a Victorian House after her divorce and half of it is still belong;s to her ex-husband. She borrows his car so she can deliver a fountain and "cupcake" her ex's girlfriend's body is found in the trunk. Reagan does not want to lose her house so she decides to clear Hollis' (the ex) name. In the mean time, she finds herself the proprietor of a consignment shop which started with some used clothing she was getting rid of. The descriptions of everything are wonderful from Reagan's house to what she is wearing. Since, the book is set in Savannah, Georgia, Paula Dean's cooking is mentioned. The characters are interesting and they include Reagan's Aunt Kiki who quotes Cher, Walter Boone (Hollis's lawyer), and Bruce Willis (a dog, Reagan finds under her house).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vital Signs; Author: Barbara Wood; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Vital Signs is the story of three woman who meet in Medical School. They remain friends even though they are separated. Mickey had a port wine stain on her face which is finally removed by a plasic surgeon whih is the field she goes into- first in Hawaii and then California. There is Sondra who disovers she was adopted and wants to be a Missionary Doctor (though she is not religious) and goes to Africa. Ruth is the daughter of a doctor who decides she wants to be a mother and goes into OB/GYN eventually working on fertility in Seattle, Washington. Mickey fell in love with a documentary maker but never met him at a belltower and later learns that he did not make it there either. She marries an older man and moves from Hawaii to California with him and changes from cosmetic to reconstructive plastics thanks to Sondra. Sondra went to Africa and feel in love with Derry. They have a son and work together until a tragic accident. The results of this accident causes Sondra to need Mickey's help. Ruth married an accountant and has girls. She never does satisfy her father. The other girls help her to realize more about herself than her therapist could. The book ends eighteen years, after it starts back at the Medical School where they met. I love this type of book. I worked as a typist for an orthopod and had been an EMT and was a candystripper for three years in a hospital so I do understand some medical terminology. This book had been discarded from a library and I had it on my shelves. It is my Read for Fun book for October and per the rules for that - it is also my V in A-Z challenge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wicked Wager; Author: Anya Wylde; Genres: history, fiction, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, mystery; Review: The Wicked Wager is a book that has romance and a murder mystery in the Regency period. Lord Richard Hamilton falls for Emma Grey and asks her to marry him. Her parents approve but, her uncle the Duke of Arden wants them to wait a year vs the two months that Richard wanted to wait. Richard makes a wager with Emma about whether the Duke or someone else would see through his disguise as new head gardener or find him in a compromising situation with Emma so they would be forced to marry earlier. Richard discovers that the Duke's sister has been blackmailing people and she tries to blackmail him. To complicate matters the Duke sens for Richard to come for a visit. So, Richard gets his good friend (who has black hair vs Richard's blond hair) to come as Lord Hamilton. Of course, the friend falls madly in love with Emma's best friend and sometimes forgets to woo Emma. To further complicate matters, the servants quarters are locked and Richard cannot make his way back to them one night and winds up spending the night in Emma's room. It happens that the Duke's sister is murdered during the night and almost everyone is a suspect except the Lord's one servant who was following the real Richard and Emma. The fake Richard is seen going into his "love's room" and the Duke decides both couples must marry as soon as possible. I have to admit I was looking for the murder much earlier than in actually occurs. I did enjoy reading this e-book. I feel that anyone who likes romantic novels especially in the Regency period would love this book. I am not sure all mystery fans would feel the same way about the mystery happening so late in the work as the characters are well developed and the book is interesting to read. I was given a free e-book by the author who asked me to write a review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Strange Likeness; Author: Kate Duvall; Genres: thriller, crime, children, mystery; Review: I reviewed this on Amazon. The co-authors did a great job of following Margaret Sutton's style. Nice illustrations.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Haunting Obsession; Author: R.J. Sullivan; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I reviewed this at my blog: [url]...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Treacherous Toys (A Renaissance Faire Mystery, #5); Author: Joyce Lavene; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I just love the Renaissance Faire Mystery series. I love the idea of a history prof learning different trades at a Faire in order to get her doctorate. These books are well written.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skeleton Letters (A Scrapbooking Mystery, #9); Author: Laura Childs; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Another wonderful book about the scrapbooking store. I love the descriptions of the bag roads around New Orleans. This book keeps you guessing about who the murdered was.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nightshade on Elm Street (A Flower Shop Mystery, #13); Author: Kate Collins; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I love the flower shop books. My review is on my blog: [url] as November A to Z.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bible Girl & the Bad Boy; Author: E.C. Stilson; Genres: romance; Review: I enjoyed reading the story of how the author met and fell in love with her husband. I read this after the story of how they lost their child.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home in Time for Christmas; Author: Heather Graham; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved this book. Great book to read for this time of year!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Killer Stitch (A Knitting Mystery, #4); Author: Maggie Sefton; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, fiction; Review: I have had this book next to my bed to read. It has taken me awhile to finish reading. I like the ladies and Burt who can be found at the House of Lambspun. Since I do bookkeeping and married an accountant, I relate to Kelly and her need to get away from her accounts at times. Sleuthing is a lot more fun and accounting is very solitary. For most of the story, there are only two suspects and I did not catch the possibility of a third suspect until after the suspect was introduced. I kept wondering if someone who knew Kelly was causing the problems at the ranch so she could buy it. Now, I am not sure.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Working Out (The Works, #2); Author: Marie Harte; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: This was very surprising. I did not think things would wind up the way they did.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Novel Way to Die (Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, #2); Author: Ali Brandon; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I loved this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Detective's Secret Daughter (Fitzgerald Bay, #3); Author: Rachelle McCalla; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: The Detective's Secret Daughter is a stand-alone book within a group of books called Fitzgerald Bay. The characters are common throughout the books but they are written by different people. This book has romance and suspense as a body is found and the guilty party has to be found. It also solves a crime that everyone thought was already solved. I must admit I picked up this book because the author and I have the same first name. I certainly am glad I did.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: If the Witness Lied; Author: Caroline B. Cooney; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, fiction; Review: Reviewed on my blog: [url]...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Extreme Couponing; Author: Sabrina York; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This is a husband and wife who use coupons for S&M to spice up their marrage. I like the writing style and the content. This was an e-book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Penelope (Fairweather Sisters, #1); Author: Anya Wylde; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I loved this book. It lives up to the description. Penelope is from the country and has not been taught all the things a proper lady should know. She comes to London with her pet goat and does not have suitable clothes. The dowager Duchess of Blackthorne had promissed to help Penelope come out to London society so she can find a husband. To help her learn proper manners Madame Bellafraude, a modeste is called. The Madame has many secrets but helps Penelope learn how to use a fan, how to dance and how to get in and out of a carrage. I loved this book. Ms. Wylde is able to put you in the setting. She describes the costumes and even tells us what Lady Bathsheba, the goat wears or tears. When Penelope ties a string to a bust in order to tell when Anna leaves her room, you can see it. You can almost swear you smell the perfumes that Madame uses on Penelope. I really felt like I was right there with Penelope while I was reading the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Big Kitty (Sunny & Shadow Mystery, #1); Author: Claire Donally; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: My review may be viewed at: [url]...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enslaved (Enslaved Trilogy, #1); Author: Shoshanna Evers; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This is an e-book for adults as it is about a Dom and a woman who likes pain. It is well written but I would not recommend it unless you like books that involve bondage, sadism ets.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ella The Rose Fairy (Rainbow Magic: Petal Fairies, #7); Author: Daisy Meadows; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reviewed under April Challenge [url]...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Killer Read (Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery #1); Author: Erika Chase; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I liked the tying up of the stories at the end. Like the other members of the cat mystery group, I wish the cats had more of a part.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Virgin and Zach Coulter; Author: Lois Faye Dyer; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Read for A-Z challenge. Will be posting a review on one of my blogs.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Killer in Crinolines (Consignment Shop Mystery #2); Author: Duffy Brown; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: I loved this book. Review at: [url]...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Belong to Me; Author: Mary Higgins Clark; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I loved this book. My review can be found at [url]...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Read and Buried (Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery #2); Author: Erika Chase; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I enjoyed the first book in this series. I love the fact that their are so many possible suspects that may have committed the murder. As my fellow cat mystery group members pointed out about the first book - it is a shame the cats do not help solve the mystery. She comes home and talks to them about the suspects but they do not play a big part. Mark's dog does get walked several times. I would still recommend reading this book as it is a good cozy. I would not look at it as a book that focused on animals.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Murder of the Cat's Meow (A Scumble River Mystery, #15); Author: Denise Swanson; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: [url]... has my review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sisters in Love (Snow Sisters #1); Author: Melissa Foster; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I was sent an ARC of Sisters in Love, (Snow Sisters, #1) in exchange for an honest review. This book is about Danica and Kaylee Snow. The main focus is on Dr. Danica Snow who is a psychologist. She is the older sister and was considered to be more practical and smarter than Kylie who is a singer. Danica is waiting in line for coffee when she is hit in the nose by this handsome man who later becomes a client, Blake Carter. Blake is a player much like Belinda Trenton who is also a client. They both like to spend each night with someone different. Michelle is Danica's "little Sister" through the Big Sisters program. She lives with her grandmother because her mother is an alcoholic. Danica and Michelle spend part of Sundays with each other. When Blake, Danica, and Kaylee find themselves at the same bar. Blake turns down Kaylee. Kaylee does not understand why he would do this. This is also the story of Dave who was Blake's business partner. He seemed to have the perfect home life before his death on a ski slope. We learn more about his story as the book progresses. Danica at a certain point can no longer see Blake as a client. They become involved in other ways. I loved the characters and the relationships between them. Danica's wardrobe changes as the story evolves. This helps us understand that she is more than just a therapist but also as new woman. I must admit that I want to read more about the sisters and find out if Danica's venture works out and see if Kylie has really found love.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am Spock; Author: Leonard Nimoy; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I loved this book. I am a first generation Trekker but have seen Mr. Nimoy in Vincent and have watched his other television appearances. This is a wonderful memoir.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Hex of a Wedding (A Chintz 'n China Mystery, #5); Author: Yasmine Galenorn; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: My review is at: [url]...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seed No Evil (A Flower Shop Mystery, #14); Author: Kate Collins; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: A mystery surrounding a no-kill animal shelter and a wedding of the main character. What a great combination. Another great book in the Flower Shop Mysteries. I loved it! I wish I had paid more attention to the cover. I actually cried at the wedding scene!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fall Into Him (Fall Into Him, #1); Author: Evelyn Harper; Genres: romance; Review: I obtained this book for free from Amazon back in September and purchased the other two books in this three book series. I decided not to comment until I had time to read the other two books which I did today. Jennifer Brooks was working the second shift at the Preminenza Hotel. She decides to play the piano before her shift is over, A man listens to her play the piano before he checks in. He is Philip Haas. She decides to go up to his room with him. It isn't until the next morning that she finds out he owns the hotel. He calls her up to his room and offers her a job as his personal assistant and promises to train her for a managerial position. Having sex with him is part of the job, I liked the first book but had not time to finish the other two. The story is continued in the last two books. The characters are well described as the settings. This is for adults not children.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Freedom!; Author: Frank Le Gall; Genres: romance, comics, children, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: This is a graphic book about a kitten who wants to see the outside world.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sisters In Bloom (Snow Sisters, #2; Love in Bloom, #2); Author: Melissa Foster; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is the 2nd book in Melissa Fosters Love in Bloom: Snow Sisters series. It answers the questions I had after the first book. Kaylie and Chaz stay together after some separations and decide to marry after she gives birth. Danica is involved in No Limitz and acts as a sounding board for her sister when she comes to stay after a fight. Kaylie decides to start writing music. I really enjoyed this book as much as the first one. It is hard for me to say much about the story as I do not want to give away any spoilers. I have not gone through a pregnancy but, it seems to be a very realistic view of how a pregnant woman would feel and look from the 4th month until birth.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Vow; Author: Jessica Martinez; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: [url]... for my review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To the Stars; Author: George Takei; Genres: history, comics, paranormal, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved this book. I have to admit it has been some time since I read it, but I would not hesitate to recommend it to others.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: First Knight (My Immortal Knight, #7.1); Author: Delilah Devlin; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I enjoyed this book about Maddie and her Vampire husband Garon. Maddie knew she had to take Garon as her husband. I am still not sure she knew he was a Vampire or not. Her step-father was a were-wolf and he wanted her for himself. Garon with the help of Richard and the folks of the keep manage to get rid of the wicked step-father. I am not one to buy books about Vampires and I won this one. I did enjoy the descriptions of what is happening in their bed. This is not for children. If a woman is ready to read good Erotica, I would recommend reading Delilah's books first.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hooked on Murder (Crochet Mystery, #1); Author: Betty Hechtman; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I like this book. Molly Pink walks into a house where the front door wasn't closed. She looks for Ellen Sheridan, the Tarzana Hookers' leader. Naturally, she finds her friend dead. It does not help that the police person assigned to the case is after the guy that Molly is dating. Molly did not crochet at the beginning of the book but learns how and learns more about the other Hookers.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Where Petals Fall; Author: Melissa Foster; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I loved this book. It was received free in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Words With Fiends (Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, #3); Author: Ali Brandon; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved this book. Hamlet and a dog actually paw bump. I can just imagine that in my head. It is interesting that the word game played is never mentioned by name. I love the fact that this is combining the book store, the dojo and the characters at home. Hamlet is not being his usual self so Darla calls a cat behavioral therapist to help. He tells her that Hamlet suffered a trauma and needed to feel normal again. Meanwhile, she and Robert have been taking self defense classes and they find their instructor dead. At first it is thought to be a suicide but it turns out to have been a murder. Botox was used to kill him. He had a small dog named Roma who Robert fell in love with and fostered until the widow claims him. His wife is a plastic surgeon and would therefore have access to the medication. Darla also suspects the sons and one of the "karate mothers". This is a very interesting book to read. I finally found time to finish it this morning and was glad that all is resolved. To find out what happens, read the book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lending a Paw (A Bookmobile Cat Mystery, #1); Author: Laurie Cass; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: [url]... has my review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Effect; Author: E. Harper; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: Amanda and Mathis met as children and were brought together thanks to her Uncle's will. Mathis is trying to protect Amanda and does all he can to keep her away from him including sending her money and a gun. Amanda has other ideas. Each part of this gets more exciting. I look forward to reading the conclusion to this story. Received from the author in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aftermath; Author: E. Harper; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: This is the ending of the story of Mathis and Amanda. It starts out very graphically and end romantically. It is certainly meant for adults 18 and over. Mathis had many reasons for staying away from Amanda including the fact that her Uncle had asked him to. I do not want to give away how this changes as I want people to read the ending on their own. I did receive my copy from the author after I reviewed the 2nd installment and this review is honest.. I would have made sure I found out how the story ended shortly because I enjoyed the rest of the story so much. I am old enough that graphic sex scenes do not shock me and when they are as well written as in the beginning of this part of the story, I enjoy reading them. If .graphic scenes are not your thing, start at chapter 2 and enjoy the rest of the story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marquis in a Minute; Author: Roni Denholtz; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I read this in one session. It is a book for Royal Title in What's In aName.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Doctor Wore Spurs (Lone Star Families: The Logans #2); Author: Leanne Banks; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This is my Just for fun book for February.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pearls and Poison (Consignment Shop Mystery #3); Author: Duffy Brown; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: How can you not like a book that you are in? The other me runs Cuisine by Rachelle. I am not as good as she is. I do not have a son or daughter and if I did, I would not have objected to a judge who sent them to jail if they deserved to go. I do like some of the new things we learn in this book. The Judge has no color sense and two left feet. She did pay Boone's law school tuition. This series is fun to read. I would love to meet Bruce Willis, the dog as he is not forgotten and left at home all the time. He gets right into the action at times. I am so glad there will be more books about Reagan and I forward to reading the.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saving Raine (The Drone Wars, #1); Author: Frederick Lee Brooke; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review I liked following the journey that the main character takes on the way to California to save his girlfriend, Raine. I would recommend that others buy the book and make up their minds about drones.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Enchilada (A Goldy Schulz Culinary Mystery, #17); Author: Diane Mott Davidson; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: I was hooked the minute I opened the first book I bought that featured Goldy Schultz. I have to admit that I read the last chapter before I finished the book but would not recommend that to others. It left unanswered questions. It is wonderful to read a book with a happy ending as this one has. I shared some good laughs with my husband who has not read the books. As all the books in this series, there are recipes at the end. I have not made any of the recipes, but I love the way the food is included in the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inferno (The Drone Wars, #2); Author: Frederick Lee Brooke; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: I very much liked this book. I had trouble finishing it because I was busy doing other things and the short chapters allow you to break away from the story more often. Matt and his brother are very interesting to follow. I'm a senior citizen and the story was written for young adults. They should really enjoy reading it. I had bought a copy and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Throw in the Trowel (A Flower Shop Mystery, #15); Author: Kate Collins; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Loved the book. It is a shame that cover artist did not read book first as dog should only have three feet!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Cat and Caboodle (Second Chance Cat Mystery, #1); Author: Sofie Ryan; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I am in love with the family of people who are connected to Second Chance shop. When Maddie is arrest for the murder of a man. Her friends decide to become detectives like "Charlies Angels". They are aided by Elvis, a cat who is able to detect someone who lies. It is refreshing to find an animal that goes places and actually helps to catch the murderer. Elvis has a scar aross his nose that no one knows the true story. He seems to be able to win over customers in the store and readers at home. I certainly would like to further follow his adventures as well as those of the Second Chance family.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Unorthodox Murder of Rabbi Wahl; Author: Joseph Telushkin; Genres: thriller, poetry, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I found this book while we were cleaning. Rabbi Daniel Winter hosts a radio show without using his title of Rabbi. He had invited three women to be on the same show: Rabbi Myra Wahl, Reverend Joanne Short, and Sister Mary Kuluski. He never expected to be a suspect the next day in the murder of Rabbi Wahl. Before the murder happens, he meets Brenda Goldstein, who is working for the Homicide Division of the local police department. She comes to the Rabbi because a watch was stolen from her daughter who is in the bat mitzvah class. The Rabbi makes an announcement and the watch is returned and they become friends. The Rabbi has a good memory and is able to connect events to eventually solve the title murder as well as other mysteries. I have no memory of buying this book but am glad I found it. I am using it as U in my Alphabet Soup challenge though it was not read for that purpose.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Predicament; Author: Lisa Childs; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Whitaker Howell was assigned to keep Princess Gabriella St. Pierre safe. The Princess has been in hiding at an orphanage for six months and is about to leave the country when Whit rescues her. She is six months pregnant with his child. When will he find out he is going to be a father? Will they get safely home? The book answers these questions and more. I loved it and only stopped reading it in the middle because I started reading a mystery.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Montana Miracle; Author: Mary Anne Wilson; Genres: romance; Review: At times I thought this story about a reporter being rescued by the person she was supposed to write about was a little slow. But, romance takes a little time to develop so maybe it was not too slow. I like reading Harlequin for fun.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: XS: An Allie Armington Mystery; Author: Louise Gaylord; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery; Review: I liked this mystery of a lawyer who takes her sister's place so a murderer can be found and a drug ring ended.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fat Cat At Large (A Fat Cat Mystery, #1); Author: Janet Cantrell; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I enjoyed reading about Quincy and the people in his life. The mystery is easily solved once you put the clues together.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: NANOVISION / What Would You Do With X-ray Vision?; Author: Paul T. Harry; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I loved the book. It is extremely easy to read and you want to know what happens. I reviewed it on Amazon. I did receive a free copy in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Man Who Loved Christmas (Rockford Fire Department #2); Author: Kathryn Shay; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: A Just for Fun read. Two instructors at the Fire Academy with different views of work eventually fall in love. A very good book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Very Single Woman; Author: Caroline Anderson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: A female doctor finds a part time position so she can eventually adopt a child. Little did she know that the single parent doctor she was working with would be the one she falls in love with. Good Medical Romance by Harlequin.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Wife (Triple Trouble #2); Author: Susan Mallery; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: Elisa goes to work at an orphanage where her husband Cole Stephenson is the director. They were married five years before story is set but neither of them had filed for a divorce. Can they find their way back to each other. I enjoyed this Special Edition Silliouette book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quiet Ops; Author: Bob Burton; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: This book is about Brad Bennedict who is looks for bail jumpers and is also a private investigator. This was an e-book and I found it very interesting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Young Man and the Sea; Author: Rodman Philbrick; Genres: history, young-adult, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, mystery; Review: Young adult book about a boys attempt to earn money so he can fix the motor of a boat. He starts with lobster traps and winds up trying to harpoon a blue fin tuna. This is a well written book about Samuel "Skiff" Beaman who was called Little Skiff as his dad had the same name and was called Big Skiff. The father is portrayed a being drunk most of the time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ringing in Murder (Pennyfoot Hotel #16); Author: Kate Kingsbury; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: This is a Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery and the first of this series that I have read. The book is set in England at a delightful hotel where they are preparing for the holidays and a wedding. Cecily Sinclair Baxter is the main character and the one who eventually solves who did it. I very interesting book to read. It is the R for my Alphabet Soup Challenge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Geared for the Grave (The Cycle Path Mysteries #1); Author: Duffy Brown; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I had a hard time putting this book down. I love the characters and the description of the scenery. It even has cats in it. Duffy has written another wonderful cozy myster.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Body Heat (Simply, #4); Author: Carly Phillips; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Physical therapist and cop see each other and they don't try to meet until his sister hires her as his therapist and has them move in to her penthouse apartment. Then the sparks fly and well, you'll just have to read the book to find out the rest of the story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: That Old Flame of Mine (Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mystery, #1); Author: J.J. Cook; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Stella Griffin becomes fire chief in Sweet Pepper, Tennessee. She moves in to a home that was built by the old fire chief, Eric Gamlyn. Eric was haunting the home and the fire house and becomes very handy when he is needed. A friend dies after her house catches fire and Stella smells arson and murder. She also decides to investigate the death of her friends late husband, Adam. There is even a dalmation that becomes the mascot of the fire department.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Takeover Bid (9 to 5); Author: Leigh Michaels; Genres: romance; Review: Melanie is extremely surprised when Wyatt Reynolds comes in to her office saying he is her new boss. He acquired half the business. They finally decide to sell the car business so Mel can follow her dreams. There is also a charming dog who has been trained to help children at the hospital feel better. A very good story, very romantic.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tailing a Tabby (A Bookmobile Cat Mystery, #2); Author: Laurie Cass; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I loved this book. My review is at: [url]... This book is even better than the first one in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling for His Proper Mistress (Dynasties: The Jarrods #2); Author: Tessa Radley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Guy Jarrod and Avery Lancaster had a fling in New York until his business partner stepped in the way. Avery thought one thing and Guy another. When Avery takes the place of her Uncle at the Food and Wine Festival they have to work together again. Will they get together and stay together or will he send her packing when he is done with her. This is an interesting book with a sexy scenes and good background. F in Alphabet Soup 2015 challenge.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Expecting the Rancher's Heir (Dynasties: The Jarrods #3); Author: Kathie DeNosky; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Mellissa Jarrod was very surprised when she found out she was pregnant. She had been having an affair with rancher, Shane McDermott, but did not believe that he wanted anything but a marriage of convenience. She was in love with him but did not know how he felt about her. This is my E book for Alphabet Soup. It is the third of 6 in this series which I am reading;; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taming Her Billionaire Boss (Dynasties: The Jarrods #4); Author: Maxine Sullivan; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Not the best book in this series. Neither party is willing to admit their feelings for each other. So, Samantha is willing to quit rather than to stay as Blake Jarrod's assistant.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wedding His Takeover Target (Dynasties: The Jarrods #5); Author: Emilie Rose; Genres: romance; Review: Gavin Jarrod is trying to get a deed to a piece of land. The owner's condition is that Gavin marry his granddaughter. Gavin is reluctant to wed but is more surprised as time goes on that he is actually in love with woman. Using as W for Alphabet soup.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inheriting His Secret Christmas Baby (Dynasties: The Jarrods #6); Author: Heidi Betts; Genres: children, romance; Review: I enjoyed the ending of this series of books. Using this as What's in a Name book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Man Walker (A Consignment Shop Mystery #3.5); Author: Duffy Brown; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I love Duffy's writing. This is told from a man's point of view and it is a very interesting story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: And Then You Dye (A Needlecraft Mystery, #16); Author: Monica Ferris; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: It took me many days to finish this book as I kept falling to sleep early. It does tell you some facts about dye and some about plants. It was not the best or the worst in this series that I have read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Knitting Bones (A Needlecraft Mystery, #11); Author: Monica Ferris; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: This book is my K for Alphabet Soup and qualifies for Animal Challenge as there is a cat on the cover and a cat and a crow are both part of the story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Calling the Shots; Author: Ellen Hartman; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Harlequin Super Romance which is truly a romance. They do have a short time in the back of a car but do not have interccourse.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Violet Shadows; Author: Melanie Rose Huff; Genres: history, biography, fiction, historical fiction; Review: [url]... is where my review is locate.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zadie the Sewing Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Magical Crafts Fairies, #3); Author: Daisy Meadows; Genres: children; Review: I was shelving books at bookstore's new location and saw this book. Zadda means grandfather and this was so close, I had to buy it to use as a Z book. It may be for young children but it fit the bill.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Murder and Sullivan; Author: Sara Hoskinsson Frommer; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: This book took me a bit to get into. The end went fast as I was waiting for someone to have same day surgery.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Demise in Denim (Consignment Shop Mystery #4); Author: Duffy Brown; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I purchased a copy from From My Shelf Books. Reagam Summerside runs a consignment shop on the first floor of her Vicorian home. She knows her lawyer friend Walter Boone is acused of killing his father. She has to pretend she dislikes him, though her face tells others she cares for him. She does not realize that he has been hiding on her 3rd floor. With the help of her Aunt Kiki and her friends, Reagan tries to find the guilty party. Walter's convertible and Reagan have many adventures while trying to solve the mystery. In fact, some BBQ winds up spilling in the truck of the car when Rachelle's catering truck breaks down. I love Duffy's writing. There are many suspects and the reader and Reagan learn who did it at the same time. My alter does not appear in this book even though her name is mentioned as is her mac and cheese. I have to admit macaroni and cheese is one dish that I can cook. As a member of Duffy's street time, I should have no trouble telling people to buy this book, I loved reading it and wish I could have finished it sooner.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Glassblower's Wife; Author: Joanna Campbell Slan; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: The Glassblower's Wife is about Jewish glassblower's who flee from Venice to Paris. They work on making the mirrors for Versailles. It is a long short story, but is a very complete one. I did not realize that there were Jewish glassblower's around the time the Hall of Mirrors was built. I hope that there was lots of research that went into the writing of this wonderful story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Borrowed Crime (A Bookmobile Cat Mystery, #3); Author: Laurie Cass; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Borrowed Crime is the third book about Minnie Hamilton, the bookmovile she runs and Eddie the Bookmobile Cat. When a bookmobile volunteer is shot, Minnie is afraid of losing the bookmobile and her job. She is determined to find the murderer before a lawsuit begins. Eddie is someone for her to talk to and he finds an important clue which leads her to believe that the wrong person was shot. In fact, Eddie is very important to this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wedding Cake Wishes (Steeple Hill Love Inspired; Author: Dana Corbit; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Wedding Cake Wishes is the third book of a series called Wedding Bell Blessings. I have not read the other books and I enjoyed this one. It is a Love Inspired book which means it is romanicc but not sexual. It was my Just for Fun book for April.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Root Awakening (A Flower Shop Mystery, #16); Author: Kate Collins; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I love this series. Abby and Marco try to find out why Rosa's husband fell from the house. A young child living in the house tells Abby she had a dog and it sticks with Abby that Abby investigates the family that was living in the house as she senses something is wrong. The couple is house hunting and Abby's sister keeps having labor pains. This is one of my favorite series and I always look forward to reading the next book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Buy a Whisker (Second Chance Cat Mystery, #2); Author: Sofie Ryan; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I like Elvis. He acts like most cats, wants your chair, enjoys snacks, but has the ability to tell if someone lies. Is protective of his human. Loved the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Book Clubbed (Booktown Mystery, #8); Author: Lorna Barrett; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I love all that I have read that was written byy Lorna Barrett. I love the idea of a cat in a bookstore, in fact my favorite bookstore has two cats.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fat Cat Spreads Out (A Fat Cat Mystery #2); Author: Janet Cantrell; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: This was an interesting book. The comments from the cat's point of view are separated. The bars that Chase makes sound wonderful and a recipe is included for one bar and for a cat treat.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lemon Pies and Little White Lies (A Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery, #4); Author: Ellery Adams; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I enjoyed reading this book. I certainly did not see the end coming.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reinventing Rachel; Author: Alison Strobel; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I read this because of the title characters name. I do have friends who are alcoholics. So it does bring things close to hand.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Expressman And The Detective; Author: Allan Pinkerton; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Allen Pinkerton set this story in Atlanta with travels to Jenkintown, PA. I am more familiar with Jenkintown and Philadelphia in the 1880's. I love the term shadowing (following a suspect). He also has detectives going undercover. To solve this case, he knew he would have to get a confession. It is an interesting story and I read it in one sitting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catnapped! (A Dead-End Job Mystery, #13); Author: Elaine Viets; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Catnapped!is the first Dead-End Job Mystery that I have read. The pis are hired to find a stolen cat. Helen takes a job working as an assistant fora cattery owned by a woman who shows Persians. The apartment houwe they live in and that holds their office has to be renovated. They find the client's husband dead and their client is arrested for murder. In the mean time the ex-husband of Margery who owns the apartment house shows up and wants a relationship with her. He dies and Margery is arrested for his murder. This leaves the ccouple with two murders and one catnapping to solve before the book ends. I have three cats and realize how much one can be attached to them and they to you.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Still Life with Murder (Nell Sweeney Mysteries, #1); Author: P.B. Ryan; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Neil Sweeney goes from bein a doctor's assistant to a governess. The eldest son of her employer is arrested for murder - and his parents find out he is alive after being declared dead at Andersonville. This was a very interesting book as Neil jumps to the wrong conclustion about who murdered the man. After, seeing the dead man's throat, she knows the wound was not caused by a surgeon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meow If It's Murder (Nick and Nora Mysteries, #1); Author: T.C. LoTempio; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Nora Charles runs a deli that her mother had started. She used to be a crime rep orter in Chicago. One day a cat walks into her life. Her friend Chantel calls the cat Nick as in the characters in the Thin Man series. Nora finds that Nick's former owner waslooking into the death of Loa Grainger. She thinks that because there were bruises on the body, Lola's death was not an accident. Nora investigates and meets a handsome detective along the way.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hiss and Tell; Author: Claire Donally; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Shadow does not like it when Sunny leaves. When the cat sees Sunny has a large suitcase on the bed, Shadow jumps into the suitcase. Unfortunately, Augustus de Kruk does not like cats and mayhem results. In the meantime, Sunny is trying to get more information on whether a woman was murdered or if it was an accident. She is also looking for a blackmailer called the Taxman. Shadow is an important part of the book in more ways than one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Marriage Decider (Harlequin Presents, #2020); Author: Emma Darcy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This book takes place in Australia which is where the author lived. It is the story of a boss and his assistant and their relationship to each other. I enjoyed the book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vague Images (A Jolie Gentil Cozy Mystery, #7); Author: Elaine Orr; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: This is the first book by this author that I have read. It keeps you in suspense until almost the end. It is interesting that this is the first time I have read about someone with a pet skunk. I did enjoy reading it and could not stop, once I started.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Fatal Chapter (Booktown Mystery, #9); Author: Lorna Barrett; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Trish is waiting for the insurance company to settle her claim after the fire. In the mean time, she has been helping out at the Chamber of Commerce. She discovers the identity of Nigela Ricita. Angelica and Trish go around placing ailk flowers in the baskets on the Main Street after the real flowers disappear. Trish finds a body when walking Sarge and this one was not dead, yet. She has to fight off her ex's advances. I also look forward to reading more about booktown.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Fairies (A Renaissance Faire Mystery #8); Author: Joyce Lavene; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: This is my Just for Fun book for July. I love this series and this lives up to the past books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts We Love; Author: Karen Musgrave; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I was looking for a book that began with Q so I searched in the Green Free Library catalog and foun 746.9 MUS. This book shows a picture of a quilt and tells a story about that quilt. I showed the book to someone who was quilting and she showed it to a friend as it was given in memory of that woman's cousin.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Astronaut Wives Club; Author: Lily Koppel; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I found this book at the Green Free Library in Wellsboro.(629.45 KOP) I have been watching the television series based on the book. As someone who followed the space program, it was interesting to find out more about the women behind the men. I certainly did not realize that NASA set out certain "rules" for them to follow. It might have been for interesting to find out more about what happened after the last flight to the moon. I am not surprised that there were so many divorces as their husbands were away from home more than at home. I read this book as my Just For Fun Book for August.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Paid and Loving Eyes; Author: Jonathan Gash; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I had a hard time reading this book until I finally got new glasses. The font is small and I found It was interesting but since I was reading when I could I sometimes felt lost and not sure what was happening. It might be that the Lovejoy mysteries need to be read from the beginning so you know more about the main character.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Drone Wars (The Drone Wars, #3); Author: Frederick Lee Brooke; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I liked Matt Carney from the first time, I met the character in Saving Raine. He is forced by circumstances to fight and kill in order to survive. He is put on the Most Wanted List due to his actions. When his father decides that launching missles and drones is the way to get the world back to the way it should be. Matt and his brother are determined to stop him. This book brings ann end to the saga that is satisfactory. Many new facts are discovered before it ends. I received an e-copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Kaplan and the Matzoh Ball of Death (A Mrs. Kaplan Mystery #1); Author: Mark Reutlinger; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I am using this as my Just For Fun book for September. I read it in one sitting. It is wonderful to read books with Jewish themes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Murder Unleashed (Dead-End Job Mystery, #5); Author: Elaine Viets; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I enjoyed this book very much. Because it takes place in a Pet Boutique, it is full of dogs. Helen must find a killer and a dog napper or she might have to return to where her ex-husband lives. I look forward to reading more of this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hidden in the Sheikh's Harem; Author: Michelle Conder; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: This book was a little different than most Harlequin's as they do not have sex until after marriage. I found that to be refreshing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hooked on Ewe (Scottish Highlands, #2); Author: Hannah Reed; Genres: mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I am reading the Scottish Highlands books out of order. This truly did not reveal who did it until the end. There were many suspects.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Off Kilter (Scottish Highlands, #1); Author: Hannah Reed; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I read this as my O book for the alphabet challenge. I am just sorry I did not read this before the 2nd book. It helps set the scene and the relationships between characters. I love when she is told that the leading male character does not wear anything under his kilt. Though I like the answewr I think they should say which is shoes and socks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Photograph; Author: Beverly Lewis; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Lily leaves her Amish home and her sisters worry about her. A young man picks up a copy of Little Women while on a train and finds a photo of an Amish girl. He decides to read the book and the notes that are written inside. Eva runs a candy shop The young man sees her and thinks she is the girl in the picture and that that girl wrote the notes. He is disappointed to find out she did not write them. Eva and the young man are attracted to each other. To find out what happens read the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Unwilling Umpire (A to Z Mysteries, #21); Author: Ron Roy; Genres: mystery, thriller, children, crime, fiction; Review: I read this as my U book in the A to Z book Challenge. Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose try to prove that the umpire, Pete Unkenholtz did not steal the autographed baseballs while the men vs women baseball game was in progress. This is part of A-Z mysterieswhich are meant for children but work well when you need to fill in an alphabet challenge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Year Down Yonder; Author: Richard Peck; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: I found this book at a sale. It won a Newbery Award. It is the story of the year that Mary Alice spent with her Grandmother in the country. It is set during the depression. I chose it for my Y book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Cat Crossing (A Bad Luck Cat Mystery #1); Author: Kay Finch; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I love black cats and believe they are great pets. Sabrina "adopts" the black cat and cannot figgure how hegets out of the house. I highly recommend reading this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Judgment (Rose Trilogy, #2); Author: Beverly Lewis; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: This was read for the Alphabet Soup Challenge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Mallets Intended (Vintage Kitchen Mystery, #4); Author: Victoria Hamilton; Genres: mystery, thriller, children, crime, fiction; Review: This was a very good mystery. Even though the main character gives us her thoughts as to who did the deed. The author keeps you guessing. I loved the ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks, #6); Author: Miranda James; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I absolutely love reading about Charlie and Diesel. When I started volunteering it was in a public library and I was also a school library volunteer. I will continue to read this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Licks (Sunny & Shadow Mystery, #3); Author: Claire Donally; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I enjoy reading about the adventures on Sunny and Shadow. Shadow is smarter than some cats. I look forward to reading more about them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Undiplomatic Murder (Capital Crimes #27); Author: Donald Bain; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I had not read any of these books for awhile. They are actually written by Donald Bain even though Margaret Truman's estate owns the copyright. Robert Brixton works for a State Department Security Agency. Staff members of foreign embassies are being murdered. They are not sure if it is a hate crime or something more. It becomes personal when Robert's daughter is killed by a bomb at a restaurant. Mr. Brixton saw a young man talking to the bomber before she detonated it and follows him, his daughter stayed. When the young man takes out what looks like a gun, he is killed. Unfortunately, he is the son of a Senator and Robert is suspended. He decides to try to find out who is responsible for killing his daughter. A very well written book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Florist Grump (A Flower Shop Mystery #17); Author: Kate Collins; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I love Abby and Bloomers. Ms. Collins found a very clever way of inserting entries from the worst title ever contest by having Abby's mother text title suggestions to her. Jingles, the window washer, is believed to have committed a murder and the shop owners collect money to hire Abby and Marco to find who did the deed. Once I got to the revealing chapter, I had to finish the book even though I was visiting my husband. He understood when I told him why I needed to read my book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Names of Our Tears (Amish-Country Mystery, #8); Author: P.L. Gaus; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I had not read one of Mr. Gaus' books before this one. I loved everything about the book. The mystery is somewhat solved yet when I finished the book, I wanted to know more. I was glad that the title is explained in the book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darned if You Do; Author: Monica Ferris; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I was introduced to these books by a librarian that I knew thanks to Science Fiction Conventions. Since then I have continued to love reading about Betsy Devenshire and Crewel World. It saddens me that the series is ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zeke’s Surprise; Author: Jennifer Kacey; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: This is for adults only as it explores a sexual fantasy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moss Hysteria (A Flower Shop Mystery #18); Author: Kate Collins; Genres: mystery, thriller, children, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I love this series. I am very happy that a cat was added to this book. Though, Seedy is an interesting dog since he only has three legs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Stubborn Father (The Amish Millionaire #2); Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Wanda and Jean Brunstetter's second book in the Amish Millionaire series continues the story of the Byler family. Joel left the Amish community and is distant from his father. The first book ended in a cliffhanger which is resolved in this book. I look forward to finding out what happens after the cliffhander in this bool.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Really Cooking; Author: Victoria Blisse; Genres: romance; Review: Another book for adults only.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Weekend Warriors (Sisterhood, #1); Author: Fern Michaels; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I did not want to stop reading this book. It was so easy to read that I was halfway done in less than three hours and finished it on a bus trip. It is the first book in the Sisterhood series, so t explains who the members are and why they are members. I am using this as an occupation for What;s in-a-Name-2016 challenge.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Betrayed Fiancee (The Amish Millionaire #3); Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I like this series. It is easy to read and tells a little bit about Amish life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hide and Seek (Sisterhood, #8 / Rules of the Game, #1); Author: Fern Michaels; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: This is not a murder mystery but it has enough elements to consider it a mystery.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fat Cat Takes the Cake (A Fat Cat Mystery #3); Author: Janet Cantrell; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I enjoy reading about Bar None and the adventures of its owner and her cat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Missing Will (The Amish Millionaire #4); Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: If you like to read the ending right away, the Amish Millionaire books should be all bought so you can read them in order until the end. The cliff hanger makes me impatient for the next book to come out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Armoires and Arsenic (Darling Valley Cozy Mystery #1); Author: Cassie Page; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I picked this book to read because it fits a book with furniture in the title for the What's in a Name? challenge. It also fits alphabet soup challenge. Olivia Granville moves to Darling Valley to get away from her old boyfriend. A very expensive armoire is delivered by her helper Cody from Blackman's and they find Mr. Blackman inside. There is no sign of fowl play so it was either natural causes or poisoning. Olivia must clear her name and make her store profitable so her friend Tuesday comes to help. Together they solve the mystery.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jumping Mr. January (Hot Nights in St. Blaise Book #1); Author: Maggie Wells; Genres: romance; Review: Elizabeth Watkins became the PR director at the hospital where her father was Chief of Staff. She decides to create a calendar to make money for the hospital. Robert Spencer, EMT, was chosen to be Mr. January. Liz has had a crush on him since high school. He noticed that she had watched his first photo session and decides that he doesn't like the picture and wants a re-shoot and would like her to watch. She decides to let him pay for a re-shoot even though she sends the original to the publisher.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vanishing Act; Author: Fern Michaels; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I am really enjoying the Sisterhood books. The stories still have great endings and make me want to finish them quickly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Roommates; Author: Whitney Lyles; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I had trouble starting this book but once I read further, I liked it more. I borrowed this book from the library and had to renew itasI had not had the time to finish it until after the original due date. I believe someone younger than I am-probably college to grad school age would enjoy it more.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Waking Up Wed (Sugar Falls, Idaho #2); Author: Christy Jeffries; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: Interesting book about a couple who wake up and find out they were married to each other. It takes awhile for them to finally act the way newlyweds usually act. It takes even longer to realize how they actually feel about each other.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Braking for Bodies (The Cycle Path Mysteries #2); Author: Duffy Brown; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loved the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Cat's Legacy (Black Cat Mysteries Book 1); Author: Elaine Faber; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: I fell in love with Kimberlee, her daughter and Thumper. As an owner of a cat with six toes on each paw, who does not to my knowledge does not have a connection with her past, I can understand how this could be possible. Due to a busy schedule, this book took me over a week to finish. I have the third book and ordered the seccond book in the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tattered Quilt (The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, #2); Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I have been to Amish stores in Lancaster County, PA and purchased a quillow (Quilt that folds into a pillow). Emma is manages to solve her classes problems by just talking and listening to them as well as praying. There is a part of the ending that is unexpected, yet is wonderful. I enjoy reading her books and have two on order.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Dress; Author: Rachel Hauck; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: The concept of four women being able to fit into the samedress if very interesting. I like the idea that the dress found the next person who was to wear it. I also like how the book has sections dealing with various characters and how the three women get to meet. It is hard to say more without revealing the relationships within the book. I read this for my What's in a Name Challenge.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Claws for Alarm (Nick and Nora Mysteries, #2); Author: T.C. LoTempio; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Since I am going to be discussing this book in October, I will just say I liked it and wait to say more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Yellow Yacht (A to Z Mysteries, #25); Author: Ron Roy; Genres: mystery, thriller, children, crime, fiction; Review: Ron Roy wrote A to Z mysteries for younger readers. In this book, Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose travel to Costra to visit their friend, Prince Sammi. When they get there, they see a yellow yacht anchored in the water. The local bank is robbed, Sammi has a birthday party which includes a magician, and they get an invitation to visit the yacht. On the way back to shore after being on the yacht, Dink notes that a green strip is no longer visible on the yacht. Did the magician make it disappear or is there some other explanation.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Still Kicking; Author: Judith Arnold; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I read this on-line. I liked it very much. It was very true to what a teacher does for her students re: purchasing needed supplies and needing to have classroom management.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pounced (The Sierra Files #1); Author: Christy Barritt; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Sierra is an animal rights activist and a vegan. She finds the body of her co-worker and the mystery begins. Someone threatens her cats unless she turns over "information" though she does not know what they are talking about. She has to protect her cats even if it means she breaks up with her boyfriend, Chad.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Selfless Act (The Amish Millionaire #6); Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This is the last book in The Amish Millionaire series. It is narrower than the other five. Joel has to perform a Selfless Act before the family members can open the envelopes left to them by their dad. One day Joel reads a Bible he was given and it changes his life. To find out how and what the selfless act is, you will have to read this book. I was waiting for the book all week and sat down and started it before meeting friends for dinner.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Iced Princess (Snow Globe Shop Mystery, #2); Author: Christine Husom; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I finished this book in one sitting. It was very easy to read and kept me interested throughout. Warning! Read first book before this one. I have not read the other one, yet, and believe this gives too much away. I do like the idea of a coffee shop next to a curio shop. Would like to know why light goes on in bathroom.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Chance (An Aliso Creek Novella); Author: Heather B. Moore; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Valentina is in town to celebrate her cousin's wedding. The maid of honor is sick and Valentina is asked to fill in. She meets a classmate that stihe had not seen since school and sparks fly. Read for Alphabet Soup Challenge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: And Then There Were Nuns (League of Literary Ladies #4); Author: Kylie Logan; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I liked this book. I have read the other books in the series and enjoyed the way the relationships between the ladies became closer over time. The story refers back to Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," which makes sense since there is more than one rime to solve. I loved the ending, especially.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snow Way Out (Snow Globe Shop Mystery, #1); Author: Christine Husom; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I read the 2nd book in the series before I read this one. It was a big mistake as you know who did it before you start. Though I did not know why the person did it. It would have been better if the character could have been mentioned in the second book without telling that was the one who did it in this book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Haunted Christmas: Yuletide Ghosts and Other Spooky Holiday Happenings; Author: Mary Beth Crain; Genres: paranormal, non-fiction, fantasy; Review: I found this at the Green Free Library in Wellsboro, PA. I finished reading it while elevated my broken foot. It is a good collection of true ghost stories set at Christmas time. I enjoyed reading this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caught Dead Handed (Witch City Mystery, #1); Author: Carol J. Perry; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: i finally got to finish this unusual book. Lee Barrett had visions when she looked at shiny objects so she avoided them and forgot about her gift. She realized she still had the gift when she looked into a crystal ball. Ariel Constellation was murdered and Lee was her temp replacement. Ariel's cat becomes Lee's and helps find her murderer. Was Lee a witch and not know it, I don't know for sure. Read the book and make your own guess.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Naughty List; Author: Jodi Redford; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Adult Themed. Not for "younger" readers. Lacey McGuire, Bram Colton and Ryan Holister each owned a third of Dockside. The guys looked after her after her engagement went up in smoke. They had been in love with her and did not wish to tell her until one day she sent them her Naughty List which was not supposed to get out. She had fantasies of having sex with them and her list had that as one of the items. They were determined to help her complete her list.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead with the Wind (Southern Ladies Mystery, #2); Author: Miranda James; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I love the Ducote sisters. I will be leading a discussion of this book in 2017 and will comment on it then. Until then, I will mention Peanut and Endora. Peanut in the book is a dog (in my house it is a cat's nickname) and Endora, a cat that will often be on their ward's shoulder.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Assigned a Mate (Interstellar Brides, #1); Author: Grace Goodwin; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This is another adult only book. Eva is a doctor who is set up as a murderer so she can enter a program that provides matches to men on other planets. She is actually a witness and this was a way to protect her. Very explicit sexual descriptions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Soldier for Christmas; Author: Eva LeFoy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Not my usual adult reading. The two main males met when one was young. It deals with PTSD and gay romance.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Doctor's Calling; Author: Stella Bagwell; Genres: romance; Review: This is the story of Laurel Stanton and Dr. Russ Hollister. Dr. Hollister decides to be the vet on the Cantrell ranch vs having his own practice. He decides to take Laurel with him. He realizes that he is in love with her and they have intercourse. She is 30 and it is her first time. She really just wants to have an affair. He does all he can to convince her to be his wife. Will he succeed. The cover shows a calf. Laurel and Russ mention their pets and tell about the animals they work with which makes this suitable for the Animal challenge as well as the Alphabet Soup Challenge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Churn for the Worse (An Amish Mystery, #5); Author: Laura Bradford; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: A very interesting story about a Gift Shop owner, her aunt who owns an inn and the local Amish. When Claire Weatherly's friend Jakob Fisher decided to become a policeman he was shunned by the Amish Community. With Claire's help he has been able to communicate with his family and get information to help him investigate a murder and robberies that happen in the community. Claire becomes very involved in solving the crime.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Strong Silent SEAL (SEALs of Coronado, #2); Author: Paige Tyler; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Interesting story of a SEALn helping out a stranger and they wind up falling in love.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: By Familiar Means (Witch's Cat Mystery, #2); Author: Delia James; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Alistair is the familiar of Annabelle, an apprentice witch. He is able to sense if Anna is in trouble and is very protective of her. The cat helps the humans find the end of the tunnel where the body is found. Max and Leo are dashshunds. The dogs are the familiars of Julia Parris. Julia is Anna's mentor.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From Fortune to Family Man; Author: Judy Duarte; Genres: romance; Review: This books part of the Fortunes of Texas, Harlequin Special Editions series. Kieran Fortune is named as guardian to his friend Zach's child, Rosabelle even though her grandparents were alive. Zack's ex-girlfriend, Dana, has a good relationship with Rosabelle as well. This book is the story of how they become a family. Zach and Dana have feelings for each other but are afraid to admit it to themselves or each other. I love Harlequin books when I want lighter reading. They are easy to pick up and put down. This book stands alone and does not have to be read as part of the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Fix (Home Repair is Homicide, #3); Author: Sarah Graves; Genres: mystery, thriller, romance, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book was read for What's in a name? challenge because it has an "x" in it. It is a mystery which has several people found dead. The main character is trying to fix up her own home in East port. Her es-husband is accused of murder because a scalpel with blood on it is found to be his. Jacobia has money at stake as she is an investor in a clinic that was being built and Vince, the ex, was to be the surgeon. This book has so many possible suspects, it keeps you in suspense until the ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Better Homes and Corpses (Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery #1); Author: Kathleen Bridge; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Meg thought she left her ex-husband behind when she moved. She is very surprised when she keeps running into him. Her friends are helpful as she gets a job helping to inventory a house for an insurance company. It is their where she meets Cole, who becomes her "boyfriend". Through careful observation, she finds items that were missing from the inventory and manages to solve a murder. I like that Tripod is the name given to Cole's three legged dog. The dog actually helps Meg solve the murder. I ordered the next book before I finished this one because I liked reading it so much.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Yews with Caution (A Flower Shop Mystery, #19); Author: Kate Collins; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I love Abby Knight Salvare and the Flower Shop Mysteries. It is almost to easy to guess part of the story, but the mwas a bit of a surprise. Abby is persistent in trying to get some people to listen to her and in finally getting the right information to the right person when it was needed. I hope I can see more of the Flower Shop Mysteries on Hallmark as now, I can actually see them on my TV vs my computer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Seekers (Amish Cooking Class #1); Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This is the first book of a new series. I like learning more about the Amish. I might not be able to use all her recipes but some I can use. Wanda is great at characterization and I would like to find out what happens in other classes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 3 Sleuths, 2 Dogs, 1 Murder (The Sleuth Sisters Mysteries, #2); Author: Maggie Pill; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: A very interesting story. The dogs help out when needed. Read for What's in a Name Challenge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forks, Book One; Author: A.E. Davis; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book is set in the town of Forks. This is the town made famous by the Twilight series. I have not read the Twilight books but know they feature a Vampire and Werewolf. Amber has just moved to town and has not read the books. She makes friends with some local boys and her mother is dating a deputy. There are some incidents happening and Amber finds herself in danger more than once. Once I re-started reading, I had to finish the book to find out what happens. It is very well written. The book was chosen for the What's in a name Challenge?.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: About a Dog (Bluff Point, #1); Author: Jenn McKinlay; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Mackenzie Harris (Mac) has been away from Bluff Point, Maine since she was left at the alter. She found herself in the arms of her best friend's younger brother, Gavin Tolliver. Emma has asked Mac to be her Maid of Honor and has paired her with her brother. Mac is trying her best to not get involved. When Mac finds a dog, who she names Tulip and takes it to Gavin who is now a Vet. Gavin asks her to foster the dog for awhile. Mac puts posters around town in order to find the dog's owner. She lets her boyfriend, Trevor know about the dog and he urges her to get rid of it as he is allergic to dogs. A man comes to claim Tulip and she has to give the dog to him. Mac and her friends ut find the dog tied up in the man's yard and try to free her but all are arrested. Gavin keeps an eye on the dog and eventually rescues Tulip. To find out what happens between Mac and Gavin, you will have to read to read the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dancing with Fire; Author: Ellie Danes; Genres: romance; Review: Danica steals money and drugs from her father and runs away because he made her miss a big dance audition. She throws the drugs out and moves to a different town and lives in a homeless shelter. Remy who is a billionaire comes to the studio to pick up his assistant's daughter. Danica thinks it is his daughter. The studio is offering free lessons for the person who gets a donated item that brings in the most money at an auction. Remy gives her a set of "Fire and Ice" books autographed by his friend, George R.R. Martin. (Game of Thrones). The books bring in the most money. But, there is a man who threatens Danica and wants the money back. To find out what happens, read the book. This is a very well written e-book and was very easy to read. I enjoyed it and gave it a 5 star rating.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SEAL'd With A Kiss: A Second Chance SEAL Romance; Author: Nicole Elliot; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: I love romance, there for I enjoyed reading about Logan and Piper. Logan has always wanted to be a Seal. Before he leaves for training, he and Piper have sex at one of their favorate places. Shortly, after he leaves Piper discovers she is pregnant. When she sees her daughter, she decides to keep her. She does not try to contact Logan. Piper goes to law school and gets a job in New York City. It is five years later and she returns home for her Uncle's funeral. Logan winds up at the bar where they are having a wake for her Uncle and the couple meets again. He learns that he has a daughter. To find out when and how he finds out about his daughter and what happens afterwards, you will have to read this e-book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: No Cats Allowed; Author: Miranda James; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I have five cats and have taken at least one of them out for small walks with a harness and a leash though the five together probably weigh less than Diesel, Charlie Harris's cat. when one reads that Oscar Reilly no long want Diesel in the Library, it is not surprising that Mr. Reilly is found murdered. I loved this book as it has everything a cat mysterly lover likes: a cat, at least one murder, a non-professional sleuth, romance and even a wedding. There is even a dog that gets along with Diesel. This book fits some of my reading challenges.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scandals, Secrets, and Murder(The Widow and the Rogue Mysteries #1); Author: Maggie Sefton; Genres: history, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, mystery; Review: I am not sure I would call Devlin Burke "a rogue". He seems like he would make an interesting friend and he is a good amateur sleuth. The widow is Amanda Duncan who has clairvoyant visions. The two are brought together when a U.S. Senator is stabbed in a D.C. brothel. The main suspect is Devlin's nephew Freddie so it is personal. The year is 1890 and there is one historic character in the book. I was reading this book Monday morning and was so close to the end that I made a point to finish it Monday night. I loved the way the murderer is caught. I had seen a review and decided this book was perfect for a cozy set in the past.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Windfall: An Alpha Billionaire Romance; Author: Ellie Danes; Genres: romance; Review: This was found as part of Dancing with Fire. It is the story of a bartender who is made to buy a ticket with money he could use for food and the ticket wins big. Cooper becomes a billionaire and buys a bar but soon finds that everyone wants part of his money. He takes his mother to visit her sister in California. Emma is a waitress in a bar. She does not like lies. She sees something in Cooper and they become friends and she teaches him how to surf. What happens when she discovers that he has not told her everything about him - she does not know he is a billionaire. Will she still want to be his friend? Read the book to find out what happens. I loved this story. It is realistic as most people who come into money suddenly find that everyone wants part of it, though they might not all be threatened by their friends and have to leave town.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot, #10); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Since I needed a "British Mystery" was in a library, I decided read Murder on the Orient Express. It is very interesting to read a book where you known something about the end from movie discussions on and off line. It is very interesting to read how the conclusion is reached.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Familiar Trouble (Familiar Legacy #1); Author: Carolyn Haines; Genres: mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Getting out of trouble is really what Trouble, the black cat, seems to do. He helps his human, Tammy Lynn, when she needs him the most. He loves Sherlock Holmes A black cat, a bookstore owner and a cop determined to find a serial killer. These are the main characters in Familiar Trouble. Trouble is definately a main character in this book and it qualifies for the animal challenge. It is also the Cat Lovers book for September. I had bought the book before it was mentioned as being free by the group. I would recommend cat and mystery lovers read this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Plot Boiler (Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, #5); Author: Ali Brandon; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Hamlet helps Darla find two bodies. Both were store owners on the same block as Pettistone's Fine Books and both had been ballerinas professionally. The first body was found at the end of the 4th of July block party that Darla had helped organize. Hamlet gave Darla two book clues: one on ballet and one on body art. This led her to believe that the killer probably had at least one tattoo. At the end of the book, Darla and the reader find out how Hamlet gets books off the shelf. Det Reese provides the other connection between the two women - they both were poisoned by olender.To find out who did it, you will have read the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kernel of Truth (Popcorn Shop Mystery #1); Author: Kristi Abbott; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: A gourmet popcorn shop, a poodle and a murder to solve. These elements are in Kernel of Truth. As someone who owned a small poodle, I still fell in love with Sprocket, Rebecca Anderson's poodle. After a marriage that failed, Rebecca returned home and opened a bus iness she called "Popa." ( I play games at a real life store called "Pops.") Rebecca discovers her next door neighbor and friend ded. Was it due to a robbery? or was there another reason she was murdered?; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: War of the Windsors: A Century of Unconstitutional Monarchy; Author: Visit Amazon's Lynn Picknett Page; Review: After a little more GOS'? on the truly unfabulous Royals? Full of so many hair raising comments you would think Prince Phillip penned his many gafs' into a novel..................; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress; Author: Dai Sijie; Review: Read this for the inside view to Mao's re-education of China..................from a personal almost voyeuristic account. First page in N.J.................. Re-visit for a brief moment at lunch..... Open again at Penn station....... Close it on the way back home............ A real Good reason to go to work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Three Waves of Volunteers and the New Earth; Author: Visit Amazon's Dolores Cannon Page; Review: If you have read Delores other books, then you have read this book. Hugely disappointed, eagerly anticipated. This is nothing more then a rehash of previous work, and I have read them all. If you have not read other work, then spend the money but don't buy previous work because it is all here. Delores? If you read this, your friend here in Sydney, Helen would like to know why you never were in touch as promised this last trip Nov 2011. Guess I will meet you on the other side.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre: The Ruins of Detroit; Author: Visit Amazon's Yves Marchand Page; Review: Bought as a birthday gift for someone very special here in Australia that; loves everything motor city. I had Amazon send it to Mums in Pennsylvania. It was waiting for me when I finally got there after work on the west coast. I had ten days to pre-read this amazing (the photographs alone are worth twice what you pay for the book)story. I set off back to Sydney, I carried the book with fear of luggage loss; I was TSA screened at Allentown Airport, and Philadelphia airport. Cabin Attendants took control of it from PHL to LAX. Went to Virgin Australia for my flight home and went through TSA. I turned to pick up my book from the chattels tray and it never turned up. Why am I telling you all of this? Because the book is that bloody good, I bought another copy when I got home and had it sent by USPost. Worth every bleedin' cent!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EarthShift; Author: Visit Amazon's Judith Horky Page; Review: Anyone who seeks and searches for this sort of information will not be disappointed. However anyone thinking they will get this information with out a bit of drama will be disappointed. Judith! Really, love your message, glad I got to read it, yes have passed it on................but if your heroine went to her favorite spot one more time to meditate, or had one more dramatic cup of herbal tea, or one more person said for the 2000th time I love You (with in a five second time span), well I would have put this book down. That said; I bought the book to read how our shift will take place and how it will effect each of us with in our communities and our personal lives and relationships. What have I taken away; It does not really matter how much we may lose but ultimately how much our species and our culture will gain from this upcoming event. I believe that this information is well and truly covered off, and contained through the read. This alone is worth the price of admission. Read this book, Know in your heart of hearts the author is speaking from hers with sincerity and Universal Love. I was born 5-5-55, I feel I am already primed for the fifth dimension.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Answers; Author: Visit Amazon's Stan Romanek Page; Review: I have bought nearly anything I can find that appears valid in regard to just what is going on? I stumbled upon Stan's first book and enjoyed every page....................took away some new information and moved on to finding more. Stan in those days had NO MORE. I never figured Stan would have anymore................ A few short weeks back; Stan popped into my head and I thought I should Google him and see if the Black forces had eliminated him. To my surprise the search returned with so much unknown about Stan that I was gob smacked. I immediately saw there were two more books. I rushed straight to AMAZON and purchased. No I did not read the reviews, it was Stan, and Stan was so easy going and such a friend from my last read why would his next book(s) not be worth the price of postage. Postage is twice the price Stan is asking for his book where I live. I placed the order for both. I found he has a web site and joined that. I then thought, I wonder what others think of his new material. I was horrified to read the negative comments and thought, oh well like so many others, nothing beyond the original story so we now have marketing sucking up the extra dollars left on the floor..........my bad. I have just put this book down. I never read Stan or anyone else saying that he is the Messiah as one reviewer described him as describing himself. What I did read was my friend Stan telling me about what is going on. Lisa, and Lucie, and Valerie, John/Lazarus and the children! Heck! I am getting goosebumps as I write. Buy this book! And!!!!......................Take so much comfort in so much he has to say. I have not read so much HOPE and felt so much HELP from anyone as I have from this book. I want to meet he and Lisa....................and no I don't know why. Maybe to talk about digital cameras, or where we grew up, or maybe even how life evolves..................these unknown people are like my closest friends now and I can only urge you to make the purchase and add them to your group of friends as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shadow of the Titanic: The Extraordinary Stories of Those Who Survived; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Wilson Page; Review: I did not know there was anything new that could be told about the RMS Titanic. In fact there is,and it is from the survivors, and their first hand accounts of the event, the aftermath, and the legacy left with each. I have read everything since a Night To Remember was published. I have seen every film from Barbara Stanwyck to Kate Winslet, and while completely entertained I always felt something was missing. The something missing was the accounts directly from the survivors. The real descriptions from the 'pink glow of the light from the lamp in my stateroom' to the descriptions of cold, and opulence from a very classed society of passengers. Andrew Wilson's fine details and empathy are details and feelings never read or felt before by this curious reader in anything previously published or dedicated to film. I urge you even if you feel; You have seen enough, read enough, and have had enough Titanic.............to add this book to your collection. This is the final word on the disaster from those that were on board, and these moments will live with in your memory as if you just had a personal conversation with each survivor. This book is quite possibly the single most important book ever written about this event. Possibly the only book one needs to read or recommend to understand the human drama and human arrogance of the early 20th century.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shadow of the Titanic: The Extraordinary Stories of Those Who Survived; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Wilson Page; Review: I did not know there was anything new that could be told about the RMS Titanic. In fact there is,and it is from the survivors, and their first hand accounts of the event, the aftermath, and the legacy left with each. I have read everything since a Night To Remember was published. I have seen every film from Barbara Stanwyck to Kate Winslet, and while completely entertained I always felt something was missing. The something missing was the accounts directly from the survivors. The real descriptions from the 'pink glow of the light from the lamp in my stateroom' to the descriptions of cold, and opulence from a very classed society of passengers. Andrew Wilson's fine details and empathy are details and feelings never read or felt before by this curious reader in anything previously published or dedicated to film. I urge you even if you feel; You have seen enough, read enough, and have had enough Titanic.............to add this book to your collection. This is the final word on the disaster from those that were on board, and these moments will live with in your memory as if you just had a personal conversation with each survivor. This book is quite possibly the single most important book ever written about this event. Possibly the only book one needs to read or recommend to understand the human drama and human arrogance of the early 20th century.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Orion Regressions; Author: Visit Amazon's Stan Romanek Page; Review: Before you consider purchase you should read Answers and Messages first. Then everything you read in Regressions will make sense and further your journey. Reading something that is based on information from 2008 is disconcerting sitting here in 2012. However that said; anyone searching for answers or at least would like to peek their own curiosity with some clues, well then this is required reading. While so much of what I have read always leaves me with no real final words of comfort this does come close. The regressions in some cases are repetitive but it all is in context of the actual message. I have at least come away from my read feeling a little less controlled, certainly a bit more hopeful, and certainly more enlightened. Have no fear of these messages making you decide between your religion and this unfolding event. Everything is connected, everything is one and there is only positive news for the human race if we make the transition to acceptance of other worldly cultures and we will shift (just) in time; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Woman I Am: A Memoir; Author: Visit Amazon's Helen Reddy Page; Review: Who knew this pop diva of the early 70s had such an insight of life, love and humanity. Helen may have started out with the number one smash hit; 'I don't Know How To Love Him', from Superstar and then taken the worlds attention with the Women's movement anthem, 'I am Woman"..................but she seems to be winding up her public life on matters not quite so top ten. This is a Shirley McClain type out on a limb bio, so if you are looking for sordid detail of what happend to 38mil and why did her last husband steal it all you will not find that here. Helen, seems to have taken it in her stride and reflects that it is just all about learning and moving on. What a woman!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holy Ghosts: Or How a; Author: Visit Amazon's Gary Jansen Page; Review: Great read. The right amount of; am I going nuts and ignoring it all to full on; I am having an inter dimensional experience. This book lead me to another book from his contact with a medium in Ohio. I found her book the qualifier for the genuineness of this phenomenon and this Good Catholic Boys book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sixties: Diaries 1960-1969; Author: Visit Amazon's Christopher Isherwood Page; Review: Brilliant reading as so much is nearly in a contemporary time frame. Amazing view into W.War II USA, Hollywood. Amazing insights to sexual standards and blind eye acceptability...............not to mention just where the base story comes from for the musical Cabaret. If you can find a copy, and you like books you can use for reference you must add this to your shelves.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Coming Global Superstorm; Author: Visit Amazon's Art Bell Page; Review: This book was one of my very first Amazon purchases. It has sat in the ironing room of my flat here in Sydney since. Along with Whitley's other books and a lifetime of UFO,and conspiracy research. I digress; When I first read this book, which was published as fiction based on scientific fact, I marveled at descriptions of the mundane. A dryer than dry drought effected Texas, Flat screen TVs (not even invented when this was written) and other items and events that were real fiction in 1999 when this book first appeared. Now here we are post Katrina, post European winter storms, post the most devastating bush-fires and floods in Australia history...............and now post Sandy. I will say no more then; buy it, read it, and keep at the forefront of your mind when it was written. My last suggestion as companion to this book; In your Amazon search box type in; combo generator, flashlight,mobile phone charger and radio....................and do not say you were never informed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Matthew, Tell Me About Heaven: A Matthew Book With Suzanne Ward; Author: Visit Amazon's Suzanne Ward Page; Review: I really enjoyed the information in the book. I did not enjoy the way the story was told, always quoting "mother" when starting a sentence and so much that could have been edited out.............but that is me. As for information: lots of new, and lots of really take it home, and feel really good about the life your living, and the ending we all have coming.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Real Men In Black: Evidence, Famous; Author: Visit Amazon's Nick Redfern Page; Review: I was terribly disappointed in this read. I have followed Nick Redfern and I guess I anticipated so much more.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Day with an Extraterrestrial; Author: Lou Baldin; Review: Lou takes you the reader, on a quick adventure beyond your current thoughts. Thoughts of what is really relevant, and thoughts to what should be relevant, if only we knew how to think them or how to handle the reality of them. This was a great read, even though judging by the dates of other commentors comments, I arrived a little late at this party. Do yourself the favour, download or wait at your postbox for your own invitation to this party, disappointment will not follow you into space once you pass the first page. Oh yeah, Spielberg or Lucas, or Peter Jackson need a thought implant to bring this information to the masses.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In League with a UFO; Author: Lou Baldin; Review: I discovered Lou Baldin only a short time ago and have already read nearly every single blog, and book. Had I known In League with a UFO was really about the downed ET craft in New Mexico at Roswell; I possibly would have given it a pass. I have read every Roswell book that is out there, to the point of; I have read it all you can tell me nothing new, and I can not read any more speculation on the subject. Intuitively?! I have known for years, books that discuss ETs and describe UFOs in a Star Trek, push a button and watch a computer screen type of 'human' way, are not describing the way it really is. This book is like reading about Ets and UFOs for the first time. This book is like reading about the incident/accident/manufactured event(?)for the first time. I was amazed at the level of detail, and new information............(in fact there is no old information between its covers)..............that I read in the few short hours it took me to read. As with all of Lou's books and the blogs...................Lou will challenge what you think you know, and if you are lucky, he will leave you considering the integrity you live your life by, and where your soul is with in the Universe. Lou Baldin's ability to deliver new information with out sensationalism or speculation is possibly why his work is being take so seriously.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flight to Heaven: A Plane Crash...A Lone Survivor...A Journey to Heaven--and Back; Author: Dale Black; Review: Bought for my sister in the USA. Real feel good stuff with an extremely (organised) religious theme and ending. However if you are looking for a spiritual lift and secular confirmation, it is not found here. If you are looking for a reason to justify being tithed to your Church or a reason to go every Sunday then this book is for you. A companion for your bible and not a companion to your collection of Depak Chopra. This said; any positive guidance and information in this day and age is worthy of your time to take its message on board.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: UFOs IN THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON; Author: Lou Baldin; Review: I was born and raised in the USA, and have lived in Australia most of my adult life. Viewing life, and participating in life away from the USA has had a profound effect on me, and has opened my mind away from the dogma, and propaganda that is the daily way of life in the USA. To this end; this books challenging concepts of how things are, as opposed to the mirage that is presented for all in the USA to live with in, were easy for me to bring on board and consider.......that said it may not be everyone's, cup of tea.............poor you. What is that old saying? 'Fact is stranger than fiction'?.............. Once you have read one of Lou's exposes/books you will look at everything differently and view your own integrity in life from a new vantage point. Remember..................The mind is like an Umbrella, it only works if it is open..........; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard C. Hoagland Page; Review: Move to where? Any book you can find written by Lou Baldin. If you can find anything written by John Lear (yes of the Learjet family) then read him as well. yes, of course...................You are welcome.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Visitor's Report: The End And New Beginning of the Human Race; Author: Robert Vanderzee; Review: I only bought this book yesterday; Received it via kindle, and it is finished today. The author takes you on a journey based on so much fact that it is not until the end that you know it to be a work of fiction. However; What part is the fiction? This book is so well written so incredibly researched; That parts of it are quotable, and make for good intelligent discussion of so much that puzzles the thinking human being today in our 21st century. You know? The mind is like an umbrella, it only works when it is open.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Closets, Combat and Coming Out: Coming Of Age As A Gay Man In The Don't Ask, Don't Tell Army; Author: Visit Amazon's Rob Smith Page; Review: OK, so I did download a sample. However do not bother, go straight to purchase. Once you start reading you will find your device can not download the remainder of this book fast enough, so you can continue with Rob on this incredible awakening. Great story, truthfully and believably told. My partner is x military (N.Z.Army) I am going to have to hand over my tablet for him to read this; and no one gets to touch my tablet; well until now. Thank you Rob!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mars And The Lost Planet Man; Author: Lou Baldin; Review: I never expected to read this book cover to cover in one go, but I did. If you follow Lou in any of his previous work this is more along the way; to encourage your inner level of integrity through your human experience. This is a HORROR story beyond any Grimm fairy tale or anything from your imagination, and this is what sets Lou Baldin and his message(s) apart from others that wax lyrically about transporter rooms and benevolent alien creatures. Truth is stranger than fiction and lies will always be accepted over truth.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: E-Squared: Nine Do-It-Yourself Energy Experiments that Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality [Miniature Edition] (Miniature Editions); Author: Visit Amazon's Pam Grout Page; Review: Encouraging; if only to insure when you can think a negative thought it is as easy to think a positive one. Unfortunately not one of Pam's experiments worked for me. Pam's overly positive view of everything is something that is very nice for her. I continue to think positively, and be hopeful the Universe will recognise my desires and my actions to get those desires. Sadly whoever is looking after me is on the phone or on a cloud far far away. Buy the book for its positive message, but do not be disappointed if that which Pam promises does not materialise. n.b. Pam though the book encourages you to be in touch with her via email; (she does not answer); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thomas Andrews, Voyage into History : Titanic Secrets Revealed Through the Eyes of Her Builder; Author: William C. Barnes; Review: I could not find this book in Kindle. This order page does not list it as a Kindle option. (It is available on Kindle) I purchased a used hard back and 5 hours after it arrived in the post I had finished it. A compelling and sincere tale of the determination of the ships builder Thomas Andrews to build a great ship with quality and integrity. All of the while Thomas Andrews efforts being thwarted by Bruce Ismay. Even if you have no feelings or belief in re-incarnation the facts and detail are mind boggling as they now sit cheek by jowl to recent scientific proof of how the great lady foundered and went to the bottom. This is a great read told by a great man with true heart and soul.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Truth about the Titanic; Author: Visit Amazon's Archibald Gracie Page; Review: Interesting point of view and a first hand account. However I have read much better.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Afterlife of Billy Fingers: How My Bad-Boy Brother Proved to Me There's Life After Death; Author: Visit Amazon's Annie Kagan Page; Review: Annie's fine telling of her own story is fast and furious and full of insight to the other side of 3D life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alien Interview - Deluxe Study Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Lawrence R. Spencer Page; Review: This is very interesting reading. Intuitively I can say I knew most of what I read. However, I have never read most of it before. I am left slightly despondent though; the thought of not ever being able to escape the cycle is numbing and disheartening. Very hard to raise my bottom lip off the floor this morning and get moving into what I now consider futility. I have always believed from the good I create in this life will come better in the next. I never thought I would be on some ferris wheel, only to be thrown high into the air when I die and land with no real purpose............only just to repeat a cycle of birth and death. Very confronting. I would like to be one of the lost 3000 but that is unlikely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Surfside Stop; City: Newquay Cornwall England; Review: When looking for a place to stay in Newquay, we came across surfside stop firstly due to price. When we got here we had a lovely welcoming by the owners son. Throughout the stay the owners couldn't of done more for us they were very helpful, advised us on places to visit, were always cheerful and easy to approach. The room and en suite was nicely spaced. The breakfast was lovely and very good value. I would highly recommend this place to anyone when visiting Newquay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hurstmere; City: Blackpool Lancashire England; Review: Me and my friend went mid week for my birthday, upon arrival both Barry and Andrea both seemed warm friendly welcoming people. Barry's knowledge about Blackpool and the local area was great as he was able to give us advice on places to eat, not to eat and places worth visiting. Each time you came in to the hotel they were friendly and welcoming, they always showed an interest in activities that you had done and were pleasant and easy to talk to. The bar was a nice place to end a night with, the bar is excellent for all ages as there is plenty for the children to do whilst adults have a drink. Andrea and Barry will happily chat to you whilst having a drink and would show an interest and offer to help in any way that they could. I would certainly recommend this hotel to anyone and would consider going back myself in the future!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Surfside Stop; City: Newquay Cornwall England; Review: Me and a couple of friends stayed here for a few nights when we came to Newquay. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by friendly people. Room was pleasant, price for the room was fair, breakfast was nice and certainly worth more than the ��5. The couple and son that own the place were very helpful upon deciding where to visit and what attractions we may like. The location of the hotel is good as it's a 10 minute walk to the shops and only a little further to the beach, however there is a steep hill that you have to walk up and down, there is a car park available too. Would recommend and personally use again if I visited Newquay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eliot Hotel; City: Newquay Cornwall England; Review: Staff: 5/5, very welcoming, approachable, easy to talk to and helpful Food/breakfast: 3/5 the food was nice enough however not a lot of choice for breakfast if staying for a week as it's the same few options each day Room: 4/5 the room was clean, a good size and all though the bedding wasn't modern (blanket rather than duvet cover) the room was nice enough to stay in with tea/coffee making facilities and also a tv. Entertainment: 3.5/5 the entertainment was ok, however the entertainment is aimed at an older generation as the music was from 50's-now.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tossa Center Hotel; City: Tossa de Mar Costa Brava Province of Girona Catalonia; Review: Bedroom: Fairly nice hotel, the room was a good double sized room with a single bed too, and balcony. The room was modern and clean, the bathroom was also a good size. The rooms are cleaned daily in the morning, fresh towels available daily too however during the 4 nights that I was there, the bedding wasn't changed once? You also have to pay for a key to the fridge that is in your room, you have to pay for the remote control to the TV and pay for the wifi too! Restaurant: The staff in the restaurant are nice and friendly, the room and tables/chairs are clean. The food is ok, however it is only Luke warm but there is a microwave available. The choice of food doesn't change much from day to day, so there isn't a large selection, if you are only staying for a few days then the food is fine however after 5 days we started to find it a little repetitive. Pool: The pool area is clean, however the water is very cold! Due to where the pool area is located the sun is only there from about 1pm for about 5 hours.. However with it been May when I went things may be different in high season. When the sun was out in the pool area it was lovely for sunbathing. Bar/evening entertainment: The bar staff are friendly, and there is plenty of room with table/chairs. The evening entertainment is ok, but not brilliant. The music stops at about 11:15, and by 11:45 the staff are demanding to get you out of the room, and they will stand in front of you and will either take your glass away from you or expect you to drink it quickly, at this point in time the staff can be rather rude! All in all, I would say this hotel is more of a 3 star rather than a 4 star! I wouldn't want to put anyone off from going to the hotel as it was a fairly nice one and it is also in a good location, however if I was to return to Tossa De Mar I must say that I would look for a different hotel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Glasgow City Hotel; City: Glasgow Scotland; Review: This hotel is of Perfect location for the city. We were told that our room was classed as a small room, however for the two of us there was plenty of room and wouldn't class it as been too small for a couple (we were in room 101) the bed was comfortable, the ensuite bathroom looked lovely, was clean and stylish. The bed was comfortable. There was also a tea/coffee making facility in the bedroom and also an iron and ironing board available to use. However with us staying on a Saturday night and the bedroom is at front of the hotel we were woken up by drunks walking past at early hours of the morning, by no means would we blame the hotel for this as this can not be helped. The hotel it's self seemed nice and quiet. Did not having any food/drink in the hotel so can not comment on that however there is a menu to see in the bedroom and some of the food (more like snack food) is available 24 hours which I thought was good. As for parking, there are only a few spaces outside the hotel, however there is a car park near by which the hotel stamp your ticket to save you a % of money. Would stay here again when visiting Glasgow and I would also recommend to a friend.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dalehurst Guest House; City: Paignton English Riviera Devon England; Review: Tutu and Dave seem like lovely people. They were very welcoming and friendly. The double room that we had was a lovely lay out with a nice view. The bed was comfy. The location of this B&B is perfect for a walk into the town to bars/restaurants/shops etc. It was helpful been able to park just outside the B&B. Unfortunately due to a change in circumstance, we didn't actually manage to stay the night, however TuTu and Dave were very understanding to this and also allowed us to leave our car in the car park until the next day. I would certainly go again, and hopefully spend the whole night next time to get a real experience of the place including the breakfast.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maldron Hotel Newcastle; City: Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear England; Review: Myself and 5 friends stayed here for one night (Saturday) the location is perfect! It’s close both to the shops and to the nightlife. The reception staff were lovely upon arrival and departure. The restaurant staff were friendly at breakfast too. The rooms had 1 single bed and a double in it, both extremely comfortable beds! The room had a thermostat on the wall, which allowed you to choose the temperature of your room which is ideal for this cold weather! The room came equipped with a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee facilities, a ironing board and iron, a free safe to use, a flat screen tv. The bathroom, was clearly new, which had a walk in shower. The whole hotel was clean. I would definitely stay here again if I was to visit Newcastle again. 10/10!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Phil's Grill; City: Harahan, LA; Review: I just sat at the bar for the last 2 hours & SARAH waited on me & she was DELIGHTFULL. We talked like we were old girlfriends. I highly recommend sliding up to the bar & striking up a conversation with her.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vinnie's Caddyshack Bar & Grill; City: Metairie, LA; Review: If I could give them a 0, believe me, I would. I had planned on having lunch here today but I will never go back. I stood at the bar for a good 5 minutes and wasn't ever helped buy not 1 but 2 bartenders. The male bartender made 2 drinks within spitting distance of me and never even looked up at me. The female bartender was too busy flirting with the customers to even acknowledge me. I highly recommend passing this dump up.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dino's Bar & Grill; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Great, relaxed atmosphere. Reasonable prices. The Filthy Fries are the BOMB!! Waffle cut fries with melted cheese, bacon and drizzled with ranch dressing. YUM!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Church's Chicken; City: Metairie, LA; Review: I'm usually a fan of Church's but it was very lacking today. The chicken wasn't even warm and tasted like it had been sitting out for hours. And to top it off the Dr. Pepper tasted funny.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Juicy Lucy's; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: I LUV Juicy Lucy's and the only gripe I have is that they never have the Barcardi that I like to drink. I had the onion rings and I highly recommend them. They triple batter them and when you bite into one, the batter stays on the rest of the ring. YUM!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: NOLA Smokehouse; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: OMG!! I agree with all of the othet reviewers about the brisket. It is RIGHTEOUS!! I got a 1/2 pound of the brisket (fatty, of course) and burnt ends with a Barq's. It was $13.08 and I brought food home. It's not a very big place and you have to keep your eyes peeled for it but if it helps, there's a playground catter corner across the street. There was a couple at a table close to me that kept looking at me but I think that was because I was stomping my foot, licking my fingers clean and saying "damn, that's good" after every bite. I tried the mixing of the sauces as recommended by other reviewers but only used the sweet and spicy and again, RIGHTEOUS!! The few people that work there were extremely nice and truly appreciated the compliments when I went up to get one of their biodegradable go containers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you love some damn good brisket!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Jefferson, LA; Review: I pulled into the parking lot on the Bloomfield Street side and there was no parking on the Clearview Street side so I continued to the side that faces the Shell station and again, no parking. I continued past the drive thru and drove back around to the Bloomfield Street side and a car had pulled out so I got a spot along the drive thru pay and leave side. I went inside, got my order and went back to my car. I got settled in and drove back around to the gas station side and realized why there was next to no parking. The employees are parking in the lot. They used to park in the lot behind the gas station but there wasn't a single car in that lot. I'm the park my car and go inside type of person and if I encounter another this mornings experience, I'll go home before I'll go thru the drive thru.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bert's Auto Repair; City: Metairie, LA; Review: Bert and his team are top notch. They do a GREAT job, they're honest with pricing and appreciate every single customer of theirs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: I'm only giving 4 stars because I've been to Lucy's numerous times and have never had a bad experience but that was not the case today. My department at work picked up lunch from Lucy's and I ordered the Jamaican Jerk Chicken appetizer because (a), I've had it before and loved it and (b), I knew it would be just enough to hold me over till dinner tonight. Now, onto today's experience. The chicken was dry and I didn't get the dipping sauce that usually comes with it and that would have probably helped alot with the dryness of the chicken. That's all I'm going to say about that. Anyone reading this, please don't let this dissuade you from checking out Lucy's because it's a great place to chill with your friends, especially when the Who Dat's are out in droves to support their Boys in Black & Gold, our New Orleans Saints!! Can I get a WHO DAT??; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Slice Pizzeria; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: I came to Slice on the recommendation of a friend and I'm not a pizza aficionado by any means unless it's out of a box but this is damn good pizza. I luv that it's thin crust and you can get it by the slice and these aren't a small slice. I've never had pizza in New York City but I've been told it's just as good. Now, my only complaint is that the bartenders (the females) don't ever seem to be eager to wait on other females. Word of advise, we usually tip better than men. But overall, a great place to grab a slice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charcoal's Gourmet Burger Bar; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: AWESOME, VERY JUICY burger and during happy hour the Beef Burger is only $5. YES, you heard me right, $5 during happy hour. The bartender could have been more attentive but I find that female bartender's tend to hover over the guy's and not the chick's (and we're better tipper's). Whatever, still a REALLY good burger.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cafe B; City: Metairie, LA; Review: Their Mac 'n Cheese appetizer is scrumptious!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: NOLA Smokehouse; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Another stellar serving of brisket and burnt ends, fatty, of course at my favorite bbq place in New Orleans. I took a vacation day and this was at the top of the list on stops to make today and they never disappoint. Chef Rob is spot on every time I come in here. I can't say enough about this place so come out and support a local business!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bert's Auto Repair; City: Metairie, LA; Review: How can you wrong with a business that will top off your fluids and check your tires, including the spare, every month for free? You can't so come support a long time local business!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cafe B; City: Metairie, LA; Review: I went in for happy hour and there were no seats at the bar so I asked "how do I do happy hour if there are no seats at the bar?". I was told by the manager that they could seat me at a table and extend the oyster special (YUCK) to me but that drinks would be full price. WTF? I'll think long and hard the next time I'm craving that 3 cheese mac n cheese. VERY disappointed to say the least.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Jefferson, LA; Review: I understand that it's a minimum wage job but please, you still need to conduct yourself in a professional manner, especially the manager. I have been sitting here for almost 30 minutes and all I have heard is the employee's behind the counter SCREAM back and forth to each other and discuss their personal lives. Do you really think this appropriate? HECK NO, IT'S NOT!! AND BELIEVE ME, HECK ISN'T THE WORD I WANTED TO USE!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Jefferson, LA; Review: So now the $1 tea is no longer a $1?. That's bull!!! If i could leave a ZERO star, I would!!! I'm sitting a table away from some McDonald's exec's that have no freaking clue as to what's going on with the "conglomerate" because all they care about is their paycheck. And just to prove that I kniw what I'm talking about, there was an AA woman in black pants and a leopard print top hanging around the front counter. And the exec's sitting a table away from me, the younger gentleman mentioned that he had 4yo twins at home.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Copeland's of New Orleans; City: Jefferson, LA; Review: The staff and service are always super friendly and attentive. Everything I've eaten has always been great. It's close to my house and it's always very convenient.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gattuso's Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar; City: Gretna, LA; Review: The only reason I'm giving a 4 and not a 5 is because of the construction and a busboy who would snatch my napkins off of my table when I was still using them. Other than that, I enjoyed my experience there. I went to see Mike Corrado sing and while I was there, I decided to get a bite to eat. I didn't want to eat anything too heavy so I got the mozzarella sticks. One, they're not out of bag but rather hand cut, battered and then deep fried. Two, these are mozzarella sticks on steroids. They're huge and you get 5 of them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Applebee's Grill + Bar; City: Harahan, LA; Review: I used to frequent this location but quit after several instances of the unprofessional staff openly cursing in front of customers, like myself. I thought I'd give them another try to see if maybe there had been some turnover in the staff and there had been but apparently they must just hire unprofessional staff. I sat at the bar, across from a couple enjoying a drink and some appetizers. As I was waiting on my order, the couple's entrées arrived and about 5 minutes later, mine arrived. The couple finished and asked the bartender to cash them out so she gave them their check. They paid using a card but left a cash tip which apparently the bartender didn't think was sufficient because she bitched about it RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. Needless to say, because of her unprofessionalism, she didn't get a very good tip from me so I'm pretty sure she bitched about me when I left but I could care less. If you want to be tipped appropriately, then act appropriately in front of your customers.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Jefferson, LA; Review: I came in at 7:02am and I had to return my sausage biscuit because the biscuit was cold as ice. Seriously, a cold biscui; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Company Burger; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: First and foremost, I gave them 4 stars based on the cost of my meal, which was almost $13 for a single with cheese and bacon and a tea, but not the burger. Now, onto the burger which was seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection, which was medium. There was a nice sear on the patty, the bacon was crispy, the cheese was melted perfectly and the bun, well, it was divine. This was my first time eating at Company Burger but it certainly won't be my last. Now I just need to find a rich benafactor to feed my new obsession.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kmart; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: I went to this location looking for some Dickie's pants for work and apparently they only cater to skinny ass bitchs's that like the waist line of their pants to be below their belly button. I'm an older woman with a small frame but i like the waist line of my pants to be at my waist line and I don't like my pants to hug me down to my ankles. Try carrying cloths that will fit all and be age appropriate.. I had reward points to spend and I walked out empty handed so the Walmart up the road is going to get my business.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Deanie’s Seafood; City: Metairie, LA; Review: I usually get the fried shrimp platter and it's always on point. You usually get at least a dozen but I've gotten as many as 15 before. I've only strayed ftom the fried shrimp platter twice, once with the bbq shrimp pasta and the crawfish quartet. Thankfully, they peel the bbq shrimp because otherwise, it would be a super messy dish. Both the bbq shrimp pasta and the crawfish quartet were good but I love my fried shrimp.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Waloos Sports Bar and Grill; City: Metairie, LA; Review: If i could have given this place no stars, I would have. Myself and a friend from out of town came in after the big LSU win over Florida looking to keep the party going but we were sadly disappointed. We belly up to the bar and one bartender is chit chatting with some other patrons that he was obviously friends with because he didn't even acknowledge us. The other bartender though really ticked us off. After we'd been sitting there for about 5 minutes with no acknowledgment, a young beatch walks up to the bar and gets immediate service by the 2nd bartender. I told my friend from out of town, we're out of here. I refuse to give my money to a business that caters to only the people that the bartender's know and not people who would have spent a heck of alot more money because we're probably 15-20 years older and more established than the younger crowd that normally patronizes their crappie establishment.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Big Cheezy; City: Kenner, LA; Review: I had the mac 'n cheezy which was the bomb. Who in their right mind wouldn't love a 4 cheese mac ' n cheese between 2 pieces of buttered and grilled white bread? The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars was because I had to listen to the foul language coming from the kitchen crew the whole time I was eating. Every time I heard a foul word, I looked up thinking that would clue them in on the fact that it's unprofessional and very offensive but nope, it didn't set off any light bulbs with these dim wits.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cafe B; City: Metairie, LA; Review: First and foremost, this review isn't based on the taste and quality of the food because that's top notch. This review is based on an individual experience that I had while at the business. I had become somewhat of a regular for the happy hour but the experience that I had a couple of weeks ago has me rethinking visiting this establishment ever again. I was on my second drink at the bar and was speaking with the patron next to me and the bartender (female from France) kept rolling her eyes at me like talking to the other person was, I don't know what. Had I not already paid my bill, I would have left her a penny to show her that I didn't appreciate her treatment of me, not only as a person but more importantly, as a PAYING patron. I've worked in the service industry before and I would NEVER treat a patron the way I was treated. I'm not a judgemental person and it's something that I find ugly in others. I certainly hope that the business reads their reviews and if so, takes them very seriously.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pizza Hut; City: Harahan, LA; Review: First and foremost, this review isn't based on the taste of the food because I luv me a pepperoni lovers personal pan from this store. This review is based on my experience at the store yesterday while I was waiting on my to go order. There were two employees having a very animated conversation about the "idiot" manager that had made the schedule BUT what really threw me was the manager on duty counting a drawer right on the front counter. Seriously, are you asking to be robbed? It certainly looked like they wanted to be robbed. Anybody could have walked by and saw what she was doing, come in, draw a weapon and that would have put me in the middle of a robbery. How freaking ignorant can you be and a manager no less?!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes; City: Metairie, LA; Review: I joined the email club and I got a "get a free burger w/ the purchase of fries and a drink " so I figured since they have such good reviews, I'll give it a shot. The burger was decent but I've had better (Port of Call, Company Burger, Yo Mamma's, just to name a few). The sweet potato fries were good and you get a good amount. Now to why I only gave them a 3 rating. My "free" burger with the purchase of fries and a drink was $7.54. To me, that's a rip off. I was charged .70 for cheese and .99 for bacon so technically, the burger wasn't free. I was charged $2.29 for the drink and $2.99 for the sweet potato fries so it came to $6.97 before taxes. Almost $7 for a side, a drink and 2 condiments that I feel I shouldn't have been charged for since the burger was "free". No offense but if I'm going to spend that much on a burger, I'll go elsewhere.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Metairie, LA; Review: I just wasted 15 minutes of my life waiting to order breakfast at this store because the cashier was too busy flirting with the Coke truck drivers in line in front of me. If the owner of this location cared AT ALL about what people thought, they'd respond. Has that happened, NO so I'll go spend my money down the road at TACO BELL bitch.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Enterprise Rent-A-Car; City: Metairie, LA; Review: Believe you me, if I could give them a BIG FAT ZERO, I would. I made a reservation several weeks ago so that I wouldn't have to drive my not always reliable car to go visit family out of state for Christmas. My reservation was for 12pm 12/24/15 and to return at 12pm 12/28/15. Well, I get a call at 8:15am this morning, 45 minutes after they open to tell me that they haven't had any cars available since yesterday and they don't know when they'll be getting any in. Had they called me yesterday, I might have been able to find something with someone else but NO, they wait until 3 hours before I'm supposed to pick up my rental to inform me of this. SERIOUSLY!! The day before freaking Christmas, when I made my reservation several weeks ago and this is the call that I get??!! I, of course, get upset and I'm told "I can report you to the police because you sound threatening". SERIOUSLY?? You freaking call me 3 hours before I'm supposed to pick up my rental the DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS to tell me that you don't have any car's available and you don't know when you will and you want to get flip with me?! I WILL NEVER RENT FROM ENTERPRISE AGAIN AND I WILL MAKE SURE THAT ANY AND EVERYONE THAT I KNOW KNOW'S ABOUT THIS!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Company Burger; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: OMG!! If I knew I wouldn't gain back all of the weight that I lost, I'd eat here more often because the burgers are that good. Unless requested otherwise, the burgers are cooked medium and they're always on point. There's nothing fancy about the burgers but they're SO good and in my opinion it's the seasoning. Not to mention the hottie that was working the grill today because there's nothing better than a good looking man cooking for you. In addition to the burgers being amazing, the staff is always super friendly and always working to keep the business spotless. This is one of the cleanest restaurants I've seen in a good while and that says alot in New Orleans. I would highly recommend this place if you're looking for a really good burger. I drive all the way from Harahan to eat here and that's about a 25 minute drive so that should tell you something.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crabby Jack's; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: OMG!! I'm addicted to their fried chicken. It's the closest anyone has ever gotten to my great grandmother's fried chicken recipe. It's very simple, not overly seasoned or battered but SO freaking good. That's all I have to say...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Metairie, LA; Review: I'm only giving a 4 star review based on my personal experience with a particular employee. DENISE was amazing!!! She was VERY courteous and respectful (not something I can say about the manager who was texting the whole time). Everything was yes ma'am, no ma'am and you don't hear that from alot of young people now so it was a VERY pleasant surprise (I'm glad my sister isn't the only one who raised her kids with manners). WHO EVER OWNS THIS PARTICULAR LOCATION NEEDS TO HIRE 10-20 MORE DENISES'S BECAUSE SHE IS AWESOME!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enterprise Rent-A-Car; City: Metairie, LA; Review: I'm only giving this review due to the rental I got versus the weather. I got a Nissan Versa and it was windy as all get out and I had to keep both hands on the steering wheel anytime I was on the road with the rental because I got whipped all over the road. I also had an issue with the "trunk" of the car because I put my luggage in there and shut the "trunk" pretty dang hard and the "door is open light" kept coming on while I was traveling. I finally arrive at my destination, and I'll be damned, the "trunk" was open the whole time. WTF!!!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deanie’s Seafood; City: Metairie, LA; Review: OMG!! My boyfriend is amazing because he drove down from NW Illinois just to spend the weekend with me and he wanted to go to Deanie's Seafood because he's been in town before but we had only been to the French Quarter location and I was like, if we're going to go to Deanie's, we're going to the Bucktown location. After waiting about 20 minutes, we finally got some seats at the bar and IMG, our bartender Diana was AMAZING! His beer and my dream sickle martini was NEVER empty. Diana's customer service abilities were AWESOME!! We highly recommend catching a seat at the bar and making sure that Diana waits on you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Copeland's of New Orleans; City: Jefferson, LA; Review: I don't know who was working the "chicken" station tonight but my "blackened chicken" wasn't blackened. It was grilled but I was SO freaking hungry that I took it anyway. Blackened chicken should make your nose run from the spices but is my nose running? NO, because the chicken was freaking grilled. I ordered the chicken alfredo and had it not been for the crap load of pepper that I sprinkled on the pasta, it would have been bland as heck. I usually don't have any issues with what I order here but tonight was a major disappointment, big time!! I usually eat at the bar so I don't take up a table for just myself and as always, the bar staff took care of me.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hands Of Essence; City: Metairie, LA; Review: My boyfriend bought me a full body massage as part of my 50th birthday and I was not disappointed in the slightest. Renata and I spoke briefly about what I was looking for and my comfort level as far as my body was concerned. Beings that I like to be touched all over, she did not disappoint with her massage from literally, the top of my head to my toes. If I could afford to get a massage at least once a month, I would be going back to see Renata. I drove to the location with my boyfriend but when we were ready to leave, I had to hand the keys over to him because I was super relaxed and just would not have been able to drive. Before we left, Renata gave me a few of her business cards and at my next birthday appointment, I got a mani/pedi and some college age girls overheard me talking about my massage and asked me where I went so Renata, I handed off two of your business cards to them so if some girls mention the lady who was celebrating her 50th birthday, it was me!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ruby Slipper Cafe; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Even though I usually frequent the Magazine Street location, the Canal Street location was closer to our hotel so my boyfriend and I went to that one. I got the Brioche French Toast and let me tell you, it was AMAZING! You get 2 pieces cut in 1/2, plus applewood smoked bacon and my boyfriend got the Southern Breakfast. You get a good amount of food for the price and if I could have, I would have eaten it all. I ended up taking 1 wedge of French Toast and a slice of bacon back to the room and I ate it later on in the day and it tasted like it had just my table like it did earlier that day. I highly recommend any of their locations to anyone visiting and the locals, who I'm sure are already in the know of this place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Port Of Call; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: I placed a to go order and Pat, my server kept giving me a hard time and I kept throwing it back at him. I waited a good while waiting on my food but Pat kept checking in on me to make sure I was ok. He's tall and kind of geeky looking but a sweat heart l.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: McDonald's; City: Metairie, LA; Review: If I could give a BIG FAT ZERO, I would because this location is ridiculous!! I walked up to the register and even though 3 employees were within greeting distance of me, did any of them acknowledge me, HELL NO even though they all saw me standing there. After about 5 minutes, I was finally greeted by one of the ladies who saw me when I walked up to the register. I gave her my order but had to repeat it 3 times because she was too busy trying to listen to a conversation 2 other employees were having so I said "excuse me, I'm the customer, not them" and she gave me a look like "who do you think you are talking to". She gives me my cup to make my sweet tea and I can hear her bad mouthing me so I walk back up to the counter and tell her I want to speak with a manager. The manager comes out of the back and asks me what the problem is and I proceed to tell her that I want my money back and to read the review on Yelp that I'm going to leave. She refunds my money and proceeds to try to give me my order free and I refuse it and tell her I'll never be back in that store again. AGAIN, if the owner of this location cared about the experiences that not only myself but other pissed off patrons are having, they'd do something about it but as usual, NO RESPONSE from the owners.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Buffet at Harrah's New Orleans; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: I'm only giving one star based on the experience and lack of response from the employee in regards to what I saw and not on the food. My boyfriend, his father and I were in town this week for a convention and decided to hit the buffet on our last day, which was Wednesday, March 22, 2017. We were seated at our table and then proceeded to the buffet. I put a chicken leg on my plate and as I was turning towards the next station, I believe the carving station, I saw a roach. I motioned for one of the workers to come over and told her and she looked but said she didn't see anything so I moved a carving knife out of the way and there it was. She didn't seem the slightest bit concerned about it, made no attempt to kill it and just walked away and continued her conversation. I didn't tell my boyfriend or his father about it until after we had finished eating as not to gross them out and thankfully neither one of them got anything from the carving station. I think that your "cleaning" processes need to be looked at again because if there was a roach on the serving station, I can guarantee you that there are roaches in the prep area and probably in other area's also. I want to let other's know that you might want to think about eating somewhere else besides Harrah's New Orleans if you're in the mood for a buffet.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Old No 77 Hotel and Chandlery; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: There were NO window's in our room and the carpet from the elevator to the room was FILTHY!! The ice machine didn't work the first night we were there but it worked every day and night after that. There is a restaurant/bar in the hotel which seemed to be a hit with the "locals" but we were never able to get in so we can't attest to the likability of it. Over all, it's a "nice" hotel but the lack of keeping the carpet clean really put us off.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dots Diner - Williams Blvd.; City: Kenner, LA; Review: As always, the food was excellent and the service was top notch. I usually get the chicken fried steak with country gravy, mashed potatoes with country gravy and corn but I tried something different this time. I went with the bacon cheese chicken sandwich and besides having to ask for the bacon on my bacon cheese chicken sandwich, it was yummy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Forgiveness and Permission (The Ghost Bird Series) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's C. L. Stone Page; Review: I've gone through these series so fast, all of the books have become a blur to me and I can't remember what happenings are from which book, so I'll make my review short. From the first book, there have been a few things that have bugged me in this series. Sang, our young protagonist, can get a little annoying because she is so mellow and clueless at times, and some happenings are simply surreal (like the way she met some of the boys). Nevertheless, I would recommend this series in a heartbeat. The story is so good that even with those things, I kept reading it with an unnerving thirst to know what comes next. At first, I found myself biased with some of the guys. I liked some more than I liked others, and wanted her to lean more towards those that I liked. As the series went on, I learned to appreciate each character in a different way and began to understand Sang a little better. This book, along with all of the other of the series, are pricelessly good. C. L. Stone has earned my respect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Archaic (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Regan Ure Page; Review: This book was great. There were certainly a few hiccups on the way (a little predictable in the beginning), but this book turned out to be a great page turner! Although slightly agonizing since the second book isn't out yet, I liked the cliff hanger at the end. It did make me frantically search for a second book in need of answers. If you are beginning to read this book and find it a little see through, keep reading. I have high expectations for the upcoming book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alpha (Forever) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Regan Ure Page; Review: Regan Ure's "Alpha" is about Scarlett Hayes, an independent teenage girl who drowns in determination and strength. Scarlett lost her parents fairly young, but was raised by Gary, her father's best friend. Once she turns sixteen, she starts to feel some changes in her body and senses, but generally doesn't regard them. Craving a bit of nature, she moves to a new town where she finds herself in an unbelievable predicament. Now, something I really liked throughout this book was Scarlett's strength. She had confidence in herself since the beginning and continued to until the end of the book. Lately I have found way too many novels where the lead lady is somewhat poor and with a low self esteem, and then a rich and handsome guy shows up to make it all better. Not with Scarlett, though. She goes head to head with anyone that crosses her path. In the beginning of the book, I did find some of the things a little see through. I was able to easily guess what was going to happen, but the story had so much potential I kept on reading. Additionally, bits and pieces of the writing I found extremely unnecessary, like when it switched to Cade'so point of view. I understand and appreciate how the author tried to show how the feeling went both ways, but it was like I was reading the same chapter all over again. Even the wording and "thoughts" of them both seemed extremely similar, so I found myself skipping through a lot of those. All in all, I did enjoy this book immensely. The story had amazing characters and a good plot. I didn't put this book down until I finished it. However, I did find it extremely disappointing that Regan Ure did not choose to write the sequel in Scarlett's point of view. The second book to this series is told in somebody else's shoes entirely, which discouraged me to continue reading the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Travel Hopelessly: A TEFL Memoir; Author: Visit Amazon's English Teacher X Page; Review: Although English Teacher X offered great insight into the world of ESL Teachers, I have to admit I didn't really enjoy this book. I found it a little too negative for my taste, but that is on an entirely personal basis.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Deception (The Transformed) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Stacy Claflin Page; Review: Alexis is a straight A student who has a mind of her own and dreams about escaping her family's favoritism over her sister. Strange things begin to happen and she is found completely out of her comfort zone and into a world that she thought mythical. The storyline is very good; it kept me reading and provided enough suspense to get me to want to know what happens in the following book. However, I couldn't feel very close to the characters because I thought they were barely introduced. All I know about Alexis is that she has curves in the right places and is very pretty, but I don't know what she looks like or even the color of her eyes that well. Cliff and Tanner, the two male counterparts are just as much a mystery to me. I know that Cliff has chocolate eyes, but not much else. The author simply describes the characters are "gorgeous" or similar non-specific adjectives. That made me not be able to picture them as well which takes away from the story. The lack of depth in explanations are a theme throughout as a lot of other scenes aren't thoroughly explained causing everything to seem shallow and rushed. Also, there are a lot of mistakes in this book. It certainly needs an editor. With that being said, I still bought the second book and foresee buying others solely for the potential of the storyline and development of the characters. The world Stacy created is still fascinating despite the semi-recent vampire craze. Might not be among my favorite books of writing styles, but enjoyable nonetheless.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Hamilton Beach Brands 40614 Coffee Percolator, Stainless Steel, 12-Cup,Pack of 1; Brand: Hamilton Beach; Review: This is THE BEST percolator yet. It combines the best of new technology (it's speedy fast) and old-school perked coffee goodness. East to clean, easy to use, easy to look at. I love it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Samadoyo 1300ml (44oz) Borosilicate Glass Water Pitcher with Built-in Strainer for Iced Tea and Fruit Infused Water (Red); Brand: Samadoyo; Review: Very contemporary design - I like it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Neoprene Lunch Bag, Insulated Designer Reusable Fashion Lunch Box Tote | Highest Quality, Holds More and Insulates Better; Brand: SWEET CONCEPTS; Review: This bag is so cute! For usability it looks perfect. I had to return it because it didn't hold my containers bit that was no fault of the bag. If I ever downsize I'll look at this again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cool Gear Can with Handle, 33 oz, Life's A Hoot Purple; Brand: Cool Gear; Review: It holds a lot and it doesn't leak- just what I wanted!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hamilton Beach 74250 Carve 'n Set Electric Knife with Case, White; Brand: Hamilton Beach; Review: Great product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Best Kept Secret (The Clifton Chronicles); Author: Visit Amazon's Jeffrey Archer Page; Review: I have never read a book by Jeffrey Archer that I didn't like. !! He holds my interest from the first chapter until the end. What i especially like is the endings in his books are never quite what i expect. So I am always looking for more. I was not disappointed in The Clifton Chronicles. He doesnt waste time on waffeling with words but gets on with the storyline and holds my interest right to the end. I always enjoy the Family Sagas and consider him to be a master of these.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Letter from a Stranger; Author: Visit Amazon's Barbara Taylor Bradford Page; Review: I am not enjoying these books as much as I did her first ones like A Woman of Substance. They are starting to become like a romance novel without much of a plot. Her earlier novels had much more backbone and intrigueing plots around them. However I keep reading them as I hope she will return to the genre of those wonderful earlier books.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Help; Author: Visit Amazon's Kathryn Stockett Page; Review: This was such an interesting book. I didn't want to read it at first but so glad I did. What bravery the Help showed in their willingness to put themselves forward and at risk. These people resigned themselves to their lot in life as they had no choice but they certainly made the best of their situation and never lost their sense of humour. I wonder how I would have coped in such a situation. Not as well as they did i am sure. An excellent read and food for thought. !!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Briny Caf; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Duncan Page; Review: This was quite different to what I expected and I enjoyed the journey. It wasn't too heavy and interesting to see the development of the characters and how they responded to pressure.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The House We Grew Up in; Author: Visit Amazon's Lisa Jewell Page; Review: It wasn't what I expected. I found it a bit depressing but very true to life. The story was consistent throughout.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Tea House on Mulberry Street; Author: Visit Amazon's Sharon Owens Page; Review: I like to read something easy and relaxing for a change from intense plots now and then. This book was just what I was looking for. I liked the way it unfolded from everyday life into something I didn't expect and then slowly came back to reality with a satisfactory conclusion; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Be Careful What You Wish For: A Novel (The Clifton Chronicles); Author: Visit Amazon's Jeffrey Archer Page; Review: Another excellent read to take me away to a different lifestyle and time. I find it very easy to project myself into Jeffrey Archers books as they are quite realistic. More intriguing plots that come together and always with an unexpected twist and leaving you wanting more. Iam looking forward to the next book in this series; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Seafront Tea Rooms; Author: Visit Amazon's Vanessa Greene Page; Review: I enjoyed this book as I could pick it up and put it down without losing track of the story .Every now and then a good light read takes the pressure off life and this was one of those times.the storyline was interesting with a surprise ending. I enjoyed it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Morgan's Run; Author: Visit Amazon's Colleen McCullough Page; Review: I enjoyed this book very much. We need to know where we came from even if it makes us cringe with shame. They were so brave to take on these journeys which took up to a year to reach their destination. Colleen McCullough is so clear in her descriptions of people and places and her vocabulary is brilliant. So much was sacrificed to settle this country and Colleen has done it justice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maid for the Billionaire: Ruth Cardello (Legacy Collection); Author: Visit Amazon's Ruth Cardello Page; Review: I feel I have read a similar plot in another book. This caused me to pre-empt the ending which was right. A fairly ordinary story.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Island Girls: A Novel (Random House Reader's Circle); Author: Visit Amazon's Nancy Thayer Page; Review: Nancy Thayer is one of my favourite authors. It was a good storyline and then suddenly it got better and better. I loved the ending and would have liked it to continue; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sparkles; Author: Visit Amazon's Louise Bagshawe Page; Review: Took a while to get into it but it picked up pace .I always enjoy her books; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Lost Years of Jesus: Documentary Evidence of Jesus' 17-Year Journey to the East; Author: Visit Amazon's Elizabeth Clare Prophet Page; Review: I found this book to be nothing but a rehash of items found in other more authoritative books available on Amazon. Look deeper and you will find better books.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: An Inconvenient Book: Real Solutions to the World's Biggest Problems; Author: Visit Amazon's Glenn Beck Page; Review: I am a long time listener of the Glenn Beck radio program although recently his personal self promotion and pursuit of the "Dollar" have become annoying. For regular listeners, this book is a waste of money. It is just a rehash of what Glenn has said for the last two years on his radio program. The only thing new in this book are some pictures and charts that are supposed to be funny and are not. Also this book has no footnotes or documentation. Glen raves on his radio program about how superior that books with extensive footnotes are so you would expect at least one. Glen very seldom does what he preaches and this is just another example. For persons who do not listen to Glen, this book could be informative. It has views and information you will not find in the main stream media unless you watch Glenn's program which I admit is hard to do. I would suggest you listen to Glenn instead but prepared to ignore the self-servitude.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Works by Ralph Waldo Emerson (Tarcher Cornerstone Editions); Author: Visit Amazon's Ralph Waldo Emerson Page; Review: I purchased this book because Jacob Needleman had written the foreword. However, after reading it, I think it is an important to be read at this time. The first section, Self-Reliance, is worth the price alone. Emerson points out the need for each of us to rely not on government or others for our needs, but through ourselves first by finding our inner self and using it to go forward. After you rely on yourself alone, you can then help others and let them help you when necessary.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Year with Hafiz: Daily Contemplations; Author: Visit Amazon's Hafiz Page; Review: This is written by an author who had little respect for Hafiz. Obviously he thinks he is cute but winds up spoiling the poems with his own interpretations and his limited talent as a comedy writer. Do not buy it if you like good poetry.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi (SPIRITUAL MASTERS. EAST AND WEST SERIES); Author: Visit Amazon's William C. Chittick Page; Review: Very beautiful book but on my copy, the pages detached from the binding as I turned each one. Wound up with a stack of loose pages.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Atlantis World (The Origin Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's A. G. Riddle Page; Review: I enjoyed the of the first 2 books. I am older, and have rememberlng the subplots and ths book brought it together.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pines (Wayward Pines); Author: Visit Amazon's Blake Crouch Page; Review: Couldn't put it down. The plot is covered so well as the clues are revealed. Makes you want to read more; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: State of Fear; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Crichton Page; Review: Good book for learning basic Facts about the environment. everyone can yell at it but the footnotes will satisfy your couristory.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: State of Fear; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Crichton Page; Review: Good book for learning basic Facts about the environment. everyone can yell at it but the footnotes will satisfy your couristory.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: State of Fear; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Crichton Page; Review: Good book for learning basic Facts about the environment. everyone can yell at it but the footnotes will satisfy your couristory.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The World Beneath (A Joe Tesla Novel) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Cantrell Page; Review: Too much repeating of information. Serves only to fill space. Plot very weak. Better choices available. Spend your time elsewhere.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Tier One (Tier One Thrillers); Author: Visit Amazon's Brian Andrews Page; Review: Slow in parts but the ending is well paced. They have a time machine to move about. Something seems to be missing but I can't put my finger on it. Worth the effort though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Buried Book; Author: Visit Amazon's D. M. Pulley Page; Review: I thought it was a good read but too long that made the over-use of the literary device obvious. Stretched out too much.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Quality Inn; City: Tunica Mississippi; Review: The staff was very friendly. The location is excellent, if you want to be at the casino but not at their hotel. The rooms are spacious. They had a nice breakfast set up too. They also have a guest laundry. When back in the area... We will stay again!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn; City: Columbus Mississippi; Review: I came into town for a program at Mississippi State and it was game weekend...most people want you to book 2 days at outrageous prices, but I found the Best kept Secret..Quality Inn Columbus, which is about 20 minutes from the college. Customer service was great and the rooms are nice; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Homewood Suites Richmond Airport; City: Sandston Virginia; Review: I spent 2 nights at the Homewood Suites. I came in on a rainy Friday night. The staff was so friendly and professional. I enjoyed the whole weekend. They had a wedding party in house too, but they handle everything without skipping a beat. Customer service was Great..; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hyatt Place Atlanta Perimeter Center; City: Sandy Springs Georgia; Review: This hotel was in a nice quite area. Easy access to the shopping and food. I love the living space in the rooms Hyatt offer. Don't forget breakfast in the am. They had a little of something for everyone.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn; City: Columbus Mississippi; Review: This is my second trip to Quality Inn, I also brought an other couple this year. I got to see the same faces I saw last year in October. Thanks Chad for being so professional and keeping a smile on your face. The staff is very friendly. Everything and everyone is Great, what is it Not to love about this place. I called and got to speak with the GM of the property also. She is very friendly and made me feel right at home. She also said if they could do anything for my son, who is a student at Mississippi State to let them know. They seem like family here. I will always stay here going forward. Great value in a great town also. This hotel get two thumbs up and is only 20 minutes to MSU!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Starkville; City: Starkville Mississippi; Review: This is always my go to hotel, when visiting MSU. It has a indoor pool. They have great staff and a great breakfast. I like that they have the cafe, so you can grab a bit to eat and not leave your hotel. They are reasonably priced also. The rooms are nice and clean.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Soybu Women's Long Free Flow Wrap Cardigan Sweater; Brand: Soybu; Review: This is a beautiful cardigan, but the fabric doesn't hold up well after a few washes. I even have a hole that I have to sew up. But it's still worth wearing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: LeggingsQueen Cowlneck Long Sleeve Loose Fit High & Low Tunic Top with Pocket; Brand: ; Review: I absolutely love these sweaters- they are lightweight and are a great length to wear with leggings as well as jeans. I am a yoga teacher and wear them all the time, even for class- they work great for when I have to run errands in between classes and I don't want to look like I just came from the studio. The cowl neck is very flattering on me. I have 5 different colors of them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cuddl Duds Women's Flexfit Long Sleeve V-Neck Top; Brand: Cuddl Duds; Review: Wonderful top! It is fitted, so a looser fit will require you to upsize. I wear it under tees and vests. Beautiful colors, well made, and so comfy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nine West Women's Caserta Suede Platform Sandal; Brand: ; Review: These are fantastic! I have slightly wide feet and they fit perfectly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KAVU Women's Boom Bag; Brand: KAVU; Review: I love Kavu bags, and this size and design is absolutely perfect for me. I got it in the Spring Hodgepodge design, and the colors are bright and beautiful. Can't wait to use it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NewYork Offer Shop Women Bohemia Sling Sandals Flower Beads Yoga Flip Flop Flats Slingback Thong Shoes; Brand: NewYork Offer Shop; Review: I adore these sandals. I have another pair in a different color and design from this brand and they are so well made for such an excellent price. Extremely comfy!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with Wikipedia articles as follows:
Title: Giacomo Balla; Description: Italian artist
Title: Aleksa Šantić; Description: Serbian poet
Title: Jan Zajíc; Description: Czechoslovak protester
Title: Nguyen Trai; Description: Vietnamese scholar and poet
Title: Theocritus; Description: ancient greek poet | wikirec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: TopTie Kid Soft Knit Glove, Stretchy and Soft; Brand: TopTie; Review: They have a very toxic smell. My child started coughing right way and I had to take them off.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: v28 Women's Patterns Reindeer Snowman Tree Snowflakes Christmas Sweater Cardigan; Brand: v28; Review: very warm, quality material and looks awesome. a little big for my style, but it is a sweater.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: elope Seuss Cat In The Hat; Brand: elope; Review: My son has a big head so it was perfect for him. He loves it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anime Elegant Style Adjustable Long Girls Braids Prestyled Cosplay, Halloween, Costume Wig for Girl, Lady Light Blonde; Brand: Orino; Review: It looks just like the picture, but it fit a little off and it is heavy.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Disney Disguise Women's Frozen Elsa Deluxe Costume; Brand: ; Review: I bought it a size bigger because the reviews prior mentioned that it runs small. I'm glad that I did it. I can still wear clothes under and look nice. The material is very thin I am wearing tights under. The glitter situation makes me just give 5 stars. I hope that it gets better.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Qianle Men and Women Solid Candy Color Soft Super Indoor Winter Warm Slippers Inddoor Home House Shoes; Brand: Qianle; Review: If l could give zero star I would. I know that they are cheap, but they stink soooo bad. I cant even describe the bad odor. Stay away from this, I will return them. :/; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Amber Glass Moroccan Style Candle Lantern - Great for Patio, Indoors/Outdoors, Events, Parties and Weddings; Brand: Vela Lanterns; Review: love it, but the metal bends; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ZenWare 6 Piece Multi Color Ceramic Cutlery Kitchen Knives with Fruit Peeler and Knife Stand; Brand: Zenware; Review: I love these knives! The handles are very durable, not hard not soft but have a great grip quality. I like that the edge of the knife is not covered by the handle, it gives ease to cutting with the entire blade. I also love the block design. It can be stored upright or move the blade holders to have a slanted look, and it take up so little space! I really like the quality of the block and how small it is. I really love the cutting quality! Obviously they are new, but they cut so well and clean, I am impressed and very pleased with this purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Linen Solid White Gypsy Ruffle Sheer - Crushed Voile Shabby Chic Window Panel/Curtain 54" Wide X 63" Long; Brand: Grand Linen; Review: I love these! They are a bit thin, but the color is great. I'm not sure about long term durability because the fabric is so thin and the stitching doesn't seem very strong. I am happy with the length and color it is exactly as advertised and I am very pleased.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kenney 5/8" Chestnut Multi-Use Adjustable Magnetic Rod, 16-28”, Antique Brass; Brand: Kenney; Review: They are very strong, about an inch thick but stand out from the window about an inch to an inch and a half. Great color, it was exactly as pictures and had a very sturdy magnetic adhesion.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zinus Ultima Comfort Memory Foam 6 Inch Mattress, Twin; Brand: Zinus; Review: This bed is great! I love this mattress! It fit perfectly on my daughters frame, and is so comfortable. I was skeptical, I let it rest after opening for about 30 hours. I then put it to use and was not disappointed. It is soft and firm enough so as not to feel the frame and is great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bedsure Mattress Pad Full Size Hypoallergenic - Antibacterial, Breathable - Ultra Soft Quilted Mattress; Brand: Bedsure; Review: I like the material and thickness but it moves on the mattress quite a bit. This cover is pretty, soft, and made pretty well. The only thing I don't like is that it moves a lot on the mattress when you lay on it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ThinkGeek 3D Unicorn Mug; Brand: ThinkGeek; Review: Great mug! A little awkward to drink from.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ilyever 16 Pack Colorful Beach Towel Clips for Beach Chair or Pool Loungers on Your Cruise-jumbo Size-keep Your Towel From; Brand: ilyever; Review: Great value and nice product. If you beach or pool a lot, you need these! This price makes it easy to buy them and when they wear out, get a new one out of the pack.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Minneapolis Airport Marriott; City: Bloomington Minnesota; Review: WAY OVERPRICED!!! beds were nice, rooms were small, fitness center was the worst of ANY Marriott I have ever stayed at. Just really in very bad shape. The Hampton Inn down the road was in MUCH better shape. Staff as always was friendly. Just VERY disappointed in quality of hotel. Expect MUCH more from Marriott.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore; City: Baltimore Maryland; Review: Over the top service and was the perfect spot to spend an anniversary. Will definitely be back. Great value and great amenities. One of the highlights is the pool deck overlooking the bay. Would be appropriate for families, special occasions and business meetings.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Villa Caletas; City: Jaco District Garabito Municipality Province of Puntarenas; Review: Have had two amazing dinners @ Villa Caletas. The view at sunset is one of the best dinning experiences I've had. We stayed in Los Sueños and came up for dinner both times. Food was very good as was the wine. Enjoyed a special treat of a toucan bird just below us during dinner.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Rosemont Chicago O Hare; City: Rosemont Illinois; Review: We gathered our sales team from around the country for a few days of training & the Hampton Rosemont provided a great location. Close to O'Hare & restaurants. Two separate meeting rooms, good breakfast area, bar area and outdoor lounge area. Hotel staff (Alexa) was excellent & took very good care of us!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel; City: Charleston South Carolina; Review: Mills House has old southern charm with great location & staff. 7th floor gives view to the water. Love the second floor pool & the patio for a drink rendezvous! We will be back for sure. Parking garage behind the hotel is the parking choice - $20/night.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot; City: Minneapolis Minnesota; Review: Looked for an extended stay type spot and this was perfect. Great park toward the river to walk in. Walking distance to great restaurants. Connected to fine hotel with excellent fitness / workout room. Breakfast was typical - but good. Very hospitable staff. Would definitely stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago; City: Chicago Illinois; Review: if you are visiting Chicago the Monaco is worth looking at. Great location A+ and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The staff was over the top. Very accommodating. Health club was typical & sufficient. We will be back!; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Chicago Foam Padded Smoked Lens Sunglasses - Motorcycle/ATV/Sports Eyewear Matte Black Frame With Shatterproof Lenses; Brand: Chicago; Review: They do the job if you are going slow around town. Not good for highway use. Also they are a big smaller than i expected. If you have a big or long face these probably would not fit you at all.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dickies Men's Slimfold Wallet; Brand: ; Review: it works but I will buy something diff next time. I don't like the way the clip hooks to a belt loop instead of the actual belt. The chan is also very small and short. Wallet is very thin and small but will hold what you need. I 50% hate it and 50% like it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fossil Women's Quartz Stainless Steel Casual Watch, Color:Silver-Toned (Model: ES3098); Brand: ; Review: is a big on the larger side but not too big. GF really liked it and wears it everyday. boom; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prestige Medical 377-hrb Heartbeat Nurse Socks; Brand: Prestige Medical; Review: Girlfriend loves them; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Richardson Trucker Cap, Black/Charcoal, One Size; Brand: Richardson; Review: Great hat; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: ArmaLaser Kel Tec P3AT P32 TR1 Super-Bright Red Laser Sight with Grip Activation; Brand: ArmaLaser; Review: Easy to install and sight in. Battery life is outstanding. I pocket carry this setup and it has taken some pretty hard knocks, it has maintained zero and just keeps on working. love this thing!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife with Sandvik Carbon Steel Blade, 0.125/4.1-Inch; Brand: Morakniv; Review: Works great for working wood and other camp/ bushcraft tasks for the most part. It is a carbon steel blade so it will need to be kept dry and lightly oiled when not in use to prevent it from rusting. Holds an edge very well and is easy to resharpen. If there is one drawback to this knife it is the lack of texture to the grip which makes it very slippery when wet or bloody I found while processing game and farm animals.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marble Arms MR960-BRK Catch 22; Brand: Marble Arms; Review: Very convenient way to carry ammo for squirrel hunting. I purchased this to use with my Norinco ATD (Browning SA-22 copy). Takes a little practice but very easy to load the rifle if you use your offhand index finger and thumb to funnel the rounds in the stock's tubular magazine loading port. Not as convenient or easy to use as a Spee-D-loader but it works for its intended purpose.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: GOHIKING Tactical Rifle Bipod 6" to; Brand: GOHIKING; Review: For under $20 I really wasn't expecting much. I was looking for something inexpensive to put on my kids' little Crickett rifle. Was so impressed with the quality upon receiving it that I immediately ordered another for one of my rifles too. I dare say it is as good as my similar style Harris bi-pods.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope; Brand: Simmons; Review: Great scope for the money. Clear glass and no point of impact shift as you change magnification. I did not have to adjust the reticle focus on the rear eye piece at all for crisp clear cross hairs. Shooting CCI SubSonic loads with this scope on my old Sears & Roebuck Marlin model 80 yields 3/4" eight shot (magazine capacity) groups at 50 yards with boring regularity.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magpul MIAD/MOE Lubrication Bottle Grip Core; Brand: Magpul; Review: Very easy/convenient way to carry spare lube with your AR15. Will be buying these for all my AR rifles and pistols eventually.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Danielson Drift Sock Anchor; Brand: Danielson; Review: Use this for both my 10' and 12' fishing kayaks to limit how much drift I get as well as helping to keep my pointed in the best direction for casting in windy conditions. It works great. It's the difference between casting in one spot 1-2 times or 8-10 times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent; Brand: Coleman; Review: This tent is great! Super fast setup and take down(be patient and youtube is your friend here). Camped over night through a series of thunderstorms and stayed completely dry( in full disclosure we did use a .4 mil ground sheet cut to fit under the tent). We have the two-man size and while it is too big to be used for backpacking, it works well for car camping, backyard camping, canoe camping and we managed to figure out a way to take it along on one of our kayak camping trips as well. We're very happy with it! Not only would I buy this again.... I would have bought it ten years ago had it been available.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spyderco Resilience Black G-10 PlainEdge Knife; Brand: Spyderco; Review: Great knife at a decent price. I was looking for a larger folder for EDC and this one certainly fit the bill. Very smooth and extremely sharp right out of the box. I've been eyeballing Syderco for a long time but always thought they were a little too pricey and wasn't sure if it would be worth it. Well I'm a believer now. Ordering a Tenacious for my wife once I get done writing this review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kershaw Emerson’s E-Train Pocket Knife; Brand: Kershaw; Review: Fantastic high quality yet low cost training knife. Was a little stiff initially but after working with it for a couple days and adding a couple drops of Break-free CLP to the axis pin it is now as smooth as butter. This pairs well with any of the Kershaw Emerson folders. Bought a second one for my daughter.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife; Author: Mary Roach; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy; Review: Bullshit stuff is bullshit, got it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Kite Runner; Author: Khaled Hosseini; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Way too bleak!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park, #1); Author: Michael Crichton; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A read this book soon after it came out, while I was traveling in the jungles of Costa Rica. It made it so scary!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Passenger to Frankfurt; Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: This had a cool premise, but it was pretty insane by the end of the story.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: And Then There Were None; Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: This is such a clever and scary book. Great read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot, #10); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Agatha Christie really set the standard. Unfortunately, some of her plot devices have been used in other fiction so this book wasn't that hard to figure out. It was worth it nonetheless.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, #1); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: The first Hercule book! It was interesting because at first you think Hastings knows what's up, but the longer you read Agatha Christie, the more you know it's never what Hastings thinks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Death on the Nile (Hercule Poirot, #17); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I really liked this one, it's so good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, #4); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Interesting plot device that you can, unfortunately, see coming.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The A.B.C. Murders (Hercule Poirot, #13); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Very smart.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Murder Is Announced (Miss Marple, #5); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Another smart plot. Impossible to figure out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Curtain (Hercule Poirot, #39); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: A very interesting last murder for Hercule Poirot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side (Miss Marple, #9); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: The only one I figured out before the end!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Adversary (Tommy and Tuppence #1); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I just can't get into these characters.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Five Little Pigs (Hercule Poirot, #24); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: I really lied this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Peril at End House (Hercule Poirot, #8); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: I didn't see the ending coming at all!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nemesis (Miss Marple, #12); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: This one should be read with the Carribbean murder one. Very good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Caribbean Mystery (Miss Marple, #10); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Fantastic book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Moving Finger (Miss Marple, #4); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I still think about this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord Edgware Dies (Hercule Poirot, #9); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Well done.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hallowe'en Party (Hercule Poirot, #36); Author: Agatha Christie; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Good book. It's sad when a child character ies.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Uncommon Reader; Author: Alan Bennett; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I love this book. It's short but engaging and really charming.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: iRobot Roomba Pet Series 532 Vacuum Cleaning Robot,iRobot,53301" />; Brand: iRobot; Review: We love our new pet series Roomba. Our house has never been so clean and dust free. I let it run daily in my living room-kitchen area and it always surprises me with a bin full of litter and dust. We also love to watch it work and two of my three cats have adjusted very well, they like to watch it also or just sleep while it cleans under the bed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dyson DC25 Animal Ball-Technology Upright Vacuum Cleaner; Brand: Dyson; Review: I vacuumed the first time and filled the dirt canister with super fine silt. I felt like I was walking on much cleaner carpet after that. I like seeing all the dirt I vacuum up every time. The only complaint is that the ball prevents vacuuming under things that my other vacuum could do. It picks up pet hair better than any vacuum that I have used.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Creative Bath Eco Styles Upright 3 Roll Toilet Tissue Holder, Natural/Bamboo; Brand: Creative Bath; Review: My holder came with no lid so had to return it. Kind of a pain to package it up, print the return label, pull off the old one and deliver to UPS as I could not find a way to have them send me a lid.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Allure Home Creations Hoot Bath Rug; Brand: Allure Home Creations; Review: I love this rug, it is very cheery and kind of comforting. It is colorful and well made and does not slip on my floor. I washed it in cold water and it came out beautifully, no fading at all. If you are a fan of owls this rug is for you!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scented Candles - Fresh & Clean - Set of 3: Lemongrass, Olive Blossom, and Fresh Linen; Brand: Old Factory; Review: Candles burn a long time and really smell nice. I love the soy wax! Would recommend to a friend and purchase again. I wanted to use them as a stocking stuffer for my husband but the shipping was too slow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot; Brand: ; Review: Nice shoe. Good support. Really nice looking.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thorlos Unisex TX Tennis Thick Padded Crew Sock; Brand: thorlos; Review: Softest Sock I have ever worn. I have pain in the metatarsial area of my feet. The sock is well padded and a delight to wear.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nunn Bush Men's Macallister Oxford; Brand: Nunn Bush; Review: The shoes looked very nice. However I have a relatively narrow foot and these were a bit too loose, so I returned them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nunn Bush Men's Macallister Oxford; Brand: Nunn Bush; Review: The shoes looked very nice. However I have a relatively narrow foot and these were a bit too loose, so I returned them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men's Long Sleeve Denim Shirts in Sizes XS-6XL; Brand: Joe's USA; Review: The shirt is very soft. I am 6'5" and the sleeves are just right. I like it very much; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Timberland PRO Men's 47015 Titan Soft-Toe Lace-Up; Brand: ; Review: The shoes look okay, but for my feet were too wide. So 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: The Mists of Avalon; Author: Visit Amazon's Marion Zimmer Bradley Page; Review: When I first read this book, I was, quite simply, in awe. It has since been seven years and many more reads. It is, by far, the best of the lot of feminist retellings of the Arthurian legends. It may even be the best version I have ever read of the King Arthur legend, period, and that's saying a lot. Marion Zimmer Bradley is a brilliant writer, and she hooks you from the beginning. You will love and sympathize with Morgaine, the usual "heavy" of King Arthur stories, who in this novel is a strong, powerful, compassionate character and yet at the same time, very human. I wouldn't dream of spoiling this novel for anyone by releasing any plot points, but there are some new twists in this legend that will FLOOR you! After you've read it, be sure and watch the Mists of Avalon made-for-TV movie on DVD. It isn't exactly the same as the book, but it is well-acted and very enjoyable as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country (Guenevere Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Rosalind Miles Page; Review: This book did not live up to its hype. It tries to do for Guenevere what Mists of Avalon did for Morgan le Fey, but it fails sorely because the title character is an embittered shrew. The plot repeats itself endlessly over the course of three novels. Guenevere loves Arthur, she hates Arthur, she forgives Arthur, she loves Arthur again, no wait, she hates him.... Arthur, by the way, is a weak, feeble-minded, doddering simpleton. This is not the great king of Arthurian legend at all. Lancelot is still a tasty dish, but there is no apparent reason why he would love a bitter, jealous, middle-aged woman who repeatedly casts him away. Morgan le Fey starts out as a promising character, but becomes a demonic harpy-type creature. And the tone is excessively anti-Christian. I'm not a religious person at all, but even I was offended by the way Christians are depicted in this novel. It's just not a pleasant read. If you want a great trilogy told from Guenevere's point of view, read Persia Woolley's Guenevere trilogy or Nancy McKenzie's Queen of Camelot. They're well worth the time and effort.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Child of the Holy Grail: The Third of the Guenevere Novels; Author: Visit Amazon's Rosalind Miles Page; Review: This book did not live up to its hype. It tries to do for Guenevere what Mists of Avalon did for Morgan le Fey, but it fails sorely because the title character is an embittered shrew. The plot repeats itself endlessly over the course of three novels. Guenevere loves Arthur, she hates Arthur, she forgives Arthur, she loves Arthur again, no wait, she hates him.... Arthur, by the way, is a weak, feeble-minded, doddering simpleton. This is not the great king of Arthurian legend at all. Lancelot is still a tasty dish, but there is no apparent reason why he would love a bitter, jealous, middle-aged woman who repeatedly casts him away. Morgan le Fey starts out as a promising character, but becomes a demonic harpy-type creature. And the tone is excessively anti-Christian. I'm not a religious person at all, but even I was offended by the way Christians are depicted in this novel. It's just not a pleasant read. If you want a great trilogy told from Guenevere's point of view, read Persia Woolley's Guenevere trilogy or Nancy McKenzie's Queen of Camelot. They're well worth the time and effort.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Child of the Northern Spring; Author: Patricia Woolley; Review: This trilogy by Persia Woolley, which includes Child of the Northern Spring, Queen of the Summer Stars, and The Legend in Autumn, is well worth reading. Among the plethora of feminine centric Arthur retellings, I thought this trilogy was second only to The Mists of Avalon, which is the best Arthurian novel I've read, period. Neither a simpering bauble like Marion Zimmer Bradley's queen, nor a bitter shrew, as she is depicted in Rosalind Miles' trilogy, the High Queen in this series is a strong woman, bold, intelligent, compassionate, and well worth the love of two legendary heros. My only complaint with the character is this: Woolley saw fit to make her Guenevere homely, not the great beauty of legend, and Guenevere is supposed to be the fairest of the fair. Otherwise, this trilogy gets my highest recommendation. It is much better than the other Guenevere trilogies out there (by Miles and Newman). If you like this one, you might also enjoy Queen of Camelot by Nancy McKenzie.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Knight of the Sacred Lake (Guenevere Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Rosalind Miles Page; Review: This book did not live up to its hype. It tries to do for Guenevere what Mists of Avalon did for Morgan le Fey, but it fails sorely because the title character is an embittered shrew. The plot repeats itself endlessly over the course of three novels. Guenevere loves Arthur, she hates Arthur, she forgives Arthur, she loves Arthur again, no wait, she hates him.... Arthur, by the way, is a weak, feeble-minded, doddering simpleton. This is not the great king of Arthurian legend at all. Lancelot is still a tasty dish, but there is no apparent reason why he would love a bitter, jealous, middle-aged woman who repeatedly casts him away. Morgan le Fey starts out as a promising character, but becomes a demonic harpy-type creature. And the tone is excessively anti-Christian. I'm not a religious person at all, but even I was offended by the way Christians are depicted in this novel. It's just not a pleasant read. If you want a great trilogy told from Guenevere's point of view, read Persia Woolley's Guenevere trilogy or Nancy McKenzie's Queen of Camelot. They're well worth the time and effort.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College; Author: Visit Amazon's Jacques Steinberg Page; Review: This is a very interesting work of nonfiction. I found it intriguing and read it very quickly. I actually got invested in these students and their stories and their journey to get admitted to the college that was right for them. BUT, and this is a big but, this book is so poorly edited, it is disgraceful! If a person were reading this for research purposes, and it could be useful for just that, good luck to them. The dates are all over the place. At one point, the kids are being considered for the class of 2004, then it makes a reference to the current year as 2000, then it reverts back to 2004 for a long while, then it mentions how the kids--currently at their various chosen colleges--reacted to the events of 9/11/01. What the hell? It's very confusing. It makes it very difficult to keep things in context.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Is This The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali?; Abstract: A Motor1.com reader sent this to us, and it sure looks legit.; Category: autos
Title: Katie Holmes Talks About That Bra and Cardigan Moment; Abstract: Katie Holmes Talks About That Bra and Cardigan Moment; Category: lifestyle
Title: 2021 Chevy Tahoe, Suburban To Debut On December 10; Abstract: Both SUVs will ride on the GM T1 platform.; Category: autos
Title: Ian Ziering's Wife Erin Ludwig Files for Divorce Days After Split Announcement; Abstract: Ian Ziering's Wife Erin Ludwig Files for Divorce; Category: tv
Title: Why You Shouldn't Ever Go for the Cheapest Brake Pads; Abstract: Brakes are the most important part of your car. Here's why you shouldn't cut costs on them.; Category: autos
Title: Christina Anstead shares new pic of son Hudson at 2 months old; Abstract: The HGTV star then headed to Las Vegas for a day too to support husband Ant Anstead: See them sitting on a throne made of tools!; Category: tv
Title: Vanna White hosts 'Wheel of Fortune' after Sajak has surgery; Abstract: LOS ANGELES (AP) "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak had to have emergency surgery, and his longtime co-host Vanna White will fill in for him while he recovers. The show said in a statement that Thursday's taping was canceled as the 73-year-old Sajak underwent successful surgery to correct a blocked intestine. The 62-year-old White stepped in as host when taping resumed Friday for episodes that will air starting Dec. 9.; Category: tv | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The A Venue Hotel; City: Makati Metro Manila Luzon; Review: The function room is acceptable, small so you have very little space to walk through and squeezed 20-30 people (that's why ) Food is worst. Plus the fact that staffs are not friendly. They make faces when you comment on the food being served. Location is good because it is accessible to any form of transportations, but you have to be careful when walking along the street due to construction of some buildings near the area.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Punta Malabrigo Beach Resort; City: Batangas Province Calabarzon Region Luzon; Review: I traveled solo and spent the night in this resort. I got a discounted AC room with free breakfast. First thing I did when I arrive is to visit the lighthouse, the Malabrigo Lighthouse or known as Faro de Punta de Malabrigo. I took photos and went back to the resort. I happened to meet the owner Tatay Johnny which is very humble and easy to talk to. The staffs are polite and very accommodating. There are lots of trees with hammock. The beach is crystal blue water, the long stretch pebbled shore is amazing. Not your ordinary sandy beach. If you walk barefoot the pebbles serves as foot massager, just be carefully because some pebbles are sharp. I also tried boating for a minimal cost, Kuya Luis the nephew of Tatay Johnny serves also as my cameraman😀 The heat of the sun causes my skin a sunburn but when you're in the beach you can easily forget it. Worry later. Spent the day in the shore they have a little nipa hut where you can gaze at the blue water and have a pleasant talk with the lifeguards as well as with the other guest. They also let me try their own version of kinilaw na Tanigue for Free! Kuya Dading, husband of Ate Emily made it. I waited for the sunset, it looks like fire. A wide fire amidst the ocean. It really feels good, life's so simple. Sitting in the pebbled shore watching the sunset. I thought that time, life's so great. You just need to be thankful of the simple things and be appreciative. Don't think for mind the things that you don't have, be thankful of what you have no matter how simple it is. Tatay Johnny offered to tag me along on my way home, what a blessing I got! The place is awesome and the people are nice. How to get there: 1. Ride a bus at Pasay bound to Batangas Grand Terminal (fare P 157.00) 2. At Batangas Grand Terminal, look for Balagtas jeepney and ask the driver to drop you off to Libjo Jeepney. Fare P10.00 3. Libjo jeepney will pass by at SM across Trinity Church alight at the church and walk at back of the church where you can find the Lobo Jeepney Terminal. P7.00 4. Lobo jeepney terminal will take you at Bayan fare is P55.00, 1hour drive. So don't panic. It will go through zigzag road, and will pass by many barangays. 5. At Bayan, walk near the church or ask the local where the tricycle going to Malabrigo. It took 30minutes until you reach the resort fare is P22 only.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Greenery; City: Baliuag Bulacan Province Central Luzon Region Luzon; Review: At first when you entered the gate you would thought I am lost? The entrance is kind of creepy, small and rusty gate. But, don't judge the place by its gate! :) The place is consists of: barn, a cute train and its railways, a line of villa's,lighthouse,pool! And a garden. The place is warm to eyesight, relaxing and accommodating. But its really hot, really hot eh. The infinity pool with jakuzi overlooking a "lake" maybe that explains why its quite "malagkit sa balat ung init". They serve good food. Though the in house facilitator for the game is boring. Over all experience: not bad :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nurture Wellness Village; City: Tagaytay Cavite Province Calabarzon Region Luzon; Review: This is my first in this place. I was invited by a friend-for a free foot spa and massage as a birthday treat 😍 The place is awesome! Very serene, with full of greens- plants, tress and of course the admirable cabins to stay in with different names which we are fond of specially the " Pag-Ibig" It is good for company outing, family gathering and barkada hide out if you want to recharge from the noisy and smokey city. The price varies depending on your need, which I think reasonable enough considering the place. They have cabins for overnight, a relaxing garden, swimming pool and Farmacy where they sell organic and home grown plants. The massage is heavenly 😀 The staffs are accommodating and friendly. Thumbs up 👍👍👍; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar; City: Bagac Bataan Province Central Luzon Region Luzon; Review: I have been planning on visiting this world class resort ever since I heard about it. But while browsing the web, it took me second thought because the rate is kind of expensive. So I kept on looking where I can save money. After all I am a poor traveler. 😂 Oct. 15 I become a solo joiner for a day tour in this resort. True enough casas or Spanish houses are admirable. This is my kind of thing, old stuff etc. Though when we arrive it's raining hard, when the time of our registration rain stops. Lucky. Because the 1and a half guided tour is walking mode. They highlighted a few casas with really rich history and stories to tell. Just like the Casa Calamba where they showcase the struggle and vision of Dr. Jose Rizal. How he fought for the people. Most of the casas used to accomodate guests so there are areas are not open to like us who take photos 😊. They have also casas used or serves as reception, dining and billiard hall. Truly you will enjoy the visit, specially those enthusiast like me. Service is acceptable, not everyone is friendly and accomodating but overall experience is good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beach Club Cagpo; City: Marinduque Island Mimaropa; Review: My friends and I planned on a DIY tour at the island of Marinduque. And as we are collaborating we come up with this resort as according to one of the blog this resort serves delicious food and the monster burger is a must try. Delicious food but pricey. Well, the resort is very quiet when we arrive. The food is kind of pricey ☑. The taste uhm not that good. It's very ordinary. Since we are walk in only we end up for the food that is only available. The monster burger is not delicious at all 😕 sorry. Good place ☑ Staffs ( 1 girl and 1 boy only) not presentable but accommodating enough; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sennheiser RS 110 OpenAire Supraural RF Wireless Headphones with Enhanced Bass Discontinued by Manufacturer (Certified Refurbished); Brand: Sennheiser; Review: This wireless headset has very good stereo sound. I was able to hear sounds that were not even evident when using the TV speakers and barely evident with our surround sound. We have some of our adult kids and their kids staying with us. The headset give is the ability to hear our TV at a reasonable level without begining distrubed or disturbing others. My only problem has been accidently turning the channel tune control instead of the volume control therby detunindg the set. Reccomend rechargable batteries if used often.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sony DSCW800/B 20.1 MP Digital Camera (Black); Brand: Sony; Review: Hard to read instructions, online manuel is cumbersome. Very small, smaller than we realized until it arrived difficult to hang on to if you have large hands. Replaced a 12 mp Kodak camara with this one. The Kodak was much easier to use and the picture were as good or better than this 20 mp camera. Also interface with with Mac is more difficult than previous camera.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: iPad Air & New iPad 9.7 inch 2017 Case, Snugg - Smart Cover Case with Kick Stand (Black; Brand: Snugg; Review: Ok, A bit bulky for IPad Air hard to reach the on/off, volume and rotation control buttons. Apperance is fine.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sennheiser HDR120 Supplemental HiFi Wireless Headphone for RS-120 System; Brand: Sennheiser; Review: Work well. Battery usage is somewhat of a problem. Distance from the transmitter is limited to about 15ft. Overall nice clear sound easy to use. Have a pair and will probably replace my other manufacturers headset with another one of these.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stylus Pen, Cambond 2 in 1 Ballpoint Pen & Stylus Pen (A pack of 10 color); Brand: Cambond; Review: Arrived in a timely manner. So far so good. Our biggest problem, our family likes them well enough that they are all asking for one. The pen seems to work well and the slim profile makes it very easy to hold.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Gabbiano Azzurro Hotels Suites; City: Golfo Aranci Province of Olbia Tempio Sardinia; Review: Stayed two weeks at the hotel with children 9 and 12. Very clean (room is checked twice a day, no mildew in sight). Yes, the kitchen may have a focus on fish, but every other day a real gem passes by (ask for the cannelloni with salmon & sea food filling). VERY friendly staff. Unique location at the bay is ideal for smaller children. Older children and adults go to Alpha diving at the city harbour: Vincenzo & Elizabetta know their way around the beautiful waters (incl. octopus & dolphins) surrounding the hotel. Rent a boat at 100m. from the hotel. Best frappe (italian milkshake): ask filippo in the bar opposite the green bookstall right of the church. Best souvenirs at Bougainvillea (300 meters after the church coming from the hotel).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Dei Tigli; City: Lido Di Camaiore Camaiore Province of Lucca Tuscany; Review: Best advice: book in the June - August period and treat yourself to the 'Pensione Completa' (full board). Quiet neighbourhood (just one block from the boulevard guarantees total silence), very friendly staff. Mostly Italians during our stay (good thing: if THEY can't eat well they won't come!). Uncommon amenities like valet parking and free bikes. Plus: Lido di Camaiore residents are way more relaxed than neighbouring Forte dei Marmi's.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo; City: Santa Cesarea Terme Province of Lecce Puglia; Review: Family owned hotel that excels in friendliness and high quality food. Very clean. High ceilings. Large bath rooms for Italian hotel standards. Frontal sea view "Pensione completa" (full board) is absolutely a recommendation. Across the hotel two various beach clubs with access to fantastic swimming water. Located in Santa Cesarea Terme which is a beautifull small village.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Palazzo Jannuzzi Relais; City: Sorrento Province of Naples Campania; Review: Travelling through Italy for the past 25 years, we rarely get excited about a hotel. Yet, Palazzo Jannuzzi is such a rare combination we HAVE to write about it: large rooms, high ceilings, up-to-date interior, super bathroom, extremely clean, very friendly and knowledgeable personnel, perfect location in Sorrento, affordable. You name it! Family-owned, these people take hospitality extremely serious. An absolute gem.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eden Beach Resort; City: Kralendijk Bonaire; Review: Caribbean life style, great two-bedroom apartments, great view, the best fish to snorkle and dive at your feet and super friendly and accomodating personnel. We did all the advertised beaches yet did not find a richer stock of tropical fish to look at.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: 2-Pack EPS Replacement Compatible Toner Cartridge for Brother TN450 (Black); Brand: EPS; Review: This is the right toner Brother Replacement that was needed; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Remanufactured Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP 27 (3 Black 3 Pack); Brand: Awesometoner; Review: I replaced my toner; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brother Genuine Standard Yield Toner Cartridge, TN630, Replacement Black Toner, Page Yield Up To 1,200; Brand: Brother; Review: he need a toner that all going to say.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex Printing; Brand: Brother; Review: he need a new printer the old one was having trouble printing that it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: HP 28 Tri-color Original Ink Cartridge; Brand: HP; Review: need new toner in color!; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Office_Products |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Adapter Jack Cable Aux Earphone Adapter Connection Cable Converter Support Call & Audio & Charge Function; Brand: ShuOne; Review: Just as specified and ordered; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Belkin 7-Feet CAT5e Snagless Patch Cable (Gray); Brand: Belkin; Review: Just as specified and ordered; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NETGEAR 5-Port Fast Ethernet Unmanaged Switch, Desktop, ProSAFE Lifetime Protection (FS105NA); Brand: NETGEAR; Review: Just as specified and ordered; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Belkin 7-Feet CAT5e Snagless Patch Cable (Orange); Brand: Belkin; Review: Just as specified and ordered; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GlobalSat BR-355S4 GPS Receiver (Black); Brand: GlobalSat; Review: Using it to install to my VHF radio. Altering it to do so. Still figuring it out, but working fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 8PK - Flower, Rose by Susan Tierney-Cockburn; Brand: Sizzix; Review: love to make 3D rolses; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Darice Spring Flowers Embossing Folder, 4 .25 by 5.75-Inch; Brand: Darice; Review: used in crafting; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fiskars Softouch Multi-Purpose Scissors - 10 Long, 3 Cut, Multi-Purpose Scissors; Brand: Fiskars; Review: great for my arthritic hand; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Darice 1217-79 Embossing Folder, Birthday Design, 3/Pack; Brand: Darice; Review: used in crafting; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crafter's Companion Spectrum Noir Aqua Markers (12 Pack), Primary; Brand: Crafter's Companion; Review: use them in my crafting; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Arts_Crafts_and_Sewing |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Nilight GA0004 Inline Wiring Harness 12 Gauge ATC/ATO Automotive Holder with 30A Fuse Blade Standard Plug Socket-5; Brand: Nilight; Review: Works as advertised.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Camco 39863 RhinoEXTREME 10' Sewer Hose Extension Kit with Swivel Fitting; Brand: Camco; Review: It's a good product. It took me a while to get the joints tight enough not to leak. Difficult to store it doesn't collapse very well. Heavy duty and strong.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nilight Inline Fuse Holder 14AWG Wiring Harness ATC/ATO 30AMP Blade Fuse Automotive Fuse Holder - 10 Pack; Brand: Nilight; Review: Works as advertised.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Accutire Measurement Ltd Ms-4021b Mechanic's Digital Tire Gauge; Brand: Accutire; Review: Works as advertised; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SHURFLO (94-236-08 Head Assembly; Brand: SHURFLO; Review: Works as advertised and much cheaper than a complete unit. Simple to install.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KBS Coatings 8504 DiamondFinish Clear Coat - 1 Gallon; Brand: KBS Coatings; Review: Works! Performs exactly like the KB Teck said id would. Awesome.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KBS Coatings 3500 RustBlast Gallon, 128. Fluid_Ounces; Brand: KBS Coatings; Review: Works! Performs exactly like the KB Teck said id would. Awesome.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Automotive |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Assassin (An Isaac Bell Adventure); Author: Visit Amazon's Clive Cussler Page; Review: Very entertaining as usual.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Skewed; Author: Visit Amazon's Anne McAneny Page; Review: Very interesting story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: State of Fear; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Crichton Page; Review: Interesting topic about current view concerning factual or contractual opinions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: State of Fear; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Crichton Page; Review: Interesting topic about current view concerning factual or contractual opinions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: State of Fear; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Crichton Page; Review: Interesting topic about current view concerning factual or contractual opinions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: A Dance with Dragons; Author: Visit Amazon's George R.R. Martin Page; Review: This series is excellent. Can't wait for the future books. As it progressed the twists and turns increased with many unexpected events.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In Danger's Path (Corps #8); Author: Visit Amazon's W.E.B. Griffin Page; Review: Continued great story telling in the saga of the Corps. These guys are fighter pilots in every way. Way to go "killer" McCoy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unfinished Business; Author: Visit Amazon's Nora Roberts Page; Review: Fast and very predictable read. Not up to Nora Roberts usual fare.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Glock: The Rise of America's Gun; Author: Paul M. Barrett; Review: This is a good book. Well researched and provides a great history of the growth and popularity of Glock guns.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Leviathan Wakes; Author: Visit Amazon's James S. A. Corey Page; Review: I love the TV series and this book fills in a lot of details not as well developed in the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fix (Memory Man series); Author: Visit Amazon's David Baldacci Page; Review: This book was a true page turner. So many twists and turns and a truly awesome storyline. Balducci has done it again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Abaddon's Gate (The Expanse); Author: Visit Amazon's James S. A. Corey Page; Review: Very good book and adventure. Can't wait to read book 4. The storyline keeps expanding. Wonder what is in store for the Roci next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Abaddon's Gate; Author: James S. A. Corey; Review: Very good book and adventure. Can't wait to read book 4. The storyline keeps expanding. Wonder what is in store for the Roci next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cibola Burn (The Expanse); Author: Visit Amazon's James S. A. Corey Page; Review: The storyline takes some interesting changes in direction. You learn some answers but have many new questions. i wonder how SyFy will bring this story to the screen.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nemesis Games (The Expanse); Author: Visit Amazon's James S. A. Corey Page; Review: Interesting how the authors are weaving this story. Looks like enough material for 20 books. Can't wait to read the next one and to see how th SyFy series develops these to video; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Babylon's Ashes (The Expanse); Author: Visit Amazon's James S. A. Corey Page; Review: This book just opens the story for what comes next from the creators of the protomolecule and the ring gates. Plus what about the bad guys that defeated the creators. Much more to unfold.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Godfather: Part III, The (1990); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gods Must Be Crazy, The (1980); Genres: Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Noon (2000); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Western; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cop Land (1997); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: EDtv (1999); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Shaft (2000); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Man Who Wasn't There, The (2001); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Little Nicky (2000); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 0.5/5.0
Title: Lord of War (2005); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chronicles of Riddick, The (2004); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bulletproof Monk (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 3 (2007); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Knocked Up (2007); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Fast Runner, The (Atanarjuat) (2001); Genres: Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bourne Ultimatum, The (2007); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: 300 (2007); Genres: Action, Fantasy, War, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blades of Glory (2007); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: 28 Weeks Later (2007); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fracture (2007); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Wild Hogs (2007); Genres: Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 0.5/5.0
Title: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Godfather, The (1972); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Shawshank Redemption, The (1994); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Usual Suspects, The (1995); Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Life Without Me (2003); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Simpsons Movie, The (2007); Genres: Animation, Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Equilibrium (2002); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Powaqqatsi (1988); Genres: Documentary; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Blood Diamond (2006); Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Bourne Identity, The (2002); Genres: Action, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Casino Royale (2006); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Enter the Dragon (1973); Genres: Action, Crime; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Illusionist, The (2006); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Office Space (1999); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Snatch (2000); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Genres: Adventure, Drama, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Batman Begins (2005); Genres: Action, Crime, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Inside Man (2006); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sin City (2005); Genres: Action, Crime, Film-Noir, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: V for Vendetta (2006); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Walk the Line (2005); Genres: Drama, Musical, Romance; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: 21 Grams (2003); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, Le) (2001); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: American History X (1998); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Babel (2006); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Lebowski, The (1998); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blade Runner (1982); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964); Genres: Comedy, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Matrix, The (1999); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Independence Day (a.k.a. ID4) (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Silence of the Lambs, The (1991); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Casablanca (1942); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Godfather: Part II, The (1974); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Island, The (2005); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: City of God (Cidade de Deus) (2002); Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Departed, The (2006); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Genres: Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Genres: Drama; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Dude, Where's My Car? (2000); Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Déjà Vu (Deja Vu) (2006); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Butterfly Effect (2004); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Goodfellas (1990); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reservoir Dogs (1992); Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Prestige, The (2006); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004); Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Requiem for a Dream (2000); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fountain, The (2006); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Pi (1998); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Million Dollar Baby (2004); Genres: Drama; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Rocky (1976); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Rocky Balboa (2006); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: First Blood (Rambo: First Blood) (1982); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rambo III (1988); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cypher (2002); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ice Age (2002); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Seven (a.k.a. Se7en) (1995); Genres: Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Donnie Darko (2001); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Old Boy (2003); Genres: Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Timeline (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 0.5/5.0
Title: 2 Fast 2 Furious (Fast and the Furious 2, The) (2003); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 0.5/5.0
Title: Fast and the Furious, The (2001); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 0.5/5.0
Title: Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, The (Fast and the Furious 3, The) (2006); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 0.5/5.0
Title: Cable Guy, The (1996); Genres: Comedy, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Full Metal Jacket (1987); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boot, Das (Boat, The) (1981); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Titan A.E. (2000); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Children, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Das Experiment (Experiment, The) (2001); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thank You for Smoking (2006); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coffee and Cigarettes (2003); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Dead Man (1995); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Western; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Genres: Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Ocean's Thirteen (2007); Genres: Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Twelve Monkeys (a.k.a. 12 Monkeys) (1995); Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Meet Joe Black (1998); Genres: Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Ocean's Twelve (2004); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Out of Sight (1998); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Solaris (2002); Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bourne Supremacy, The (2004); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Saving Private Ryan (1998); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Talented Mr. Ripley, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Toy Story (1995); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Toy Story 2 (1999); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Terminal, The (2004); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Road to Perdition (2002); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Da Vinci Code, The (2006); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monsters, Inc. (2001); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Incredibles, The (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (2003); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Blow (2001); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Trainspotting (1996); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypse Now (1979); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Waking Life (2001); Genres: Animation, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Go (1999); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (Ong Bak) (2003); Genres: Action, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Little Miss Sunshine (2006); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christiane F. (a.k.a. We Children from Bahnhof Zoo) (Christiane F. - Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo) (1981); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke (1978); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Desperado (1995); Genres: Action, Romance, Western; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Lion King, The (1994); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Drama, Musical, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: From Dusk Till Dawn (1996); Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taxi Driver (1976); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bowling for Columbine (2002); Genres: Documentary; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In China They Eat Dogs (I Kina spiser de hunde) (1999); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Genres: Action, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beauty and the Beast (1991); Genres: Animation, Children, Fantasy, Musical, Romance, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Collateral (2004); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Vanilla Sky (2001); Genres: Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible III (2006); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Genres: Action, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: War of the Worlds (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eyes Wide Shut (1999); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stargate (1994); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Rock, The (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Dumb & Dumber (Dumb and Dumber) (1994); Genres: Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sixth Sense, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: GoldenEye (1995); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (a.k.a. MIB) (1997); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Outbreak (1995); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cliffhanger (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Waterworld (1995); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Groundhog Day (1993); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Net, The (1995); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Get Shorty (1995); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Birdcage, The (1996); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Home Alone (1990); Genres: Children, Comedy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Heat (1995); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dead Man Walking (1995); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (2001); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Wo hu cang long) (2000); Genres: Action, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Léon: The Professional (a.k.a. The Professional) (Léon) (1994); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Line of Fire (1993); Genres: Action, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Genres: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Total Recall (1990); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Truman Show, The (1998); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: English Patient, The (1996); Genres: Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gattaca (1997); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Mummy, The (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: High Fidelity (2000); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mask of Zorro, The (1998); Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: RoboCop (1987); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thomas Crown Affair, The (1999); Genres: Action, Mystery; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Mars Attacks! (1996); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: The Machinist (2004); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Orange, A (1971); Genres: Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scanner Darkly, A (2006); Genres: Animation, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: X2: X-Men United (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Animatrix, The (2003); Genres: Action, Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: 28 Days Later (2002); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: X-Men: The Last Stand (2006); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cube (1997); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Matrix Reloaded, The (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: K-PAX (2001); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Children of Men (2006); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: French Kiss (1995); Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Genres: Comedy, Musical, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde (2001); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Lives of Others, The (Das leben der Anderen) (2006); Genres: Drama, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Conspiracy Theory (1997); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Advocate (1997); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: American Gangster (2007); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amores Perros (Love's a Bitch) (2000); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (Bom yeoreum gaeul gyeoul geurigo bom) (2003); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Edukators, The (Die Fetten Jahre sind vorbei) (2004); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hot Fuzz (2007); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Mystery; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Insider, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Interstate 60 (2002); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Koyaanisqatsi (a.k.a. Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance) (1983); Genres: Documentary; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Carlito's Way (1993); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Name of the Rose, The (Name der Rose, Der) (1986); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Funny Games (1997); Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Herr Lehmann (2003); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Natural Born Killers (1994); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Knockin' on Heaven's Door (1997); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Stalker (1979); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Hostage (2005); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 3:10 to Yuma (2007); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Western; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flatliners (1990); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grindhouse (2007); Genres: Action, Crime, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Frailty (2001); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Samurai, The (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Man from Earth, The (2007); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eastern Promises (2007); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: District 13 (Banlieue 13) (2004); Genres: Action, Crime, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Superman Returns (2006); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Unbreakable (2000); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wonderful Days (a.k.a. Sky Blue) (2003); Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Sunshine (2007); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Avalon (2001); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: I, Robot (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night Watch (Nochnoy dozor) (2004); Genres: Action, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pitch Black (2000); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The (2005); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Idiocracy (2006); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Next (2007); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aeon Flux (2005); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cell, The (2000); Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Day After Tomorrow, The (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Fantastic Four (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The (a.k.a. LXG) (2003); Genres: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Matrix Revolutions, The (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (a.k.a. MIIB) (a.k.a. MIB 2) (2002); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Resident Evil (2002); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stealth (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Time Machine, The (2002); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doom (2005); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Hollow Man (2000); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ultraviolet (2006); Genres: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Match Point (2005); Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Kingdom, The (2007); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am Legend (2007); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Darkman (1990); Genres: Action, Crime, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: King Kong (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shoot 'Em Up (2007); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Michael Clayton (2007); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 10,000 BC (2008); Genres: Adventure, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dark Knight, The (2008); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: No Country for Old Men (2007); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Hotel Rwanda (2004); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek (2009); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Terminator Salvation (2009); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wrestler, The (2008); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The (2008); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boondock Saints, The (2000); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Adam's Apples (Adams æbler) (2005); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WALL·E (2008); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Live Free or Die Hard (2007); Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Gran Torino (2008); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Iron Man (2008); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Watchmen (2009); Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Terminator, The (1984); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Fifth Element, The (1997); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Transformers (2007); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Contact (1997); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Solaris (Solyaris) (1972); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Mad Max (1979); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Nemesis (2002); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saint, The (1997); Genres: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Tron (1982); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cube 2: Hypercube (2002); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Day the Earth Stood Still, The (2008); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Deep Impact (1998); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Escape from L.A. (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Game, The (1997); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Valkyrie (2008); Genres: Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Arlington Road (1999); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Inglourious Basterds (2009); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hangover, The (2009); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Score, The (2001); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Training Day (2001); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Business, The (2005); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The (Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il) (1966); Genres: Action, Adventure, Western; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Joint Security Area (Gongdong gyeongbi guyeok JSA) (2000); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky V (1990); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Judge Dredd (1995); Genres: Action, Crime, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: American Psycho (2000); Genres: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: District 9 (2009); Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Up (2009); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Up in the Air (2009); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Avatar (2009); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highlander (1986); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003); Genres: Adventure, Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien (1979); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Aliens (1986); Genres: Action, Adventure, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Alien³ (a.k.a. Alien 3) (1992); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien: Resurrection (1997); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planet Terror (2007); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Shaun of the Dead (2004); Genres: Comedy, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zombieland (2009); Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Royal Tenenbaums, The (2001); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saw (2004); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saw II (2005); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Saw III (2006); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Saw IV (2007); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saw V (2008); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saw VI (2009); Genres: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shining, The (1980); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Beautiful Mind, A (2001); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wild at Heart (1990); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Inception (2010); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A-Team, The (2010); Genres: Action, Comedy, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Splice (2009); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Agora (2009); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caddyshack (1980); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Wizard of Oz, The (1939); Genres: Adventure, Children, Fantasy, Musical; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Empire of the Sun (1987); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fargo (1996); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ninja Assassin (2009); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ridicule (1996); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Soul Kitchen (2009); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iron Man 2 (2010); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Downfall (Untergang, Der) (2004); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Moon (2009); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Primer (2004); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Vacancy (2007); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Death Proof (2007); Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kick-Ass (2010); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Social Network, The (2010); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Get Him to the Greek (2010); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Black Swan (2010); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dinner for Schmucks (2010); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Berlin Calling (2008); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Fall, The (2006); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fugitive, The (1993); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Town, The (2010); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Salt (2010); Genres: Action, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Mr. Nobody (2009); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jackass 3D (2010); Genres: Action, Comedy, Documentary; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Red (2010); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Saw VII 3D - The Final Chapter (2010); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: King's Speech, The (2010); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Margin Call (2011); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Ides of March, The (2011); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In Time (2011); Genres: Crime, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Contagion (2011); Genres: Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Friends with Benefits (2011); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: 13 (2010); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Another Earth (2011); Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Hangover Part II, The (2011); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Cowboys & Aliens (2011); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Western, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Scarface (1983); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Jackie Brown (1997); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Descendants, The (2011); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 50/50 (2011); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 30 Minutes or Less (2011); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Grey, The (2012); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Raid: Redemption (2011); Genres: Action, Crime; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010); Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Man on a Ledge (2012); Genres: Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dark Knight Rises, The (2012); Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Prometheus (2012); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Limitless (2011); Genres: Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Avengers, The (2012); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Taken (2008); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quantum of Solace (2008); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Italian Job, The (2003); Genres: Action, Crime; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crank (2006); Genres: Action, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skyfall (2012); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cloud Atlas (2012); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Looper (2012); Genres: Action, Crime, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The (2012); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Tampopo (1985); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (1968); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hitch (2005); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Road Trip (2000); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010); Genres: Comedy, Documentary; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Wayne's World (1992); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shutter Island (2010); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dogville (2003); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wall Street (1987); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Barry Lyndon (1975); Genres: Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghost in the Shell (Kôkaku kidôtai) (1995); Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Run Lola Run (Lola rennt) (1998); Genres: Action, Crime; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drive (2011); Genres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Moonrise Kingdom (2012); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Searchers, The (1956); Genres: Drama, Western; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Django Unchained (2012); Genres: Action, Drama, Western; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ted (2012); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Dangerous Liaisons (2012); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu) (2004); Genres: Action, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Serenity (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Musical, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hurt Locker, The (2008); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Sassy Girl (Yeopgijeogin geunyeo) (2001); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kung Fu Hustle (Gong fu) (2004); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Broken Flowers (2005); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: After the Wedding (Efter brylluppet) (2006); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: In Bruges (2008); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Brokeback Mountain (2005); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Good bye, Lenin! (2003); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of Men (Cidade dos Homens) (2007); Genres: Drama; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Sex and Lucia (Lucía y el sexo) (2001); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silentium (2004); Genres: Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: India (Indien) (1993); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Transfer (2010); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Upstream Color (2013); Genres: Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Chronicle (2012); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Terumae romae (Thermae Romae) (2012); Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Adjustment Bureau, The (2011); Genres: Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Genres: Action, Crime, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Despicable Me (2010); Genres: Animation, Children, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Gravity (2013); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Star Trek Into Darkness (2013); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: The Hunger Games (2012); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Hustle (2013); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Interstellar (2014); Genres: Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Edge of Tomorrow (2014); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Cruel Intentions (1999); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è bella) (1997); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Face/Off (1997); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Casino (1995); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kingdom of Heaven (2005); Genres: Action, Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: This Is Spinal Tap (1984); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The (2004); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Wolf of Wall Street, The (2013); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Great Gatsby, The (2013); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mulholland Drive (2001); Genres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Panic Room (2002); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Oblivion (2013); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Crank: High Voltage (2009); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Budapest Hotel, The (2014); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arsenic and Old Lace (1944); Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Madagascar (2005); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hate (Haine, La) (1995); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Rocky II (1979); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aguirre: The Wrath of God (Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes) (1972); Genres: Adventure, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Hanna (2011); Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Rocky III (1982); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Superbad (2007); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Fitzcarraldo (1982); Genres: Adventure, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Minions (2015); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dune (1984); Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Red Dawn (1984); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Victoria (2015); Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Predestination (2014); Genres: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ex Machina (2015); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Ratatouille (2007); Genres: Animation, Children, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Martian (2015); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zootopia (2016); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Short, The (2015); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Gone Girl (2014); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hardcore Henry (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Jungle Book (2016); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypto (2006); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Darjeeling Limited, The (2007); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Escape Plan (2013); Genres: Action, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Last Year at Marienbad (L'Année dernière à Marienbad) (1961); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Black Hawk Down (2001); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rambo (Rambo 4) (2008); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beowulf (2007); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Sucker Punch (2011); Genres: Action, Fantasy, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hateful Eight (2015); Genres: Western; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Knight of Cups (2015); Genres: Drama; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Saw (2003); Genres: Crime, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Life of David Gale, The (2003); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Defiance (2008); Genres: Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Neighbors (2014); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Ring, The (2002); Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Beach, The (2000); Genres: Adventure, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Devil Wears Prada, The (2006); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hancock (2008); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Tropic Thunder (2008); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Transporter, The (2002); Genres: Action, Crime; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in) (2008); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: 2012 (2009); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Passion of the Christ, The (2004); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: World War Z (2013); Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Elysium (2013); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Expendables, The (2010); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Maze Runner, The (2014); Genres: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 0.5/5.0
Title: Transporter 2 (2005); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Surrogates (2009); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: 16 Blocks (2006); Genres: Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hot Tub Time Machine (2010); Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Spectre (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seven Psychopaths (2012); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Jack Reacher (2012); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Melancholia (2011); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Smokin' Aces (2006); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark) (1981); Genres: Action, Adventure; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Genres: Action, Adventure; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: John Wick (2014); Genres: Action, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Suicide Squad (2016); Genres: Action, Crime, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Dictator, The (2012); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Taken 2 (2012); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hangover Part III, The (2013); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016); Genres: Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Distinguished Citizen (2016); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Ender's Game (2013); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Arrival (2016); Genres: Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Orphan (2009); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Carnage (2011); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iron Sky (2012); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Snow (Død snø) (2009); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dorian Gray (2009); Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Valhalla Rising (2009); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Joneses, The (2009); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Life (2017); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Coherence (2013); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Strange (2016); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kung Fury (2015); Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: The Interview (2014); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Atomic Blonde (2017); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Blade Runner 2049 (2017); Genres: Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: It (2017); Genres: Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Split (2017); Genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: In the Fade (2017); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Star Trek Beyond (2016); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Blade (1998); Genres: Action, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Isle of Dogs (2018); Genres: Animation, Comedy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Barbershop (2002); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The (2013); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Black Panther (2017); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: True Grit (2010); Genres: Western; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Conan the Barbarian (1982); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (a.k.a. Ghost Busters) (1984); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Knight and Day (2010); Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Ocean's 8 (2018); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Western; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 300: Rise of an Empire (2014); Genres: Action, Drama, War, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: SO Arch at Pemberton Gardens; City: London England; Review: Stayed here for a weekend with my partner in 2013. on arrival we were shown to the room whuch had no bed linen on the bed and no towels which was promptly dealt with. The room was very compact with a tiny bathroom. Also there was no hairdryer which is a huge must for me!! It over looked what I'd take to be building works being carried out. The room its self was quiet we never heard much noise, the place is basic and reasonably priced. You get what you pay for. I personally wouldn't stay again.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kingsway Hall Hotel; City: London England; Review: Stayed here with my partner one weekend while I was down visiting, this hotel has to be my favourite I've ever stayed at. Everything about this hotel was perfect, the staff the rooms and location! The rooms were tastefully decorated and spacious with a modern fresh bathroom. Breakfast was help yourself with staff serving tea and coffee to the tables, very attentive.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four Seasons Guest House; City: Horley Surrey England; Review: We stayed here as a family of 5 in October 2014 before and after our holiday it was close for the airport, booked in advance and cheap. On arrival the owners gave us a warm welcome, the kids and I were shown to our room while my partner settled the cost- cash only??? We found this strange!! The room was a family room two single beds a double and a camp bed. The beds were rock solid, the bed linen smelled 'foosty' and pillows were non existent. The tea/coffee facilities were not supplied the fridge wasn't even plugged in... you get what you pay for! After a terrible nights sleep we had a painstaking drive to the airport by the owner as we had a 'free' airport transfer, the whole time the owner trying to be funny and making stupid comments which none of us were in the mood to listen to... Knowing we had to return here for the night after our holiday was a huge disappointment especially after a long flight at night but we didn't have time to try cancel and book somewhere else. After a long flight and another dreadful nights sleep we had our 2nd trip in the car with the owner to drop us off at the airport to get the train back into London... Once in the car the man started saying we had to pay for our airport transfers, £10 for the one before our holiday and £10 for the one we were in the process of. I told him it stated on his website we had one free transfer per stay, he got really angry and started arguing in front of our three children which is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. My partner told him he would not discuss the matter with him infront of the kids, but the owner wouldn't drop it. When we arrived at the airport i took the children away and my partner got our bags. Needless to say we did not pay!! We didnt eat breakfast at the b&b, so can't comment on that apart from before 8am you can have a continental breakfast you make yourself which looked like some bread in a fridge and some cereal. We would not stay here again, the lady who owns it was lovely but her husband not so. Spend a little more, for a decent nights sleep its definitely worth it!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ibis London Luton Airport; City: Luton Bedfordshire England; Review: Stayed here on 26th of September after a late flight. Short walk from airport and check in was quick. The room was very small but we just needed to bed down for the night. The bed was comfy and the room was clean. We heard no noise from outside and slept well. The shower was good enough and a hairdryer supplied which was a nice touch as sometimes in budget hotels there isn't one or you've got to head down to reception to get one!!! We paid £60 to stay here but we didn't have breakfast, we had a good night's sleep and we would stay here again if we had a flight early in the morning or arriving late.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton By Hilton Newcastle; City: Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear England; Review: Stayed here with my partner 24/2-26/2 as we were in the city to see Kings of Leon on the Friday night. The hotel is a stones throw from the station, very handy!! The room was basic but very clean!! The maid service was very good. We were in room 434, the room had everything we could need tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, iron, shampoo/conditioner, moisturiser etc. The bed and pillows were comfy. We couldn't work the air con so the room was slightly cold. Didn't bother to ask how to work it though. On both nights I was woken up by either slamming doors or people shouting outside our door or taking snapchats!!! I understand the hotel caters for everybody including young people who are out late or hen parties, but maybe they should look at putting certain groups on different floors as the noise was ridiculous! I'm sure I wasn't the only person woken up! Breakfast was okay, nothing special the usual standard but plenty available and lots of choice. Breakfast trays were not clean and smelled repulsive! My partner complained that his tray smelled extremely sour (putting it politely here) to which the waitress apologised. Then the tray I had was exactly the same, I couldn't eat the banana as it had been on the tray it was awful so we didn't eat much else after that. We probably would stay here again if we were in the city, the hotels pretty standard and got everything you could need with a great location and reasonably priced!; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sterling Silver Collar Necklace; Brand: Amazon Collection; Review: Beautiful. Fits perfect on my small neck. It's the right size.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saucony Kotaro Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid); Brand: Saucony; Review: Fits well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Balance KR680 Youth Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid); Brand: ; Review: My son love these shoes. I like them too. The style is awesome, so I bought another pair just like it. These shoes come in wide.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Calvin Klein Womens Long Waisted Cowlneck Sweater; Brand: ; Review: I should of bought an extra-large. Size large, is just to tight on my chest.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: New Balance KT690 Trail Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid); Brand: ; Review: What I expected. Bright and colorful!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RFID Blocking Wallet Case for Women or Men, Theft Proof Credit Card Holder, Slim Design Fits in Front Pocket; Brand: Shell-D; Review: Love it. The color outside is gorgeous. Got a .lot of compliments; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Momma, Stop! I'll Be Good!; Author: Visit Amazon's Shannon Bowen Page; Review: I would probably recommend this book to anyone who wants to read it. Even though the contents of the book really broke my heart.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Casual Vacancy; Author: Visit Amazon's J.K. Rowling Page; Review: J.K. Rowling is an excellent author and I enjoy reading all that she's written. I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's J.K. Rowling Page; Review: J.K. Rowling is an excellent author and I enjoy reading all that she's written. I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Last Kiss for Mummy; Author: Visit Amazon's Casey Watson Page; Review: If your a teenager looking to kill your childhood, then have children really young. This way they can have a future worth looking forward to. That is, if they don't get killed first.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Locked Away; Author: Visit Amazon's Crystal Castle Page; Review: I chose this because I know of someone who was in her shoes and survived their horrific ordeal. We can survive!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tears of the Silenced: A true crime and an American tragedy; severe child abuse and leaving the Amish; Author: Misty Elaine Griffin; Review: I chose this rating because it was well written. I do have to admit that I was surprised at the Amish community about not doing anything about it though.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Firefly Hollow; Author: Visit Amazon's T.L. Haddix Page; Review: I chose this rating because of how it was written. Some day I hope that I will be able to write something well written as this!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Butterfly Lane (Firefly Hollow) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's T. L. Haddix Page; Review: I chose this rating because I thought that it was very good. Sad in some parts, but good in others.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Did Tell, I; Author: Visit Amazon's Cassie Harte Page; Review: I chose this rating because I thought that it was good. Upsetting but yet healing in its own way. Some may disagree but they should read it before passing bad judgement.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cupboard Under the Stairs: A Boy Trapped in Hell...; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Harrison Page; Review: I honestly don't know how I am feeling after reading this book because I too was sexually and physically abused growing up but never reported it. Wish I did. Yes I would recommend this to anyone who will read it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girl in the Mirror; Author: Visit Amazon's Cathy Glass Page; Review: I think everyone should read this because of the raw and painful materials that it entails. It can also be upsetting if you can be in Mandy's place... Like I was.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Night the Angels Came; Author: Visit Amazon's Cathy Glass Page; Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. Makes you think about your loved ones here and already gone. But in a good way. Look towards the sky for they are watching over you!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Boy No One Loved; Author: Visit Amazon's Casey Watson Page; Review: I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone just because I feel that the author is wonderful. She brings out the best in everyone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spring Valley (Firefly Hollow) (Volume 11); Author: Visit Amazon's T. L. Haddix Page; Review: I enjoyed this book very much. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good book to read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mummy’s Little Helper: The heartrending true story of a young girl secretly caring for her severely disabled mother; Author: Visit Amazon's Casey Watson Page; Review: I am unable to say whether I enjoyed this book or not because it reminds me of my own childhood when I was growing up. The only thing that I can say is that you need to read it for yourself to get your own opinion.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cut: The true story of an abandoned, abused little girl who was desperate to be part of a family; Author: Visit Amazon's Cathy Glass Page; Review: I chose this rating because I feel that it deserved it. It brought a lot of painful memories that I have yet to deal with myself.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Merciful Death (Mercy Kilpatrick); Author: Visit Amazon's Kendra Elliot Page; Review: I enjoyed this book very much. It catches your interest from the first page and doesn't let go until the end. I fully recommend this series to all!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites Columbus University Area OSU; City: Columbus Ohio; Review: Let me preface this by saying I travel extensively for my work, as do my colleagues. The preferred hotel for my company is Holiday Inn, not quite sure why. I checked in late, and I always verify that the room has the correct billing, as my work outsources this to a travel company. They had their information. I gave my debit card for incidentals, per usual, and check out was fine. Two days later, my account is charged for the entire amount. I don't check that account often, as I knew I only used it for small purchases as I traveled. The account went into overdraft and I was charged three NSF of $37.50 each. I called this location, and the charges were put in for a refund. Which I have not yet seen. However, they flat out REFUSE to pay for the fees that their billing error caused. Quite rude on the phone, I will add. Once I mentioned it was a billing issue, the tone changed. They are pushy and rude and insulting. The manager, Mike Ross (not even sure if that is a legit name) actually went further and insisted, although it was their "simple mistake" that I was the one to blame for the NSFs because I used a debit card. Ridiculous. I asked why they would take debit cards if they didn't like them and of course got some asinine response. I emailed corporate offices and received an automated "billing is dealt with at the hotel". Uh huh. Its ridiculous. Complete and utter lack of responsibility. I have instructed my work to NEVER put me in a Holiday Inn or any of their partners. Ever. I am so disappointed in the "hospitality" chain. Never again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus OSU; City: Columbus Ohio; Review: I first stayed at the OSU location last September. I travel a lot for work and they favor Holiday Inn. I had a terrible visit with that Columbus location and vowed to never stay there again. My awesome travel agent at our job got me a week here. I was blown away at how nice, hospitable, clean, and overall splendid treatment I received. They have a different hot breakfast every morning, and a lovely dinner every M-Th, with a main dish, two side dishes, and a nice salad bar. There is also free soda, wine, and beer. I was in heaven. So much so that every time I travel I request Homewood Suites. I have been at this location since mid January, and my only request was that I stay here. I've been here for 13 weeks already, and they always greet me, leave little notes in my room sometimes to just say thank you. I feel silly sometimes about my strong feelings for this chain of hotels but anyone who travels often, away from your family, its the little things that make it just a bit more tolerable. Its a fantastic hotel and OSU location really shines. I love it here and strongly recommend it. The area isnice, sidewalks everywhere to walk around, there's an outside seating area, Whole Foods is across the street, and Hudsons next door has the best Reuben sandwich you'll ever eat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites; City: South Point Ohio; Review: I'm easy to please. This is off of the expressway, safe area, well lit. The night clerk was friendly and efficient. The breakfast was better than most with a lot of options. My only two gripes are that the wifi never connects and there's no hot tub, which was listed on their website as an amenity.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Marietta; City: Marietta Ohio; Review: I stayed for business for one week. Check in was a breeze, the staff is very nice, housekeeping does a great job. Its located right off of 77, and the area feels safe at all hours. There is also a microwave and a decent sized mini fridge, bigger than the usual. There is also a Kroger grocery store across the street and I was able to stock up some beverages. Overall, I had a pleasant stay. The fitness room did have two treadmills, however one did not work. The other one was very noisy. They always had fresh coffee in the lobby. I left early each day to travel for work so unfortunately I cannot speak for the breakfast options. I did notice that the hours of service were 6-10a, which is nice to see from the usual 6-9. I would definitely stay again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Homewood Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown Southbank; City: Jacksonville Florida; Review: The parking is across the street in a garage. It gets billed to your room. This hotel was right on the water, felt very safe, and had great selection of free buffet breakfast and dinner. The room was not too small, we did not feel too cramped. The location is off the beaten path with walking around, but is easily a quick five minute car ride from some great restaurants and downtown Jax. The wifi was stable and was free. There's an outdoor pool with a hot tub. Very nice on a hot night. We would definitely stay again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites Marietta Parkersburg; City: Marietta Ohio; Review: The staff was friendly, the breakfast was hot and good, and there was a mini fridge and microwave in the room which was nice. However, the first night we were there, the pool's heater was broken. No biggie, we stayed pretty much in the hot tub/jacuzzi. I like that they are both open 24 hours. That's always a plus. The 2nd night, the heater for the pool was still broken, and now the jacuzzi didn't really warm up. It was more luke warm. The 3rd night, no heat at all. Very disappointing. Also, around 2a each night, I was woken up by a loud noise, sounded like someone pushing a heavy item over a hard wood floor. It would last for about an hour. We were on the 2nd floor, right next to the elevators and a storage room. I have no idea what it was, but it definitely disrupted our sleep.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale; City: Scottsdale Arizona; Review: This place is a bit creepy at night. The halls for the rooms are very long and it legitimately reminded me of the movie The Shining. The carpet is hideous and overall it's completely dated. The rooms are musty until the air turns on. Which, by the way, I never found the controls to. The breakfast and dinner were great, actually better than the other Homewood Suites I've stayed at. The staff is nice, service is adequate. I think if they did some simple updating and changed the dreary decor it would be improved. Overall a good location, central to Scottsdale.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The God-First Life: Uncomplicate Your Life, Gods Way; Author: Visit Amazon's Stovall Weems Page; Review: In a myriad of ways, our lives are complicated. So many pressures from so many forces pull and tug on us for attention -- and allegiance. For Christians, this truth is made all-the-more complicated. Advice about growing as disciples abound. Oftentimes, it's difficult to weed through that complexity to discover a fruitful way for following Jesus in our complicated world. Yet another voice, then, it seems, might only add to that cacophony. But not Stovall Weems. As a pastor, he spends his life listening, and helping others to listen, to God. And he's written an invaluable aid for others to help in this process: his God First Life: Uncomplicate Your Life, God's Way. The book is written with a simple thesis in mind: That Matthew 6:33 serves as the compass for orienting our lives toward God and serving God's Kingdom. According to Weems, the core of growth as a disciple of Jesus is simple: Put God first! (p. 23). Weems then sets out to give voice to the simple ways in which we do just that. The remainder of the book sets out this "New Priority" from Matthew 6:33 offers us a identity ("A New Family", chs. 3-4), a purpose ("New Life", chs. 5-8), and goal ("New Freedom", chs. 9-10). The entire book is easy enough to read; I read it in one sitting. But it's simple style must not be confused for a simplistic message. For Weems, The God First Life is about orienting ourselves toward God. But lest we think this is another sappy spirituality, Weems puts flesh to it. The God First Life is a book that matters because in it Jesus matters. In truth, Jesus is pattern and the way into The God First Life. Things like "happiness" and "forgiveness" are defined because of Jesus. And before we think this is an individual journey, Weems reminds us that our very identity is bound up together with Jesus and those who follow him. He gives voice to such classic spiritual disciplines as worship, service, and tithing. He deals with those areas that often complicate Christians' lives -- particularly fear -- with the depth of pastor wisdom. The "Servants' Self Test" alone on p. 119 is worth the price of the book. (I'll use this again and again in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction!) Those of us who heed Weems' call to the Church will find our lives with one another and with God uncomplicated ... and enriched. This is a book that belongs in every Christian's hands. And its message in our hearts: "Seek first God's kingdom and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). _____ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Making Marriage Simple: Ten Truths for Changing the Relationship You Have into the One You Want; Author: Visit Amazon's Harville Hendrix Page; Review: Making Marriage Simple, by co-authors and therapists Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt, is a delight to read! It contains much of the advice I've said to countless couples in pre-martial and martial counseling for the past 17 years. That advice, admittedly, isn't advice you regularly hear from other books making the marriage improvement rounds. "Incompatibility is grounds for marriage." "Conflict is growth trying to happen." "Negativity is invisible abuse." But the advice in the book is forged out of years of counseling couples and working together as a team toward their own healthy marriage. Bathed in that deep wisdom, this book is a simple, what I call "bathtub" reading. Sit back and relax. The style is flowing, even if the advice will cause you to bolt up on occasion. I particularly enjoyed the artwork. It helps convince me -- this is a book for every couple! Our culture is steeped in bad relationship wisdom. Divorce rates may have plateaued over the years, but they remain at nearly 50%. Couple start the marriage journey wild-eyed in romance. But, as the authors caution, "Romantic love is a trick". I only wish the authors had dealt more with finances, particularly. In my own counseling practice, I see more and more couples dealing with the financial stresses of the world. And those stresses bring more marriages to a breaking point than nearly any other issue. This deceptively simple book has that one glaring omission. In all, I still recommend this book to couples. The exercises at the end of the book are amazing for conversation starters. Hendrix and Hunt have given us a gem. And it was, as I said, a delight to read. I received this book for free from the publisher's Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The One Jesus Loves: Grace Is Unconditionally Given, Intimacy Must Be Relentlessly Pursued; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Crosby Page; Review: Robert Crosby's The One Jesus Loves: Grace Is Unconditionally Given, Intimacy Must Be Relentlessly Pursued is a book meant to refresh and nurture Christian growth. In a world riddled with those who follow Jesus from the fringes as well as from the heart of faith, Crosby weaves a reading of the Gospel that takes us through the "six relationship circles" that formed around Jesus: The Crowds of the curious; the 5000 needy; the 70 who worked miracles; the 12 who followed; the 3 who watched and celebrated; and the beloved one who sat with him at the table. For Crosby, those who desire intimacy with Jesus proceed through those same circles. And, while intimacy with Jesus is the gift of grace, that same intimacy -- as is true in any relationship -- must be fostered and nurtured in order to deepen. The book is easy enough to read. Crosby is a masterful writer whose pastoral heart flows from pen to paper. None of the 40 chapters is over a few pages, so each might be read in a single sitting. And the "Conversation Starters" make this a great book for Sunday School classes or small-group Bible studies. While I would prefer a devotional guide for the book for that purpose, as a whole Crosby has done a great pastoral work for the Church. However, he's also guilty of the one dangerous act to which pastors often succumb: Crosby psychologizes the text far too often in order to develop his point. He tells us how a person thinks or feels when those thoughts or feelings are not found in the text itself. While the goal is to connect reader to text, it does so at the expense of the text itself. All sorts of folks ask me, as a pastor, for books that might help them grow in the discipleship. This is a book I've added to that list. I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggershttp://booklookbloggers.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Know the Heretics (KNOW Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Justin S. Holcomb Page; Review: Justin Holcomb's Know the Heretics is a book for every student and pastor's bookshelves. In a world where the notion of heresy is equated with any theological difference, Holcomb breathes life into the dusty word and dispels all the misunderstandings. According to Holcomb, heresy is a "weighty charge" that deserves serious attention in the Church's thinking, precisely because heresy's root is in sloppy biblical reading and exegesis. This short book introduces readers to the various controversies that have threatened the Church throughout its history. He gives attention to how each heresy is a misreading of the biblical witness, and therefore highlights the dangers each heresy poses for the Christian's life and witness. Whether it's a misreading of the Law, or a misreading of the nature of the Triune God, Holcomb has given us a gift -- a gift of thinking again about the spiritual health of the Church that is orthodoxy. It's tempting to believe the old lie of progress -- CS Lewis' notion of "chronological snobbery" that Holcomb mentions -- that we've come so far. That heresy is a meaningless issue these days. But as the book outlines in chapter after chapter, the Church hasn't gone as far as some want to hope. These heresies still haunt us. "This book is a case study of fourteen major events when the church made the right call -- not for political or status reasons ... but because orthodox teaching preserved Jesus' message in the best sense, and the new teaching distorted it", as Holcomb says. And each chapter highlights the real spiritual problem with our "chronological snobbery": Our spiritual apathy. Whether it's Seballianism or Docetism, we seem to think they just don't really matter. And as Holcomb rightly argues, it's that spiritual apathy that wounds the spiritual lives of Christians these days. It's not that we don't care. The issue is deeper than that. The heart of the problem is that faith seeks understanding. Faith thinks, as well as loves. And thinking about grace or the Trinity is hard work. Sloppiness with that hard work, though, lands us among these heresies. Reading Holcomb's Know the Heretics is refreshing. It did my spirit good. But it was good precisely because it was hard. For pastors especially, this book poses genuine questions, and keeps us from all the wrong answers. I would encourage this book for all who've started walking the way through the Church's history. But I recommend it enthusiastically for all those who preach and offer pastoral counseling. Holcomb has given the Church a beautiful gift. The chance to ask all the right questions, and avoid all the wrong answers. __________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love, Skip, Jump: Start Living the Adventure of Yes; Author: Visit Amazon's Shelene Bryan Page; Review: Love, Skip, Jump is a book I almost missed. The cover, while bright, was nearly too catchy; it made me wonder if the content would be worth the read. I know the dangers of judging a bookby its cover, but this is one book I wasn't sure I'd enjoy. After 10 pages in, though, I was hooked. Bryan's style is conversational. And while the spate of books about Christian discipleship that I mostly read these days have more to say about an individual's walk with God, this book reminds us that the love of God and others are intimately intertwined. You can't have one without the other. The book recounts Bryan's adventures in learning to say "yes" to God. After having been asked the dreaded question when you're giving to missions projects -- "Are you sure those kids are real?" -- she begins an adventure in listening to God's call to serve the least and forgotten among us. Learning to say yes to God, Bryan admits, means loving, sure, but it also means getting busy. Or "jumping", as she puts it. This book was a treat I almost missed. But it turned out to be such a pleasure (and a challenge!) that I read it in one afternoon. It not only warmed my heart. It also transformed my work. As the founder of Skip1, Bryan challenges us to make small sacrifices that enliven others -- following God in the way of genuine loving. So the book, while a pleasure, has also been tough to let go. Her vivid writing has captured my heart, in the way God's love will always do. Because the book not only recounts the stories of God's love in her experiences. It challenges readers to live that love here, now, where we are. By jumping right in. This is a book that will do far more than give you a wonderful afternoon's read. It'll change your life. So I recommend this book to anyone, but with a warning: Only pick it up and read it if you're ready to be challenged. If you're ready to jump right in to working with God in loving the least and lost. It's a book I almost missed reading. Now, though, I'm glad I didn't miss it. Because the adventure of reading Love, Skip, Jump is really only getting started on the first step of a long journey. __________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]l> : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Study Bible for Women: HCSB Large Print Edition, Teal/Sage LeatherTouch, Indexed; Author: Dorothy Kelley Patterson; Review: As a minister, one of the most common requests made of me: "What's ago of study Bible?" It's a difficult question to answer, precisely because the published options offer such diversity in the possibilities. Given all that diversity, then, what's left to say about Holman's Study Bible for Women? It's written by women -- with training in biblical studies, theology, and ministry -- for women. The study notes range from excellent commentary that help to read the Bible with understanding, to essays on the nature of "Biblical Womanhood". The general editor is Dorothy Kelley Patterson, a trained theologian in her own right, who's also the wife of Paige Patterson, the president of Southwestern Baptist Seminary. All the contributors come from the best minds of Baptist life in women's studies, and the work together to create an excellent study Bible for those complementarians among us. As with most "specialty" study Bibles, though, I fear this one also contributes inadvertently to the very Corinthian-style divisions in the Church that Paul warned us about. That is, a speciality Bible of this sort can't help but appeal to a particular audiences in a way that separates them from other Christians. While I think the study notes are excellent, this is the one hurdle Holman's Study Bible for Women simply can't clear, by it's very nature. Therefore, I recommend this one to my sisters who need a good study Bible -- I've given my copy to my wife as a gift -- but I also warn them to read with a cautionary eye. Some of the notes are better than others. Some of the essays are great, others display that Corinthian hurdle all too clearly. _________ Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group, Nashville, in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chasing God; Author: Visit Amazon's Angie Smith Page; Review: Angie Smith's Chasing God is part memoir, part spiritual direction. In a world awash with advice about how to live Christianly, lots of us become busy chasing after God by doing this or that thing. Pray. Go to church. Read the Bible. Pray some more. It all gets exhausting. For most of her Christian life, Smith had been chasing God in lots of the same ways. "The goal of this book is not to present you with a formula for living out Christianity. It's to offer my thoughts on the difference between looking for Him and looking at Him. And maybe you, like me, have been spending your time going after the wrong objectives (without realizing it) and it's left you weary of the whole process. What was meant to be a gift has become an obligation, a source of guilt or a way to fight fear" (page 2). Those of us who chase God are spiritual control freaks. We're arrogant in our abilities to get to God through this or that right act. But, in the very acts of controlling the Uncontrollable God, we find we're no closer to God than when we first began. Smith's book is a cautionary memoir in that regard. "Stop chasing me", she hears God to say. And when she stops, she finds her life graced with such Divine Love, precisely because God in Christ had already found her. The book itself has a charming and unassuming style to it. But all of a sudden, you'll find one-liner, hard-hitting spiritual guidance from someone who tried walking the path on her own. Wisdom about letting God lead. Such that this book becomes one of the best books about the Christian life for 2014. She's a keen observer, and a brilliant writer and spiritual guide. And this book is a true gift to her sisters and brothers. "Salvation isn't about set words. It's an attitude of the heart. The words have no power in and of themselves; it's not a formula we have to perfect in order to be accepted" (page 31). This book is filled with words, but each one of them will really change you're heart. Because in the reading of these words, like me, you'll find it's not a matter of chasing after God. Salvation is God already having loved us and found us. Like God has loved and found Angie Smith. _________ Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group, Nashville, in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare; Author: Visit Amazon's Ken Ludwig Page; Review: I fell in love with reading Shakespeare when I was eleven-years-old. It was Romeo & Juliet that captured my imagination. From there, I moved to Hamlet. I still remember my excitement in reading some of the soliloquies. At 18, I read King Lear. I'm still fascinated with Shakespeare, and find in him a treasure for preaching and teaching. So imagine my excitement when I first encountered Ken Ludwig's How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare. I had high hopes for this book. Ludwig, after all, is an acclaimed international playwright. As an actor, he has spent his life loving and living Shakespeare, breathing life into the Bard's words. He brought that life's work to his own children, teaching them to love and live Shakespeare, too. And then gave the world a gift -- How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare. In 40 brief chapters, Ludwig offers plot synopses, character insights, tools and tricks of the acting trade that together make this book a real gem. However, it's the 25 selections that so deeply disturb me. Nearly none of them, I find, are age-appropriate. He writes the text, geared for 8-year-olds. But, any 8-year-old introduced to Shakespeare through most of those selections will grow to hate reading Shakespeare. In fact, by the end of the book, I was left to wonder whether I would have enjoyed Shakespeare as much as I have, had I first encountered the Bard under Ludwig's tutelage. In that way, I find the wealth of the book diminished as a whole. The over 340 pages could be edited down to 180 or so, and the book would be a real joy. In so many ways, I had high hopes and expectations for How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare. It hardly lived up to those. In the end, I found it wanting too much to recommend it to parents and teachers for its selections. Those most definitely won't help you love reading Shakespeare. But the joy with which Ludwig approaches the Bard is still deserved. And the background material and teaching advice make the book a great resource. __________ I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. All the opinions here are my own.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: NIV, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Imitation Leather, Brown, Red Letter Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Zondervan Page; Review: It may seem odd to review a study Bible, particularly one like the NIV Teen Study Bible, 2011 edition. But this Bible caught my attention for a number of reasons. 1. The NIV Teen Study Bible, with features written by Larry and Sue Richards, has a long history. It's been around since its first edition in 1993. This newest edition contains a series of devotions around The Apostles' Creed. It treats the biblical narrative with a holistic view toward passing on the "faith once received" in a beautiful way. As I've read through this series of devotions, I've been struck by the pastoral wisdom that's given through the toward nurturing a faith that avoids denominational hurdles, and yet remains true to the wealth of the Christian faith. 2. This edition also contains "Panorama" helps that keep teens focused on the overall themes of each biblical book. When combined with the reading plan in the back, this features helps students read through the entire Bible without getting bogged down in intricate details. 3. Features such as "To the Point" and "Dear Jordan" help students hear biblical messages that address unique struggles in the lives of Christian teens. I can only hope churches pay close attention to these features -- they offer so much fodder for youth ministries. 4. The "Topical Indexes" make this study Bible a resource for youth ministers, Sunday School teachers, and even pastors. So this study Bible, I think, avoids one of the pitfalls to which so many specialty Bible succumb. That is, they're often such a speciality that they further divide up the Body of Christ. This one doesn't. It a unique gift of this study Bible to bring so much together, seamlessly. 4. Finally, the "Instant Access", "Bible Promises" and "Book Introductions" being quality ideas from biblical scholars in accessible language for contemporary Christian teens. I was excited, for example, to read the notes in the Book of Revelation, that talk about God's hope in the world. That opens up a biblical book so often misunderstood or little read. In total, this is a study Bible I'm excited to recommend as a pastor, a teacher and a spiritual friend. For parents of teens searching for a study Bible, look no further! For congregations who wish to give teens gifts, look no further! This one belongs on every teen's reading and studying list. This is a true gem of a study Bible! __________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raising Cubby: A Father and Son's Adventures with Asperger's, Trains, Tractors, and High Explosives; Author: Visit Amazon's John Elder Robison Page; Review: Raising Cubby is a beautiful memoir of parenting in the midst of challenges -- in this case, Asperger's Syndrome. As an Aspie myself, I was excited to read this one. I've been familiar with Robison's other work -- Look Me in the Eye and Be Different -- so I knew this book would be a treat. I wasn't disappointed. Funny and moving, this book is filled with memories of all the ways Asperger's Syndrome affects and challenges the already-challenging task of raising children. Robinson himself was diagnosed with Asperger's in his 40s, so his approach to parenthood (as logic puzzles and practical jokes) demonstrates that we Aspies may be different, but different doesn't mean incapable. Robison recalls reading electrical engineering manuals to Cubby at bedtime. He told Cubby that wizards turned children into stone when they misbehaved. But he got all the basics of parenthood right. Because this book is the story of a father and son -- both Aspies -- who grow up together. In that way, this book is a message of hope. Those of us who live our lives on the Autism Spectrum aren't alone. Relationships may be challenges for us, but there's love in our future. And while those struggles and challenges don't end, we can give and receive love too. What makes this book so hopeful is that love. Robinson may not have demonstrated parenting in the way lots of folks think about the love of parent to child, but at the end of the day, he continues to give his son what he needs and always reminds Cubby that he is loved. That's why I love this book. As I read, I realized Robinson so wanted to create a life for his son Cubby that was devoid of all the challenges Robison had had to face. He knew, even from the beginning and without any formal diagnosis, that his son would encounter problems, and that it was up to him as a father to turn what had been negative experiences in his own life into more positive opportunities. In this way, Robison was teaching his son that Asperger's was a diagnosis, but not a hindrance. It simply meant that life needed to be approached in a different fashion. That difference made all the difference, too. At the end of the day, what parent doesn't aim for as much for their child? To quote Robinson: "Right now, all over the world, several million young people are coming of age with Asperger's or some other form of autism. Many of them are wondering if they will be able to find love, friendship and a good quality of life. Cubby's life shows that such a thing remains possible, even today. I did it years ago, and he's doing it now. I can't believe how far he's come". __________ I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness: Serving People Just as They Are (Refraction); Author: Todd Stevens; Review: When Todd and Erin Stevens' How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness: Serving People Just as They Are arrived, I opened the box and left the book on the counter. My wife happened passed it, took one look at the book, then at me, and asked for an explanation. This is my explanation. How to Pick Up a Stripper is about the Church's identity and mission -- who and why we are. Both are embodied in the phrase "servant evangelism". "Servant evangelism is an approach to outreach that isn't just about telling people the gospel: it is about showing them too" (p. 5). Todd and Erin spend the rest of the book exploring what that servant evangelism has meant for Todd's pastoring at Friendship Community Church, and his wife's ministry with Nashville Strip Church. For them, the heart of the gospel is God's love for us, right where we are, in the midst of all life's messiness. And, what's more, God's love is made real in our lives through the love we Christians have, including our enemies. Our acts of kindness, all our outreach, serves that purpose: To point to God's reconciling, loving work in Jesus Christ. To embody that work in getting our hands dirty, in getting involved with real people, living real lives. "Since Jesus founded the church, it only makes sense that He would define the desired reputation: be known for love" (p. 23). "Our goal is to love our community in such a way that if we closed the doors tomorrow and ceased to exist as a church, then even the people who had never visited on a Sunday would miss us terribly" (p. 25). Their vision of outreach is simple: Create opportunities for demonstrating Jesus' kindness. To real people. That means meeting needs, sure, but it also means breaking open our lives in generosity and kindness to everyone. Even our enemies. I must admit that the book's title threw me off. I know it did my wife. And I'm afraid it will so many others inside the church. But this is a word pastors -- even every baptized Christian! -- need to hear and heed. Because it's in the message of the book that we (re)discover a beautiful truth: They'll know we are Christians through our kindness. I've been preaching sermons like this book for nearly two decades. Now, Todd and Erin Stevens have given us a gift. This book boils so many years of my preaching into a clear, succinct and biblical vision of what evangelism and outeach can be -- should be. Must be! I can't thank them enough for that kindness. But maybe that's the point. The gift in writing this book isn't given to us, as a way of earning our praise. It's a gift given to us because they've received so much from God already. Take up this book. Read it. Learn from it. Then live it. Because this book will change you. And change the world through you. All for the glory of God. __________ Disclosure of; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer; Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Marsh Page; Review: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, theologian, friend, son and brother, student. That's the Bonhoeffer of Charles Marsh's new biography, Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. As someone who has spent nearly two decades of his academic life reading and learning from Bonhoeffer, I was excited to read Marsh's biography. Marsh's previous book on Bonhoeffer -- Reclaiming Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Oxford, 1994) -- had been such an earthquake in Bonhoeffer studies, that a biography by Marsh had such high hopes to fulfill. And Marsh doesn't disappoint. His biography of Bonhoeffer avoids so many of the pitfalls of recent Bonhoeffer biographies. There's no agenda (like in Metaxas' Bonhoeffer). And while Marsh's biography will never replace Bethge's monumental works, Charles Marsh has written an accessible work that presents the real Bonhoeffer -- a real person with real faults as well as real gifts. Bonhoeffer, the pacifist, may have been involved with the Abwehr and its conspiracies against the Third Reich, but his role is rightfully written as unclear. Bonhoeffer may have died a gruesome death, but he did so as a friend and a theologian. There were most likely no apocryphal prayers at the end, but he was never abandoned by, nor did Bonhoeffer abandon, God. Marsh writes clearly about real events in researched and scholarly fashion. Bonhoeffer does indeed love Maria von Wedermayer, and Marsh writes very delicately of their tortured and surprising engagement. But Marsh is also fair to highlight Bonhoeffer's life-long sense of estrangement and isolating depression. Hence, Bonhoeffer's relationship to Eberhard Bethge takes a great deal of attention. And it's here that I wish Marsh had given us less supposition and more historical reflection. True, Bonhoeffer and Bethge were the closest of friends. What Marsh fails to distinguish is that friendships can have strong desires without turning sexual. He's careful to insist that neither ever admit to homosexuality, but not careful enough to leave the reader with no scandalous overtones. What Marsh does best, though, is explore Bonhoeffer's formative experiences in America, particularly the impact of Bonhoeffer's encounter with black Christians in Harlem and during his travels in the South. He refutes the notion once-and-for-all that Bonhoeffer was just a stuffy German theologian content with his bourgeoisie German experience. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., his Abyssinian Baptist Church, and Negro spirituals and blues, as well as the indefatigable campaigner Reinhold Niebuhr -- they all have such a massive and forceful impact on Bonhoeffer's theological vision. They brought the ivory tower into action on the street. And thereby enabled and ennobled Bonhoeffer's resistance in Germany. I think that's Marsh's greatest contribution through this biography. In Marsh's Reclaiming Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we were introduced to Bonhoeffer's unique Christological response to the German idealistic philosophy (like Kant and Husserl). In Strange Glory, we get the rest of the story. While I think Marsh still falls short in connecting all the dots, there's so much to this biography that it can't be dismissed. I wish Marsh had dealt more with the contents of Bonhoeffer's books in the biographical context. He does this, to some degree, with Discipleship and Life; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wasted Prayer: Know When God Wants You to Stop Praying and Start Doing; Author: Visit Amazon's Greg Darley Page; Review: As a pastor and spiritual director, I spend a great deal of my time praying. I pray, and I help others in Christian friendship to pray, to learn to pray, to learn to listen to God in prayer. There's no doubt that prayer is important. But I also spend time with folks who focus so exclusively on praying that they forget Christians also live. That's Greg Darley's concern in Wasted Prayer: Know When God Wants You to Stop Praying and Start Doing. This book is pastoral advice for every Christian who prays: Start doing what God has called you to do. So many of us treat God's will said it were a mystery to be solved, and prayer -- so many of us think -- is the key to that mystery. Darley rightly contrasts this "Religious Cycle" with the "Discipleship Cycle" (pp. 29-30). So many Christians treat our prayers as reactionary monologues to God: Something happens and we need God to act. But Darley points out that so many of the biblical narratives (the parable of the Good Samaritan, for example) are the exact opposite. Our praying should be "proactive", and our lives lived in response to God's call to loving, kind service. The Cycle of Discipleship is meant to overcome the procrastination, isolation, and pride of the Religious Cycle. Only through saying "yes" to God, in community, with humility, can our prayers become rich and full. Darley's Wasted Prayer is a beautiful little book. The problem with my praying is often wrapped up inside that cycle of religiosity. It's then that my praying becomes just another procrastination. And it's only as I've broken free of that procrastination that my intimacy with God has grown in its obedience. Prayer is such a safe inaction for some Christians. As the leader of the International Justice Mission's College Mobalization team, Greg Darley sees it often. And he provides us with the biblical alternative: Faith and prayer without works is always dead. They simply can't exist. Because discipleship is always and only about doing God's will in Jesus Christ. No vital, living faith without that doing. Which means praying can be wasted. It can keep us from obedience. Doubtless the book's title will be incidiary for some folks. But its content won't be. This is a beautiful little book about Christian living -- and I can't recommend it too much or too often. Being a disciple means acting, not just praying. __________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NIV, Celebrate Recovery Study Bible, Large Print, Paperback; Author: Zondervan; Review: The Celebrate Recovery Bible is one of those resources for which I had such high hopes. As a pastor, a number of those persons I see in pastoral counseling and pastoral care have what John Baker calls "hurts, hang-ups, and habits". Make no doubt about it, "sin is addicting", as Rick Warren says in the Foreward. It's addicting because it offers us ways of dealing with past hurts, current hang-ups, and destructive habits in ways we misleadingly think we can control. But sin ends up controlling us. Whether it's alcohol, prescription drugs, porn, body dymorphic issues -- the list is neat as endless and varied as the varieties of human living. So Christians need resources that help us maneuver, with grace and kindness, through those hurts, hang-ups and habits, in order to thrive with the abundant life Jesus has for us. Most churches, of course, turn to programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. So Baker and Warren's alternative -- Celebrate Recovery -- is a welcome response, a Christian response. And this Celebrate Recovery Bible is one of its most important resources. I was excited to see the "Eight Principles" and "Twelve Christ-Centered Steps". They add a depth and specificity to "12 Step Programs" that are explicitly Christian. The margin annotations throughout this Bible highlight all of the ways the Bible explores each of those Principles and Steps. There's a pastoral sensitivity here, that encourages reading the Bible not just for information, but for spiritual formation. For wholeness in the Body of Christ. And that wholeness is also explored through the stories of real people. The "Recovery Stories" are testimonies to the goodness of God in Christ. They're a way for the whole Church to celebrate recovery. And I think they're honestly the most powerful contributions to this resource. You'll not just find the regular "hurts, hang-ups, and habits" you'd expect (like drugs and alcohol and sex); there are others the Church rarely talks about (like eating disorders and rape). I was disappointed with the "Character Studies", though. Some of them seem forced, like the study of Mary and Martha (p. 1319). Baker psychologizes the text in ways the text itself doesn't speak. And in that way, he adds more to the powerful biblical story about the power of Jesus to confront death (in whatever its form), additions that are simply too much for a faithful, theological reading of the text. The "30 Day Devotionals" at the end offer questions to ponder. They're worth working through each month for several months. The biblical text is the 2011 revision of the New International Version. It's beautifully laid-out, in clear, readable print. I only wish it were available in formats other than a paperback. Paperback Bibles are so impractical for long-term use. In the end, The Celebrate Recovery Bible is a beautiful resource for those who struggle, and for those who live and love those who struggle. Those engaged in ministries of counsel and care especially need a copy. ___________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kidding Ourselves: The Hidden Power of Self-Deception; Author: Visit Amazon's Joseph T. Hallinan Page; Review: There's an ancient philosophical adage that says, "Know Yourself". Joseph Hallinan's Kidding Ourselves: The Hidden Power of Self-Deception explores all the ways in which that's so difficult. What Hallinan advances seems, at first, to be counter-intuitive: Far from being a defeating defect, self-deception has its benefits. It even gives us the optimistic edge over dreary realists. So there's a great deal of power, according to Hallinan, in not knowing ourselves. The power, according to the book, is found in our sense of control. Our health, success and even survival depend on maintaining that sense of control in our lives -- and bolstering the hope that comes from that powerful sense of control. Hallinan goes on to develop his thesis will a review of study after study. Written in an accessible prose, Kidding Ourselves wants to say, riding the pop psychology wave of science -- as if science has all the right answers -- that we're that much better off by "kidding ourselves". So after all the scientific evidence is in, Halliman jumps to his advice: "Believe" (pp. 19-27). Thing is, we can only take his advice consciously. And if the argument of the book is correct, only the subconscious delusions really help. And therein in the paradox of this book. If you want a review of the science behind self-deception, placebos and health, superstition, power and money in our culture, this is the book for you. But the book does little else than bolster the notion that science can solve all the questions about psychology and morality. In that way, it fails. Miserably. This is a good book for conversation starters over the dinner table. But I don't take its remedies (see pp. 203-210) seriously. Because it lacks its own scientific rigor in those same conclusions. Which is to say, it's a fun book to read. But don't delude yourself into taking Kidding Ourselves seriously. __________ I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dancing on the Head of a Pen: The Practice of a Writing Life; Author: Robert Benson; Review: In his simply beautiful, Dancing on the Head of a Pen: The Practice of a Writing Life, Robert Benson, the acclaimed writer of books on life and spirituality, sets out to answer a question often posed to writers: "Can you tell me how to write a book?" In the 12 chapters that compose this masterpiece, Benson describes his own "practice" of a "writing life". He's quick to point out the debts he owes to other writers. He's cobbled together his own practice from so many sources. He's honed his craft utilizing the tools and tricks of good reading and writing over the years. And that craft shines in the book with all the poetic intensity of a masterpiece from a master writer. Standing on the shoulders of so many good writers, he's learned how to write by "dancing on the head of a pen" -- reminiscent of the medieval thinkers who spoke of theology as dealing with such intricate questions as how many angels might dance on the head of a pin. This book is filled with the same meticulous yet artful exposition. He writes of solitude and silence, procrastination and pen and paper. He writes about the habits of writing, and not writing with a dependence upon the writing muses. And in the near-poetic language, his wisdom shines in every word. From word count goals to how much to trust to give talking to others about writing, this book is a real treat and treasure to writers. All of his wisdom is tested with time -- the time necessary to make good writers. It reminds me of other great writing wisdom from folks like Annie Dillard and Anne Lamott and Frederick Buechner. Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a practical treasure. And I can't recommend it too highly. __________ I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blessed Are the Balanced: A Seminarian's Guide to Following Jesus in the Academy; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Pettit Page; Review: In Blessed are the Balanced: A Seminarian's Guide to Following Jesus in the Academy, two faithful theologians and pastors, Paul Pettit and R. Todd Mangum, attempt to set out "a balanced approach to healthy spirituality and rigorous scholarship" (p. 9). In their view, so many students graduate seminary "with a head full of biblical and doctrinal knowledge, but with a heart that has grown cold to God" (p. 7). They rightly point out the dangerous warning signs to a seminary education that promotes such a dichotomy (pp. 15-16). Christian faith requires what philosopher Michael Polanyi called "personal knowledge": A knowledge gained by participation rather than mere observation. Hence, Pettit and Mangum highlight that genuine "Christian maturity" finds its "balance" through "consecrating" study (chapter 2). And it's here that the over-arching metaphor for Blessed are the Balanced becomes troubling. "Balance" seems to negate the call of Jesus in Luke 10.27: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'". That's one love, not four. For Christians, to separate -- even if we're "balancing" -- the intellectual love of God ("with all your mind") from the spiritual love of God ("with all your heart and soul") is a spiritually dangerous separation. It's heretical, in fact. Seeing these things as differences along a spectrum contributes to the very "spiritual dryness" the authors condemn. While their goal is to "keep academics and spirituality, study, and godliness in balance" (p. 137), there's little to make the reader understand the academic study in seminary as one way of practicing spiritual love for God. No, rather than "balancing", the intellectual love of God and the devotional love of God rightly belong together. They're different expressions of the same love for God. Of that much, nearly all of Christian history is witness. The trouble with "balance" is implicit within the earliest expression of the metaphor in the book -- the teeter-totter (pp. 18-19). Restricting the weight of one or the other (mind vs. heart) creates a theological impasse that Jesus himself never envisioned. In that way, this book promotes the cultural distinctions of head knowledge vs. heart knowledge vs. hand knowledge. "Christian maturity" for these authors is a matter of the heart: "(a) putting away childish things and becoming an adult in Christ, (b) partnering with the Holy Spirit to produce good fruit, and (c) walking in the light of God's truths" (p. 21). "Higher education", then, is a matter of the mind. And while the authors proceed, in chapter 3, to provide a beautifully simply survey of the various spiritual and intellectual practices necessary for seminary students, they still reflect that unbiblical division. Still, this little books has some compelling arguments to make. I thoroughly agree that individualism contributes to so much pride among seminary students, that the Church rightly has a much more essential role to play in theological education, that friendships and accountability are essential for seminary students. In all, though, Blessed are the Balanced is; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Beautiful Defeat: Find True Freedom and Purpose in Total Surrender to God; Author: Kevin Malarkey; Review: In A Beautiful Defeat: Find True Freedom and Purpose in Total Surrender to God, Kevin Malarkey sets out on his "pilgrimage" to highlight a simple truth -- that the most difficult struggles of our lives become the very points at which God delivers us. Delivers us from a deadly love of ourselves, our world, and the very powers that control us and it. He begins that pilgrimage with a confession most of us Christians are reluctant to make: Our lives are a struggle. And along the way, he highlights 10 markers for the journey, along with accompanying "action steps" and prayers for each marker. In Part I, "A Call for Authenticity", Malarkey looks at all the "dirty little secrets" of our lives, the very sources of our struggles and how we Christians are called to live "with" our struggles, not from them. Part II outlines Jesus' "Call for Surrender". In it, Malarkey talks about the beginning of our "mission" in dying to self, our need for others in the Church, how to live faithfully on that mission and the traps to anticipate. There's no doubt that Malarkey's Beautiful Defeat is meant to stir his brothers and sisters to faithful discipleship. And for that we owe him a great debt. I was, however, troubled with some of his language. His overwhelming reliance upon a literal Satan as God's opposing force nearly lands him with a dualism that troubles me. And his literal treatment of Paul's language of "flesh" almost makes me worry about a gnostic strain in his biblical reading. So there's a need for caution with this little book. He does, though, relate such nitty-gritty truths in real-life stories that we shouldn't so easily dismiss A Beautiful Defeat. There's a relateability in its pages. Surrender to God in Christ really is messy. Honesty about our struggles really is necessary in the Church. Dying daily, as part of that "team" we call Church, is the heart of Jesus' message. We should expect "push back" from a world that rejected Jesus to the point of pushing him out of the world on a Cross. Malarkey may not be a pastor (he's a trained psychotherapist and author), but he's given us a pastoral word. The best thing we can do is learn from those who've gone before us. In sum, this is a good, honest book -- even if it's troublesome in places. It's easy enough to read; I read it in one sitting. __________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Feasting on the Gospels--Matthew, Volume 2: A Feasting on the Word Commentary; Author: Cynthia A. Jarvis; Review: Feasting on the Gospels: Matthew, Volume 2 (Chapters 14-28) is part of Westminster Press's "Feasting on the Word" Series. The original series has been a refreshing help for liturgical planning and preaching, bringing together solid theological scholarship with spiritual depth. Now under the general editorship of Cynthia Jarvis and E. Elizabeth Johnson, this volume brings together a wealth of ecumenical biblical scholars. Whereas the original "Feasting" series focused on lectionary texts for preaching, this volume (and the others to follow) organize old material to resemble more a traditional commentary, while also including new material. Each pericope is analyzed through four different, though interrelated, interpretive lenses: Theological, Pastoral, Exegetical, and Homiletical Perspectives. The theological perspective looks at this particular pericope's place within the larger biblical narrative, how the passage both shapes and is shaped by theology and ethics. It's this perspective I find the most intriguing of the four. It models theological hermeneutics at its best. The pastoral perspective analyzes how the particular pericope connects to the Church's ministry in the world. These essays are unique among biblical commentaries and present lots of material that might be used for working with and training congregational lay leadership. The exegetical perspective most resembles traditional commentary material. Pastors will probably find other commentaries more useful. These essays lack the depth of exegetical comment that I find in other commentaries. And, finally, the homiletical perspective offers reflections of the particular pericope's themes for preaching. These essays are good springboards for thinking about preaching the text, though it's hard for their brevity to compete with other available resources. I'm still drawn to the Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Preaching and Teaching published by John Knox from 1982 to 2005. Or the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible put out by Brazos. Each of the four perspectives, though, when combined, offer a rich diversity of conversation for pastoral study, work and devotion. Each entry is written by a different pastor-scholar. So there's enough diversity to honor the literary diversity of the text as well as the theological diversity of the Church. The final result is a multi-layered, in-depth commentary on the latter 15 chapters of Matthew's Gospel that is without peer. The number of angles from which to view a text give a rich kaleidoscope of theological and spiritual readings. I'm excited for this next step in the "Feasting on the Word" series. I'll use this commentary not just in my preaching, but also in my devotions. Good thinking and good preaching belong together. There's no better place for the wise interaction of both than Feasting on the Gospels. _______________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Organic Mentoring: A Mentor’s Guide to Relationships with Next Generation Women; Author: Sue Edwards; Review: Organic Mentoring: A Mentor's Guide to Relationships with Next Generation Women is a true gift to the Church's ministries of discipleship and spiritual growth. In it, Sue Edwards and Barbara Neumann, both professors of educational ministry and leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary, give us not only a faithful diagnosis of the crisis in mentoring relationships in the Church, but also a faithful vision and tools for those relationships into the future. Part I, "Why Something New?", lays the theoretical groundwork for understanding why there's a crisis (our methods are outdated), by investigating in detail who this crisis involves (postmoderns). While their research is particularly geared toward mentoring and discipleship with women, I find it largely true and applicable to men as well. The notion of "organic" mentoring initially seemed rather odd. As a spiritual director, I spend a great deal of time talking about intentionality in the Christian life. So the notion of allowing mentoring and discipleship ministries that happen "naturally" or "natively" seems odd. Like it dismisses that intentionality. But churches that create a culture of discipleship, in which mentoring is a way of life, will find growth in spiritual lives. Part II contains practical wisdom on developing such a culture. Everyone needs a mentor, but formal programs are a thing of the past. Instead, Edwards and Neumann offer this "New Approach" as a way of honoring the vision of Titus 2.3-5. So the Appendices all have very useful tools for mentors and churches. Those tools and tips alone make this a book I'd purchase and use often -- whether with women or men. Organic Mentoring is a real gem. Every church library, every pastor, every educational minister, every spiritual director needs a copy on the shelf. ________ Kregel Ministry Books provided a free copy of this book for an honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eight Twenty Eight: When Love Didn't Give Up; Author: Larissa Murphy; Review: Eight Twenty Eight: When Love Didn't Give Up is a story about God's miraculous love of Ian and Larissa Murphy. It's a story of their relationship, sustained by God's patient and persistent love, through tragedy and into a Christian marriage. In that way, it's a miraculous story, because in every sentence, there's a whisper, then a word, then a celebration shout that always speaks of that persistent love in Jesus Christ. The back cover poses the questions that sustained me as I read: "What if that thing you really feared happened? Would the joy you hold pop? Or would you experience love and joy deeper than you can imagine?" As a newly-married man, I kept think of my life with Kendra. Because this is a love story as love stories are meant to be lived by Christians. It's a love story that constantly and consistently points to Christ as its foundation, and extols a happiness deeper than any horrible circumstance. The book begins in 2005, when Ian and Larissa met at college. It recounts their courtship, then recounts how that courtship nearly crashed with Ian's automobile accident. After they'd begun talking about marriage, with a future mapping itself out, Ian's brain injury seemed to change their hopes. The book, mostly Larissa's own reflections -- since she's the locus of memory for their life together -- tells of life before and after tragedy. It's a book filled with prayers and a cautious, loving hope. And in that way is one of the best love stories I've ever read. But, make no doubt about it, this book is a challenge to all the comfortable aphorisms about romance in our culture. Because, as any good romance for Christians ought to be, this book is a witness to God's love in us, a love that will never give up. Tragedy. And hope. This book has both. Because this book is a story about that love of and for God that works all things toward the good (Romans 8.28). For that reason I can't recommend this book too highly! Buy it, read it, share it. _______________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, B&H Books, for my honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Love Dare; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Kendrick Page; Review: In the tradition of their 2008 Love Dare, Stephen and Alex Kendrick offer a 40 day series of meditations in The Love Dare for Parents that are uniquely devoted to practices that promote Christian love between parents and children. As a pastor, one of the special gifts and vocational joys of serving the church are our children. Having the heart of God for the church's children, teaching and modeling the skills, practices and goals of sacred parenting is something I'm often called upon for wisdom and advice. The Love Dare for Parents is a good place for parents to begin. The meditations are based around Malachi 4.6a: "(God) will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents". As a pastor, this encapsulates precisely what it means when I think of having God's heart for our children. Whether our relationships need repairing; whether our children are in preschool or college -- this is a book filled with spiritual practices for every Christian parent. The 40 day "dares" keep their focus on being Christ, on being agents of reconciliation and hope, to our children. Each day includes a scripture for meditation; a biblical principle for parenting; a specific challenge; and a place to journal. The book also includes access to a free online quiz to assess our parenting before we begin. Christian parenting is built around the virtues of patience and hope. And these practices will help mothers and fathers grow in both. The Love Dare for Parents is an invaluable resource. Church groups, parenting classes, Mothers' Day Out programs -- all will find this a book to gift to parents. And individual families will find their lives, and the lives of their children, enriched by it. I only wish the meditation on spanking at the end had drawn a more biblical line between discipline and punishment. Spanking is a form of punishment; it's reactionary. It deals with breaking a rule. Real discipline, though, takes a longer view of parenting. Discipline is concerned with character, not rules. Hence, discipline is loving. Punishment isn't. But still: Every Christian parent needs a copy of The Love Dare for Parents. _______________ I received a free copy of this book from B&H Books in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Enough: 10 Things We Should Tell Teenage Girls; Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Conner Page; Review: Kate Conner's Enough: 10 Things We Should Be Telling Teenage Girls is a book I wish I'd written years ago. It contains a pastoral wisdom that will guide parents -- and the whole Church -- to care for our teenage daughters. My wife and I do not have children. But a good deal of our respective ministries -- hers in residential care and mine in classrooms and congregations -- demand we're familiar with the sorts of wisdom Conner shares here. Enough is by an author already known for her work in churches, for her writing in a blog for years, where the kernel of this book first appeared. Her 2012 post, "10 Things I Want to Tell Teenage Girls", got a million views in just a week. I shared it in my Facebook feed at the time. This book is addressed to adults. There's a companion for teens, 10 Things for Teen Girls: You are Beautiful. You are Valuable. You are Enough. But in Enough she breaks down those original ideas into a chapter-length treatment. Her writing is easily accessible, even hilariously truthful. She speaks in a clear language, so you'll "get it". From Facebook statuses, to why caring what people think about you isn't weakness, to why The Bachelor is bad television. She's certainly not afraid of being truthful. For example, "Facebook doesn't cause drama, people cause drama. Facebook doesn't isolate you, you isolate you. Twitter doesn't waste your time, you waste your time. Twitter doesn't make anyone narcissistic, it gives people an outlet for displaying their previously existing narcissism" (pp. 51-52). What most impressed me, was the way she balanced her practical, pastoral wisdom with a deep respect for and handling of Scripture. She's doing more than prof-texting, though. She's modeling for our daughters how to turn to the wealth of Scripture for real-life. In complete honesty, Chapter 10 ("Enough") is worth the price of the book. Even if you skip the rest, this message must be heard in our culture more than any other: "We are tired, short-tempered, pimpled, anxious, selfish, envious, insecure, gossipy, frizzy-haired, prickly-legged creatures. We can never believe ourselves perfect -- but maybe, just maybe, if someone tells us often enough, if someone loves us steadfastly enough, we could dare to believe that we are enough" (p. 191). How many times I've heard women and teenage girls say this in counseling! It's Conner's sentence I've uttered so many times: "We are enough because God declares it so. This is the great scandal of the gospel". Wow. And yes! I love this book for the truth it tells to and about our teenage girls. "Modesty is about choosing clothes that intentionally communicate what you want the world to know about yourself" (p. 13). "Just because a thing is true, doesn't mean it's necessary. Not all truths are kind or loving or anybody's business" (p. 89). "Smoking is not cool" (p. 135). "The opinions of friends matter for one big, gigantic reason: relationships matter" (p. 149). "Love people well -- and know that in doing so, there is; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Blessed Church: The Simple Secret to Growing the Church You Love; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Morris Page; Review: Church Growth literature is a curious genre to me. Robert Morris' Blessed Church: The Simple Secret to Growing the Church You Love is another curious book in that genre. I say "curious" because even Morris' title is strange. Jesus and the earliest Christians were quite clear about the Church and its growth. The dual goals -- discipling and witnessing -- were the evidences of growth. It's no "secret". Gathering, worshipping, sending in mission -- those are the acts of growth. In the twenty-first century, though, things are far from clear. We struggle to articulate what "purpose-driven" and "blessed" churches look like. So enter Robert Morris. Morris started Gateway Church in 2000 and, according the book, boasts 24,000 active members. So what's his "secret" of such growth over 14 years? The answer is unclear to me, even after reading Blessed Church. His stated goal was to explore the "why" of growing a church, not the "how". From the earliest out working of vision to the structure of church governance, one questioned still nagged in my mind: Are you accomplishing here what he started out to do? Because, in the end, the church Morris envisions is a church that resembles every mega-church in America. He reiterates the slogan several times that's so prevalent in modern Church Growth Movement circles: "Healthy things growth". In the end, though, that slogan can't stack up to the evidence of the New Testament. Whose growth? Well, in Morris' case, that growth is largely entrepreneurial. Of course, the Church will growth, but not always statistically or numerically. Because healthy growth isn't constant growth in an exponential sense. Otherwise, such growth is cancerous. But it's the egoism of the pastor that Morris promotes that most freightens me. "We believe the senior pastor should be the uncontested leader of the church on a daily basis" (p. 153). That's a dangerous precedent in light of the biblical and traditional pastoral office. When I finished reading The Blessed Church, I had to push it to the side and take a deep breath and pray. Because the muddled mess of Church Growth in these pages is ultimately disasterous for the Church. We lose sight of God's vision of reconciliation in and through the Church if we follow this "secret" way. The culture we reproduce in the Church will hardly look anything more than a modern American culture. To illustrate this muddled thinking: Morris says the church should be led by unanimous consent of pastor and elders but then says the senior pastor is the uncontested leader. But which is it? Again and again, the bad theology, the false humility -- both undermine the central aim of the book. Because the Church isn't so much beloved of God, but built in our image: "the church you love". If you're looking for a good Church Growth book, look elsewhere. This one isn't it. _____________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Jesus Code; Author: Visit Amazon's O. S. Hawkins Page; Review: OS Hawkins is the president and chief executive officer of Guidestone Financial Resources and is popularly known for his book The Joshua Code, which is a devotional similar in style to this sequel, The Jesus Code. The Jesus Code is a collection of 52 in-depth devotions that deal with biblical questions every Christian should ask and with which they should struggle. According to Hawkins, The Jesus Code grows out of a pastoral concern: "We have reached a dangerous point in our spiritual journey when we feel that we have all the answers and we stop asking questions" (p. 2). And I think he's right. The 52 questions that compose this devotional then have chapter-length treatments. While I disagree with some of his answers, the process of asking these particular biblical questions, and struggling through how we each respond, is a much-neglected spiritual discipline that's met with a quality resource here. Oftentimes devotionals barely scratch the surface, with maybe a paragraph or two treatment. Not The Jesus Code. It's Hawkins ability to cut through spiritual pretense to provide that weight and content that I most love about his writing. And he doesn't tackle just the easy questions. Why does God allow suffering? How do we overcome temptation? How do we discern God's will? Those tough questions we ask every day find treatment here. Questions that span both testaments, thereby providing a good overview of the Bible itself for new Christians. While his responses provide spiritual depth and insight, I was left wanting more. There are biblical questions he doesn't answer; hence his hint for a Jesus Code II. But I also think a "recommended reading" list at the end of this book might provide more guidance for the inquirer. ______________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: NIV, College Devotional Bible, Hardcover; Author: Visit Amazon's Christopher D. Hudson Page; Review: The NIV College Devotional Bible is a study devotional Bible meant for use. It's filled with over 200 devotionals, particularly geared for 17-24 year olds who struggle to find their own voice, giving feet to their own faith, in a way that's biblically grounded. Those devotionals are well written and many focus on real lives of real people with a real faith. For example, accompanying the story of Jesus cleansing the temple, we're introduced to righteous anger and Florence Nightingale. Nightingale is remembered for her nursing work in the Crimean War, how her righteous anger led for her to care for the wounded and dying. As a college professor and minister, I think this Bible blends those biblical stories with real life parables in a way that will appeal to college students. For folks who long to find their place in the world, the NIV College Devotional Bible is a real gift. This Bible doesn't weigh itself down with unnecessary study notes, either. It opens the text for students in a meaningful way. The hardcover volume is particularly geared to withstand the four years of use. This is a devotional Bible every first-year college student needs. ________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rare Bird: A Memoir of Loss and Love; Author: Visit Amazon's Anna Whiston-Donaldson Page; Review: At one level Anna Whiston-Donaldson's memoir Rare Bird describes one family's grief and loss of a son and brother, Jack, to a flash flood. At another level, this is a story of a divine love that will not lose this family and leave them in grief. It is a story of hope. It is a story of our lives enlivened by the Spirit's truth: With God, all things are possible. The first few chapters drew me into the story. I knew Jack was dead. But Anna's writing is so vivid and laced with expectation, that she builds to the heart-wrenching episode slowly enough. Like a master spiritual guide, she knows such grief takes time to hear. As I moved through the chapters, I was drawn into this family's grief in a personal way. But I was also drawn into their faith in a God who works through grief to hope. Because, ultimately, Anna and Tim and Margaret's story cannot be told without telling the story of that hope. It was experiencing God's grace in their struggles and in their strength that made reading this book a joy. The good news of Rare Bird is this: No matter the grief, God has not left us alone. We are strong in God because, with God, nothing is impossible. True, this is a memoir of loss. But it is so much more. It is a memoir of love. ______________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crap Taxidermy; Author: Visit Amazon's Kat Su Page; Review: Kat Su's Crap Taxidermy is, undoubtedly, an odd book for me to read, much less review. It seems out-of-character in so many ways, particularly for a blog devoted to cultural criticism, theology, ethics and biblical interpretation. So, indulge me a bit of explanation. I first encountered the tumblr, "Crap Taxidermy", through my wife and her twitter feed. I was intrigued. But I was also simultaneously repulsed. The book, which is an extension of Kat Su's tumblr page, grows out of her own fascination with taxidermy. After moving into her apartment in 2003, Su went in search of taxidermy to decorate. What she found was a world of the beautiful and the ugly. Which is, oddly, the very thing that drew me to this book. I spend my life as a theologian, pointing toward ugliness and insisting that it's only within that ugliness that we catch glimpses of God and God's love for the world. Su's book is yet another of those ways in which, I think, we can come to embrace "the ugly" as beauty. Ugly is itself a theological category. Just think the Cross. There are four interrelated categories I'd use to describe each of the pieces in Crap Taxidermy: 1. Being flawed, misshapen, asymmetrical; 2. Revolting, disgusting, aversive; 3. God-forsaken, God-abandoned; and, 4. Alien, Other, strange. Because I think Su points toward separating a category -- evil -- that we too often collapse into ugly (or, to use her word, "crap"). Which Su rightly hints is a category mistake. This is a book that'll be a point of shared laughter -- and disgust -- at parties. It's a fun book. But it's also, in the hands of a theologian like me, a book for making important theological distinctions about "crap" and evil. ______________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: NIV, First-Century Study Bible, Leathersoft, Brown/Pink: Explore Scripture in Its Jewish and Early Christian Context; Author: Zondervan; Review: Kent Dobson's NIV First Century Study Bible isn't simply another study Bible in the long line of recent study Bibles. This is in a class of its own. The focus, of course, is much like the older Archaeology Study Bible, but the features of this study Bible far surpass those of any predecessors. What we find here are word studies, articles on historical contexts, and invaluable study notes that open a wealth of material on understanding the biblical text. Whereas any number of contemporary study Bibles and commentaries focus on contemporary exegetical and hermeneutical methods, this study Bible meets a need for students and pastors and church school teachers. Each of the notes and biblical book introductions are well-written and packed with a wealth of information that is simultaneously accessible to anyone willing to take the time for study. This resource is rich on historical context and quotes more ancient texts than modern authors. I particularly was excited how this study Bible brings together material under one hard-bound cover that would otherwise require an entire theological library. This one has a place on my shelf and will be a study Bible I return to everyday! _____________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Modern Grammar for Biblical Hebrew; Author: Visit Amazon's Duane A. Garrett Page; Review: 12 September 2014 modern grammar for biblical hebrew -- a book review One of the nearly perpetual problems I face in teaching, and as a pastor, is finding good introductory biblical Hebrew grammars. Having taught Hebrew three times, I've used a different grammar each time. As a student, it was the old Yates-Owens grammar with which I cut my own teeth. I've used Paige Kelley's grammar, but his discussion of "rules" always uses confusing examples. And Seow's grammar is better as a reference. Then, of course, there's the quite-popular Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar by Pratico. But Garrett and DeRouchie's grammar may just be the grammar I've been looking for. A Modern Grammar for Biblical Hebrew is designed for a standard two-semester introduction. The presentation makes good use of charts and graphics to point out the parts of words. And the Hebrew font is clean and large enough for easy reading. They take really good care to explain the basics in orthography and writing. And their treatment of vowels is nearly unparalleled in introductory texts. The Glossery is especially useful for beginning students (especially self-studies folks). I only wish more examples were taken from the biblical text earlier in the book. In all, though, this is probably the best grammar in the spate of recent grammars I've seen. I'm sure to use it often, in my own translation work and in classrooms. _____________ B&H Academic Books provided a free copy of this book for my honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Essentials of New Testament Greek; Author: Visit Amazon's Ray Summers Page; Review: I began my study of New Testament Greek as a personal interest in high school. My guide was Ray Summers' Essentials of New Testament Greek. That study continued in college with the same text. That's because Summers' introduction was a classic text, in the tradition of AT Robertson's Greek language studies a generation before. But I was unaware of a revision, by Thomas Sawyer, of this classic. I've taught Greek several times, and feared Summers' text would be inadequate for a modern audience. This revision quietens my fears. Now, we have a time-honored classic for contemporary learners. The Greek font is larger in this revision, hence it's easier to read. Students are given a step-by-step guide in acquiring Greek reading skills. The appendices help by providing complete paradigms. Even the fold-out verb chart has been revised, making it easier to read and use. The high-frequency vocabulary list presents every word from the New Testament used 50 times or more. And nearly every example is taken from the Greek New Testament. While other grammars might be better suited for self-learning (Elements of New Testament Greek by Jeremy Duff comes immediately to mind), the things that most concerned me about the original 1950 Essentials of New Testament Greek have been addressed here. So Duff has a new contender. _____________ B&H Academic Books provided a free copy of this book for my honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hitler's Cross: How the Cross Was Used to Promote the Nazi Agenda; Author: Visit Amazon's Erwin W. Lutzer Page; Review: Erwin Lutzer's Hitler's Cross: How the Cross was Used to Promote the Nazi Agenda was a book I was excited to read. As a Bonhoeffer scholar, I'm always excited to see critical historical and theological analyses how how Nazi Germany arose, in its context, and perverted the Christian faith for its own nationalistic ends. And its that excitement that wasn't disappointed with Lutzer's work. Given the tragic solemnity of that historical context, most folks are unaware of the "Christian" roots of antisemitism and racial purity that pervaded in Nazi Germany. Nor are they aware of the "Confessing Church's" attempts to defy that perversion. And Lutzer's account, while just a surface account, is a good introduction. I wish he'd have given a deeper analysis of 1930s Germany. There are larger parallels to draw than the ones he outlines. So this isn't an intellectually robust book. But it's an excellent introduction. Hitler's Cross glosses over so much. But it also offers a good introduction to the faithful alternative, embodied in the lives of pastors like Dietrich Boenhoeffer and Martin Neimoller. I wish Lutzer would have been bolder in his call to live faithful lives like these. He missed that opportunity in so many places. Perhaps the biggest frustration, though, was the way Lutzer foisted a premillennialism into the theological narrative. There are so many other, deeply theological alternatives with reading the biblical head. I was left scratching my head at so many points. In all, I'm conflicted. I love parts of Hitler's Cross. But I'm infuriated by other parts. This is a book you'll just have to read for yourself. ___________ I was given a free copy of this book by Moody Press for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Cross-Shaped Gospel: Reconciling Heaven and Earth; Author: Bryan Loritts; Review: This is a profound little book that challenges us to reunite two cords often untangled in our polarized culture: Relationship with God and others. Bryan Lorttis' engaging reflections seek to "reconcile heaven and earth" for churches and pastors by asking an essential question: What is the Gospel? And his response? Look at Jesus on the cross. Lorttis blends a pastoral heart with a deep theological exposition of Scripture that looks at the implications of living a gospel centered life. And it's both a treat and a challenge to read. The book uses the imagery of the cross beams take a hard look at the horizontal and vertical implications of living out a gospel centered life. And he touches on things like race and economics in the process, exposing American idolatries in good prophetic fashion. Every church -- and every pastor of every church -- deserves to read this book. It's vision of the Kingdom and of Kingdom work is breath-taking. But it's also life-giving. _____________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers for this honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Feasts: How the Church Year Forms Us as Catholics; Author: Cardinal Donald Wuerl; Review: We humans mark our days and years in social ways. In families, we celebrate those big events that help us name who we are. Christians do the same. Those celebrations we mark on a shared calendar called the Church Year. Days and seasons that remember special events and special people who teach us special truths. And while it's easy in our busy culture to allow that cultural calendar to crowd out this Christian calendar, The Feasts by Donald Wuerl and Mike Aquilina helps to remind us why that's a bad thing. This book is a celebration of its own. It's a primer in how we Christians cultivate joy and thanksgiving. How we structure our days and years around Jesus. The feasts are, as they say in the Introduction, those "moments we mark off as sacred". And they explain in convincing ways why we need those celebrations. What so impressed me about The Feasts is that it doesn't just trade in sentimental generalities, either. It gets specific. Perhaps the most beautiful treatments about Trinity Sunday and All Saints'. They share the history and traditions, inviting readers to grow and reflect on our faith and spiritual practice. ___________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Move On: When Mercy Meets Your Mess; Author: Visit Amazon's Vicki Courtney Page; Review: Vicki Courtney's Move On: When Mercy Meets Your Mess is a book filled with the counter-cultural wisdom of Jesus' Gospel. In it, she repudiates a common dictum with some hard-hitting pastoral wisdom: Being yourself is some of the worst spiritual advice you can heed. Instead, Courtney says, remain true to God and God's will for your life. By page 14, I was hooked. Move On is a beautifully simple little book. Her conversational style meant that I kept turning pages in one sitting. And the deep spiritual wisdom here is refreshing. It was her treatment on legalism in Christianity that most stumped me, though. Chapter four lacks all the humility I'd expect when dealing with this pastorally-sensitive issue. While I think she's right -- that legalism is the primary problem with lots of our sisters and brothers -- she borders on so Christian snobbery, judgmentalism and legalism in her condemnations. So the middle of the book sat a bit heavy on my heart. But fortunately she didn't end there. Because over and over again, she points to the God who woos us, loves us, in Jesus. Even in the midst of our own messy, struggling lives. Her call to be honest about that messiness is refreshing. And absolutely essential. In all, while there were some disappointments, this book is a needed breath of fresh air for the Spirit to breath in our lives. And I know lots of us will find our lives revived in reading Move On. ____________________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: HCSB Minister's Bible, Black LeatherTouch; Author: Holman Bible Staff; Review: The Holman Christian Standard Minister's Bible is a beautiful resource for ministers in their preaching and in situations of pastoral care. The binding is durable for use, but lays flat when on a pulpit. The Bible itself has simple print and gives a classic appearance. It comes with two ribbon markers that make preaching from multiple texts, or for devotions, easier. The text itself is a single column, with larger font for reading. And the leather binding will offer a lifetime durability. I particularly love the wide margins that enable note-taking. And the pages are think enough so as not to bleed ink through or show highlighting. This feature is perhaps the most useful for preachers. The "Additional Material" at the end -- particularly the funeral sermons -- was a disappointment. More Scripture suggestions and prayers would be a much better substitute. But the material for pastoral care ("Where to Turn") and for weddings is a great resource. I recommend this as a great Bible for preaching and for pastoral work. But it's not reliable for study; I still turn to my Oxford Annotated Bible there. The cover and binding make The HCS Minister's Bible particularly durable for long-term use. And it's a good resource for ministers who are struggling for a funeral sermon, even if its other resources for funerals are minimal. So overall I think it's definitely worth the investment. ______________ B&H Publishers provided a free copy of this book for my honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference; Author: Visit Amazon's Thom S. Rainer Page; Review: Thom Rainer's I am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference is a beautiful little book. It's deceptively simple, too. Sure you can read it in an hour or so, but if you absorb it, this book will challenge you. At its heart is a vision of what church membership is and why it matters so much. There are plenty of books that help us understand what it means to be a pastor. Rainer helps us understand what it means to be a member, drawing on deep biblical themes in a rare little book that every pastor, and every member, needs to read. Rainer begins by highlighting the demise of churches, and pinpoints why he thinks that demise is happening: "I am suggesting that congregations across America are weak because many of us church members have lost the Biblical understanding of what it means to be a part of the body of Christ" (p. 5). We treat church membership more like country club memberships, with "privileges and perks". Instead, Rainer demands, God "placed us in churches to serve, to care for others, to pray for leaders, to learn, to teach, to give and in some cases to die for the sake of the Gospel" (p. 6). Biblical church member involves six steps (each of the remaining six chapters) that require real commitment: 1. I will be a functioning church member. 2. I will be a unifying church member. 3. I will not let my church be about my preferences and desires. 4. I will pray for my church leaders. 5. I will lead my family to be healthy church members. 6. I will treasure my church membership as a gift. Each chapter includes questions for study and a pledge or commitment that church members can sign. I am a Church Member is a great book for "new member" classes and for all members. It's a real resource for pastors. Don't miss having this treat on your shelves. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sermon On The Mount: Restoring Christ's Message to the Modern Church (Nac Studies in Bible & Theology); Author: Visit Amazon's Charles L Quarles Page; Review: One of the undergraduate seminars I most enjoy teaching is my "Theological Exegesis of the Sermon on the Mount". But I have been searching for some time for a single text that models what that art and task looks like for some time. With Charles Quarles' Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ's Message for the Modern Church, that search has found a true gem. Quarles begins with a discussion of the importance of the Sermon on the Mount (SM) among early Christians. Quarles rightly points out that the SM was among some of the most discussed texts in the early Fathers. He also rightly blends an informed academic discussion with quality devotional reflections. Sermon on the Mount is theological exegesis at its best. He intends this text to be used by pastors, and so writes with a pastoral heart -- thereby "restoring Christ's message to the modern Church". It's a welcoming and helpful text, the usefulness for preaching is quite obvious from the opening comments on Matthew 5 and continue throughout. I particularly enjoyed his discussion of the history of the SM's interpretation. This unit in my seminar has always floundered for a quality survey. Quarles does a masterful job here. And reaches the same "realized eschaological" conclusion that I emphasize. After his initial comments that place the SM in its Matthean and larger canonical contexts, the heart of the book are his exegetical comments. He avoids technical jargon, but still writes with a depth and with such specificity that make this book a quality contribution to SM studies. All of his pastoral insights are borne out of meticulous, intentional scholarly thought. And thereby model for students and pastors what good theological exegesis can be. While I disagree with some of his conclusions, those conclusions are always judiciously and spiritually argued. This is a book for every educated layperson and pastor. _____________ I received a free copy of this book from B&H Academic Publishers for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Score Project: Uncovering the Secrets of the SAT; Author: Visit Amazon's Debbie Stier Page; Review: As a college professor, I care deeply about the preparation students make for college. So I am often asked to provide advice to upcoming high school students about what they should do to prepare for college. One of the big concerns, nearly without exception, is how to score big on the college entrance exams like the SAT. Here's a book for parents and students that offer that advice. Debbie Stier had two teenagers heading to college. So she did all she could to help them prepare. Including taking the SAT herself, seven times in one year! In this upbeat, amusing and highly informative book, we learn from the author's mistakes and applaud her triumphs. She discovered that nothing beats the daily grind -- forget the cramming and flash studying. Instead, begin and the foundational levels in math and grammar and vocabulary, and work at it regularly. Also, she offers particular advice for how to learn to write quality essays for the SAT writing section. What I most enjoyed was Stier's advice on honing the ability to tackle issues related to test taking anxieties in various forms. All the study dos and don'ts are clustered in shaded text boxes throughout the book, making the reader's study plan that much simpler. What Stier discovered in her test year about preparing for the SAT can be of great benefit to any teen, or parent of a teen, heading to college. This is a great book that belongs on every parent, every teacher, every guidance counselor's shelves. ________________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: The Blood Cell; Author: Visit Amazon's James Goss Page; Review: James Goss is no stranger to Doctor Who novelizations. So I was excited to give The Blood Cell a read. The third in recent Twelfth Doctor novels, this one is more like the Doctor Who lite stories of the First Doctor. The focus here is on The Governor of The Prison, a story told from his perspective. And Prisoner 428 -- the Doctor -- gives him enough to worry about. He's impatient, intimidating, prone to arguing, and heroic. In short, he's everything we're getting accustomed to seeing in Peter Capaldi. With his frequent attempts to escape, Prisoner 428 keeps gathering information as only the Doctor can do. And the novel slowly builds its plot. We're introduced to a story that has readers asking all sorts of questions -- reminiscent to me of Ten's Blink. Which makes it a good story. Not great, but good. Because, in following the plot line out, it gets convoluted. The Blood Cell is a fun read. But in the whole canon of Doctor stories, it could be better.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sacred Year: Mapping the Soulscape of Spiritual Practice -- How Contemplating Apples, Living in a; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Yankoski Page; Review: Michael Yankoski's Sacred Year in the spiritual life book of 2014! This is the book every Christian absolutely must read -- especially if you're looking to deepen your life in Christ. Developed around a framework of "divine practices", Yankoski weaves a story of anecdotes about ancient yet absolutely vital practices that contain some of the most practical spiritual wisdom I've read in a long while. Make no doubt about it, reading the book is hearing his story, but his story ultimately unfolds lessons about what life in and with God must be for Christians. In that way, The Sacred Year is a parable of the Christian life. What I most loved about this book was Yankoski's ability to challenge my own spiritual life with honesty and humility. For example, The Sacred Year in a number of places has challenged my growing discontentment with our world's busy-ness. As a minister, I find myself pushing the boundaries of what it means to be fully available at work and at home -- some people find this astonishing because I am doing "God's work". But Yankoski's book asks us if doing more actually makes us more blessed, if we're not confusing what we do with who we are. From simple tasks like baking bread to the ancient discipline of lectio divina, The Sacred Year has been a challenge for me in all the best ways. Because it asks me to look again at my sacred calling and slow down. Having already read this book for a review, I must admit: I'd buy it myself. But I'll also certainly recommend it to anyone who wants this spiritual challenge. The Sacred Year is the book on the spiritual life for 2014. And for probably years to come. In fact, I'm certain it's to be a modern Christian classic. _____________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Made in the U.S.A.: The Sex Trafficking of America's Children; Author: Visit Amazon's Alisa Jordheim Page; Review: Sex trafficking is one of the most under-addressed problems in America; and precisely because we know so little about it, we do even less. I realized this some years ago when a former student made sex trafficking her semester research and service learning project. As a pastor, after that semester, I knew something needed to be said and done by the Church. But where to turn, who could guide us? Enter Alisa Jordheim. Her masterful book Made in the USA: The Sex Trafficking of America's Children is a clarion call from someone with a genuine prophet's voice. Each chapter opens with statistics. But those statistics take a real form in the stories that follow. And each closes with particular advice. Each of those chapters addresses unique perspectives of all the ways sex trafficking happens in America. Loverboy Syndrome. Familial Trafficking. Survival Sex and Male Exploitation. Kidnapping. But it's the final chapters that offer the most wisdom for that doing something that is the prophetic call of justice. All of which makes Made in the USA a gift for the Church. It opens up a conversation of what it means to be Jesus' community of understanding and hope that is the very heart of the gospel. And though the content is often quite explicit, turning a blind eye means refusing to see Jesus in the imprisoned and suffering. In the lives of these kids. If you want to be that community of prophetic action, read and live out this book! ______________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Against All Odds: A Miracle Journey of Recovery and Success; Author: Joe Tarasuk; Review: Joe Tarasuk's Against All Odds: A Miracle Journey of Recovery and Success is the best an autobiography can be -- to tell his story is to tell the story of God with him. In it, Tarasuk recounts his journey from being a cocaine addict who also deals, to his time in a cult, to his spiritual journey toward Jesus. It's a compelling story that peers into the darkness of our human hearts and how that darkness overwhelms lives in the world. It's also a fascinating story that talks about deliverance from bondage -- both literal and figurative -- for himself and his wife. What makes Against All Odds a page-turner is Tarasuk's honesty. He rightly portrays the Christian life as a journey, which sometimes crawls and sometimes meanders. But the journey is always toward and in and with Christ. As the book closes, the sense of that journey becomes an anticipation for the future of his ministry with the least, the lost, the forgotten, the enslaved, and the imprisioned. His is a real life, even a struggle. But Against All Odds is the story of a real life. Because it's a story of a life with Jesus. And that makes all the difference in the world. _______________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Healing Troubled Hearts: through exchanges with the Master; Author: Visit Amazon's William J. Day Page; Review: Healing Troubled Hearts through Exchanges with the Master by William Day is part spiritual autobiography and part spiritual direction for growth. It is a book for which I had such high hopes. But, in the end, it's also a book that lacked enough genuine spiritual depth to be one I found compelling. There's no doubt Dr Day's credentials are staggering. There's no doubt his spiritual autobiography in Part I is riveting. It kept me turning pages just to see the contours of his journey with the Master Jesus. But it's hard to know the real goal of his book. From Parts II and III, I was left looking for more than the Charismatic-Evangelical perspective that dismisses the depth of spiritual wisdom from the liturgy and from the monastics. Chapters 12-22 lay out his vision for a Christian counseling program, but that vision bears so little resemblance to the depth and breath of the Christian faith outside the boundaries of that Charismatic Evangelicalism. That in mind, I never found that vision compelling for pastoral ministry in the Church. Instead, he builds up too many staw-men, just to tear them down. Particularly lumping secular counseling and so much faith-based counseling together, as he does on page 31. No matter his credentials, his vision seems too enmeshed in an esoteric vision of Christian counseling that would little serve pastors in churches. If you're looking for that kind of vision, I wouldn't recommend Day's. ___________________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Ten Commandments: Ethics for the Twenty-First Century (New American Commentary Studies in Bible and Theology); Author: Mark Rooker; Review: Some years ago, I taught our introductory theology course utilizing the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments, much in the tradition of Luther's Catechism. So I was excited to find Hooker's richly developed biblical theology of the Ten Commandments as a modern call for the Christian moral life. After his excellent introductory chapter on the significance and background of the "Ten Words" of Moses, he launches into a chapter-length treatment of each of the Commandments from five perspectives: The ancient near eastern background; the original meaning; the way that commandment was remembered in Israel's history; the New Testament remembering of the particular commandment; and, finally, its contemporary meaning and application. The concluding chapter offers a theological perspective on the role of these commandments in the contemporary Church. Rooker, as I said, has given us a rich biblical theology of the Ten Commandments. He constantly reminds us of the faithful and graceful context of these Commandments, and how they form a theology of grace even in the Old Testament. Though page 190 undermined that beautiful -- and right -- perspective to a great degree. There, Rooker claims that though God called for Israel's obedience, he left them without the means to obey. And his curious conclusions with the Fourth Commandment -- that it no longer applies to Christians -- only further undermines his entire argument. This is a great treatment of the Ten Commandments, and its exegetical treatment of the Hebrew is surperb, even if I disagree with some of his conclusions. But, eventually, there are other theological readings that offer contemporary pastoral wisdom -- like Hauerwas' and Willimon's Truth about God: The Ten Commandments in the Christian Life -- that are more approachable and useful. ____________ I was provided a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Urban Apologetics: Answering Challenges to Faith for Urban Believers; Author: Christopher Brooks; Review: Urban Apologetics: Answering Challenges to Faith from Urban Believers is the oddest of books: An apologetics with a pastoral heart. Apologetics, as I've lamented here so often, operates on the fringes of the lived faith of the Church. It's nearly impossible to find pastors engaged in the task of engaging real critics in real situations. So when I was offered to read and review Christopher Brooks' new book, I was skeptical. But in 176 beautiful, flawless pages, I found a gem worth every pastor's reading. I was, to say the least, skeptical when I began Urban Apologetics. Which, I think, only added to my appreciation of the book. Because what I found here is a biblically-balanced, culturally-sensitive account of the faith that reads so much like Paul's letters to churches in his own day, or early Christian apologists like Athenagoras. In each of the nine chapters, Brooks gives us an understandable and kind apologetic that deals with real-world concerns like economics, social justice, sexuality and ethics. I emphasize kind because Urban Apologetics strikes the biblical balance of speaking the truth, in love (Ephesians 4). Chapter 8, on social justice, is my favorite of all the book. Because he negotiates the mine-field of modern economic thought as a faithful pastor. And offers a unique vision for churches that makes this chapter alone worth the price of the book. But it's his insistence that "every apologist needs a church and every church needs an apologist" (p. 147) that hits the nail on the head for me. And makes Urban Apologetics the only apologetics book you need to read this year! __________________ I was provided a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In This House, We Will Giggle: Making Virtues, Love, and Laughter a Daily Part of Your Family Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Courtney DeFeo Page; Review: Courtney DeFeo's new In This House We Will Giggle: Making Virtues, Love & Laughter a Daily Part of Your Family Life is a real gem. It's a wildly practical book filled with parenting wisdom for forming and transforming the character of our children in explicitly Christian ways. DeFeo writes: "I'm convinced we can let loose and enjoy our family even as we're teaching profound principles for life" (p. 6). And that conviction pervades throughout the book. She deals with twelve different virtues in each of the chapters: Joy, Love, Forgiveness, Faith, Patience, Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility, Service, Humility, Gratitude, and Generosity. Each chapter concludes with particular helps for parents that cover each of these virtues. I often struggle to provide advice for parents that is age-appropriate. But DeFeo cuts to the core, and offers joyful and loving wisdom that respects children as children. It's an easy book to read -- I finished it in just a couple of hours. But make no doubt about it: In This House We Will Giggle is a book parents and ministers will come back to again and again. It's a real treat. But more than that, it's a real treasure, given to others. _____________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables; Author: Visit Amazon's Bob Welch Page; Review: I've loved Les Misérables since I first read it in high school. Hugo's vivid portrayal of Jean Valjean's growth into kindness is perhaps one of the greatest in all literature. Hugo has given us a classic that stood the tests of time. And while I love the book, my wife is drawn to the play, and more recently the 2012 movie. But whether it's the book, the play or the movie, Les Misérables captivates hearts and minds for a reason. So I was doubly excited to read Bob Welch's 52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables. Welch's little book supplements that classic in so many ways. And he offers us a little gem that will grace bookshelves. Unlike Hugo's writing, Welch offers brief devotionals on the story that can be read in a single sitting -- I know I did. But it also works as a devotional that has weekly readings for a full year. Either way, these short chapters are filled with a spiritual wisdom that Christans need to hear. That wisdom will have readers digging deeper into Hugo's writing, mining practical ideas that often go unnoticed. And there are questions at the end that make this book an excellent resource for Sunday School classes and small discipleship groups. Hugo's Les Misérables is a theological classic in its own right. And now Walch's book will open it up to new generations. But, lector caveat -- reader, beware: Welch's little book will have you reaching for the soundtrack and watching your DVD copies and even (gasp!) rereading Hugo's own words. Because Welch is so great a guide that it won't do just to take the little tours. That's the sign of a spiritual classic in its own right. I couldn't recommend 52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables more highly. __________________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NKJV, Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible, Leathersoft, Pink/Brown; Author: Thomas Nelson; Review: Unless readers have been living under a rock, the Robertson family is well known and loved by most evangelical Christians in America. Their $400 million empire of duck calls, sweet tea glasses, and other Duck Dynasty-themed goods, now includes The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible, with notes from Duck Commander Phil Robertson and his eldest son, Al, also an ordained minister. The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible features the New King James Version. It also contains dozens of testimonials and 125 inspirational quotes from Phil. The Bible itself focuses on the Robertson family's five main values: Faith, family, fellowship, forgiveness and freedom. Sadly, however, this Bible falls prey to the same theological pitfalls that normally beset Bibles that focus to particular audiences. Namely, it divides up the Body of Christ along target audience lines. This niche-motif Bible is no better than things like The NASCAR Bible. If you're looking for a gift Bible this season, this one probably isn't the one you need. _____________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Battle Against Hitler: Faith, Truth, and Defiance in the Shadow of the Third Reich; Author: Dietrich von Hildebrand; Review: As a Bonhoeffer scholar, the Catholic philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand has always intrigued me. "That damned Hildebrand is the greatest obstacle for National Socialism in Austria. No one causes more harm", fumed Franz von Papen, the Nazi ambassador to Austria, who proposed to Hitler a plan to assassinate Hitler's public enemy number one. So I was excited to see this translation of Hildebrand's memoirs and essays that highlight the evils of Nazism and another of those German intellectuals who stood against it. When Hitler rose to power in 1933, von Hildebrand fled Germany to Austria, where he founded and edited in Vienna the most widely read German language anti-Nazi paper. For this reason, von Papen called him "the architect of the intellectual resistance in Austria". My Battle against Hitler makes an invaluable contribution to the study of the period of Nazi resistance. Among the papers of von Hildebrand's memoirs, one outline was found titled Mein Kampf Gegen Hitler, "My Battle Against Hitler". It was decided that this would make the best possible title for the posthumously published memoirs. This book finally chronicles in print the heroic struggle of one of the Catholic Church's greatest philosophers and his fight against Hitler's evil ideas. "It is precisely our struggle against evil that God wills, even when we suffer external defeat", said von Hildebrand in a memorable phrase, alluding to the title of Hitler's evil book. And as long as history continues, the struggle of all good men will continue. Because this story is the story of all thoughtful Christians who resist the principalities and powers of the fallen world. ____________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding and Living God's Word; Author: Visit Amazon's George H. Guthrie Page; Review: Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding & Living Gods Word is composed of 16 chapters, containing personal "conversations" that author George Guthrie held with a variety of evangelical scholars. The book intends to aide teens and college students towards fostering a love for Scripture and offer some foundational words of wisdom in terms of how to study the Bible. Guthrie's conversation partners include David Dockery, Andreas Koestenberger, Clint Arnold/Mark Strauss, Bruce Waltke, J. Daniel Hays, David Howard, Gary Smith, Darrell Bock, Craig Blomberg, Douglas Moo, and J. Scott Duvall. Different conversations deal with a variety of subjects. From how to read the Bible spiritually, why we read the Bible, and much of it deals with reading different genres of Scripture uniquely. The book as a whole is ideal for senior high and college students who need skills in reading the Bible. Particularly helpful are the various reading plans outlined in the back of the book. But there are some glaring omissions. First, the book deserves a "theology of Scripture" chapter at the front, in order to tackle complicated questions I've often encountered from college students. And Guthrie needs more attention to what "inspiration" means. I think this is a good book for tackling biblical illiteracy, but it's a little too simple for use in my college classes. _______________ I was provided a free copy of the book by B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Christ-Centered Wedding: Rejoicing in the Gospel on Your Big Day; Author: Visit Amazon's Catherine Parks Page; Review: Anyone who has ventured into planning a wedding knows the industry built around "helping" the happy couple plan "their big day". And when spending on that big day now averages $25,000, the temptation is there for Christians to focus in all the wrong things, and lose sight of the spiritual act of faith that is a marriage. A Christ-Centered Wedding: Rejoicing in the Gospel on Your Big Day is a book that steps into the cultural breach with couples and keeps the focus where it belongs: On Jesus Christ. From the very first pages, the mother-daughter author team looks to the love of God in Christ as the pattern and goal for Christian weddings. There are still chapters filled with all kinds of credible and practical information. From pre-martial counseling to selecting the location. From music suggestions to handling conflict. From financial obligations to sample vows. But this book is more than a how-to manual. In a culture which promotes having "the best wedding ever", A Christ-Centered Wedding is a call to faithful obedience in witnessing to the love of God in Christ. It's a beautiful book that every newly-engaged Christian couple, and every family engaged in the planning process, need to read. _____________ I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More; Author: Visit Amazon's Editors of Martha Stewart Living Page; Review: Just in the past year, I've learnt that I love to cook. And I particularly enjoy the versatility of our slow cooker and our cast-iron skillet. So imagine how excited I was to discover One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot and More. And by none other than Martha Stewart. One Pot is most useful for its easy, healthy recipe options for chefs on the go. The book is divided into different sections, for cooking with a variety of means (from Dutch Oven to slow cooker). The main focus, though, is on soups and entrees. And One Pot is definitely infused with Martha Stewart taste, including a slightly austere and sterile feeling. While it's not as creative with receipts, and certainly not with ingredients, this cookbook is a fine one for beginners. _______________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Pettit Page; Review: Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ, edited by Paul Pettit, is a volume for every seminarian and would-be ordinand. It's a corrective to the wild-eyed idealism of seminary, in that it habituated habits of spiritual formation long before bad habits of idealism in seminary set it. The book itself breaks down into two parts. The first establishes the theological and Biblical groundwork for spiritual formation. The second tackles all the technical "know-how". But it's the second section that deals with material I found most rewarding. I was ordained nearly eighteen years ago. When I left school, I took a certification in spiritual direction, because I had already discovered that my ministry was impoverished by a lack of training in spirituality. This book is another great tool for practitioners that deals in lots of great pastoral-theological material. Klaus Isler addresses issues of cultivating the heart, as Reid Kisling takes on character development. Bill Miller handles the priority point of love, while Andrew Seidel deals with leadership, George Hillman touches on vocation, and Gail Seidel speaks to one's life story. The final chapter, which is very fitting for those preparing to enter the pastoral ministry, has Harry Shields explaining the place of preaching in spiritual formation. These seven chapters will give the reader preparing for Christian ministry quite a bit of material to think on. And they make Foundations of Spiritual Formation essential reading for all seminary students and even seasoned ministers. At 318 pages, and filled with copious footnotes, Pettit has given the Church an invaluable gift for its ministers. My favorite chapters -- that I found the most meaningful for me -- were Richard Averbeck's on worship, Gordon Johnston and Darrell Bock's on the centrality of community in the Old and New Testaments, and Harry Shields' piece on preaching. This will be a worthwhile read for anyone in seminary or in the Christian ministry. And it will remain on my shelf for consultation again and again, for years to come. __________________ I received a free copy of this text from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What Am I Supposed to Do with My Life?: God's Will Demystified; Author: Visit Amazon's Johnnie Moore Page; Review: Johnnie Moore, in his new book What am I Supposed to Do with My Life? God's Will Demystified, tackles one of the most popular myths I've encountered with Christians: That God's will is somehow "mysterious" and nearly undiscernable. Whether on college campuses, in pastoral counseling, or in spiritual direction, the question inevitably arises: "How can I know God's will for my life?" "How can I know if this decision is what God wants me to do?" is the way I most often hear it. And underlining those questions is a fear that being a disciple of Jesus can be done wrongly, but it's a fear based on a faulty foundation. Which means, ultimately, that fear and those questions are demonic, and they land Christians in a hellific tortured life. So What am I Supposed to Do with My Life? provides pastoral wisdom, filled with grace and spiritual direction, that leads away from that fear and out of that hellish existence, toward a discerning and discerned life as a follower of Jesus. God calls us to go, to walk into life, as Jesus walks. God calls us to become like Christ. So God's will pushes us forward, into life, and stops us from making disobedient choices. That counter to the thinking that we just sit and wait on God to reveal what God wants for us. Moore then provides two principles for knowing God's will. First: God's will is more about who you are than where you are or what you do. And, second: God's will is more about going until God stops you than waiting until God starts you. This book is an empowering message for obedient disciples. Because it calls us out of spiritual passivity and into the life God has for us in Christ. It's must-reading for every Christian, and belongs on Church library and pastoral library shelves. _____________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Passion for the Fatherless: Developing a God-Centered Ministry to Orphans; Author: Daniel Bennett; Review: Daniel Bennett's Passion for the Fatherless: Developing a God-Centered Ministry to Orphans is a book that highlights the Gospel's call for the Church to embrace care for orphans as one of the central parts of the Church's mission. With a theological perspective and a pastoral heart, Bennett has given the Church practical advice for how local churches and individual Christians care for orphans -- in whatever form that care might take. Orphan ministry is anything but easy, precisely because that ministry embraces so much brokenness. But Bennett points beyond that brokenness, and all the tragedies upon which that brokenness is based, to the Good News of Jesus Christ. The worship of the Incarnate One, Bennett says, begins when we care for "the least of these". And it's built upon the Christian hope that one day, those broken children's lives will find love and healing in our love of them. The goal of orphan ministry, Bennett rightly claims, isn't creating "nuclear families". It's the worship of the Triune God. Every church's ministry to orphans will look different. But every church will find in these pages a beautiful exposition of the whys and hows of that ministry. This is a book for every church leader and pastor -- and Christian family. _____________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle; Author: Visit Amazon's Joanne Huist Smith Page; Review: Joanne Huist Smith lost her husband of 20 years that September. By Christmas, she was ignoring all the ubiquitous happiness of Christmas she saw -- the trees, the lights, the music. Ignore, that is, until her 10 year old daughter starts constantly asking to get the family a Christmas tree and to start decorating the house. Her eldest teenage son agreed with her, but her two youngest children as well as her "true friends" certainly didn't. The 13th Gift tells how this family overcame their grief enough to carry on; but only with some rather unconventional help. Through the help of those "true friends", Smith comes to realize what affect her behavior is having on her children, specifically Megan, her youngest child. Initially she resists the power of the gifts of those friends. And she becomes obsessed to discover their identity. But, over time, eventually, she realizes that these gifts are bringing the "broken ornament" of her family back together. The 13th Gift is a true story about the random kindnesses that transform our lives. It's an admission that we need one another in those broken moments. It's an illustration of that beautiful truth that such random kindnesses encourage us to keep them going. In that way, The 13th Gift is a parable of "doing unto others ..." Or, as Smith writes, "What better way to honor our loved ones, past and present, than to reach out and change a life for the better?" This is a lovely little book that you deserve to add to your reading list. Not just at the Christmas season, though, because -- well, as the front cover flap puts it, "Every day can be Christmas". _____________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lean On Me: Finding Intentional, Vulnerable, and Consistent Community; Author: Visit Amazon's Anne Marie Miller Page; Review: Anne Marie Miller's Lean on Me is a follow-up to her 2010 spiritual memoir, Permission to Speak Freely. In Lean on Me, she tells the story of her continued spiritual healing, following her painful divorce, as well as from her previous trauma. Lean on Me highlights the value of a healthy Christian community. She starts by presenting four categories of relationships with others: Not vulnerable and not committed, vulnerable and not committed, committed but not vulnerable, and committed and vulnerable. And for each category, she provides actual stories to illustrate genuine Christian community. "In writing Lean on Me, it's my desire to show you that whatever course you find yourself on, you are not alone, you need God, and you need others." The reader's guide and resources at the end of the book provide valuable guidance for growing genuine Christian communities. This book is a must-have for pastors and those that care about our churches. ____________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Evangelism Study Bible; Author: Visit Amazon's R. Larry Moyer Page; Review: "Christians are made, not born", observed Church Father Tertullian. And over the years, one of the tools the Church has utilized to live out the making of new Christians is evangelism. Now EvanTell, the ministry training and equipping Christians to share the Gospel, offers The Evangelism Study Bible, meant to offer fresh perspective to the God's Word in the task of making new Christians. EvanTell founder and CEO, R. Larry Mouer serves as the general editor and occasional contributer to The Evangelism Study Bible, with the goal of enabling Christians to share the Good News of Jesus Christ simply and clearly. Filled with evangelistic themes and including various features and study notes throughout the New King James text, this study Bible is a unique resource for pastors and churches and individual Christians. It's meant to remove guilt and fear from the evangelism process, so that Christians can share in the act of grace in sharing the Good News. While I wanted so much to find this study Bible useful, though, I read so much that relies on nineteenth-century revivalism that I simply can't affirm theologically. The insistence of the "assurance of salvation" rests on our thinking and knowing, not on what God has done in Jesus, according to this study Bible. And in that way, it promotes the age-old problem among so many Protestants that salvation is our acceptance of Jesus -- a work! -- rather than Jesus' acceptance of us. So in the end I was disappointed with this study Bible. It attempts to make the Good News so simple that it removes the crisis of the Cross itself. ____________ I was provided a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rising Above a Toxic Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment; Author: Visit Amazon's Gary Chapman Page; Review: Having worked in a variety of non-profit residential settings, I know quite a bit about "toxic relationships". And since my husband is a minister, I've seen first-hand how work environments -- particularly our churches -- can turn into toxic workplaces. The fact is, there are so many places that have a toxic environment that can discourage and turn off ordinary workers from discharging their best -- not just churches and other non-profits. According to a Gallup poll, seven in ten people work in toxic workplaces. A bad workplace also leads to stress and reduced productivity. Class tensions create divisions within organizations. This book offers wisdom and help for negotiating those "toxic workplace" environments. Each chapter contains some survival strategies for workers as well as leadership tips for bosses. Both are needed in order to cultivate a positive corporate culture. The most common factor for these toxic workplaces are words that hurt. The authors call those "little murders" (chapter 5). But there are other common factors: Like a utilitarian "ends justify the means" mentality, or dishonesty, or bad leadership. And this book offers real-world tools for handling those toxic environments. But I'll save the real treat for the reader to find at the end. This is a great book that anyone in leadership needs to read -- and read often! I was provided a free copy from Moody Publishing in exchange to my honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Evening Prayers: For Every Day of the Year; Author: Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt; Review: As a Dietrich Bonhoeffer scholar, I am excited to see a new edition of Christoph Blumhardt's postumely-published collection of Evening Prayers: For Every Day of the Year. Blumhardt was a German Lutheran theologian who was one of the founders Christian Socialism and led a theological revolution in Germany at the outbreak of World War I, proclaiming "the Kingdom of God". Blumhardt was a significant influence upon Bonhoeffer and Karl Barth, among others. What we find in Evening Prayers is a collection of prayers that live and breathe in the Lord's Prayer, in the gospels. Blumhardt has a deep spiritual life in which the Light of Christ shines in a dark world. While the prayers were originally intended only for his closest friends, the Church has here a wealth of prayers. Evening Prayers is a gracious addition to my own spiritual practice. Every pastor should have a copy in his or her library. And utilize its spiritual wealth often. ____________ Plough Publishing provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas; Author: Visit Amazon's Dietrich Bonhoeffer Page; Review: Watch for the Light is now my favorite devotional for Advent and Christmas. It is an amazing collection from classic and contemporary authors that offers so many reasons to incorporate this book into your personal, family and even ecclesial Advent and Christmas traditions. First, Watch for the Light contains such spiritual wisdom from the wide swaths of Christian tradition that its diversity contributes to its usefulness. I know of no Advent devotional that brings together such wise voices as Will Willimon alongside Meister Echart, Madeleine L'Engle with John Howard Yoder, Karl Barth with Dorothy Day, Dietrich Bonhoeffer with Annie Dillard. And the Christmas Day meditation from Church Father, John Chrysostom. Each of these has so much to offer so many in the contemporary Church catholic and apostolic. Second, Warch for the Light's diversity hints at a major appealing factor for my own devotional life as a pastor: Its theological depth. This book is a daily reminder that Advent and Christmas are about Jesus Christ, God-with-us. In a culture that sentimentalizes and commodifies this season, Warch for the Light is a powerful Christian witness to Jesus himself. Third, Watch for the Light blends that spiritual diversity and theological depth with a healthy sense of wonder and awe -- the wonder and awe at the Incarnate One that is the biblical witness's response to the Natvity. If you don't have a regular Advent and Christmas devotional, this book is the one you need. If you already have a regular discipline, this is still a book to share with yourself, your family and your friends. I simply can't recommend it too highly. Watch for the Light is an amazing collection! _______________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old; Author: Henry Van Dyke; Review: Of all the world's stories of Christmas, "Home for Christmas" is the best collection I've ever read. All of the stories in this collection share the promise of the season: Goodness, giving, even each a story of a miracle of a kind. The collection subtitled, "Stories for Young and Old" is an apt description. After all the capitalistic, consumerist exploitations that haunt Christmas, the editors have given us narratives that point beyond our "needs" that advertisers exploit, to express the genuine anticipation and joy at the heart of the Church's Christmas story of Jesus. Some of the authors are Pearl Buck, Rebecca Candill, Ruth Sawyer, Elizabeth Groudge, Selma Lagerlof, Henry van Dyke. And each is a unique voice that creates a chorus of witnesses in this book. Some will say that these stories are too sentimental. But I think that is just a surface read. There's a lot here about the virtues at the heart of the Church's mass for the Nativity: Goodness, peace, good will -- but most importantly, reconciliation. Thank God for Christmas -- for the nativity that is Emmanuel -- and especially thank goodness for good books that warm the heart and remind us of the spirit of the season: "Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old" is one of those good books. It's hard for me to think of a better Christmas book. This one certainly has my glowing recommendation.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rhythms of Grace: Discovering God’s Tempo for Your Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Kerri Weems Page; Review: Kerri Weems' Rhythms of Grace: Discovering God's Tempo for Your Life is one of those Christian spirituality texts that is soon-to-be a modern classic, much like Willard's Spirit of the Disciplines or Foster's Celebration of Discipline. In Rhythms of Grace, Weems takes us on a three-part journey to pursuing the God-honoring tempo of our lives, grounded in wholeness. Rhythm is founded on how things are supposed to be according to God's design (shalom), the Sabbath as a means to remember our freedom from the demands of our dog-eat-dog world, and being yoked to Christ with a yoke of grace. Weems then presents some pacesetters and peace stealers. Pacesetters are factors that impact the tempo of our lives on different levels. The book focuses on such important spiritual themes as: Work, relationships, physical health, and spiritual vitality. Proactivity is the key to ensuring that we cooperate with God in keeping these areas healthy and prevent them from running amok. The chapter on physical health hit especially close to home. This book closes with some very practical advice. While this is the "how-to", I wouldn't cheat yourself on the rich spiritual wisdom found in the early chapters. Rhythms of Grace is simple without being simplistic, wise without being condescending. It really is a beautiful book. _____________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Novel Interiors: Living in Enchanted Rooms Inspired by Literature; Author: Visit Amazon's Lisa Borgnes Giramonti Page; Review: I love books. And a home simply isn't homey without books adorning each room in a home. So I was excited to discover Lisa Giramonti's Novel Interiors: Living in Enchanted Rooms Inspired by Literature. Since Kendra and I have begun envisioning the style our home should take, I thought this would be the go-to reference for all ideas decorative. The full-color, glossy-paged hardback arrived today. And after reading, I must say my initial reaction is ... Disappointment. Novel Interiors didn't live up to the hopes and expectations. The premise, of course, is beautiful: Interior decorating inspired by different stories and literary contexts. But the book itself is a sad embodiment of that premise. Most suggestions are logical leaps to connect interior design with literature. I don't need Giramonti to suggest buying a framed copy of the cover page of Shakespeare's folio for Julius Caesar to decorate our home. (Yes, this is an idea we've actually discussed.) And the suggestion to add more bookshelves? As if every bibliophile needs that decorating tip? No, Novel Interiors is anything but novel. The sections with specific ideas for achieving different literature-related styles struck me as a waste -- one that takes up almost the whole book. For example, Kendra is an F. Scott Fitzgerald fan, but I highly doubt she would need to pay $35 to be told that a Fitzgerald-themed home should be glamorous and include lots of Art Deco. If that's the best Giramonti has to offer -- and it is -- I suggest you look for other books in interior decorating. Allow the literature to flood your imagination. "There are more things in heaven and earth, dear decorator, than are dreamt of in Giramonti's philosophy", as the Bard might put it. Yes, there are some beautiful interiors pictured here. But once I got beyond the flash, I found little substance. I suppose I expected to see rooms that were either re-creations of settings in famous novels, or creative re-interpretations of the styles and themes found in literature. This book promised to be at the intersection of two interests, but delivered well on neither one. Like I said, I was disappointed. __________________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bonhoeffer Abridged: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy; Author: Visit Amazon's Eric Metaxas Page; Review: Eric Metaxas' 2011 Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy has become quite popular. And now the 2014 Abridged version offers readers an introduction to Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and thought. As a Bonhoeffer scholar, I read the 2011 biography with extreme interest. So I was excited to see an abridged version that offers the kernel of Bonhoeffer's life without so many of the details that excite academics. Bonhoeffer Abridged reads more like an intriguing novel than a biography, so it will appeal to a new generation of readers. But some of the same problems that plagued the 2011 book remain in the 2014 abridgement. Metaxas recruits Bonhoeffer's legacy to serve particular right-wing Christian ends. Bonhoeffer lived with and served the Church at a time of moral and spiritual conflict. But to hijack Bonhoeffer's legacy to combat "theological liberals" in our own day, such as Metaxas does in Bonhoeffer Abridged is an egregious misuse of historical biography as a genre and honesty as a theological virtue. To equate the complacent acceptance of Nazism by German Christians in the 1930s with American theological liberalism in the 21st century is a disservice to Bonhoeffer's legacy. Bonhoeffer Abridged is bad history, bad theology, and an immoral practice of history. Perhaps one of the most egregious pieces of Bonhoeffer Abridged is Metaxas' denial of Bonhoeffer's pacifism. Bonhoeffer's pacifism flows out of his theological hermeneutic and Christological focus. So to deny that pacifism is to misread the very core of Bonhoeffer's life and thought. And it passes on that misreading to a new generation of Christians for whom Bonhoeffer might be a real critic. What's worse, though, is Metaxas' embarrasment over some of Bonhoeffer's own theological development -- particularly I'm talking about The Letters and Papers from Prison. For Metaxas, in Bonhoeffer Abridged, it's best to move right over that deeply theological text in Bonhoeffer's own development. But, to do so is to misunderstand Bonhoeffer himself. Bonhoeffer and now Bonhoeffer Abridged are both terrible oversimplifications and at times misinterpretations of Bonhoeffer's thought, the theological and ecclesial world of his times, and the history of Nazi Germany. There are much better biographies out there. Metaxas, in my opinion, has written one of the worst. _____________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Discipleship: Living for Christ in the Daily Grind; Author: J. Heinrich Arnold; Review: J. Heinrich Arnold's Discipleship: Living for Christ in the Daily Grind is a book for which I've longed for nearly twenty years. Discipleship is much in the tradition of Christoph Blumhardt, Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer for its biblical sophistication and radical vision of God's command in Jesus Christ and of our obedience to that command. Make no doubt about it, though, Discipleship is challenging. Being a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ in our culture is almost a laughable thing. And Arnold offers very pastoral, practical advice on how to thrive in the Jesus way in the midst of that cool persecution. Arnold covers so many themes here, much like Bonhoeffer's own Discipleship. From purity, trust, surrender, forgiveness, and unity to the Kingdom of God as the center of discipleship, the pastoral wisdom here is a genuine tough love. But it's a tough love that speaks truth in the midst of all our culture's falsehoods. In the end, that tough love is a pastoral love. Because Discipleship is really nothing more than a biblical vision of what "living for Christ in the daily grind" really looks like. Discipleship is tough reading, but it's also a joy read, precisely because it's so accessible. You don't need a PhD in theology. In fact, this book would make a great resource for Sunday Schools or in college classrooms. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lincoln in the World: The Making of a Statesman and the Dawn of American Power; Author: Visit Amazon's Kevin Peraino Page; Review: Kevin Peraind's Lincoln in the World: The Making of a Statesman and the Dawn of American Power is really yet another biography of Abraham Lincoln. But it's centered around so many lesser-known aspects of his presidency that this biography offers a rich, full depiction of what that life was really like. Lincoln in the World avoids so many of the common anecdotes that make Lincoln biographies, in favor of exploring what international affairs and their players were like in Lincoln's life -- folks like Lord Palmerston, Karl Marx, and Napoleon -- that if you miss this book, you're missing out on such a treat. Peraino assembles an impressive amount of research to shed light on Lincoln through the lenses of his foreign policy and of impressions of him from abroad, both before and during his presidency. Lincoln in the World focuses on five key episodes that best illustrate Lincoln's foreign policy -- including his objections to the 1846 American invasion of Mexico; his early sparring with Seward over control of foreign policy; the critical decision during the Trent crisis of 1861, which, had it been decided otherwise, might have brought Britain into the war; his competition with Karl Marx to influence the public; and his conflict with Napoleon III over the French occupation of Mexico. A sixth chapter looks at the enduring influence of Lincoln as embodied in his secretary and disciple, John Hay. Lincoln in the World is a definite addition to Lincoln studies. I enjoyed it so much that I was left wanting more at the end. Anyone who loves American history, foreign policy or Lincoln should give themselves this book as a gift. _________________ I received this book free, from the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: On Preaching: Personal & Pastoral Insights for the Preparation & Practice of Preaching; Author: Visit Amazon's H.B. Charles Jr. Page; Review: HB Charles' On Preaching: Personal & Pastoral Insights for the Preparation & Practice of Preaching is one of the most accessible meditations on the pastoral act of preaching. Charles is most known for his blog and preaching, as pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. And his passion for good preaching is obvious, particularly in this book. Far from a textbook, though, On Preaching is "a handbook of best practices, not a technical or theoretical treatise of hermeneutics or homiletics". It's a guidebook for those who are weekly on the journey of preaching well and often in the Church's worship. And, as a handbook, On Preaching will be useful for both novice preachers and those who are looking to revitalize their own practice. So On Preaching doesn't offer anything new or ground-breaking. Instead, it's a succinct introduction to the various aspects of preaching well. And as such, it's a refreshing read. Charles rightly sees the preacher as a herald who has the responsibility to deliver a message with absolute clarity and accuracy. Charles writes, "to misrepresent the kings message was just as dangerous as rejecting it". In so doing, he makes a great case for what he calls "faithful, biblical, Christ-centered preaching". Perhaps the book's greatest weaknesses is Charles' insistence in chapter 17 that the conclusion can rescue even the most way-ward preaching. In the end, On Preaching makes a good handbook, particularly for young preachers. ___________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids?: How Moralism Suffocates Grace; Author: Visit Amazon's Samuel C. Williamson Page; Review: Samuel Williamson's Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? How Moralism Suffocates Grace is the one book every pastor should read in 2015. Williamson rightly maintains that the Gospel is getting lost. That the Gospel is being suffocated by all our efforts to preach and teach moralism. All our to-do lists for teaching the Faith to our children -- "Abraham was faithful ... so be faithful like Abraham" (page 2) -- suffocate the grace that is at the heart of the Bible's message: "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. That proves God's love toward us", to quote Paul. And for a man who has, all his life, hated to write, Williamson certainly knows how to capture an audience. With clear pastoral sensitivity, every word and every sentence builds a massive picture that the Church needs to hear again: Our moralism is suffocating the Good News of grace! Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? is sure to become one of the Church's buried treasures of 2015. In a world bombarded by books and movies filled with all sorts of moralistic writing, Williamson has given the Church a real gift. A treasure that brings glory and honor to a God who searches out the lost and broken, even in the midst of their wandering and brokenness. What is that treasure? The simple truth that we pastors and church leaders are most to blame. We're teaching our children -- and our young "in the Faith" -- a confused and confusing message. The message we're teaching, in fact, is one of the primary reasons so many leave the Faith. The Gospel, Williamson maintains, is being diluted into a morality tale. And he's right! In our desire to assume that everyone knows the Gospel, we wrongfully focus on behavior. We teach a message that is so indiscernably Christian that Christianity largely doesn't matter. We Christians are sounding more and more like any other religious voice. Williamson says we're starting in the wrong place. Focus first on God's love for us. A love that knows no obstacle to overcome, that dangles no carrot (or carries no stick) to influence "good" behavior. And he uses the very stories so many of us learned in Sunday School to illustrate the simple truth of this deceptively little book. Abraham, David, Samuel, Joseph, Esther -- we present them all as models to be followed. Get those stories right, we say, and you've heard the message of the Bible. Send your rebellious kid to church and we'll get him sorted out. Flawless people that we just have to emulate in order to do what God wants us to do. But that pursuit is immensely flawed in itself. Because they weren't flawless folks to emulate. They were broken, and loved by God in the very truth of their brokenness. Jesus didn't come preaching morality. He came transforming the world, repairing a brokenness that separated heaven and earth. That is the heart of the Christian message. That is the message we're suffocating with all our -- wrongful! -- focus on morality. Again, don't; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pastoral Graces: Reflections on the Care of Souls; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Eclov Page; Review: Lee Eclov's Pastoral Graces: Reflections on the Care of Souls is one of those rare books for pastors in a world of books written for pastors. It actually holds those of us who are exhausted shepherds accountable for our shepherding. Not leading. Not preaching. Not administration. But sheperding, caring and counseling as pastors. "Pastors, like all believers, are agents of grace", maintains Eclov. And that statement is itself a simple summary of Pastoral Graces. And Eclov should know. His experience as a pastor spans 30 years. Eclov insists on a classic insight -- as old as Tennent's "Danger of an Unconverted Ministry": That pastors must learn to grapple with the new-found supernatural gifts of God, to grow in the process of dispensing grace of God even as they are receiving grace, and to practice grace giving in the communities in which they minister. The best kind of story is how pastors tell of God's grace in their lives and their ministries. Pastoral Graces is a book about how that grace flows through pastors and other servants. I particularly enjoyed his chapter on church conflicts (chapter 8). Being a pastor requires bravery borne in love. "Frustration is an occupational hazard", but if it leads to creating the "sour pastor", there's too much soul damage that can happen. Pastors would do well to revisit Eclov's wisdom in this chapter often. In the end Pastoral Graces is an encouraging little book. ___________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Unkingdom of God: Embracing the Subversive Power of Repentance; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Van Steenwyk Page; Review: Mark Van Steenwyk's The UNkingdom of God: Embracing the Subversive Power of Repentance is a book with a simple thesis: We Christians need to repent of Christianity, for our sake and for the sake of the world. And he knows what he's talking about. As co-founder of a Mennonite community in Minneapolis and editor of one of the most important online resources for Christians -- JesusRadicals.com -- Steenwyk'a first book was That Holy Anarchist. But this book goes to the heart of what Jesus Radicals is all about: "I am a Christian. I repent of Christianity". Of course, The UNkingdom of God then demands its readers ask a question: "What's so bad about Christianity?" And Steenwyk here offers a meditation on how Christians should be answering that question. What he's arguing here is that is that "Christianity" is inimical to the message of the Gospel in Jesus Christ, and that rather than trying to reform it, we should simply abandon it. So Steenwyk's argument is as old as the early monastic movement in the second century, or the early Anabaptists. So The UNkingdom of God is not some fringe book. Instead, I see it as a continuation of more recent developments -- like Barth and Bonhoeffer and the Catholic Worker Movement. Chapter 1 is perhaps the strongest chapter of the entire book. Steenwyk's own personal narrative lends a great deal of credibility to the argument he makes in the remainder of the book. And, of course, the criticism is not novel. So he's far from a fanatic. But his contribution to their argument is that we should "repent of this thing we call Christianity and seek to follow Jesus". Chapter 6 is another of those key meditations that make up The UNkingdom of God. Here Steenwyk develops his conception that the "kingdom" which Jesus embodied and described is so unlike any known kingdom or any hierarchical human society that it should really be called an un-kingdom. What Jesus is really calling for is a "loving anarchy" by which Steenwyk does not mean chaos or hyper-individualism, but a radically communal Spirit-led local democracy. But it's the second half of the book that is his most unique contribution. There he offers particularly practical wisdom for what this repentance might look like in the Church. The last two chapters on Jubilee and Eucharistic hospitality make the book essential reading for every pastor and leader. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Speakeasy Blogging Program in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: They Call Me Dad: How God Uses the Unlikely to Save the Discarded; Author: Visit Amazon's Philip Cameron Page; Review: Philip Cameron's They Call Me Dad: How God Uses the Unlikely to Save the Discarded tells the story of a man who lives out an obligation given to his father: Begin a ministry in Romania to orphaned girls. They Call Me Dad is the hearty story of beginning that ministry to orphans, and of growing that ministry from Romania and then Moldova. And, along the way, adopting a baby boy himself. After having read his story, there's a simple truth: God really does use "the unlikely to save the discarded". Every child we meet in these pages has been abandoned by someone -- a life discarded. From parents to governments to orphanages, they're a part of a throw-away culture. And it's the struggles that Cameron recounts that makes They Call Me Dad a reading experience. This isn't a book to glide through. It's a book to challenge Christians and the Church to live out the Gospel of God's Good News in Jesus Christ for the least and the lost. And while we in the West tend to spiritualize that message, Cameron reminds us that more often than not, God means those who are literally lost. We meet Andrew, Cameron's adopted son. We're introduced to the mission that grew from one single visit, to become Providence House. And we have windows into precious moments with those for whom Jesus came to bring healing and wholeness, like trips to Golden Corral. And more than just a book to read, They Call Me Dad becomes an experience because the Appendix offers ways in which the Church can continue to aide Cameron's ministry. This book is a real treat for those who have God's heart for children, and for churches who sometimes-too-easily spiritualize a message that Jesus meant for us to take seriously. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Speakeasy Blogging Program in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Action in Waiting; Author: Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt; Review: Christoph Blumhardt's Action in Waiting, a collection of sermons that contain some of the most important theological ideas to arise from Germany in the first part of the twentieth century, is no doubt one of the least read theological texts, but, as Karl Barth says in the Afterward, nothing short than a representation of "God's cause in the world", a demonstration of God's "love for the world" that leaves Christians with a prophetic voice in how to simultaneously "be faithful to God". I took my time with this collection precisely because it challenges so much that's wrong with Christendom in the early twenty-first century: Individualism, modern piety and the rest. This is a prophetic call to leave behind the bad faith and dying faith of Christendom and embrace the essentials of the Faith without falling into the twin traps of Fundamentalism or Progressivism. And, make no doubt about it, Blumhardt's ideas were so demanding of a living faith, that he became one of the primary influences upon folks like Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jurgen Moltmann. That's because Action in Waiting is more than systematic theology: It's too blunt to be a theological tome. Instead, it is the pastoral call for Christians to remain active in their expectation that God's Kingdom is more than just getting my soul to heaven. The Kingdom of God is coming into our world, breaking in to transform and renew, if we but have the eyes and lives to see it and join in. Action in Waiting is one of those texts that is itself nothing short of a spiritual transformation, if you take the time to read and inwardly digest it. Blumhardt's unrelenting prophetic voice has left me renewed and transformed. And for that reason alone this is a book that I'm recommending to everyone I know. Because here, in this little book, there's a clear picture -- straightforward and without any apology -- of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution; Author: Visit Amazon's André Trocmé Page; Review: Originally published nearly a half-century ago, Andre Trocme's Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution is one of the most important theological texts on violence that has ever been written. In Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution, Trocme asks what kind of political ethic we find in Jesus, taking seriously the Old Testament and the first century culture. Predating Yoder's Politics of Jesus -- and one of the most important texts to influence Barth and later Yoder -- this edition brings together the original text and several annotations that highlight the influence that Trocme has had upon subsequent scholarship. Sadly, Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution is little known and even less read by serious theologians and ethicists. This edition will hopefully remedy that. Here Trocme uses the Jubilee, a practice traced from the Old Testament through to Jesus' proclamation and ministry, as the central means of articulating Jesus' own politics in contrast to other would-be messianic figures in the first century. In that way, Trocme highlights the way in which Jesus avoided the two major categories of political temptation. On one hand, there was the zealot temptation to engage in violent revolt against Rome; on the other, was the temptation toward purity by either withdrawing to the desert or else into a sectarian enclave. But Jesus refused these two and instead advocated a 'third way' -- the politics of nonviolent servanthood which defines the Christian cross. While Trocme was admittedly not an academic theologian, his analysis demonstrates a deep exegetical commitment to allowing the radical nature of Jesus' nonviolent revolution to be heard. Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution is a must-read for anyone who cares deeply about the radical message of Jesus in its first-century context. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Early Christians: In Their Own Words; Author: Eberhard Arnold; Review: Eberhard Arnold's collection of early Christian texts, The Early Christians in Their Own Words, is actually far more than a collection of texts from early Christians. Instead, Arnold's book is an image of what genuine Christian communities might -- and indeed must! -- look like. The Early Christians in Their Own Words is a reflection of the Christian faith and its way of life aflame with uninhibited zeal and unwavering devotion. This is what life in the Spirit really must be. Arnold was the founding pastor of the Bruderhof Community, whose members strive to imitate what they understand to be the purity and devotion of the early Christian church, and compiled these writings some 75 years ago as a kind of guidebook for his community. The book begins with an opening essay from Arnold himself, that offers one of the best synopses of early Christian life I've ever read. That essay alone is a genuine treasure in this book. But the selections that follow are rich treasures that cover any number of issues for a genuine Christian community -- The State, Society, Creeds, the Scriptures, Worship and Church Practices, and what Arnold here calls "the Prophetic Spirit". Each chapter contains material ranging from apologetic writing and confessions of faith to aphorisms, parables and poetry. Represented here are writers like the third-century theologian Tertullian, the first-century epistle writer Clement of Alexandria and, of course, Paul of Tarsus, one of the earliest interpreters of Jesus' life and ministry. The historical contextual notes also found in the text make The Early Christians in Their Own Words a genuine treasure. I plan to use this one in theology and church history courses to come. Because this book is more than history -- it is a testimony to a clear and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Commentary on Exodus (Kregel Exegetical Library); Author: Duane Garrett; Review: Duane Garrett's Commentary on Exodus is the newest volume in the Kregel Exegetical Library. While primarily known for his work in Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs in the NAC series, Song of Songs / Lamentations in the WBC, and a forthcoming commentary on Job in the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series from Logos) as well as the Hosea and Joel volume in the NAC series, readers here will be familiar with his textbook of Hebrew grammar (B&H). A Commentary on Exodus is a brilliant exegetical commentary for pastors. And the Introduction makes this book a gem for pastoral and church libraries alone. Garrett there brings together Egyptian history, culture, language and geography with critical scholarship on reading the Book of Exodus as Christian Scripture. The most important feature of this commentary is that Garrett sets the text in its historical context. He offers "evidence and arguments over crucial questions", like the date of the exodus event and the location of the Sinai. But the most appealing part of all this is that Garrett reaffirms the reliability of the text, without distorting the evidence in order to produce a "conservative answer". This truly is an exegetical commentary is the best of the tradition. Garrett offers a phrase-by-phrase translation and analysis of the Hebrew text of Exodus, while also refusing to ignore the New Testament and Christian doctrine. In my opinion, the commentary is worth purchasing if for just the 145 page introduction to the Book of Exodus. If I were teaching a class on Exodus (or even the Pentateuch) I would assign this section as a textbook since it summarizes many of the key problems for interpreters of Exodus in a very readable format. He has a well-reasoned approach to thorny issues like the date of the exodus event itself and the Yam Suph issue. I'll leave readers to discover his conclusions, but they are spot-on. I find this commentary to be one of the best commentaries produced on the biblical book of Exodus in a long, long time. As I've said, the introductory material is superlative and worth the price of the book alone. Garrett writes as a believer, yet as a scholar who is intimately aware of the historical complexities of the Book of Exodus. His comments on the Hebrew text are excellent and reflect an expert knowledge of Hebrew syntax and grammar. While these features may challenge some readers this commentary is nevertheless an excellent resource for pastors and teachers hoping to preach Exodus. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shepherding God's Flock: Biblical Leadership in the New Testament and Beyond; Author: Benjamin Merkle; Review: Shepherding God's Flock: Biblical Leadership in the New Testament and Beyond is a collection of essays intended to "take a step back and to consider what the Scriptures teach about leadership". The recurring theme -- that of the pastor as shepherd -- aims to demonstrate what the biblical notion of church leadership looks like. So the ultimate goal and rationale for Shepherding God's Flock is both a justification and a guide for a specific view of leadership in the local church. Benjamin L. Merkle and Thomas R. Schreiner, New Testament scholars at Southeastern and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, respectively, grant up front that this work is written by contributors who are confessional Baptists, and thus "are convinced that the Baptist understanding of church government comports with the Scriptures". With that in mind, the first four chapters highlight the biblical notions of "elder" and "shepherd" in an attempt to offer a systematic view of church leadership. After these opening chapters on biblical theology, the next four chapters highlight historical considerations of both competing and Baptist views of leadership and polity. The remaining essays offer particular images of what pastoral "shepherding" look like in constructing a systematic pastoral theology. As with any collection, certain chapters are better than others. The biblical material in chapters 1-4 is quite strong. Chapter 10, "Putting It All Together: A Theology of Church Leadership" is the strongest in the entire collection. All in all, Shepherding God's Flock is an apologetic for a polity that is plural elder-led, deacon-served, and congregationally-governed. And that's its greatest weakness. I was hard-pressed to find anything insightful. Each chapter revisits the exegesis of the others, with little real historical logic for why we should read "pastor", "elder" and "overseer" as synonymous. Shepherding God's Flock is a good overview of an essential biblical image of pastoral identity. And I'm sure to use it in introductory ministry courses. But it will also require supplementing material. Like that from Will Willimon's Pastor or Thomas Oden's Pastoral Theology. ___________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Ministry Books in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season; Author: C.S. Lewis; Review: Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season is a collection of short stories for all ages. All of the stories in this collection share the rich Christian imagery of life through death. In a world that co-opts Easter for stories of the Easter Bunny and painted eggs, Easter Stories contains the best collection of stories for Lent and Easter imagery that I've ever read. Included here are short stories from CS Lewis, Leo Tolstoy, Clarence Jordan, Selma Lagerlof, Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Goudge, Maxim Gorky, Ruth Sawyer, Walter Wangerin, among others. My favorite of the collection is from Andre Tocme, "How Donkeys Got the Spirit of Contradiction". The book opens with a poem written by Jane Tyson Clement, "Carol of Hope". It sets the tone for the book. And the original woodcuts by Lisa Toth make this a collection for younger ages, too. Easter Stories is a book for families, to read and share year after year. It a real treasure for Christians. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 40 Questions About Creation and Evolution (40 Questions & Answers Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Kenneth Keathley Page; Review: 40 Questions about Creation and Evolution is part of the ongoing series from Kregel Academic, "40 Questions about ..." So this book came to my attention with certain expectations that it might deal with complicated questions in an easy-to-read way. And the book did not disappoint that expectation. Keathley and Rooker have given us a book that's remarkable in scope and fair and objective in its presentation of a variety of answers to these 40 questions. The authors confess that they "lean" in different directions: Keathley to old-earth creationism and Rooker to young-earth creationism. But those intellectual commitments only further the book's variety in meaningful ways. There are a variety of questions dealt with in 40 Questions about Creation and Evolution. What are the "days" of creation in Genesis 1? What is the Gap theory? How old is the earth? Was the universe (including the earth) created with an appearance of age? Were Adam and Eve literal, historical figures? Was there animal death before the Fall? Was the flood of Noah local or universal? What is evolution? Can a Christian hold to theistic evolution? What is the Intelligent Design Movement? And that's just a sampling. If you're looking for a single book that offers the variety of answers to these important questions, this is the book for you. Each chapter presents both the pros and cons in balanced, tightly argued and adequately noted ways. This isn't a text meant to uphold one particular view over another. It's a balanced text that attempts faithful responses to 40 essential questions in the dialogue between evolutionary science and Christian faith. So this isn't an easy read. But for those who give it the patience and consideration it deserves, 40 Questions on Creation and Evolution is a rewarding book. I hardly agree with everything here -- imagine that! -- that I do find this one of the best books in the whole "40 Questions about ..." series. It's a great book! ____________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Academic in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Desire Found Me; Author: Visit Amazon's Andre Rabe Page; Review: Andre Rabe's Desire Found Me is a unique book. Steeped in Rene Girard's "Mimetic Theory", it's nothing short of a theological exploration of what it means to confess faith in the trinue God by telling the human and biblical story up to and including the life and death of Jesus in a way that incorporates and makes sense of the groundbreaking insights of Girard. But it's not a systematic mimetic theology -- not in the least. Given the broad scope of Desire Found Me, it can't possibly hope to answer all the questions posed by dogmatic theology. Instead, Desire Found Me provides a deep spiritual theology of what it means to be human and divine, and the relationship between the two. Rabe's mission is to take these foundational ideas of Girard's and weave them into a Trinitarian theology in a way that makes sense to the casual reader. I would say he has done that job very well. The overall thrust of Desire Found Me is described in this subtitle taken from its first page: Exploring the unconscious movements of desire -- how they form us, connect us, shape our greatest ideas, mold our societies, influence human history and ultimately, how they are unveiled. Desire Found Me is divided into three parts: "Reflective Human Nature", "Developing Stories", and "Redefined". Each part has a number of chapters. But the book as a whole is not an academic tome. Rabe keeps his footnotes to a minimum. Instead, Rabe develops Girard's "mimetic theory" and traces a reading of human history from its vantage point. But it's the third part that was the most intriguing: In it, Rabe explores the meaning and significance of Jesus' life, death and resurrection in light of what the reader has already learned about desire and sacrifice in parts one and two. I confess that I had misgivings when I started Rabe's book. But Desire Found Me offers a clear biblical vision of trinitarian faith that is deeply engaged with Girard. And the recommended list of books at the end contains some real gems that new-comers would be well-advised to read further. In all, Desire Found Me is a good introduction to the exciting contributions that Girard might make to Christian theology, and deserves a wide and close reading. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, as part of the Speakeasy book review program, in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Faraway: A Suburban Boy's Story as a Victim of Sex Trafficking; Author: R. K. Kline; Review: R.K. Kline's Faraway: A Suburban Boy's Story as a Victim of Sex Trafficking is one memoir you shouldn't miss in 2015. It recounts Kevin's life in the mid-1970s American suburbia as a sex trafficked teenage gay youth. Faraway is at times intense, at times sad, but always a page-turner. This is the story of how a young man is groomed for sex trafficking in the American heartland -- not the typical narrative of sex trafficking that the Church often hears. But Faraway is more than a story of grief and suffering. It's also a celebration of friendship and salvation -- of Stevie and Squirrel -- who are agents of reconciliation, demonstrating yet again that God is always at work in the world, in those moments and places where darkness seem to have the most say. So that's why I found Faraway so gripping that I couldn't put it down. We're so accustomed to hearing of sex trafficking of young women. This is a book that corrects that bias, and highlights a layer to the Church's conversations and ministries with LGBT folks that often go unspoken. Make no doubt about it, Kline holds nothing back in this memoir. It's filled with scenes that will make certain segments of the Church squirm. And rightly so. Because those scenes are graphic and disturbing. While Kline was used in a ways that changed his life forever, his retelling of that summer in the mid 70s is a story that provokes Christians to action and prayer. This story holds us in the Body of Christ accountable for the ways we are with and for the vulnerable and exploited. So ultimately, while Faraway is a page-turner, it's also not a book for the faint of heart. Those whose heart has been restored by Jesus Christ will shed tears of grief, too. Faraway is a real gift for the Church, not just for the story it tells, but for the spiritual vision of vocation that it renews. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, as part of the Speakeasy book review program, in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Awakening: One Man's Battle with Darkness; Author: Friedrich Zuendel; Review: I'm always leery of accounts of the demonic that are so popular in our culture. They typically succumb to excessive spiritual sensationalism and apply an over-obvious appeal to the reader's sense of spiritual voyeurism. So I came to Friedrich Zuendel's The Awakening with a great deal of theological suspicion and reticence. The story is from 1841, and contains Zuendel's -- a Swiss pastor -- account of the bizarre events surrounding Gottlievin Dittus. While one of his intentions is the historical defense of the events surrounding Blumhardt and Gottlievin Dittus, he obviously intends to speak to the issue of the church's reaction to extreme instances of spiritual warfare and unusual movements of the Holy Spirit as well. He handles that account with humility and theological and personal sensitivity. Zuendel's use of Blumhardt's letters from the time not only lend credence to the alleged events, but also paint a picture of a very careful pastor who battled with own his feelings over the possession. Blumhardt approached each situation by putting on the full armor of God. The book states that when things took a serious turn, he would pray with a friend. "Together we searched through the Bible, determined not to go any further than Scripture led us." It's that humility and honesty, blended with a devout biblical faith in the continuing work of Jesus Christ through the Spirit, that made such an impression on me. And ultimately made me reconsider my suspicions about the book. Not only did Blumhardt encounter the spiritual fight, but also resistance from the local authorities. In spite of those obstacles, he saw a true spiritual awakening in his parish. While the book is about demonic activity, it's even more about repentance, confession, and reconciliation and peace that comes from Christ. Which makes this a book for believer and skeptic alike. If you're a glutton for those sensationalized accounts of spiritual possession, you should pick up this book. Because it reframes and challenges so much of what passes for "spiritual warfare" in Christian publishing these days. You find here a genuine account of what that warfare not only looks like, but the tolls it takes on the lives of those affected, and the good that the cross of Jesus Christ brings to a broken and terrified world. Because the book doesn't end with the account of demon possession. The final section is the real gift that Zuendel has given us. There, we see the vitality and openness of the Church at its best in the midst of spiritual warfare. That revival in the Black Forest is the real spiritual warfare of the book. And it made The Awakening one of the most refreshing stories about spiritual warfare I've ever encountered. Blumhardt's humility and pastoral sensitivity enrich this story in ways that probably account for why he's been so under-appreciated in academic circles. And the Church's obvious reluctance to acknowledge the revival in the midst is perhaps understandable, too, but ultimately regrettable. There are so many lessons in this book from the nineteenth century for 2015. Be sure to read; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heaven's Muscle: Unleashing the Power of the Spirit Within You; Author: Visit Amazon's Bren Hughes Page; Review: Bren Hughes' Heaven's Muscle: Unleashing the Power of the Spirit Within You is an easy-to-read part spiritual memoir, part spiritual wisdom that highlights what being a true Christ-follower is all about. In it, Hughes outlines how to move from a deadening religiosity toward a life revitalized by the Holy Spirit. In the opening chapter, Hughes addresses what he calls "the spirit of religion" -- a legalistic spirit that keeps us from following the Holy Spirit. In that way, Heaven's Muscle is a book much like the classics by Walter Wink or William Stringfellow. But it's the chapters that follow that are the real gems. Hughes writes about the biblical basis for the work of the Holy Spirit in a way that makes the Christian spiritual life come alive with vitality. And he connects that vitality to the depth spirituality of baptism itself. For the strongest of "heaven's muscles", though, one needs love. Love is the essence of what this life in the Spirit looks like (page 68). It's the awakening from the slumbers of this legalism that Heaven's Muscle is best at. And it's what makes this book a real eye-opener for lots of Christians who struggle with the legalism that was at the heart of Hughes' own early life -- and ultimately found him embracing atheism. But it's the journey back to a vibrant faith that ends the book that makes it a real joy to read. Hughes offers a warm and compelling vision of living Christianly for those who struggle. And it's a book you shouldn't miss. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, as part of the Speakeasy book review program, in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Father Dark; Author: Steven L. Case; Review: Steven Case's Father Dark: A Novel is perhaps the most unique Christian fiction I've ever read. It's creative theology mixed with rich characterization. Padi and Miss Roberta were particularly convincing and made the novel a real joy to read, because they bring the struggles of urban life to real life, and mix them with elements of intriguing fantasy. Father Michael Dark is the priest I aspire to be in my own ministry, both down-to-earth and non-judgmental. And while the mysterious "dark angel" tries to stop the drug-dealers and pimps, he isn't innocent either -- he has a secret of his own. Ultimately, Father Dark is a novel that asks us to take seriously the simple fact of our faith: That God's love is unconditional and open to all. In this novel, God often shows up in ways and in people that might remain unsuspected to the Church that hasn't developed the imaginative vision to see God at work in the world. That imaginative vision is what Father Dark most nourishes and enables, and it's that vision that ultimately made me fall in love with Case's writing and his vision of the Christian faith. Father Dark is a quick read -- I read it in just one afternoon. But it's a reading that takes the New Testament's vision of spiritual battles on earth seriously. This isn't a book, though, that reinforces a spiritualism that is disconnected. Instead, Father Dark is thoroughly incarnational. And in that way highlights the biblical witness' own ideas about the Kingdom of God. This novel is a fantastic read! Anyone who loves Christian fiction should pick it up. I can hardly wait for the next installment. (Mr Case, please tell me there's a follow-up novel about Father Dark.) __________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, as part of the Speakeasy book review program, in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Divided: When the Head and Heart Don't Agree (Refraction); Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Delvaux Page; Review: Bill Delvaux's Divided: When the Head and Heart Don't Agree is a book premised on some simple idea: That the love of God with one's head is the same love of God with one's heart. What our culture so easily divides -- in this case, what we believe in our hearts from what we believe in our heads -- genuine discipleship with Jesus bridges and unites. Divided is another of Thomas Nelson's Refraction Series, but since I had such a wonderful time with the other volumes, I was excited to dive into this book. And I wasn't disappointed. There are no Christians I don't who don't struggle with this radical division. Regularly, in spiritual direction and in pastoral counseling, the division of head and heart pops up. The problem is such a web of issues that it's rather intricate a web to untangle. But in his 190 pages, Delvaux has accomplished a pastoral task that must not go unnoticed and unappreciated in the Church. Here, he not only diagnoses how the divide happens and what are its results (Part I), but he also offers thoughtful wisdom for what to do (Part II) and how to understand what genuine unity between head and heart look like for Christians (Part III). But the book practices what it preaches: This isn't just another well-thought-out head trip, it's a genuine spiritual discipline in reuniting what has often been divided, through story and practice. That's because each chapter contains its own questions for journaling (practicing!). But it's the pastoral vulnerability, the deep spiritual wisdom, with which Delvaux writes that most impresses me. This isn't a book you should miss. ____________________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Art of Storytelling: Easy Steps to Presenting an Unforgettable Story; Author: Visit Amazon's John Walsh Page; Review: Preaching is a powerful theological act of the Church. It's so powerful precisely because preaching is that moment when the living Word captures the imagination of the congregation, using stories to unfold the Truth alive in Jesus Christ. So many important things circle around the act of telling those stories in the Church. So John Walsh's Art of Storytelling: Easy Steps to Presenting an Unforgettable Story is an important book for preachers. This book is really written to those who wish to perform stories in public (for example at a library for children or as a Sunday School lesson), but Walsh makes it accessible to a variety of others by guiding readers through portions of the book that non-storytellers can skip. The last section of the book gives specifics for applying his steps and principles to telling Bible stories. Walsh's storytelling abilities prove themselves throughout the pages of the book as he illustrates what he teaches. That's what makes The Art of Storytelling essential reading for preachers. In two major sections of the book, Walsh lays out steps for telling a compelling story before refining the storyteller's communication by providing tools for better communication. Reading this book reminded me of the power of a story and put tools in my toolbox to help me improve my storytelling/preaching craft. Since it's formatted as a how-to guide, reading it straight through may not prove the most interesting read, but I recommend it as a good reference for beginning storytellers' bookshelves. The Art of Storytelling is certainly a book that will remain on my preaching bookshelf. __________________ I received this free book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Psalms: Language for All Seasons of the Soul; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew J. Schmutzer Page; Review: Andrew Schmutzer & David Howard Jr's Psalms: Language for All Seasons of the Soul brings together some of the academic research on the psalms with devotional writing. It's a real gift for biblical studies as well as for spirituality. I come from a tradition that reads the Psalms through, every month, as part of daily prayer. We also regularly chant the Psalms in worship. So the Psalms have played an integral and primary role in training my own prayer language. This collection has eighteen highly-esteemed biblical scholars to share perspectives on the way we faithfully read the Psalms, and how those same Psalms influence and shape our prayers and worship. The Psalms highlights the theological, literary, and canonical shape of the book in an accessible way for pastors and Sunday School teachers. The book itself is divided into five parts. Part I highlights the way the Psalms have been studied in academia in recent years. It sets the context for the various ways the Psalms are read in the rest of the collection. Parts II and III discuss a variety of psalms from two different genres (lament and praise). Part IV is perhaps the strongest part of this collection, and discusses the key areas for contemporary Psalm studies. But it's Part V -- "Communicating the Psalms" -- that most pastors will find useful. The Psalms is a real treasure for Psalm studies. It brings together so many different voices -- much like Psalms itself -- who together still sing the praises of God and give voice to the variety of genres in the Book of Psalms itself. Most importantly, this book reminds us God's words speak to all of God's faithful, not just isolated individuals. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Preaching with Accuracy: Finding Christ-Centered Big Ideas for Biblical Preaching (Preaching With Series); Author: Randal Pelton; Review: Randal Pelton's Preaching with Accuracy: Finding Christ-Centered Big Ideas for Biblical Preaching is a real gift for preachers and hope for the Church. In it, Pelton presents a method for finding "the Christ-centered big idea" of the biblical text and fashioning a theological sermon for the congregation, week-in and week-out. That's because preaching is one of two foci around which the Church gathers every Lord's Day -- text and table. This book helps recover expository preaching after decades of its neglect in the face of more "topical" sermons. Chapter 1 highlights the ways in which that neglect happened in the Church's recent past, only to go forward in outlining a particular way of reading the biblical text that focuses on "the big idea" (i.e., Christocentric idea) from Chapter 2 to Chapter 5. But it's the "Canonical Interpretation" in Chapter 6 that's the most exciting. There, Pelton rightly calls preachers back to proclaiming the Gospel in its canonical context. The book closes (Chapter 7) with practical advice that connects this "Canonical Interpretation" to the preaching task itself. In a preacher's hands, Preaching with Accuracy reclaims the centrality of Jesus Christ to our preaching. It reminded me so much of that one book that has informed and transformed my own preaching habits: Karl Barth's Homiletics. This is not a book for preachers to be missed this year. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff Goins Page; Review: I didn't have high expectations for Jeff Goins' new book, The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do. I've read his other books and genuinely found them nice, but nothing memorable. And as I started The Art of Work, I wasn't too highly impressed. Lots of folks I see struggle with their life's work. They struggle with the gap between what really interests us -- where our passions lie, and how we earn a paycheck. In many instances, we work to pay the bills so that we can pursue our true interest. Others know their current career path is not their passion, but cannot pinpoint where their true passion lies. Are we living to work or working to live? Are we spending our work hours doing something that fulfills us? Are working at a career that is exactly what we were created to do, or have we pushed our dreams aside to face the reality of a 9 to 5? Those are the questions I expected Goins to address. These are the same questions countless other books on a life's vocation deal with. So, again, my expectations weren't high, and Goins was still meeting those expectations. It wasn't a book that made me go "Wow!", but it was a nice book all the same. Until, that is, Goins took the next step. Our passion -- as so many of us know -- isn't enough; it must also intersect with the needs of the world around us for us to begin living for a larger purpose. I have read many books about pursuing your passion, but many leave us there -- precisely where I thought Goins would end. But in The Art of Work, Goins provides the reader with practical exercises to allow the reader to figure out where there passion lies and how to start moving in the right direction to make a pivot and begin living for a larger purpose. It's those exercises, in the appendix, that left me most excited about this book. If you're one of those who simply works to pay the bills and can't see a greater good produced by their career, this is the book for you. Pay particular attention to those exercises at the end of the book! __________________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Everyone Belongs to God: Discovering the Hidden Christ; Author: Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt; Review: Christoph Blumhardt's Everyone Belongs to God: Discovering the Hidden Christ is an original book in an age that needs to hear this pastor's message. To be honest, it's a book that's hard to characterize, just like Blumhardt himself, because this book depicts a Kingdom that's bigger than anything we might dare or imagine. Readers won't find a particular theology here, because Blumhardt is a prophet who talks less about God and more speaking on behalf of the God we know in Jesus Christ. And his message is this: The Risen Christ draws all of humanity to himself. Regardless of the distinctives we use to distinguish ourselves over-against others, Jesus breaks down those walls. To confess the Risen Christ, Blumhardt insists, is to proclaim the good news to all the world. Distinctions are obliterated. That's why the book begins with a quote on the flyleaf from Paul: "Here, there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all" (Colossians 3.11). Make no doubt about it, Everyone Belongs to God is a prophetic book. Though the text of the book is a collection of essays and sermons from over a century ago, this book's message is as new as today's newspaper. In a world where we Christians attempt to separate ourselves in Christian enclaves, Blumhardt insists that God is at work in Jesus Christ in and through the Church, but even sometimes beyond it. Blumhardt challenges us -- as good prophets challenge God's people -- to see the world as God sees the world. Friendship and forgiveness name that process of seeing -- even when such friendship and forgiveness is with our enemies. That's because the Risen Christ is already at work in the world -- to those who have those eyes to see. The Church's work isn't simply caring or evangelism. The Church's work is the continued work of Jesus Christ in the world, by incarnating the Risen One in love. And trusting that the Risen One will accomplish far more for the world than we might, in our own puny visions, dare to dream of imagine. So ultimately, Everyone Belongs to God is a challenge to read. Because in the reading of it, the scales fell from my own eyes, in order to see the world as God in Jesus Christ sees the world. ___________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird; Author: Visit Amazon's Amy Lively Page; Review: There's no doubt: To most Christians, evangelism is difficult. That's true for Amy Lively. In her new book, How to Love Your Neighbor without Being Weird, Lively writes, "I wanted to love my neighbor, but I didn't know how". The message of Jesus is Good News. As News, it needs sharing. So it falls to those who follow Jesus to share that Good News. Particularly to those who are near to us. So Lively writes in order to explore how to share that Good News in a way that isn't weird or suspicious. Because, to be honest, most of us don't even know our neighbors. And Lively knows how frightening sharing that Good News might be. Making spiritual connections in our world is a dangerous thing -- and certainly fraught with all sorts of things of which we should be aware. In the process of reaching out, though, Lively found her life enriched by her encounters. Make no doubt about it, How to Love Your Neighbor without Being Weird is directed at Christian women who would like to establish neighborhood Bible study groups, those of other faiths, and even the nonreligious. But it's full of wisdom that anyone in the Church can use. It's full of practical and loving suggestions to open our doors and hearts to our neighbors. Following her tips, you're likely to find, as she did, that while people may walk into each other's homes as strangers, they walk out as friends. And it's that friendship -- those connections -- that are at the heart of the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are united together with God in Christ. ___________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Lifetime in Gatlinburg: Martha Cole Whaley Remembers; Author: Visit Amazon's Marie Maddox Page; Review: Martha Cole Whaley is my great grandaunt. And this is a wonderful treasure for the local area's history and for its own story. While I was particularly drawn to the early chapters (of her childhood), for obvious, reasons, the entire book is a real treat. Martha, through Marie Maddox, has given me a book that I'll treasure for years to come. Thank you both!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Necessary Grief: Essential Tools for Leadership in Bereavement Ministry; Author: Visit Amazon's Larry J. Michael Page; Review: Larry Michael's A Necessary Grief: Essential Tools for Leadership in Bereavement brings together a pastor's heart with resources for those who offer care to the grieving. It's an excellent book filled with wisdom for those in the Church who walk with others "in the valley of the shadow of death". Michael offers accessible information about the nature of grief (part 1) as well as wisdom about what to say and do for those involved in bereavement ministries in the Church (part 2). Part 3 -- "Coaching Others in Grief" -- is useful for those congregations who want to establish bereavement ministries and offers very practical advice for congregations and their pastors. The appendices continue in offering unique wisdom for ministers in the face of death. I found the first appendix ("Different ages grieve in different ways") especially useful. While I've seen the information before in grief ministry classes, the chart he offers here packs so much information in an accessible form. A Necessary Grief is a genuine gift for congregational leaders and for congregations in ministering with those who grieve. It belongs in every church library and on the shelves of every pastor. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Fellowship of Differents: Showing the World God's Design for Life Together; Author: Visit Amazon's Scot McKnight Page; Review: Scot McKnight's Fellowship of Differents: Showing the World God's Design for Life Together is a book that addresses questions everyone is asking these days: Can a person be a Christian and not be part of the church? Or, is involvement in the church an essential, even constitutive part of what it means to be a Christian? In light of the recent Pew Center study results that nearly 8 full percentage points fewer folks self-identify as Christian, an n alarming number of religious folks are tending toward affirming the first question, that following Jesus is something one can do apart from any involvement in a local church. I wish I could get McKnight's newest book into the hands of everyone who has bought that line. Because, here's the truth: Everything I learned about the Christian life I learned from my church ... a local church determines what the Christian life looks like for the people in that church ... we all learn the Christian life from how our local church shapes us (p. 15). McKnight's newest book is a working ecclesiology (doctrine of the church) drawn from a close reading of Paul's letters. "The earliest Christian churches were made up of folks from all over the social map", McKnight rightly insists. The earliest Christian communities -- and all of them since! -- have always been communities of difference and differents. The unity of the church is not the same as uniformity. And to insist on uniformity now, is to deny the very nature of the Body of Christ. Why is that, though? Because the very love of God is itself diverse. Paul's vision of the Church grows out of that extravagant understanding and experience of divine love. So A Fellowship of Differents is a book that belongs on the shelf of every pastor, every church leader, every follower of Jesus, who wants to embrace the community of Jesus in all its fullness. Be careful, though. McKnight's book is not simply a new call for the church's "diversity". It's a thorough exploration of the apostle Paul's vision for the church. It's an ecclesiology, but one that is accessible to the average church member, and deep enough to keep the attention of theology-nerds. That's a difficult needle to thread, and it's McKnight's specialty to do just that. A Fellowship of Differents is able to take such complicated themes as gender, socioeconomics, race, culture, style, moralities, politics, language, ages, marital status, and so on and place them into a single-minded devotion to Jesus and Jesus' new community called the Church. This means, of course, that's Paul's vision of the church is going to be quite different from how we perceive diversity as Americans, and nothing like "the American experiment". In some of the most chilling words of Christian prophetic voice, McKnight insists: What the church most needs is not heroes of the faith, but faithful followers of Jesus. What your local church needs in order to live out the designs of God for a church, that grand social experiment of bringing all sorts of people to; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Freedom from Sinful Thoughts; Author: J. Heinrich Arnold; Review: Heinrich Arnold's Freedom from Sinful Thoughts is a marvelous little book that moves discussions about sin and its effects in our lives as Christians away from ethical analysis and into the personal, practical search for wholeness. Whatever our battle with "sinful thoughts" -- whether it's overcoming the addictive power of sin in our lives or simply battling the constant barrage of our culture in framing how we think unhealthily about human thriving -- Arnold's book contains rich pastoral wisdom offered with lots of compassion. A life freed from "sinful thoughts" begins with a controlled mental life. But we can't fix our our "mental sinfulness". With a keen understanding of the psychology of habits, Arnold rejects all of the "self-help" and "self-medicating" ways that our culture teaches us might resolve those bad habits. I particularly found his discussion about the problem of relying on "willpower" helpful. Willpower will never alleviate sinful thoughts, because willpower is a part of the sinful problem in the first place. Willpower cannot be the savior, because willpower is part of the sinful patterns that enable and ennoble those sinful thoughts to begin with. Trying to use our willpower to get rid of our sinful thoughts only brings those habits and thoughts into a sharper mental focus. And any Christian who's ever struggled with sinful thoughts knows how true this is. True liberation from sinful thoughts, Arnold advises, occurs only in Christ's redemptive work in our lives. Freedom from sinful thoughts happens only with surrender, not with struggle. In faithfulness, we surrender to the promise that Jesus is recreating our lives out of the little deaths that come with sinful thoughts. This is why Arnold focuses so much of Freedom from Sinful Thoughts on practices like confession, prayer, detachment, and repentance. The Christian life is mysterious and counter-intuitive, Arnold insists, precisely because it is a gift from God rather than an achievement of our will. His wisdom in chapter 11, on "Confession", of the book is alone worth the price of having it on our shelf. (I won't spoil what's there; I leave it to the reader to discover how much Arnold has given us.) I have to admit that, at first, I was disappointed by this book. I expected a book that purports to explain how to be free from sinful thoughts to offer exercises to accomplish that. But as I came to the end of Arnold's book, I realized what a treasure he's given to me: A reminder that any spiritual life that is my own struggle will only inevitably end in disaster and depression. It's only when I surrender to the work of Jesus in my life that there's real freedom to be found. That makes Freedom from Sinful Thoughts essential reading for those on the long road toward the liberation of the Gospel from the sinful thoughts that so bind our lives. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Every Child Welcome: A Ministry Handbook for Including Kids with Special Needs; Author: Katie Wetherbee; Review: Katie Wetherbee and Jolene Philo's Every Child Welcome: A Ministry Handbook for Including Kids with Special Needs is one of the most important resources for churches and pastors. It distills information for church leaders and for church ministries with special needs children, by educators who have spent their careers with children with disabilities. Every Child Welcome is filled with extremely practical ideas and strategies for including children with all levels of intellectual, physical, developmental and emotional disability into the environments and activities in which we help them to grow to know and love God. What sets this book apart when compared to other excellent special needs ministry resources is that practical wisdom Wetherbee and Philo share from their years of classroom experience in special education. They offer a plethora of ideas and strategies for teaching kids with extraordinarily diverse learning styles and ability. Many books and websites (including Every Child Welcome) have helpful information for managing problematic behaviors. Two complete chapters in the heart of the book discuss strategies for teaching biblical concepts when kids struggle with reading, the ability to grasp abstract concepts or learning in group situations. Wetherbee and Philo also give us resources for practical strategies to share effective and sensitive communication with parents of kids with special needs and the emphasis they place on offering all children -- including children with special needs -- opportunities to serve in and with the Church is particularly helpful. They give us an entire chapter on teaching children how to serve; that chapter alone makes this book an invaluable resource. This isn't a book you'll read once and place on your shelf. Every Child Welcome is a resource to which children's ministry leaders will turn again and again. It also offers wisdom for parents who attend to the spiritual lives of their children. This is a book that fills a void, and will be a real gift to the Church for a long, long time. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Ministry in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Understanding Prophecy: A Biblical-Theological Approach; Author: Alan Bandy; Review: Alan Bandy and Benjamin Merkle's Understanding Prophecy: A Biblical-Theological Approach is an excellent text that investigates the nature of the biblical prophetic texts (from both the Old Testament and the New Testament) from a theological perspective. Bandy and Merkle contend that biblical theology is the primary prism through which biblical prophecy must be seen. The way in which they define biblical theology centers around three key theses (chapter 1): The Bible contains a unified message. That unified message centers on Jesus. Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension are the climax of that message, becomes the central viewpoint from which all biblical prophecy must be read. Bandy and Merkle then offer an understanding of biblical prophecy that focuses prophecy not so much on telling the future as on speaking on behalf of and for God (chapter 2). Biblical prophecy is "rooted in the revelation of God" and is therefore "historically conditioned" as well as "eschatologically oriented" (pp. 43-49). Utilizing a variety of literary genres (pp. 50-59), biblical prophecy ultimately intends to read human history as God reads human history -- the entire sweep of that history told as "salvation story". Chapter 3 offers a unique way of bringing together that understanding of biblical theology for reading biblical prophecy. "The big picture of redemptive history" and the "grand narrative of Scripture" help to keep the focus of every biblical prophetic text on God and on telling forward of God's intention and understanding of created life. Chapter 4-10 present the various interpretive schools for reading biblical prophecy, in both the Old and New Testaments. Although there are some differences between those schools, the survey of the rich ways in which Christians read biblical prophecy theologically will benefit students and pastors alike. Understanding Prophecy is an introductory approach not to be missed. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Not Just Good, but Beautiful: The Complementary Relationship between Man and Woman; Author: Helen Alvar; Review: Not Just Good, but Beautiful: The Complementary Relationship between Man and Woman is a collection of essays that grows out of Pope Francis' colloquium -- The Synod on the Family -- at the Vatican, held from November 17-19, 2014. That gathering was sponsored by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for the Family, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. It brought together leading religious, philosophical and cultural minds in order to explore the complementarity between men and women, using fresh and creative language to explore that complementarity from a variety of viewpoints. What resulted, of course, is a way of exploring the importance of marriage and family as social institutions. What ties these essays together, then, is an appreciation for the social beauty of marriage and family, as well as marriage's benefits for men and women at the level of the couple, the level of the family, and the level of the community. Included in Not Just Good, But Beautiful are Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Taoist, Buddhist, and Muslim voices, as well as concordant voices from philosophical and cultural perspectives. The result, then, is itself a beautiful collection of essays -- because it represents some of the most important, and fresh, perspectives on marriage and family, with a genuine ecumenical spirit. Not Just Good, but Beautiful touches on so many themes that are important in the conversation about marriage and family. But the one that stuck out at me so often was the beauty of what I call "self-gift". Marriages and families are gifts of unselfishness, of avoiding ego, of gift, of service, of sacrifice -- and each of these essays bring that beautiful theme to the forefront so often. I was particularly impressed with the voices of Arnold, Allen, and Wright on this self-gift. This deceptively little book offers so many fresh voices on the importance of what it means for men and women to join together in the journey that is marriage and family. It explores all the ways in which those relationships work, how these relationships are lived, how people in these relationships struggle, the destructive stereotypes that undermine those relationships, and lots of other important ideas along the way. Not Just Good, but Beautiful is a collection that belongs on everyone's shelves! __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forgiven: The Amish School Shooting, a Mother's Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace; Author: Visit Amazon's Terri Roberts Page; Review: Terri Roberts' Forgiven: The Amish School Shooting, A Mother's Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace is one of the most compelling accounts of the practice of Christian forgiveness and healing that I've read in a long time. The fact that is recounts real lives living Christianly is a testament to the difference that Jesus Christ makes in the real world. Forgiven recounts the events of October 2, 2006, and the Nickel Mines Schoolhouse shooting in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel -- that God, in Jesus Christ, goes to the greatest lengths to forgive God's enemies. And what's more: Christians, then, love others -- even our enemies -- as a testament to that Gospel. Forgiveness, in other words, is the Christian practice of the difference Jesus makes in our lives. And the Amish know and practice this forgiveness in a way that stuns the world after the events of October 2, 2006. What makes Forgiven even more compelling is that this story is told from the vantage of one of those most in need of that forgiveness that brings wholeness -- the shooter's family (in particular, Terri is the mother of the shooter). Terri and Chuck Roberts were well-known, well-loved and well-respected in their community and their church. But their lives changed on that day. From their despair, anguish and grief, through trying to understand and make sense of the tragedy and then working to try to bring about healing for their community and family, Teri looks at what forgiveness really means for those extending it and for those receiving it in this little book. The book itself is a real page-turner. I couldn't put it down once I'd started reading. Because Roberts is able to bring readers into the very crux of the matter -- that forgiveness is more than some vague idea of letting the past go. It's the very real practices -- the choice we make day in and day out -- to embrace the other qua other, and seek the wholeness that God envisions for all creation in their particular lives. So at the end of the day, Forgiven is more than a story. It's a call to the larger Church to extend that forgiveness to others -- even those who would kill us -- in our every word and act. That's what really makes Forgiven so compelling. It's more than just a book. It's a way of life that has flesh and blood embodying that life. Which really shouldn't surprise us. Because that's the way God made known forgiveness in the first place -- through the flesh and blood of a man who forgave his enemies and brought peace to those who killed him. __________________ I received this free book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tough Questions About God and His Actions in the Old Testament; Author: Walter Kaiser Jr.; Review: Walter Kaiser's Tough Questions about God and His Actions in the Old Testament is a slender volume in which one of the most significant Evangelical scholars of the Old Testament deals with a number of issues -- from creation, to the wrath of God, the genocide of the Canaanites, God's knowledge of the future, polygamy, Satan, the view of women, and (what was probably my least favorite chapter), the application of the Old Testament law -- in a practical, accessible way, with a pastor's heart. Kaiser is known for bringing deep exegesis into conversation with the living out of the Christian faith in daily life. And he doesn't disappoint here, either. The Old Testament, more often than not, appears inaccessible to most Christians. Some of us develop that age-old heretical notion that the God of the New Testament (and the grace known in Jesus Christ) is somehow at-odds with the legalistic God of the Old Testament. So we grow increasingly uncomfortable with reading the Old Testament. Even those of us who've collapsed the notion of biblical genres, and therefore read the Old Testament as some sort of divine legal code that somehow complements the New Testament -- find pieces of the Old Testament to be strange and foreign and therefore unaccessible. But Kaiser breaks down those faulty perceptions. The God of the Old Testament, he rightly insists again and again, is the God and Father of Jesus Christ. His actions, when properly understood, demonstrate a beautiful and joyful unity of the Testaments -- a joy and beauty that can bring vitality to the Church's witness here and now. This is a book that would be ideal for Church School classes, and belongs on every pastor's shelves. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Devotional for Women; Author: Dorothy Kelley Patterson; Review: The Devotional for Women is a new resource for Broadman & Holman that combines rich biblical insight into the patterns of women's real spiritual lives. What Patterson and the others offer are 366 daily Bible devotions -- with space for personal reflections on the biblical text and the devotional -- that are written for women of any age, promoting a biblical view of womanhood. What I most love about this devotional is the rich diversity of biblical texts used -- from Genesis to Revelation -- that balance biblical insight with practical wisdom. Women face so many of the same challenges reflected in these texts, and the authors have given visionary, creative and courageous spiritual advice in these pages. The book itself is durable, with a beautiful cover and ribbon marker -- all of which make The Devotional for Women that is usable as well as rich. I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishers in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Their Writings; Author: Visit Amazon's Kenneth Berding Page; Review: Kenneth Berding and Matt Williams have given us a fresh approach for understanding what the New Testament is all about in their What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Their Writings. The second edition brings together the introductory material from the first edition, with updated bibliographies, but with the same simple focus that most introductory texts don't have: Learning the New Testament in light of the scholarly material rather than through it. This text doesn't get bogged down in details. In fact, there's a one-page brief introduction to the questions most introductory texts spend pages developing -- Who, what, where, when, and why. Instead, What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About devotes nearly all its attention in each chapter to just that -- what the authors really cared about. Which is to say, this introductory text aims to hone skills in reading the text theologically. Written primarily for undergraduate students, the book does not stop with developing the intellect, either. The authors are right to bring the focus, again and again, back to the reader's living relationship with the object of the New Testament writers: Jesus. Helpfully organized by writer instead of chronologically, the text includes a number of study helps for students: Maps, sidebar discussions, and review vocabulary. That makes What the New Testament Writers an invaluable resource that focuses more on themes than on particular scholarly trends. ____________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Academic in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Worship Changes Everything: Experiencing God's Presence in Every Moment of Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Darlene Zschech Page; Review: Darlene Zschech's Worship Changes Everything: Experiencing God's Presence in Everyday Life takes us beyond her well-known worship music -- music like "Shout to the Lord" and "For All You've Done", among others -- to explore how our worship defines our daily life. The book explores a simple thesis: "It can be easy to have a heart filled with worship on a Sunday morning as the church band is playing your favorite song. But then comes Monday morning's commute or Tuesday afternoon's pile of laundry". So what does worship look like in real life? At work? In our families? With our friends? Darlene Zschech has spent her life thinking and teaching about worship. With wisdom and contagious joy, she shares her thoughts on what worship truly is and how it should invade every facet of your being. Worship Changes Everything is a book those of us who care about Christian spirituality and how it connects to daily life shouldn't miss. Chapter 13, "Money", alone is one of those chapters I have waited to read for years. __________________ I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reordering the Trinity: Six Movements of God in the New Testament; Author: Rodrick Durst; Review: Rodrick Durst's Reordering the Trinity: Six Movements of God in the New Testament is a refreshing journey through the trinitarian texts and subtexts of the New Testament, exploring all the ways our understanding of God impacts how we Christians live and worship and work in the Church. According to Durst, the traditional order we normally associate with trinitarian language, particularly at baptism -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- is but one of six ways in which the persons of the trinity are arranged in New Testament trinitarian formulations, and each of those six ways have very different emphases. Durst then engages in a survey of the ways in which the early church utilized that diverse trinitarian language in order to enrich its life and work in the world. From the biblical context to the liturgical and missional implications, Durst's argument is richly textured and explores how the particular purpose or movement of each of those six formulations has implications in a variety of areas -- mission, salvation, witness, spiritual formation and ecclesial unity. Reordering the Trinity is far more than historical theology or exegetical exploration. It's nothing short of a radical (in the best sense of the word) survey of all the ways our trinitarian faith and its language impacts so much of who we Christians are and what we do. Trinitarian theology has the potential to transform our work and worship, and Durst is just the person to lead us through these movements. I was particularly impressed with the parts of the book that might go unnoticed -- the appendices. The two spiritual formation exercises (pages 325-329) will make Reordering the Trinity a text that I'll require seminary students in my basic theology course to read again and again. And "Explaining the Trinity to Children and Adolescents" (pages 331-335) is one of the best treatments I've seen for leading children and youth in the Church to reclaim our trinitarian language and worship in meaningful ways. Those appendices, alone, make this a book that every pastor needs on their library's shelves. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Academic Publications in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer; Author: Visit Amazon's Priscilla Shirer Page; Review: Priscilla Shirer's Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer is a book I've been waiting for for a long time. In it, Shirer highlights a simple truth: Prayer works. From the very beginning of Fervent, readers are taught all of the ways in which the Enemy attacks. There is a reason that in the New Testament military imagery for Christian life is even more popular than athletics. Even after the victory of the cross, Christian life is a battle. We don't walk it so much as run it and fight it. Throughout the book, Shirer then offers reflections on the methods the Enemy will use in all those ways. She continually points to God's grace, all the while offering a guide to start writing our prayers to overcome all of the strategies with that grace. What disturbed me about the book, though, is that Shirer seems to believe the Enemy is just "out there". More often the enemies are within: Sloth, boredom, apathy, frustration, incompetence, ignorance, insecurity, cynicism, pride, shame, envy, prejudice, distraction, heroism, cowardice, and impatience. I wish she had given more attention to those, too. In the end, though, Fervent is a book that helps Christians develop habits of praying earnestly and always. This is not a book to be missed in 2016. I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Steadfast Love: The Response of God to the Cries of Our Heart; Author: Lauren Chandler; Review: Lauren Chandler's Steadfast Love is partly an extended sermon on Psalm 107 and partly a spiritual memoir. This is a beautiful little book, mostly because Chandler helps us to understand that "no matter the season, no matter if we're hungry and thirsty, heavy-hearted, entangled in sin, or weathering a storm, God is the Lord of steadfast love, the anchor of our souls". Like I said, this is an extended devotional on Psalm 107, and tackles the chapter by looking at particular verses to explore how we have all been in in the desert, suffering from our own folly, stuck in chains, or weathering a storm. She uses the text from Psalm 107 and blends her own spiritual story to explore how we anchor ourselves in fake gods, and how the God of our deliverance is the only hope we have in the world. This is a book I've need for a while, precisely because she refocuses our lives on God's steadfast love. I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lasting Love: How to Avoid Marital Failure; Author: Visit Amazon's Alistair Begg Page; Review: Alistair Begg's Lasting Love: How to Avoid Martial Failure is one of those books on Christian marriage that has been around for a while (I first read this book in 1997 at seminary), but it's been re-released by Moody Publishing in 2015. Begg tackles some important biblical questions about the nature of marriage: How to prepare (chapter 2) and what dangers to avoid ("Pulling Weeds" and "Planting Hedges" -- chapters 6 & 7 are the most important in the book!). It's one of the more accessible books about marriage, easy to read and straightforward. Lasting Love also contains the stories of real life marriages, so it's not filled with fluff. But I do wish the material in this re-release had been updated. The bibliography doesn't contain anything after 1996 -- and there's been so much done on Christian marriage in those twenty years. In particular, I wish Begg had interacted more with writers like Gary Thomas and Timothy Keller. While the advice here is sound, it ignores so many of the questions that couples are now forced to ask and the issues with which they're forced to deal. Ultimately, then, Lasting Love lacks some of its lasting usefulness. While I'll still use Begg's work in premarital counseling, I doubt I'll recommend it to married couples who come for counseling. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage; Author: Visit Amazon's Ashleigh Slater Page; Review: Ashleigh Slater's Team Us: Marriage Together deals with the real life of a heavy word -- marriage. In our culture, marriage is mostly a word that conjures up negative images and we've all heard the horror stories of that "life lived together" the end in tragedy. That's why some of my closest friends run the other way at the sheer mention of the word. Or why others are fighting and trying their best to maintain a vital marriage. Not many folks, though, want to share the real stories of real marriages, especially not the loses and weakest points. That's what makes Slater's Team Us an important book. She doesn't shy away from sharing the ups and downs of marriage -- the kinks she and her husband Ted had to work through during the first few years of marriage, the financial obstacles and victories, and example after example of how working together as a team instead of against one another is far more beneficial. When you're married, you're instantly on a team -- a team that plays, wins and loses, but does it all together. God strategically chose to pair you up, knowing you were fully capable of making big plays together and being victorious. Cultural cynics, of course, say that marriage is a lot like rooting for the team that never wins: There's the promise of opening day, the reality check of conference season play, the dog days of August, and the inevitable start of the next season. Still, once a fan, always a fan. That's what preserves marriage: Devotion as your spouse's fan -- devotion as a team. We may never cruise down the winner's lane, but we won't give up on one another. Team Us is one of those books I'll recommend to couples for a long time to come. It's an important corrective for Christians for a lot of the lies that our culture tells us about marriage. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bearing Witness: Stories of Martyrdom and Costly Discipleship; Author: Charles E. Moore; Review: Bearing Witness: Stories of Martyrdom and Costly Discipleship is a collection of brief biographies that is part of the Bearing Witness Stories Project, a collaborative project of Anabaptists that continues the tradition of telling the stories of costly discipleship that began with Thieleman van Braght's 1685 collection of martyr stories, Martyrs Mirror. While Martyrs Mirror remains inspiring and relevant for the stories of Christian discipleship, it doesn't include the testimonies of the Anabaptists who have also suffered for their faith in the years since 1685. That's what makes Bearing Witness such an important collection. When I first read this collection, my immediate response was one of being driven to prayer in thanksgiving. These stories tell the life of faithful discipleship from the Church's earliest days (Stephen, Polycarp, etc.) to the stories of those of the Radical Reformation (John Hus, William Tyndale, etc.). But there are more modern stories here, and stories of lives lived throughout the world (from the Virgin Islands to the Congo to Romania). What you find here is a testimony of lives that point to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Lives that live and die in testimony to the Prince of peace. Bearing Witness is an important spiritual discipline for the contemporary church, because it's here that we learn to tell the story of Jesus in real, every day lives. That makes Bearing Witness a book not to be missed. ________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late; Author: Visit Amazon's James MacDonald Page; Review: James MacDonald's Lord, Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late is an honest look at the various at the way our daily attitudes affect our daily lives. Drawing from Numbers 11-16, MacDonald looks at a negative attitude (Complaining, Covetous, Critical, Doubting, Rebellious) and the positive counterparts (Thankful, Contentment, Love, Faith, Submissive) that have readers taking an honest spiritual inventory. In looking at God's response to Israel's own negative attitudes MacDonald highlights how such simple things as daily attitudes are deep spiritual practices (whether faithful or unfaithful) that demonstrate Who and what our spiritual priorities are. Lord, Change My Attitude is certainly a book to read and re-read on occasion, in order to engage in the hard work of taking that spiritual inventory. ___________ I received a free copy of this book by Moody Press in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World; Author: Visit Amazon's Gary Chapman Page; Review: Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane's Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World is a timely book that explores a question I'm often asked by parents: What influence and impact does all this exposure to screens have on my kids? At the heart of that question, of course, is: How can I ensure my kids are learning (or not learning) how to develop healthy social relationships? Screens here are any technological device with a screen like a tablet, computer, laptop, TV, or cellphone. So this book applies to so much of our everyday lives. Because, with the growing number of screens in our homes, there's good reason to ask these questions. Growing Up Social discusses the issues and poses potential solutions for parents who want to teach their children how to use technology responsibly. The book is divided into two sections: Part 1 talks about all the skills our children need to succeed in life. Part 2 addresses those nagging questions many parents have about screen time and their impact on the family. And that's the section that I think is most important in Growing Up Social. Because Chapman and Pellicane survey studies and their data to demonstrate the dangers of extensive screen use. While I'm no Luddite, I do think Growing Up Social makes a compelling case for how we raise our children, and should be read by every parent. ___________ I received a free copy of this book by Moody Press in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NKJV, The Chronological Study Bible, Imitation Leather, Brown; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Nelson Page; Review: Thomas Nelson's Chronological Study Bible: Explore God's Word in Historical Order offers a roughly chronological order. Granted, it helps to keep in mind the editors' own words: Rearranging the Bible is, of course, a fallible human effort. Even those who have earned advanced degrees in the various fields of biblical studies would disagree on any particular rearrangement. The editors of The Chronological Study Bible have been forced at times to make hard decisions, to choose one location at the neglect of another that is equally plausible. In such instances, an honest effort has been made to acknowledge another possible arrangement and to present its case fairly. This allows readers to decide the issues for themselves (page ix). That's because I'm not entirely sure that scholars -- even those with really strong reasons -- might ever agree with which texts are ordered chronologically. For example, I wondered what the editors might do with the Book of Job. After flipping through the book, I discover the text where most other Protestant editions place the book, right after Proverbs. Keeping in mind the difficulty of placing texts in chronological order from a library of biblical books that span thousands of years, this study Bible does offer a unique perspective for reading through the Bible in a year (there's even plans in the back for a one year or two year plan). And other study helps are found throughout -- study helps that highlight history or economics. The Chronological Study Bible is divided into 8 epochs, or time periods. Epochs 8 and 9 cover the New Testament, 8 being the life and ministry of Jesus, and 9 being the "Church Age" and Revelation. Epochs 1-7 cover the Old Testament. Time Charts and Time Panels are included throughout the study Bible in relevant sections. Maps are also included throughout when they will be helpful. Also included are transition points which appear whenever the order changes (such as 2 Samuel 12 transitioning to Psalm 51) or when the narrative within a book changes, such as the end of Genesis 20 transitioning to the birth of Isaac in Genesis 21. Also included are some translator's notes. The concordance at the end is fairly inclusive, for a study Bible. All in all, The Chronological Study Bible is a good resource for any pastor's shelves. __________________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 [...]: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People; Author: Eberhard Arnold; Review: Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People is a collection of 52 readings, with accompanying discussion questions, that lay claim to a fundamental truth: Christian faith is connecting faith. As a direct challenge to the individualism and isolationism of contemporary secular notions of "freedom", Charles Moore has brought together some seminal thinkers for reflecting on the abundant life, the life together, that Jesus envisions for those who follow him. And make no doubt about it, those who follow him are bound together in a "mystical union" that takes flesh and blood in the life of the Church. Gerhard Lohfink, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dorothy Day, Joan Chittister, St Benedict, Richard Foster, Mother Teresa, Jean Vanier -- among so many others -- are all given lengthy selections (most are around 5 pages, but several have much more) that offer us deep meditations on the connection that Christ makes in the Spirit to create that spiritual community that is the Church. But these selections refuse to allow us to fragment that fellowship into a spiritual oblivion. Instead, Moore helps us grasp, through all these voices, the living reality -- with flesh and blood -- which is often a difficult practice in our world. So Called to Community also explores the practices necessary to sustain the intentional community of Jesus' disciples, practices like hospitality and mercy. There's no doubt to my mind, though, that Called to Community is essential reading for everyone who cares about how we Christians create and sustain our graceful life together. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Leading KidMin: How to Drive Real Change in Children's Ministry; Author: Visit Amazon's Pat Cimo Page; Review: Pat Cimo & Matt Markins' Leading KidMin: How to Drive Real Change in Children's Ministry is an amazing book that goes beyond "how" to do children's ministries in the local church but how to lead those ministries into full discipleship in the church. In a culture that tends to continue the same trends in children's ministries that have existed for decades, Cimo and Markins -- both of whom have extensive experience in those ministries -- explore what it means to lead meaningfully faithful change in those ministries. In particular, it explores the ways in which children's ministers can drive those changes. There are plenty of practical skills here in working together toward a shared vision, particularly with senior leadership. What I love most about Leading KidMin is its ability to help children's ministers explore the depths of their own vocation and its place in the congregational life, and learning how to speak that heart for the church. Chapter 3, "How to Run Toward Your Problems", helps give voice to those to those temptations to run from the vocation to children's ministry -- it, alone, is worth the price of the book. The beauty of KidMin is that is speaks not only to those larger congregations where children's ministries may be long-standing, but also those smaller congregations who aren't sure what children's ministry might look like in their context. There's plenty of practical pieces that make Leading KidMin -- especially all the research -- an essential book for all sorts of congregational leaders. ________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hearing God in Conversation: How to Recognize His Voice Everywhere; Author: Visit Amazon's Samuel C. Williamson Page; Review: Samuel Williamson's Hearing God in Conversation: How to Recognize His Voice Everywhere explores the various ways in which God's voice can be sensed in our world. I loved his earlier book, Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids?, so I was excited to get my hands in this newest one. And Williamson didn't disappoint! The first time he perceived God, he was a "ten-year-old atheist" reveling in profanity; "Sam, I am real, and you don't understand", he heard. That conversation opened the way to exploring all the ways in which God speaks to us, here and now, where we are. In the real world. Sometimes, of course, those conversations are far from clear-cut. God's communication can also come in a myriad of other ways: Mental pictures, dreams or memories recalled for no obvious reason. And Williamson is honest: Most of the time God's words have often manifested for Williamson as "a voice burning in my heart" instead of that audible voice. But Williamson helps us to hone our listening skills, honing in on those moments from his life when he followed God's guidance, such as leaving his software company with no new job lined up. Meditation, Scripture and confirmation from other people can all corroborate a direction from God, he has found, though -- remembering prophets' fear and trembling -- he cautions against the idea that a sense of peace is automatic proof of God speaking. Williamson is able to weave together a book on discernment that draws from a variety of theologians from across the Christian spectrum, all the while writing in a way that makes this little book easily read. He's given those of us who devote our lives to listening to the Word a gentle reminder that God is everywhere and always with us. ________________ I received a free copy of this book as part of the Speakeasy Blog Review Program in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World; Author: Visit Amazon's Shelly Miller Page; Review: Shelly Miller's Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World is one of the most significant and timely books on Sabbath-keeping that I've read in some while. Miller has given us a book that our western world needs. We are entrenched in a society that is obsessed with working, with filling every hour, with being busy and "doing". Some years ago, I vowed to stop using the pelagian "I'm too busy" excuse to continue in my sin. "I'm too busy" is never a human life as God intends it. Simply look at Jesus, at the time he went away for prayer and stopping work, and it's obvious that "finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a busy world" is important theological work. While so many of us find our value as human beings in our work, Miller reminds us -- a message that's particularly important for pastors to hear -- that we are worthy, we are loved, no matter what! "In yoga pants, ... in a room that looks like a cyclone hit ...", we are deeply loved. We don't need to prove ourselves by being exhausted. I find joy in Miller's way of gently reminding us that being intentional about Sabbath, that there's a rhythm to rest. It may not be practical to take a whole day a week for rest (and for those of us in the church's ministry it's unlikely to be a Sunday either!), but we can find regular times, even an hour here or there, to just take time out. If any of this is resonating with your own soul, you simply must read this book! It's a real timely gift to the church. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gospel in George MacDonald: Selections from His Novels, Fairy Tales, and Spiritual Writings (The Gospel in Great Writers); Author: George MacDonald; Review: Marianne Wright has given us a valuable collection in The Gospel of George MacDonald. MacDonald, one of the most prolific and influential writers of the nineteenth century, wrote over fifty books that had a wide reading in their day, and played a significant role in CS Lewis' conversion from atheism. This anthology brings together selections from MacDonald's novels, fairy tales, and sermons, and offers a clear glimpse into MacDonald's hopeful and faithful Christian vision of a world reconciled to God in Jesus Christ. Arranged topically, each sections gives selections that are accessible for newcomers to MacDonald, most between 10-20 pages. I was excited to find selections from MacDonald's widely-read Unspoken Sermons, but it's selections from Sir Gibbie, The Princess and the Goblin, Lilith, and At the Back of the North Wind that are lesser-known that made me stop and think -- and pray. MacDonald will doubtless be a challenge to our culture's sentimentalized versions of Christian faith, because every word he writes is deliberately chosen as a witness to Jesus Christ, the Good News of God in a world that believes all things spiritual are divorced from everyday affairs. As Wright has written in her introduction to this collection: "For MacDonald the ordinary events of each day -- the 'holy present,' as he called it -- are messages to us direct from God. He was convinced that the kingdom of heaven can be a reality in the here and now, and that it requires daily acts of obedient discipleship to bring it about" (page xi). There are so many glimpses of that evangelical witness here, that it's hard for me to select just one or two that represent that vision. This refreshing collection is one to which I will return again and again. ________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Remnant; Author: Monte Wolverton; Review: Monte Wolverton's The Remnant is the most amazing, challenging dystopian novel I've ever read. The year 2062 saw what was called the "Final War". Major cities and nations were devastated. The war, combined with environmental disasters and pandemics, has left the world with merely a tenth of its previous population. A world government was formed and the World Federation banned all religion. All religious literature was destroyed. If a person would not sign the Affidavit of Renunciation, they were taken to work camps. The world economy was now based on this free work force. In 2131, Grant and a number of others escape from their work camp for Christians. His parents and grandparents had been Christians and he still believed. He and his small band set out on a quest to find authentic Christianity. What they find is a commentary on what happens to Christians when there is no Bible to guide them, no authority or standard. Grant and his group stumble across several "Christian" groups as they look for a genuine Christian experience. There is the leader who is obsessed with Christ's second coming. He's given dates for the return -- all of them wrong. But he is really a con man and has a dedicated group of followers. Then there was the "health" group. Disease is of spiritual origin and they have incantations and odd foods to cure people. Their secret weapon was a "Holy Ghost cockroach". Another group venerated a saint. Another group ingested drugs and had spiritual experiences. At this point, the reader gets a faint whiff of the diversity of modern Christianity, and its obsession with various and sundry religious experiences that are on the periphery of authentic Christian faith. Wolverton has given us a wonderful dystopian novel that is at its very heart Christian. He leaves open some complex questions that demand we think through them well and often: How do groups get taken in by an errant leader? How would we survive if we didn't have our Bibles? Wolverton has deftly brought in lots of church history into the novel. How familiar are we with heresies from the past so that we could recognize them today? And, what is the real meaning of church? In the end, of course, we won't find simple answers in The Remnant. But of all the issues covered by Wolverton, perhaps the last one is the most important. Is it better for Christians and Christianity to have Christianity be against the law or to have it be accepted and used by the empire? We'll find out in a sequel. The Remnant is must reading for 2017 -- timely and thought-provoking, in all that ways that genuine dystopian novels must be. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from the Speakeasy Bloggers program in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Preaching Old Testament Narratives (Preaching with Excellence); Author: Visit Amazon's Benjamin H. Walton Page; Review: Benjamin Walton's Preaching Old Testament Narratives deals with one of the major struggles each preacher must face early in ministry: How to preach Old Testament narratives faithfully. Utilizing the wisdom and method Haddon Robinson first shared in his introductory preaching text, Walton helps pastors preach with exegetical, homiletical and theological insight. Walton walks preachers through the process, from selecting and analyzing a narrative text to shaping and then delivering such a message. The book is packed with valuable preaching ideas and tools. This volume will find a welcomed spot on many a preacher's bookshelf. I particularly found Chapter 2, "OT Narratives: From Text Selection to Take-Home Truth", the most helpful. There, Walton offers an in-depth process for every part of preaching Old Testament narratives -- from selecting a text, identifying contexts, analyzing plot, and determining the original author's theological message. The method he highlights is useful for any number of Old Testament narrative genre texts. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Spectacle of Glory: God's Light Shining through Me Every Day; Author: Visit Amazon's Joni Eareckson Tada Page; Review: Joni Eareckson Tada's A Spectacle of Glory: God's Light Shining through Me Everyday is a new devotional that helps those suffering with daily pain find a way to live in God's presence in the midst of suffering. Tada has been a quadriplegic for more than 50 years now, deals with chronic pain on a daily basis, and is a breast cancer survivor. She knows well the questions we ask when we don't understand God's path for us. She is living proof that God can actually use our weakness, pain, struggle and disappointments to bring his love into sharper focus as we follow him in this dark world. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Spirituality of Paul: Partnering with the Spirit in Everyday Life; Author: Leslie Hardin; Review: Leslie Hardin's The Spirituality of Paul: Partnering with the Spirit in Everyday Life blends rigorous biblical scholarship with richly-textured Christian spirituality. In fact, The Spirituality of Paul is the first book that places Paul within a thoroughly Christian context. In that way, this book is one of the most needed books in Pauline studies, precisely because it reexamines Paul's life within contemporary biblical studies, utilizing the New Perspective with an eye toward what that New Perspective brings to actual practices like prayer and preaching. Hardin gives us a deeply pastoral, importantly practical approach to Christian spirituality that is at once intensely biblical. That makes this book -- along with its companion, The Spirituality of Jesus -- the one book that every pastor, every seminary student, and every Christian should read in 2017. _______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quick Tips for Busy Families: Sneaky Strategies for Raising Great Kids; Author: Visit Amazon's Jay Payleitner Page; Review: Jay Payleitner's Quick Tips for Busy Families: Sneaky Strategies for Raising Great Kids is a fun, engaging book filled with wisdom for families who find themselves extended and plugged in to nearly every activity that might interfere with the important, slow work of parenting. Here Paylietner has gathered 144 simple secrets you can use -- things like discipline (without nagging), short-notes and shout-outs, how to open the conversations that engage spiritual topics, and turning your kid into a star in the classroom. These parenting strategies are simple enough that parents can use a dozen or so each week, without creating yet another demanding calendar event. With humor and rich wisdom, Quick Tips for Busy Families is a must-read and a book that belongs on the shelves of every church library. _______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Character of the Church: The Marks of God's Obedient People; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Thorn Page; Review: Joe Thorn's The Character of the Church: The Marks of God's Obedient People is a simple and rewarding exploration of the question, "What makes a church?" What are those biblical attributes that compose church? Thorn writes: What makes for a true and healthy church can be boiled down to five essentials: (1) the right preaching of Scripture, (2) the proper administration of the ordinances, (3) the development of biblical leadership, (4) the gracious implementation of church discipline, and (5) a clear focus on the mission that Jesus gave the church (p. 13). And The Character of the Church explores each of those with depth and specificity without utilizing too much theological jargon. Thorn carefully explains what each means and looks like in a healthy church. Some of the finer details around these topics can be controversial. Thorn's approach is never heavy-handed. However, he doesn't back away from difficult topics. He delivers clear answers backed by scripture. Granted, he is Baptist and his explanations are from a Baptist perspective. For example, not everyone will agree with his explanation of why he doesn't practice infant baptism or why he practices immersion. That's his specificity. But there's also depth here. In particular, I think the most rewarding section is "Part 4: Discipline Practiced with Grace". Communion discipline has been one of the most neglected areas in studies of the Church (with the most memorable exception being Tom Oden's Corrective Love). Thorn's Character of the Church is a must-read for pastors and other congregational leaders. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Reckless Way of Love: Notes on Following Jesus (Plough Spiritual Guides: Backpack Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Dorothy Day Page; Review: Dorothy Day's The Reckless Way of Love is a little, appropriately inexpensive book from Plough Publishing that showcases snippets from a wide variety of Day's writings: 141 brief passages, most less than a page long, grouped thematically in sections entitled "A Way of Faith", "A Way of Love", and so on for Prayer, Life, and Community. Day's writings are normally scattered across a number of publications. That makes the accessibility of this collection even more significant. Day's vision of Christian simplicity is a vision that needs a wider hearing. And Plough has given the Church a beautiful gift in this little collection, so that that voice may be widely heard. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gospel in Gerard Manley Hopkins: Selections from His Poems, Letters, Journals, and Spiritual Writings (The Gospel in Great; Author: Visit Amazon's Gerard Manley Hopkins Page; Review: Margaret Ellsberg and Plough Publishing have given us another gift for spiritual reflection in The Gospel in Gerard Manley Hopkins. This book is maybe more historical than most readers might find spiritually uplifting, but the selections themselves are a rich testament to the spelendor of Hopkin's spiritual vision, including poetry from each period of his life, along with selected letters, journal entries, sermons and other spiritual writings. Hopkins, of course, is probably most well-known for his God's Grandeur, but I thought the letters and journal entries were even more significant for the Christian life than I'd ever appreciated. This is a rich collection that really shouldn't be missed. __________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Vibrant Workplace: Overcoming the Obstacles to Building a Culture of Appreciation; Author: Dr. Paul White; Review: Paul White's The Vibrant Workplace: Overcoming the Obstacles to Building a Culture of Appreciation explores an important question in stunning, clear detail: "Why is there so much despair in the workplace?" White has given managers an informative and creative answer to that question. And the book is filled with a number of illustrations that give life and breath to those answers. Those managers will find here most common obstacles to change, as well as the skills to overcome them. The Vibrant Workplace exposes all the forms of negativity and helps us create authentic appreciation and resiliency in the workplace. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a source of motivation to turn their despair into positivity and therefore have a more enjoyable work experience in a more vibrant workplace! _______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Paul The Apostle: Missionary, Martyr, Theologian; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert E. Picirilli Page; Review: Robert Picirilli's Paul the Apostle: Missionary, Martyr, Theologian has been a classic in Pauline studies for nearly thirty years. Now Picirilli's work has been reissued. Here, biblical students will find an accessible introduction to Paul's life and thought that is at once fair with contemporary scholarship and committed to the richness of the Pauline tradition from the New Testament. Picirilli does a masterful job creating a portrait of his life and times. Picirilli's Paul the Apostle avoids high theological language in favor of a readable introduction. Digging deep into the history of the early apostolic period and reading the New Testament with the eyes of a loving critic. Picirilli is not afraid to deal with controversial discussion on the topic and handles these areas with grace and ease. Without hesitation, I would recommend this work to the lay or pastoral student of Pauline history and theology. _____________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love Letters from God; Bible Stories for a Girl’s Heart; Author: Visit Amazon's Glenys Nellist Page; Review: Glenys Nellist's Love Letters from God: Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart is a beautiful, full-size hardbound of thirty-two pages with fifteen lift-the-flap note cards targets young girls four to eight years old. Having no scary scenes, it's a compilation of fourteen rewritten Bible stories about women taken from the New International Reader's Version. Illustrator Clowes' expressive and detailed designs fill both sides of the opened pages, leaving lightly colored backgrounds for black wording in an easy-to-read font. Focusing on female narratives in Bible, the stories include Eve, Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Naaman's (unnamed) servant girl, Esther, Mary, the Samaritan woman, the lady to be stoned, Martha, a widow, Mary of Bethany, and Mary Magdalene. Each story has a Bible verse and fold-out love letter from God. The ending has a large heart-shaped letter to write a note to God. The fold-out letters allow parents to write-in the name of a particular young girl, who will learn to hear her own life's story as part of these narratives, in a love-letter written from God. Like I said, it's a beautiful book that makes an ideal gift for birthdays or other major events. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Word-Centered Church: How Scripture Brings Life and Growth to God's People; Author: Visit Amazon's Jonathan Leeman Page; Review: onathan Leeman's Word Centered Church: How Scripture Brings Life and Growth to God's People is simultaneously an exciting book -- and a frustrating book. First, my frustration. I wish the place Leeman gives to the importance of Scripture he gave, instead, to Jesus Christ. I don't believe in the Bible -- as shocking as that statement may sound. I do believe in Jesus Christ, known through the testimony of Scripture. But I think that's an important distinction Leeman fails to make in this book. So, in the end, Word Centered Church, I think, gets wrong where its center really lies. The Word God has spoken is Jesus, not Scripture. Scripture is, however, the testimony, the witness, of that speaking. And therefore Scripture is important, but only as a witness to the Word God has spoken in Jesus Christ. Now for the exciting bits. The Spirit, working through that testimony, gives birth to the community of which this Scripture is our life's work. Scripture, in other words, is the ongoing story of God's witness in Jesus Christ, to reconcile the real world -- the world of space and time and people -- in relationship with God. Without that Scripture, our lives as witnesses simply wouldn't make much sense. Scripture is, as Leeman puts it in Part One, God's action in inviting and gathering the community of those who follow Jesus Christ. Part Two, then, explores the relationship of this Scripture to the Church's ongoing witness in preaching. Preaching exposes us to the richness of that life with God in Jesus Christ through the Spirit in the community. It passes along the message even as it witnesses to the Good News that God is at work in Jesus Christ. Finally, Part Three connects Scripture and Preaching to the creation of the Church. Scripture is our song, our prayer, our invitation and our sending. Overall, Leeman's Word Centered Church privileges Scripture to a place I'd personally reserve for Jesus, and in that way is disappointing. But, he certainly helps us think about the interplay of Jesus-Spirit-Scripture-Church-Preaching in ways that some preachers never really think. So in that way the book is exciting. ___________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 8 Hours or Less: Writing faithful sermons faster; Author: Visit Amazon's Ryan Huguley Page; Review: Ryan Huguley's 8 Hours or Less: Writing Faithful Sermons Faster is a good help for young preachers who are learning the art of preaching, particularly in a world that strains for so much attention in a vast array of areas. Huguley understands, as a seasoned preacher, what young preachers so often fail to grasp: Good preaching requires good preparation and intentional work. And lots of resources. 8 Hours or Less breaks down Huguley's very disciplined and practical day-by-day sermon preparation plan, in an effort to present what it takes to "writing faithful sermons" for every Sunday we preach. Sermon preparation -- for all those who are new to the task -- is hard work. And it would be easy for this work to consume so much of the week. Pastors -- not just tasked with preaching but also with caring -- know that the primary act of the pastor is stewardship, being careful with our work and our time. And Huguley has one way, in this book, pastors can do just that. While 8 Hours or Less is not ideal for everyone -- and his own method may not translate into every pastoral charge -- it is a good resource for beginning to discern how best preachers are to preach. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Curious Christian: How Discovering Wonder Enriches Every Part of Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Barnabas Piper Page; Review: Barnabas Piper's The Curious Christian: How Discovering Wonder Enriches Every Part of Life is an amazing book -- one that I've been hoping someone would write for years. Anyone who knows me -- particularly those readers who follow my blog -- know that I'm genuinely a curious person. By that, I don't mean that I'm odd (although I am from Appalachia, so that's a real possibility). I mean I'm inquisitive. I love learning. And I'm always reading (witness the number of book reviews on this blog). I've even been known to try new foods at restaurants on occasion (most recently surprising my wife Kendra with a small plate of sushi at the local Japanese restaurant). These are good characteristics, I think, and one that I hope I'm passing along to my friends and family. So Piper's new The Curious Christian is an affirming little book for guys like me. Not because I'm a fan of confirmation bias, but because he's noticed some of the same things I have: Many people -- especially Christians -- aren't all that curious. In fact, it might be fair to say that they don't necessarily see curiosity as a good thing. But in writing this book, Piper wants his readers to recognize that curiosity is a good gift from God. A gift that allows us to grow in our relationships with others, the world around us, and with God himself. That makes The Curious Christian my favorite book on Christian living thus far for 2017! You won't find an easy formula for curiosity in this book, though. There are no "seven steps" or "how-to" processes here. That's because -- as anyone who's taken a course in psychology knows -- curiosity itself cannot be systematized. It's a way of life, not a formula. That's what you'll see again and again as you read this book as he first offers a vision of a curiosity-fueled Christian life (the "why"), then explores seven areas of our lives where curiosity matters (the "what"), and concluding with one chapter on the "how" of curiosity. I wish I'd have had this book when I taught college study classes. Because, here, Piper articulates a beautiful vision of Christian discernment instead of a recipe for quick, easy answers. Christian discernment is that spiritual process of learning to see what's important and what isn't. And Piper's exploration of Philippians 4 as the heart of that curious discernment process is beautiful and true and good. All the things I hope for my college students. This book will not teach you how to be curious. But it will inspire its readers to be something that a person who would pick up a book such as this to become: Curious for the sake of God's Kingdom in Jesus Christ. And nothing -- absolutely nothing! -- is more good and true and beautiful than that. _________________ I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ekklesia: Rediscovering God's Instrument for Global Transformation; Author: Visit Amazon's Ed Silvoso Page; Review: Ed Silvoso's Ekklesia: Rediscovering God's Instrument for Global Transformation highlights a number of ways -- practical and simultaneously theologically-deep -- in which God uses the gathering of those who follow Jesus in revolutionary ways to transform the world. With a rich historical discussion of the context within which most of us understand the word "church", Silvoso explores how it was that the early Church was able to confront and transform the Roman world. Silvoso is at his best, though, when he asks readers to take that historical understanding and turn a critical eye toward our own world. He raises criticisms of how we "apply" the Great Commission in our world. This is an amazing book -- one with which I'll be turning over and arguing with for a long time to come. ________________ I received a free copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace; Author: Visit Amazon's Sue Detweiler Page; Review: Sue Detweiler's Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace is written by a woman about women for women -- particularly those who struggle with pasts that include sexual abuse or who struggle with anxiety, a native sense of timidity, and perfectionist tendencies. As a pastor, though, I can say so many of those struggles are shared by men too, and in that way this book can be used by the Spirit to transcend those walls we like to erect for ourselves in the Church. The first part consists of alternating chapters that discuss a truth about the spiritual relationship between believers and Jesus Christ on odd chapters and on even chapters provide questions and biblical passages for thought and reflection and group study. And so we have an opening chapter on belief followed by a chapter on learning how to pray with faith, a chapter on being chosen followed by one on learning how to pray with conviction, a chapter on being healed followed by one on learning how to pray with healing prayers, and so on and so forth. Throughout the book the author uses her own experience as well as some very painful experiences from other women. The second part of the book, in contrast, consists of a short outline for a 21-day spiritual breakthrough as well as notes that give guidance to spiritual retreats as well as the sorts of fasting that one can do over the course of a three-week period. This is the book I wish I'd had in so many pastoral counseling sessions, and offers beautiful resources for pastors and others in the Church to encourage healing where this is so much pain. _____________________ I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Learning Change: Congregational Transformation Fueled by Personal Renewal; Author: Jim Herrington; Review: Jim Herrington & Trisha Taylor's Learning Change: Congregational Transformation Fueled by Personal Renewal highlights the authors' seven-year experience leading churches in a process of personal and congregational transformation that is producing hope and health. This is an amazing book that develops the implications of a great deal of the organizational learning theory that pervades in social psychology and applies it to a fruitful model of congregational renewal. I was particularly drawn to their use of systems theory in the life of a congregation, and believe that part three ("Mental Models: Shifting the Way We Think") is the strongest part of the book and worth the price on its own. The model they develop here begins with personal renewal (pay attention to chapter 3!) in which congregations learn how to become learning communities and ends with church-wide transformation. Learning Change is one of the most important how-to guides for pastors and congregational leaders that I've read in the past ten years. Each chapter provides important details and how-to guidance for that congregational renewal and transformation. If you're looking for a book that takes transformation within a congregational context, this is that book! _____________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Ministry in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention: Diverse African American and White Perspectives; Author: Kevin Jones; Review: Jarvis Williams and Kevin Jones have given the Church -- particularly the Southern Baptists in this case (though certainly not limited to them) -- a real gift in their new book, Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention: Diverse African American and White Perspectives from B&H Publishers. I really can't speak too highly of this book, of the various essays that compose it, and of the resources for local congregations (and even Christian colleges) in opening the dialog about racism in the Body and how we can remove its stain from the Bride of Christ's clothing. The Southern Baptist Convention (like the Methodists) have a history wrapped in that sinful garb of racism. It was given birth through confrontations in the Church over the place of slavery. The SBC certainly confessed of that sin in 1995, but nothing much has been done by way of the hard work of reconciliation since that confession. That's precisely why Williams and Jones have given us this collection. Removing the Stain of Racism contains a number of essays in conversation with one another -- "Diverse African American and White" authors -- that help to develop the book's overall point: That Paul's vision in Ephesians 2.11-12 cannot be realized until we Christians do this hard work of racial reconciliation. Some of those voices are more important than others, I think: Jarvis Williams' and Terry Davis' chapters really cannot be missed! But its hopeful "Postscript" says it all: This stain can be removed. There are some closing resources to this book -- the sample syllabus is a must for college religion profs! -- that make it a valuable resource in a number of contexts. Don't miss this book! It's a hard read, but its prophetic call cannot be ignored: The hard work of racial reconciliation still lies in front of the Church. ____________________ I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Essential Guide to Prayer: How to Pray with Power and Effectiveness; Author: Visit Amazon's Dutch Sheets Page; Review: Dutch Sheets' The Essential Guide to Prayer: How to Pray with Power & Effectiveness is a book for which I had such high hopes. It started off with a strong beginning; the first few chapters are strong in understanding (and practicing) prayer. But by the middle of the book, I found myself resonating with less and less Sheets had written. By the time I reached the miraculous accounts of loved ones praying for recently-deceased to rise from the dead -- and them witnessing their prayers coming true -- everything in me felt that Sheets passed over those daily prayers that Christians pray for the larger-than-life expectations so many might have of God in prayer. In the end, then, Sheets' Essential Guide is really an essential guide for much more literal audiences. I'm not among them. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Journey to Victorious Praying: Finding Discipline and Delight in Your Prayer Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Thrasher Page; Review: Bill Thrasher's A Journey to Victorious Praying: Finding Discipline and Delight in Your Prayer Life is a rich tapestry that weaves together the various disciplines of the spiritual life into a full portrait of what Christian prayer is. Early on, Thrasher identifies prayer as "helplessness plus faith" and recognizes the need to "[open] up our needy lives to [God]" (page 19). He goes on to discuss a number of topics that relate to prayer -- what to do when you're not sure what to pray (chapter 8) and the role of Scripture in prayer (chapter 11). But it's chapters 20-22 that are the most helpful for me -- on the relationship of prayer to fasting. This is one of those books that one really should take the time to read through slowly -- there are gems on just about every page. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Worn Out by Obedience: Recovering from Spiritual Fatigue; Author: Ron Moore; Review: Ron Moore's Worn Out by Obedience: Recovering from Spiritual Fatigue offers hope to those of us who are tired and weary -- particularly those of us who feel overburdened by discouragement or abandonment. It's a book I wish I'd have had in hand over twenty years ago, when I was first ordained into ministry. Its wisdom is deep and draws upon David's experience in Ziklag -- where David felt furthest from God and found himself listening more to his own advice and leaning less on God. What pastor or mature Christian hasn't been there? So, like I said, I wish I'd have had this book in hand years ago. For most of us, this period of weariness from service, even in a life of consistent obedience and faithful Christ following, can be overwhelming, so Moore's words of counsel are long overdue in the Church. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winning the Battle for the Night: God's Plan for Sleep, Dreams and Revelation; Author: Faith Blatchford; Review: Faith Blatchford's Winning the Battle for the Night: God's Plan for Sleep, Dreams and Revelation brings together the most recent research on the importance of sleep and sleeping patterns with some of the richest spiritual theology about rest and sleep that I've read. Let's be honest for a minute: According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average adult sleeps six hours and 58 minutes per night during the work week. One hundred years ago -- before Mr. Edison's marvelous light bulb invention -- people slept about nine hours a night. They were right in line with the eight to ten hours of sleep specialists say we need. Now we are a nation of the chronically sleep-deprived. And this sleeplessness is depriving our children, too. Children need even more sleep than adults, yet parents now keep them up later and later, possibly because working moms and dads want to "spend quality time" with their children (a phrase laden with many revealing contradictions and falsehoods, but that's for another day), something that's just not possible if you arrive home from work at six o'clock and Junior's in bed by 7:15. Naptime is increasingly a luxury that 4-year-olds no longer can afford. Many Washington-area schools are eliminating naps from the kindergarten curriculum, so that 45 more minutes can be devoted to instruction. Administrators seem unconcerned that their charges would learn better if they were well-rested, but that may not be the point. In trading nap time for more time spent studying the alphabet, these tots are really learning to value productivity, or at least activity, above all else. The bottom line? Americans aren't getting enough sleep. Enter Blatchford's Winning the Battle for the Night. Blatchford contends none of this was ever God's plan for our nights. Blachford maintains that the night is that precious time that God imparts everything necessary for us to be equipped for the day. Without peaceful sleep at night, we are robbed mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually of the resources we need. With a pastoral heart and a keen mind for thinking through the issues of our sleep depravity theologically, Blachford has given us a compassion account for why sleep actually matters. Her countercultural embrace of the night -- which God has called good! -- helps us to embrace those spiritual values which the Daily Prayer office of Compline calls "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things". That's because, as Blatchford notes time and again, a good night's sleep is deeply connected to the basic Christian story of Creation. We are creatures, with bodies that are finite and contingent. For much of Western history, the poets celebrated sleep as a welcome memento mori, a reminder that one day we will die: Hence Keats' ode to the "sweet embalmer" sleep, and Donne's observation, "Natural men have conceived a twofold use of sleep; that it is a refreshing of the body in this life; that it is a preparing of the soul for the next". Is it any surprise that in a society where we; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 40 Questions About Church Membership and Discipline (40 Questions & Answers Series); Author: Jeremy Kimble; Review: Jeremy Kimble's 40 Questions about Church Membership and Discipline deals with some of the most pressing issues around church membership and Christian communal discipline in an accessible and biblically and theologically informed way. Part of Kregel's 40-Questions-and-Answers series, Kimble's book raises -- and offers clear and informed answers -- a number of questions that are at the heart of what it means to be Church, the Body of Christ in the world. Kimble completed his PhD at Southeastern Baptist Seminary on the topic of ecclesial discipline, so he brings a wealth of pastoral insight into his writing. While he and I disagree at points, even the most charitable reading of 40 Questions about Church Membership and Discipline can help pastors, church leaders and even laity come to understand what it means to be part of the Church, how the Church functions in its daily life together, and how discipline is related to Christian wholeness and discipleship. Written from a free church perspective, the book assumes certain aspects of church life that I don't share, but his work in Part 3 ("General Questions about Church Discipline") is impeccable and demands a wide reading in the Church. ______________________ I receive a free copy of this book from Kregel Academic Books in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: At the Heart of the White Rose: Letters and Diaries of Hans and Sophie Scholl; Author: Visit Amazon's Hans Scholl Page; Review: Inge Jen's edited volume, At the Heart of the White Rose: Letters and Diaries of Hans and Sophie Scholl, first appeared nearly thirty years ago, but it remains one of the most important literary testaments to a time when some German youth saw the dangers of Nazism and dared to stand up to it. Jen repudiates the trend in White Rose research to rely on rumor and innuendo, and instead dives into the letters and diaries of two of the most significant figures in the movement -- the brother and sister team, Hans and Sophie School -- to provide a very human, very real portrait of the life of two people who dared to challenge Hitler in Germany. The part of the book that frustrated me is the part that has continued to frustrate readers of At the Heart of the White Rose for those thirty years -- those places at which editorial censorship keeps us from the full story. Just pay attention to all the ellipses. There are also some places at which Brownjohn's translation gets in the way of the natural way a German youth would write -- and hence lends an air of religiosity to the writing that isn't itself available in the German. But regardless, At the Heart of the White Rose is an important book that lends itself to a wide readership -- in order to begin to understand the various ways in which some German folks resisted Nazism in creative and faithful ways. _______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forgiveness and Justice: A Christian Approach; Author: Bryan Maier; Review: Bryan Maier's Forgiveness and Justice: A Christian Approach richly opens the conversation between theology and counseling around some of the most important issues that engage both. He begins by laying out a clear understanding of forgiveness and its related concepts -- justice, empathy, grace, repentance, and more. Maier avoids methodical issues in an effort to lay out clearly and succinctly what makes for active, other-centered forgiveness. I particularly think Maier's discussion about the imprecatory Psalms (asking God for justice) within the context of forgiveness is absolutely wonderful, and not something you would expect to find in a counselor's treatment of forgiveness. The book is clear and logical, but more importantly, it is thoroughly pastoral. He provides some of the most thorough biblical treatment of forgiveness from Genesis to Revelation that I've ever seen. When paired with Greg Jone's Embodying Forgiveness, this book helps to provide a pastoral view for a pastoral issue in the Church. In that way, it's essential reading. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Child Safeguarding Policy for Churches and Ministries; Author: Basyle (Boz) Tchividjian; Review: Basyle Tchividjian & Shira Berkovits' The Child Safeguarding Policy Book for Churches and Ministries is the one-stop resources for churches and ministries who share a modern fear: Child sexual abuse. There are legal and financial grounds that justify that fear, but the human toll is by far the greatest tragedy about which the church hardly speaks. But there is not a part of the Body of Christ that goes untouched by these devastating events and the tragedies that are the stories of individual lives affected breaks Jesus' own heart. That's why Tchividjian, a former child abuse prosecutor, has written a book intended to help churches implement policies and procedures to protect children and other vulnerable people under their care. While child sexual abuse in Catholic churches is far more known in larger society, the abuse is just as rampant in Protestant churches. That's why Tchividjian and Berhovits (a psychologist and lawyer) have joined forces to help Christians name the dark corners of child abuse among us and in our churches, offering resources to both develop consistent and persistent policies to prevent abuse and assist churches in handling crises as they occur (from supporting survivors to reporting offenders). The book helps church leaders identify different types of abuse (sexual, physical, emotional, spiritual), learn about state laws and institute safeguards, such as background checks for employees. It also offers very solid and practical advise in drafting protocols that protect our children. As a pastor, that makes The Child Safeguarding Policy Book essential reading for churches and their leaders. It will help congregations and ministries understand the role we play in literally saving lives from the hell of abuse. I cannot recommend this book too highly!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mentoring Church: How Pastors and Congregations Cultivate Leaders; Author: Visit Amazon's Phil A. Newton Page; Review: Phil Newton's The Mentoring Church: How Pastors and Congregations Cultivate Leaders dives deeply into the baptismal waters of the Church's call to raise up new generations of leaders. Having spent a good part of my ministerial career involved in mentoring ordinands, this book offers not only the rich foundation upon which that work is grounded, but also the rich pastoral insights of what it means to train young Christians to grow into seasoned leaders. The Mentoring Church dives deeper than most leadership training books on the issue. As far as references go, this is certainly one of the more exhaustive works on New Testament mentoring. With just under 300 cited works, Newton has certainly done some homework. That makes The Mentoring Church a rich resource rather than simple reading. Newton sets out to demonstrate that training up the next generation of Christian leaders is the job of the Church. Cultivating church leaders will most align with Scripture when training becomes intensely ecclesiological. For Newton, leadership training need not be left to parachurch ministries. Existing leaders do well to team up with their congregations for the launching of the Gospel into the next generation. Newton is exactly right here, I think, that training new leaders belongs within the context of the congregation, the gathered church in a particular area. Because leadership, to be Christian, must follow the pattern of Jesus. It must be incarnational. And Newton hits upon this insight early: Jesus's most important work prior to the death and Resurrection the selection and training of the men who would represent him in the world in the coming days. Likewise, local church pastors and leaders must mirror Jesus's mentoring practice when they prepare the next generation for gospel Ministry. To have served as a pastor but neglected train up future gospel workers fails at following Jesus is example in Ministry training (page 40). The best place to raise up men to who will establish healthy churches is in a healthy church ([age 156). That way, leaders are refined both in the rigors of academia and sanctifying norms of unfashionable local church life. He argues that if either is lacking, then lopsided leaders will result. The latter chapters of the book then explore just what this looks like. Newton gives an entire chapter each to four different local church-based mentoring ministries (Chapters 10-13). While they all differ from each other a bit, including the local church cultures, they all contain that one common thread; raising up leaders both with pastoral and congregational involvement. At this point, pastors of smaller churches may be tempted to wonder how they will ever develop something as those large, featured churches. Even so, the examples provide plenty of fodder for the church planting pastor in the earliest, fledgling stages with a core team of 15 people. Finally, Newton closes (Chapter 14) with a working local church training model. He argues that the best pastoral training model is one that draws from the biblical, historical, and contemporary training models while adjusting to one's pastoral gifts, the church is leadership dynamics,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Counseling Under the Cross: How Martin Luther Applied the Gospel to Daily Life; Author: Bob Kellemen; Review: Bob Kellemen's Counseling Under the Cross: How Martin Luther Applied the Gospel to Daily Life highlights an often underappreciated element of Martin Luther's writing and work as a theologian: That Luther was, first and foremost, a priest who offered in word and counsel a message that pointed constantly and consistently to Jesus Christ. Just in time for 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Counseling Under the Cross shares scores of powerful vignettes, Luther quotes, and real-life narratives that illustrate how Martin Luther provided biblical counseling to hurting and struggling people. In his own life, Luther struggled to understand how to find peace with God. After many failed attempts at gaining favor with God by works, Luther finally realized the truth of salvation through Christ alone by faith alone through grace alone. He then spent the rest of his life helping others to come to the same saving realization. He nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg because he had a tremendous pastoral concern that people were being led away from grace/faith and led toward works as the means for peace with God. Luther lived his early life with a terrified conscience, sure that there was nothing he could do to merit God's salvation. He was tormented by the devil, by his sin, and by his deep and abiding sense of unworthiness. He came to realize that healing and salvation might only be found in trusting God, and in that trust Luther found his anxieties melt away. That's why I think Kellemen is onto something: To understand Luther's preaching and theology, look first to Luther's care as a pastor. That's an important realization for contemporary pastors: Don't neglect the care of the people in favor of the weightier things like posting theology on Facebook and think that's counsel. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book as part of the LitFuse blogging tour in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In Step with the Spirit: Infusing Your Life with God's Presence and Power; Author: Visit Amazon's Sarah Bowling Page; Review: Sarah Bowling's In Step with the Spirit: Infusing Your Life with God's Presence & Power is a beautiful reminder of God's presence in our lives, even in the midst of chaos and struggling. Bowling writes with spiritual and pastoral wisdom to discern the Spirit's guidance in every moment in our lives. But Bowling is also careful to remind us that that guidance is not always comforting; sometimes God's Spirit will lead us into the wilderness -- just as it did Jesus -- and that often our experiences don't look like what we expect them too but that does not mean the experience can't still be amazing. I was particularly drawn to her wisdom about how to handle closed doors in chapter 4. This is a beautiful, and timely, book. ________________________ I received a free copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Handy Guide to Difficult and Irregular Greek Verbs: Aids for Readers of the Greek New Testament; Author: Jon C. Laansma; Review: Jon Laansma and Randall Gauthier's The Handy Guide t Difficult and Irregular Greek Verbs is the perfect handbook for those who regularly read in the Greek New Testament. It's a user-friendly quick reference which will be an important supplement to any New Testament Greek reference collection. The goal of The Handy Guide to Difficult and Irregular Greek Verbs is to provide a set of vocabulary aids not found in other vocabulary lists. As a student, I sharpened my skills in Metzger's classic Lexical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek, but it unfortunately led me to believe that the present tense is a kind of "default" for Greek verbs (just think all those paradigms of that you learn as a student). That's where The Handy Guide to Difficult and Irregular Greek Verbs comes in. Written from the perspective of such a student, this book brings together all those verbs which have unusual principle parts and are therefore the most difficult to recognize while reading the New Testament. When teaching New Testament Greek grammar, my trend has been to have students memorize those principal parts of selected irregular verbs in the second semester, and then slowly introduce the remaining ones in translation courses in the third and fourth semester. The obvious pedagogical problem there, though, is that some of those principal parts never really figure into reading the Greek New Testament, so it's really just extra work. And along comes Laansma & Gauthier. The best thing about their book is the four page list of irregular verbs ordered by frequency in the New Testament. Each block of 10-12 forms are assigned a letter (a-j). The list begins with (the aorist active participle, masculine genitive singular of ). Although itself only appears 415x in the Greek New Testament, compound forms run that number closer to 600x. By learning this form, the student will recognize forms of and , for example. Then Part 2 is an alphabetical list of verbs with their compound forms. Taking as an example, they list the six principle parts, printing the most common in bold and indicating which of the lists in part 1 the form appeared. Only the aorist and aorist passive forms are common enough to appear on the lists in part 1, the future active appears online three times and the perfect middle/passive does not appear at all in the Greek New Testament. I'm glad someone has finally brought such a resource for those of us who regularly struggle to read the Greek New Testament -- particularly those of us who read devotionally, but also for those who read in order to preach each Sunday. If you're a pastor who believes reading the Greek New Testament is a must, this is a must for your library collection. And if you're a student studying New Testament Greek, consider this required reading material. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael R. Emlet Page; Review: Michael Emlet's Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses & Medications to assess the benefits and limitations of psychiatric diagnoses and medications. Emlet breaks these two concepts down into different parts of the book, attempting to give concise but substantive introductions and explorations of each. So, part one gives ten chapters on "Understanding Psychiatric Diagnoses". Here, Emlet gives a brief survey of the history of psychiatric diagnoses, an explanation of how diagnoses are made, and an exploration of both the common pitfalls and benefits of diagnoses. In part two, the good doctor presents nine chapters on "understanding psychoactive medications". He walks readers through the "classes" of psychoactive drugs, the theory of chemical imbalance, and, again, the benefits and limitations of such drugs. In the final three chapters he pulls all of this information together to present readers with a "wisdom framework" for thinking about diagnoses and medications. The primary appeal of Descriptions and Prescriptions is Emlet's ability to be brief (the chapters are only a few pages each) while also offering depth and specificity for pastors and other ministry professionals, folks who may or may not have classical training in counseling. That makes Descriptions and Prescriptions an ideal book for seminarians -- because Emlet is able to capture the issues, using some of the best resources in the field, while also offering wise criticisms when those criticisms are merited. In less than 100 pages, Emlet has given us pastors a resource that belongs in every pastor's library, and deserves reading and rereading often. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise (Casselli Family); Author: Visit Amazon's Ta`Mara Hanscom Page; Review: Ta'Mara Hansom's The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise is an amazing first volume in her "Caselli Family Secrets" series. It recounts the story of Tillie Caselli and Noah Hansen, who have pledged their love for one another and plan to marry. But when the appearance of infidelity to those promises appears, there's a tragedy that results in lives changed for nearly everyone involved. The Pretender is at once a fun book that will also have you in tears at a variety of points. It's a complicated tale above love at first sight that ultimately leads to a question: Is this Tillie's knight in shining armor -- or her blackguard? The Caselli's are such a loving family, offering support and forgiveness. They love God and do their best to follow his ways. They have high values, and they are prayer warriors. But there's a twist in their lives that ultimately leads to a different, unplanned adventure. I received a free copy of this book as part of the LitFuse Publicity Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anatomy of an Affair: How Affairs, Attractions, and Addictions Develop, and How to Guard Your Marriage Against Them; Author: Dave Carder; Review: Dave Carter's Anatomy of an Affair: How affairs, attraction & addictions develop and how to guard you marriage against them is a revision of a much earlier book (Close Calls: What Adulterers Want You to Know About Protecting Your Marriage), but is filled with updated information and practical wisdom. Carter writes of the warning signs, triggers and close calls in our marriages. He highlights the tools necessary to make marriages stronger. Complacency and comfortability can sometimes signal the dangers that make affairs possible. Communication is key for marriage that weather these storms. Carter is able to offer resources along with exercises and stories that can help us guard our marriages against affairs. I believe this book is a great resource for pastors and couples and will use it in marriage counseling for years to come. _______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Answering the Toughest Questions About Suffering and Evil; Author: Bruce Bickel; Review: Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz's Answering the Toughest Questions about Suffering and Evil brings together some of the richest resources together into a holistic theology of evil and human suffering in the world. Here, with a pastoral heart and a keen theological insight, they explore some of those questions that plague Christian faith in the modern world: Did God create evil? How could a good God allow evil? How could a loving God allow people to suffer? Overall, Answering the Toughest Questions is an excellent book for beginning theology students. This is a good book in prompting the reader to look seriously at pain and suffering, although many people who read this book will likely be pretty familiar with their own weaknesses and their own suffering. These authors will not shy away from uncertainty, either. This is a book that welcomes questioners and doubters. Which makes it an invaluable companion in the journey that is the quest of these issues. _______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Renegade: Martin Luther, The Graphic Biography; Author: Dacia Palmerino; Review: Renegade: Martin Luther, The Graphic Biography is just what it claims -- a richly illustrated graphic biography of Martin Luther. After all, 500 years ago, in October, Luther confronted some of the cultural forces within the Catholic Church and sparked what would become the Protestant Reformation in Germany. I admit I'm a nerd -- readers to my blog will hardly be surprised. So I was excited when I read that Plough Publishing was giving the world the gift of this book. With the spate of publishing that has coincided with that 500th anniversary, I suppose it's only right that we have a graphic biography of Luther's life. I expected some of the highest quality from Plough, and I wasn't disappointed with this book. What readers will find here is nothing short of a fresh, new and powerful telling of Luther's life story, complete with lots of the dialogue taken from Luther's own writing. The dark colors of the panels only lend to growing an appreciation for the rough world into which Luther was born and in which he struggled with his terrified conscience to finally come to an understanding of his salvation, not as a matter of his own work but of God's work in Jesus Christ. The artwork here will give a liveliness to a story that even theologians think they know so well. There are some gaps in the narrative of that story, to be sure, but Renegade was never meant to be an exhaustive biography. But what it does do it does with the grace that fills Luther's life. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience, and Peace; Author: Visit Amazon's Edward T. Welch Page; Review: Edward Welch's A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience, and Peace consists of 50 meditations on anger, patience and peace that are brief but convicting. I appreciate that Welch is willing to ask the hard questions that really uncover the way anger manifests itself through various sins. Welch writes with a spiritual depth and a pastoral wisdom about the things that really matter in our interpersonal relationships -- anger and patience. If Christians are serious -- that Jesus really is Lord -- then how we handle anger is directly connected to the way in which we respond to others, including our enemies. When we remember the patience and love with which God treats us in Jesus Christ, there is a ground for our own kindness and patience with others. In a culture where exploding in anger is seen as a virtue, that makes Welch's book counter-cultural, even revolutionary. Which is why, thankfully, Welch doesn't stop by merely exposing the darkness of our hearts. This isn't a book simply about why anger can lead to lots of sins. Welch shines the light of truth, too. He outlines practical wisdom for living in and living out forgiveness in our daily lives. I don't want to ruin the surprise, but his writing for Day 27 makes the whole book worth the investment. I cannot too highly recommend this book to every Christian. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from the LitFuse Publicity Blogging Tour in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Braving Sorrow Together: The Transformative Power of Faith and Community When Life is Hard; Author: Visit Amazon's Ashleigh Slater Page; Review: Ashleigh Slater's Braving Sorrow Together: The Transformative Power of Faith and Community When Life is Hard is a word fitly spoken in a world where the cultural motto now is "Me, too". Here, Slater gives us a spate of shared stories, and some personal wisdom gleaned from community experiences, about the power of faith and community when dealing with difficult issues pertaining to jobs, health, relationships, laying down dreams and so much more. All of us have stories of loss, and Slater's beautiful book reminds us that God is able to transform that loss into something new, something evangelical, within the community of those who have learned the stories of loss to be stories of resurrection, too. Braving Sorrow Together weaves together Scripture, personal stories, practical thoughts, and guest entries to comfort the suffering and encourage hopeful grieving. This is a must-read and -share book. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mark Through Old Testament Eyes: A Background and Application Commentary; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew T. Le Peau Page; Review: Andrew Le Peau's Mark through Old Testament Eyes: A Background and Application Commentary is one of the best one-volume commentaries currently available on the Gospel of Mark. Here, Le Peau models what should be true of every commentary writer: That preaching and teaching properly belong together. Readers will find one of the most accessible introductions to the task of biblical interpretation from a real amateur -- one who loves what he does -- through easy-to-understand explanations of the more difficult rhetorical and intertextual parts of Mark. Le Peau frequently breaks down the various chiastic structures in order to angle how one ought to read more difficult texts. In so-doing, he also rights many poor interpretations taken out-of-context (for example: He dismantles the common evangelical reading of "moving mountains" as having to do with "overcoming obstacles" and replaces it with a more text-centered engagement with Jesus as the New Temple). This makes Mark through Old Testament Eyes a must-have commentary for students and preachers alike. The tools that Le Peau hands to Bible readers in this commentary will inevitably unlock new ways to engage in the entire Bible. In short, this book provides onramps for increased biblical literacy for all, something that ought to be celebrated. But let me be a bit more personal here: Le Peau's work helps me catch my breath with a biblical text that has often been the most intimidating of the canonical gospels. What I most love about Mark through Old Testament Eyes is how he takes you into the heart of the journey of following Jesus in the text. When I was in seminary, my professor at Duke (Dr Mickey Efird) made quite a bit of the "Messianic Secret" in Mark's gospel -- and ever since I've been scratching my head, wondering what to do with a gospel that would rather leave its secrets unavailable to the initiated. But Le Peau helps readers understand what the meaning of that "Secret" really is: The "Secret" is to ask the Teacher what the secret to the Kingdom is! It's the spirit of that "Secret" that permeates this commentary and makes it a joy that readers shouldn't miss! _____________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishers in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible; Author: Sandra Glahn; Review: Vindicating the Vixens Revisiting sexualized, vilified, and marginalized women of the Bible is a collection of essays, edited by Sandra Glahn, that explores the various ways in which our Western readings of the biblical text have actually forced us into false readings. For example, the woman Jesus met at the well in Samaria had five husbands, true enough (see John 4). But why do most people assume that means she was faithless and immoral? Women in her time and place did not divorce husbands five times. The man with the most recorded divorces had only three. If a woman did initiate legal proceedings, she had to do so through a male. Women could not simply walk into a court of law and speak on their own behalf. So, it's unlikely that "the Samaritan woman" had divorced five husbands. Additionally, when we read that this woman's current man was not her own, we assume she was living with some guy. Because that's what it would mean in the West. But in her world, it is far more likely that she had to share a husband in a polygamous relationship in order to eat. Put these factors together, and you realize this person was probably not a beautiful young woman with loose morals. More likely, she was an older woman who had endured the death of a husband several times (war was the number one cause of death for men), been dumped a time or two, and consequently having to share a husband in order to survive. Additionally, the text says she was waiting for, looking with hope for, the Jewish Messiah (4.25). So we have, probably wrongly, assumed this woman was guilty of sexual promiscuity, and that Jesus was confronting her about her sin. More likely, Jesus was bringing up her greatest point of pain before revealing to her that he is the very Messiah for whom she has been waiting. For everyone else in Jesus' world, the Lord seems to subtly veil who he is. But with this broken woman hanging on to hope, he comes right out with it. This woman is one of many whom the contributors to Vindicating the Vixens reconsider in light of what we know about cultural backgrounds, not only from new data but also from having more varied "eyes on the text". In Vindicating the Vixens, a host of biblical scholars and theologians reexamine the narratives of Eve, Hagar, Sarah, Tamar, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Huldah, Bathsheba, Vashti, Mary Magdalene, The Samaritan Woman, Junia, and even the Virgin Mary --whom Protestants sadly marginalize. All that work makes Vindicating the Vixens a much-needed guide for reading the Bible with faithfulness. It is a must-have for those who care about what the Bible really says. ____________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader (Biblical Theology for the Church); Author: Benjamin Forrest; Review: Benjamin Forrest and Chet Roden's Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader brings together some of the best in evangelical scholarship to help readers think deeply about leadership through each of the genres found in the Bible. Biblical Leadership is easily the foundational volume for moving the conversation about leadership away from business models and toward a more faithful, biblical model. Biblical Leadership boasts thirty-three chapters -- nineteen concentrated on the Old Testament and fourteen concentrated on the New. Not surprisingly, like other most multi-authored works, the usefulness of the chapters is fairly variegated although the scope is rather comprehensive. I found the New Testament contributions significantly more evenhanded than the Old, though the Old Testament did have a few standout chapters, such as Kaiser on Psalm 23 and Longman on leadership in Ecclesiastes. Biblical Leadership belongs on every Christian leader's bookshelves. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love; Author: Visit Amazon's Jodie Berndt Page; Review: Jodie Berndt's Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love provides prayers on twenty different topics to pray over our grown children and the unique circumstances that mark their various seasons of life, but she also includes true life testimonies from parents who have faced, prayed over, and seen God work in their own adult children's lives. These testimonies provide a witness that the practices and prayers in Berndt's new book help parents to continue their spiritual support long after their children become adults. They cover such a variety of topics -- relationships (friends & marriage), milestones such as jobs, finding a place to live, and having their own children, health, safety, well-being and victory over temptations -- that the book becomes an invaluable resource for years to come. ___________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Interpreting Revelation & Other Apocalyptic Literature: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for New Testament Interpretation); Author: Visit Amazon's C. Marvin Pate Page; Review: C. Marvin Pate's Interpreting Revelation and Other Apocalyptic Material: An Exegetical Handbook offers an important introductory contribution for students and pastors on reading, preaching and teaching Revelation (and other forms of biblical apocalyptic literature). Pate has given us a clear path through all the noise that struggles to misread Revelation. Drawing upon the best in biblical scholarship, Interpreting Revelation focuses on the differences of genre, text, context, and history. And only then should we move toward application. Pate begins with the standard 1979 Society of Biblical Literature definition of "apocalyptic" and works from there to provide a clear picture of the various genres of biblical apocalyptic -- from Daniel to Revelation -- and along the way provides a clear understanding of the way in which those genres may be mixed with other genres. Interpreting Revelation looks at the connections between apocalyptic and Israel's story -- ultimately embodied in Jesus himself. There's help with text and historical criticism here. But it's Chapters 6 and 7 that are among the most important for Bible students for the Church's proclamation. I was excited to see Pate include a final chapter on learning to negotiate through the various resources for Revelation and apocalyptic literature. This book is a must! _____________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gospel of Self: How Jesus Joined the GOP; Author: Visit Amazon's Terry Heaton Page; Review: Terry Heaton's The Gospel of Self: How Jesus Joined the GOP is a personal memoir that explores one of the most interesting periods in American political history: That moment when the modern conservative movement joined with religious faith. Heaton here recounts the story of the rise and fall of Pat Robertson and his 700 Club through the 1980s. As a former executive producer of the 700 Club, Heaton was a daily confidant of Robertson during his period of greatest fame and success. He helped orchestrate the program's rise to a zenith of televangelism while also taking part in its metamorphosis into a vehicle for the religious right, culminating in Robertson's own run for the presidency in 1988. Heaton is able to make the direct connection between his work with the 700 Club, the rise of Rush Limbaugh and Fox News in the 90s, and, ultimately, the election of Donald Trump. So Heaton's Gospel of Self is more than a simple memoir: It is a prophetic call against wrongfully conflating American politics with religious faith. After recounting the political downfall of Robertson and his subsequent investigation by the IRS, Heaton concludes with a lengthy discussion of postmodernism, "post-Christianity", and journalism's switch from an era of objectivity to an era of transparency. His story is a warning for those Americans who think we should do again what they attempted in the 80s. ______________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love; Author: Visit Amazon's Rhonda Stoppe Page; Review: Rhonda Stoppe's Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love is a hope-filled collection of stories that directly confronts the modern myth: That marriages are these days doomed to failure. Stoppe advocates for intentional relationships by asking the important questions and not simply floating through "situation-ships". It will take a lot of leaning on God's ways above over our own immediate desires will be our lifeline that leads you down the path God desires for us. Her main message for the singles she says: "Let God write your love story. Ask God to grant you this wisdom to discern the heart of a man who catches your attention". The heartwarming tales recounted in Real-Life Romance share the Good News without avoiding all the rough patches. Stoppe offers hope and encourages both singles and couples to continue building their faith and themselves when romance is plenty and when it's scarce. But she's also very honest about the hardships that the faithful continue to encounter in the real world. Valentine's Day is approaching. At a time when everyone else will see only through the filter our culture wants us to view, Stoppe offers a whole new story about real-life love. ___________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The 10 Commandments of Marriage: Practical Principles to Make Your Marriage Great; Author: Ed Young; Review: Ed Young's The 10 Commandments of Marriage: Practical Principles to Make Your Marriage Great brings both humor and insight into one of the most difficult topics pastors encounter in counseling in the Church: Marriage. Every commandment here will make you chuckle while simultaneously grab your pen to mark notes and passages. It is a richly rewarding read that makes Christian marriages solid when we learn to listen to a pastor who knows what he's saying. Some of the commandments are easier to follow than others. I predict his "fifth commandment" will be the one that most couples struggle to keep. _____________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away: Real Help for Desperate Hearts in Difficult Marriages; Author: Visit Amazon's Gary Chapman Page; Review: Gary Chapman's Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away: Real Help for Desperate Hearts in Difficult Marriages offers real, practical wisdom -- from one who has thought deep and long about marriage -- for those who feel at the end of their rope. Martial dangers lurk around nearly every corner, and some of them go unnoticed even when encountered in the clear light of day. Chapman helps couples name those shadows and reject their lies. His is a pastoral wisdom that helps us reject the myths our culture might teach us to believe, in order to create the lasting marriages for which we long. But that's precisely what makes Loving Your Spouse so difficult to read. Each chapter will cover topics that we'd rather not talk about -- from workaholic lives to depressed, controlling, abusive, uncommunicative, unfaithful, and addicted spouses. Reading about martial struggle is never easy reading. But it is necessary reading. And none more necessary than Chapman's new book. I'll be recommending this one for years to come. __________________________ I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Messiah in the Passover; Author: Darrell L. Bock; Review: Darrell Bock & Mitch Glaser's Messiah in the Passover is a collection of essays that deal with the Passover, and its richer with Jesus' Last Supper and the Church's Holy Meal in Communion. It's a reference work that addresses biblical and theological issues, Jewish and church history, and rabbinic tradition -- but its real gift is a messianic family Haggadah (Passover guidebook) as well as Passover recipes and lessons for children. Messiah in the Passover places the messianic traditions of ancient Judaism within the historical context, while being faithful to the Passover tradition in the first-century in Palestine. Understanding Jewish life, culture, and history across the millennia is layered and multi-faceted. Like a tapestry, each individual thread connects, and the reader can't tug on one without pulling on the other. Messiah in the Passover is an important text for seeing those interconnections. Messiah in the Passover is a must-read for those concerned with the traditions of Passover and early Christian worship. __________________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers: Learning to Interpret Scripture from the Prophets and Apostles; Author: Abner Chou; Review: Abner Chou's The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers: Learning to Interpret Scripture from the Prophets and Apostles is an engaging and dynamic orientation toward reading and interpreting Scripture from the perspective of the biblical writers themselves. Drawing upon the old hermeneutical imperative of "authorial intent", Chou demands that we listen to the voices of the biblical writers themselves. That makes this book a demanding reading for theologians, biblical scholars, pastors and even church school teachers. The prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New both possessed a clear voice about the nature of God and the world, and offered, in their radical orientations toward reading ancient texts and contexts, a way of engaging in the task of reading theologically. But lest readers assume what they'll find here is another guide, The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers is much less than a hermeneutical method. This is a hermeneutical practice, a listening-in on one person learning to listen afresh to biblical writers. Chou chooses some of the most difficult biblical texts and brings the freshness of the Spirit to those texts. That makes The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers a difficult read, but for those willing to engage in the practice, it's also an extremely rewarding one. _____________________ I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishers in exchange for my honest review here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back; Author: Visit Amazon's Todd Burpo Page; Review: Can't argue experiences, but it's hard to suppress the skeptic in me. For testimonials, I think most can just walk into a church (of any faith), and hear their supernatural stories / spiritual transformations or watch the Twilight Zone. All kidding aside, Christians would eat this up as proof / evidence for the existence of God, the impeding judgement awaiting all of mankind, and the need to believe in the one and only Savior. When you raise a kid in a religious environment, the dad being the pastor, surrounding him with Christian teachings (Sunday school, Christian songs in the car, pray with them at night, etc), it's not hard to imagine why a kid may hold strong to those believes. Was this testimony of worth the price of the book, nah.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fool's Gold: How the Bold Dream of a Small Tribe at; Author: Visit Amazon's Gillian Tett Page; Review: Read this as required literature for my economics course "Money and Banking" at UNLV. Begins with the apparent 'source' of the financial crisis stemming from a brainstorming session between JP Morgan bankers. Narrative is a mixture of headlines, quotes, and author's interpretation of key events. For people unfamiliar with the crisis, this is a good read without being too technical. Reminds me of the "Hot Zone" on the ebola virus.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Origami to Astonish and Amuse; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeremy Shafer Page; Review: Bought this for my 9&11 years old step children and they love it! Best part is, there are so many activities inside that it's been a full year and they haven't even done a third of them. The instructions are clear and the end results are truly amusing. It's difficult to find mental challenging fun games for smart kids/ pre-teens so I highly recommend this product for all origami enthusiasts and parents looking for presents.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Invasion of the Overworld (Gameknight999); Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Cheverton Page; Review: We keep this in the backseat of the car for our roadtrips. Kids lovenit. The content is long and it keeps them happy when we don't want them using electronics; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking,; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Schwake Page; Review: If you're like me who is tired of kids on their electronics, this is an excellent gift for children to develope them beyond iPad/iPhone zombies. I often wake up in the morning seeing the kids picking out an activity they work on together from this art lab book. It's been over a year and it is still suitable for my 10 yr old boy and 11 yr old girl.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: DynastyMattress NEW! 14-Inch Grand Cool Breeze HD GEL Memory Foam Mattress-Queen Size; Brand: DynastyMattress; Review: Love my bed, once I lay down, that is it until morning.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lux Hotel Bedding Tailored Bed Skirt, Classic 14” Drop Length, Pleated Styling, Queen, White; Brand: Lux Hotel; Review: I really liked it but it just doesn't work with my new Grand Cool Breeze GEL Memory Foam Mattress and the Smartbase foundation. It slips around too much.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Life Essentials Hypoallergenic Shredded Memory Foam Pillow with Bamboo Cover (King); Brand: Good Life Essentials; Review: After having a broken neck I could not find a comfortable pillow. I even pd $199 at the mattress store at their suggestion. Since it was their suggestion I was able to return them. I got these pillows and OMG they are perfect and fit comfortably and I sleep great and wake with no head pain. When I travel I put one in a vacuum bag and it goes with me. Don't le; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Serta | Reversible Sherpa / Fleece Heated Electric Throw Blanket for Bed or Couch (Beige); Brand: Perfect Fit; Review: This is perfect for when watching tv. I like it a lot better than having a mattress warmer with all the coils cramping your style or an electric blanket. This is light enough to keep it on awhile and it shuts off or you can just kick it off. It doesn't destroy your whole bed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holmes Smoke Grabber Ashtray and Odor Eliminator, HAP75-UC2; Brand: Holmes; Review: Worthless, I sent it back; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Electric Skillet By Cucina Pro - 18/10 Stainless Steel with Tempered Glass Lid, 16" Round; Brand: CucinaPro; Review: Great just too too big for me, sent it back and ordered a smaller one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nutri Ninja 24-Ounce Double-Wall Stainless Steel Cup with Sip & Seal Lid for Nutri Ninja Blenders (XSKDWSS24), Stainless Steel; Brand: SharkNinja; Review: Great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PTC103 DUPONT Universal Pitcher Cartridge - 40 Gallon Filter Life (3 Pack); Brand: DuPont; Review: Worked great; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sony ACC-AMFM11 Accessory Kit (Includes NP-FM500H Rechargeable Battery Pack and LCS-SC11 Case) for the Sony Alpha Digital SLR; Brand: Sony; Review: Very Nice, Spacious And Free Battery, WOW what more can you ask for, This Bag Is Spacious with a divider, I Have Sony DSLR with 18-70 Lens Attached and holds my 75-300 zoom lens as well as my F42Am Flash in its holder as well, Vertical Grip Attached to camera. and still have room for another lens. As well as pockets with 20 AA rechargable Batterys. lens caps, manual, and still have room left in the pockets, THIS BAG IS SO WORTH THE MONEY AND HAS LOTS OF SPACE. i debated with the more larger bag(NOT MUCH LARGER) with out the battery, and im so glad i choose this one. Very Nice feel, im complimented on my camera all the time. Now i need to save up for Larger better lenses. Damn They can be alot 500-5000. Gotta Go Take some Pics....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sony VG-B30AM Vertical Grip for Sony Alpha Digital SLRs; Brand: Sony; Review: Very Handy, Give you option to have 2 batterys for longer and more battery Life, So I Reccomend buying another battery when you buy this. Theres a special on bag that comes with free batter which also i purchased. Shows you on your sony also the battery life on both batterys.ables you to take photos holding camera at angles, and balances out the weight. Way Cheaper here then from [...]. Only Buy Sony Batterys because i heard that aftermarket batterys sometimes don't read in this. I would reccomend this to any one with a Sony DSLR Alpha Series. i Have the 350A.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sony STP-GB1AM Genuine Leather Grip Belt -Black; Brand: Sony; Review: I Love This Belt Grip, Comes In very Handy, Expecially With Bigger Lenses, You Can Use with or without the Shoulder Strap. I Preffer not using the shoulder strap.. Nice feal And Nice quality.. i recommend this to everyone with a Sony DSLR... I use it on the 350 and its way more reasurring, expecially when i hand my camera over to someone else knowing they won't drop it with this. It Also Works With The Vertical Grip.. Very Nice...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Corsair CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9 4GB (1x4GB) DDR3 1333 MHz (PC3 10666) Laptop Memory 1.5V; Brand: Corsair; Review: Came on time with Amazon prime and quick install and worked with no problems; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pyle-Pro Pyle, 15 Feet (PPSS15); Brand: Pyle; Review: Not sure what all the bad rap is , But These came on time and were better than expected because of all the down talk. These Are great. Worked right out of the packet and compared to other cables I already had these are better! Snug Fit, locked into place and they are NOT loose as some stated! I use with Crown 2000 and 2- JBL 15's Denon DJ *DJJD [url] yes I would buy these again; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 25-Feet HDMI To HDMI Cable; Brand: C&E; Review: Was not the item pictured. Seems flimsy and skinnier than item in picture. There is no Blue stripe, seems like different brand. But item does work and for the price, oh well...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mount World 1087A Universal Adapter Plates VESA 400 x 400 for LCD TV Wall Mount Bracket; Brand: Mount World; Review: Yep It was what I needed. Sturdy/Strong. Yes would recommend for bigger TV's; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cable Matters 4K DisplayPort to HDMI 4K Adapter Cable (4K DP to HDMI) 3 Feet; Brand: Cable Matters; Review: Was disapointed that i to had flickering screens going off and on, i purchased 2 of these cords for my brand new Asus 27" monitors and both started going off and on with white lines. switched back to dvi to hdmi and hdmi to hdmi and worked perfect and picture was even clearer with my old cords. i was hoping these would be better! sending them back; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pioneer AVIC-7100NEX In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with 7" WVGA Resistive Touchscreen Display (Discontinued by Manufacturer); Brand: Pioneer; Review: WOW, I Have owned the Pioneer Z-140 and was sceptical on buying this one, BUT WOW the improvements of reaction time and loading is som much better. Android Auto Play works awesome, and this baby looks good with rear view camera, i use usb 1 for my 1TB hard drive full of movies videos and music. and now no longer have to convert movies to certain resolutions, just works perfect with mpeg4/mp4 files. MKV files did not seem to work even though pioneer website states it does support via USB. I use USB 2 for my samsung phone and works flawlessly. Im very impressed. Navi is smooth, touch screen is very responsive and no lags... the day after i purchased price went up.. IM GLAD I PURCHASED WHEN I DID, saved 213.00 .. thanks amazon! UPDATE: so i have been using this item now and notice it freezes up alot. a few times it turned off and back on. its starting to annoy me!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kicker 41KSC354 3-1/2 2-Way Coaxial Speaker - Pair (Black); Brand: Kicker; Review: AMAZING, stated i would not receive until Nov 30th and came on 18th AWESOME, sound crisp.... very loud Have them in dash of dodge charger and doors are 6x9 mid bass, so for front these are only highs and sound loud and crisp...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: USB Mount Cable - Rerii 2M 6 Feet USB and 3.5mm Aux Extention Mount, Flush,; Brand: Rerii; Review: Ran off pioneer Nex 8100 to center consol and worked perfectly... but the USB and hdmi cord as well. Love them both; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: USB HDMI Mount Cable – Rerii 2 Meter 6ft USB and HDMI Extension Flush, Dash, Panel Mount Cable, for; Brand: Rerii; Review: Worked perfectly.ran off back of pioneer Nex 8100 to center consol on dodge charger RT which has DVD and monitor VES system. Hooked 1TB Seagate slim to this and now can watch over 500 movies.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NEW KICKER CVX12 12" 1500W 4-Ohm Comp VX Car Audio Subwoofer Sub 10CXV124 CVX; Brand: Kicker; Review: Exactly as described. Product arrived brand new and worked out of the box. My fiance build me a custom box (we went sealed) and they hit pretty hard (2 of these) running off 1500.1 Kicker ZX and pioneer 8100 NEX navi head unit...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pioneer NDBC8 Universal CMOS Surface Mount Backup Camera; Brand: Pioneer; Review: I own The Pioneer Nex 8100 and already had BC5 camera, i used this one for inside the car under rearview mirror and now i can see myself as well as all passengers in the car while driving.. Comparing the 2 models side by side there seems to be nor different or improvements, this one in the car at night was really bad pixelated picture. but during the day is clear. i'm not sure if license place light helps these back up cameras..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: XO Vision Universal IR in Car Entertainment Wireless Foldable Headphones, Black; Brand: XO Vision; Review: Does what its designed to do. That is all... for the kids its perfect, so i ordered pink one as well; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: HP Car Dashcam (f800x) Full HD 1080p Car DVR with GPS Tracking, Wi-Fi Ready; Brand: HP; Review: I just wish you can have bigger storage than 32GB other than that this item is perfect for the price. you can also load to PC and software recognizes all routes speed and gps mapped location. awesome; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thermaltake Riing 12 Series Blue High Static Pressure 120mm Circular LED Ring Case/Radiator Fan with Anti-Vibration Mounting System Cooling CL-F038-PL12BU-A; Brand: Thermaltake; Review: LOVED IT.. HAD TO ORDER MORE.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: (Old Model) Seagate 1TB Desktop SSHD(Solid State Hybrid Drive) SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive (ST1000DX001); Brand: Seagate; Review: So Far So Good, Was not DOA. Boot up does seem faster!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Metra 82-6902 Universal 1/2" Spacer for 6" x 9" Speakers; Brand: Metra; Review: Fit perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 2.2" X 2.2" Silver Push Spring Loaded Jacks Double Binding Post Speaker Box Terminal Cup 1pcs Wv-lpt2; Brand: WYVERN AUDIO; Review: so, i just recieved, 4 days later (amazon prime) and i went by picture and thought 2 came in package, Nope only 1. and they are to small for my project. hole gauges seems to small for subwoofer wiring... Bummer.... good quality though.. just to small; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Anker 8-in-1 USB 3.0 Portable Card Reader for SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro; Brand: Anker; Review: Anker makes great products. very nice, i even purchased a second one. will be buying more products from Anker. Thank You; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Travelodge Market Harborough; City: Market Harborough Leicestershire England; Review: The hotel is ideally located in the centre of town so all the amenities are within easy walking distance. The hotel is very welcoming and the rooms very comfortable, clean and well maintained.There is a very good cafe cum restaurant directly below the hotel which serves an excellent breakfast and has a wide ranging daytime and evening menu. Loading/unloading allowed outside of the hotel and the car park is only a three minute walk from the hotel. The only thing missing was air conditioning - it was a warm night and being cooler would have improved the stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ibis budget Basel City; City: Basel; Review: I took this hotel at very late notice as there were no others available for the England football match. The location was excellent as it was on a tram intersection with connections to all parts of town and the stadium. The hotel had literally opened days before arriving and suffered from some teething problems. The most disappointing was the lack of food at breakfast and the apparent lack of initiative by the dining staff to address this! The reception staff were excellent and very helpful.Underground free car parking was a bonus and useful.The room was clean and adequate if a little small but after all it is a budget hotel and overall I feel represents value for money providing the teething problems are addressed. The new Novohotel is next door and has excellent bar and dining facilities which we used .; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Campanile Reims Centre Cathedrale; City: Reims Marne Grand Est; Review: This hotel is ideally situated in the centre of town and a few minutes walk from the centre of town and the Cathedral. We stayed for one night and arrived without a booking but the staff were really helpful and obliging. Room was clean and very adequate for our needs. Free wifi was useful and breakfast selection very good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ibis Luzern Kriens; City: Kriens Lucerne; Review: The address of Industriestrasse made me apprehensive about the location but this far from the truth ! The hotel is a few minutes walk from the hotel with a good and regular service into the town centre. The hotel has free underground parking and wifi. The room was exceptionally big for an Ibis and the in room facilities excellent. The staff were helpful and friendly and the breakfast choices very good. Would definitely stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The BlueBell Hotel; City: Neath Neath Port Talbot South Wales Wales; Review: I was completely bowled over with the very high standards of this hotel. Maybe my expectations were not too high but it is one of the most comfortable and welcoming hotels I have visited in recent times. The standard of refurbishment is excellent - modern; comfortable; spacious. The bathroom was well equipped and had a decent size bath and very effective shower. Situated right next to the station I thought noise maybe a factor but the double glazing was so effective I would have not known I was adjoining the main London rail line. The hotel was spotless in terms of cleanliness. The restaurant had a very interesting and wide ranging menu. Unfortunately it closed at 9.30 pm however the room service was able to serve a good menu out of hours. The only real issue was that I could hear every movement from the room upstairs . Staff were helpful but seemed a little inexperienced. I honestly thought the hotel had only be been recently refurbished but apparently this happened 6 years ago - well done for keeping it so presentable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel; City: Banbury Oxfordshire England; Review: We had an overnight stay which was very convenient being only 10 mins from the motorway but right in the middle of town. The hotel has lots of historic charm and character which is also reflected in the quirky layout of the establishment. The hotel was very clean and the staff on reception and in the breakfast room were extremely helpful and hospitable. The breakfast choice was extensive and very well presented. The four things that could have improved the stay were : Television not working in the room Extractor fan not working in the bathroom Traffic noise due to poor double glazing Floor boards creaking meant every move in room above and along the corridor were heard; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Maids Head Hotel; City: Norwich Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: My partner and I stayed from Thursday to Friday last week and were very impressed with this wonderful hotel. A mixture of very old ( dating back to 1299 ish in some parts !) with various add ons and extensions with some refurb going on currently ( which did not affect our stay ). The whole staff ( reception; catering; cleaning ) were extremely helpful and friendly and were completely customer focused without being over powering or intrusive. This lent itself to a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the hotel. The bar and breakfast room are in the older part of the hotel and have been caringly restored and looked after. The choice and range of the breakfast menu was very impressive ( continental; cereal ; fresh fruit ; yogurts ; smoked haddock; kippers ; full English etc etc !)and although we didn't eat in the restaurant the menu looked very interesting . Our suite was comfortable, very well laid out and spacious. The only downside was the central heating could not be controlled from within the room and it did get too warm at one stage so we had to open windows to keep an ambient temperature ! The hotel has a large free car park . The hotel is ideally located for exploring the town and all it has to offer. Perfect place for a weekend break with a bit of comfort and pampering !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Travelodge Twickenham; City: Twickenham Greater London England; Review: I stayed here for two nights while I explored the area.The hotel is brilliantly located right in the heart of Twickenham. It is central for access to the river and the town centre as well as being on an excellent transport hub ( main line station; good bus routes ) which makes easy access to Richmond and Kingston. The hotel is all that you would expect - very good value for money; clean; welcoming staff and very adequate bedroom facilities. The breakfast is very good value- large selection of cereals; fresh fruit; croissant; toast;fried breakfast with eat as much as you want for £7.50 ! The station car park is good value at £7.50 per day and is only 100mts away.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boutique 25; City: Skipton North Yorkshire England; Review: We booked a deluxe room but the room was no more than average. The room was small but reasonably clean on arrival but was not visited by cleaning staff ( were there any ???) during our two day stay. No clean towels were offered or supplied and the waste bin in the bathroom had a used condom sitting inside it ! The tv reception was so poor ( no signal) that it was unwatchable and the wifi signal so poor internet on the iPad was impossible. The bathroom floor tiles were coming lose and the bath surround had no shower curtain and the painting on the wall next to the bath was peeling off. Breakfast was served from 7am - 8.30am which is rather early if you are relaxing on holiday ! The owner and one staff member we saw throughout our stay were very approachable and friendly but obviously had no experience of the hotel business or of any customer facing service. I would not recommend this hotel and certainly will not visit again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Stanley Arms; City: Macclesfield Cheshire England; Review: This was a wonderful find - we couldn't believe what a beautiful location this pub was in. Very remote but ideal for a walking base or stop over en route to more northerly destinations. The restaurant and bar areas were small but homely and the menu varied. The full English Breakfast in particular was very fulsome ! The accommodation was in a converted barn and was finished to a high standard. This was a thoroughly enjoyable stay over and we will definitely return ( particularly as the landlord and I supported the same northern football team !).; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Capri Blue Volcano Printed Travel Tin Candle, 8.5 Ounce; Brand: Aspen Bay; Review: Love love love this scent! Received the room spray & large candle as a gift & just had to order more! Such a clean & fresh smell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levtex Palladium Butterfly Pillow Cream; Brand: Levtex; Review: As described, fast shipping. The only thing I don't like is that it is pretty much flat. Not much stuffing so it's not a 'comfy' pillow to use behind your head. Matches the other bedding from this design wonderfully.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Capri Blue Volcano Room Spray; Brand: Capri Blue; Review: My favorite scent of all time! Citrus yet sweet & clean.....I keep one can in my car and the other in my house. Just love it. 2015 **UPDATE** I have now purchased this twice, from 2 different places in the past year & this product has changed, significantly!! The strength of the scent is very, very weak & it does not last. By the time you spray through a room & walk back out, it is gone. It is like you are spritzing water. There is actually dampness if the mist touches anything. I sprayed my arm & it was visibly wet, no evaporation like they do, no oily residue & once dried, no smell. I thought the first can was a fluke so tried again now, same thing. This used to be SO STRONG the can would last forever in your car & months when I used inside my house. The whole room would smell SO good. Not anymore. What a waste of $$. Very disappointed. PS Bought one of their candles about 6 mo ago at a local shop. Burned a well straight down the middle, had tons o' wax to use in my warmer. That candle was $30! The Company has changed the way they make their products & lost a loyal customer who has been buying for years. :(; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Volcano Double Scented Wax Melts. Fruits, citrus & sugar, this scent will blow you; Brand: Hidden Valley Candles; Review: These smell AWESOME...so much like the Volcano No 6 that I love so much. Bad thing.....the smell does not last. It says 50 hours....I would say 24 hours is pushing it. I will say they came in very good condition considering it has been over 100* her for a week. Had to stick them in the freezer for a bit to get completely hard again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Volcano Double Scented Wax Melts. ***4 Pack*** Fruits, citrus & sugar, this scent will blow you away; Brand: BBInfinite; Review: NO LONGER ABAULABLE?????? LOVE the scent....reminiscent of Volcano No 6 which is my favorite but they do not have wax melts. The only issue I have with these is that the scent does not last long. I change them every 2 or 3 days because the scent just does not last. I do like the fact that they are 4/$20 so it's not too crazy expensive.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hosley Decorative Iron Oval Ring Bowl, 9" Wide. Ideal for Wedding or Special Occasion Gift and Use Orbs,; Brand: Hosley; Review: This is on my kitchen counter for my fruit. It is perfect, love the shape (oblong) & the flat black color.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: DII Foldable Fabric Storage Bins for Nursery, Offices, Home, Containers are Made to Fit Standard Cube; Brand: DII; Review: I am absolutly in love with these!! I have a metal rack shelf that i have been putting my girls toys on and it just does not look nice...too cluttery. So i thought i would try these bins out and they are perfect. They could have been a bit bigger but i think they still look great!! They collapse easily and are thick and made well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: O2COOL 4-inch Clip on Stroller Fan, Battery Operated Clip on Fan, Battery Stroller Fan, 4-inch Fan, Mobile Fan, Clip; Brand: O2COOL; Review: I have been needing a fan like this to attach to my treadmill, as I get so hot when I do my long runs on it. This fan is perfect for that! Just add 2 batteries and you are good to go! :) It actually gives out quite a bit of fan power too which I was happy and surprised about! I could feel it while I was running and it did help to cool me down. And the batteries are lasting pretty well too as my kids keep stealing it from my treadmill and playing with it and it is still running great on its first set of batteries!! I can see us packing and using this at the fair this summer for sure!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII Round Braided & Woven, Indoor/Outdoor Placemat or Charger, Set of 6, Metallic Red; Brand: DII; Review: These are so pretty in person!! Very metallic and just awesome in person. They are also very large which is perfect. They look great on my table. I have actually been using them for my vendor events where I sell lipsense and it draws the eyes to my table!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII 100% Polyester Placemat, Reversable & Spill Proof for Indoor or Outdoor Use, Perfect for BBQs, Backyard Parties, Cookouts,; Brand: DII; Review: This looks so great on my patio table!! I should have bought something like this year's ago!! The color is great and it really stands out, the material is very durable which is what I need as I am not going to keep taking this on and off all the time. I need something that can just stay outside and we have had quite a bit of rain lately and it is still perfect. There is also a hidden zipper on it so it is easy to get on without moving the umbrella!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII Oversize Woven Paper Storage Basket or Bin, Collapsible & Convenient Home Organization Solution for Office, Bedroom, Closet, Toys,; Brand: DII; Review: This is so huge!! I love it!! I have 3 girls so therefore we have lots and lots of dolls in our house and no where really to store them. This bin makes it easy to clean up the dolly room as you just throw all the dolls in it and call it good. And it holds so many!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII Collapsible Polyester Storage Basket or Bin with Durable Cotton Handles, Home Organizer Solution for Office, Bedroom, Closet,; Brand: DII; Review: What a cute pattern! This storage bin is just too cute, and I love the handles so I can carry it around easy! Currently I am using this as a hamper in my 2 year olds room and it fits a lot of dirty clothes and is easy to pick up and bring to the laundry room. It seems very well made, very sturdy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII Cotton Buffalo Check Plaid Rectangle Tablecloth for Family Dinners or Gatherings, Indoor or Outdoor Parties, & Everyday Use; Brand: DII; Review: Super cute!!! I got this for my patio table outside and it fits perfectly. I did have to cut a x in the middle to fit my umbrella thru but that was super easy to do and I love how it looks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Simpli Home Burlington Solid Wood Entryway Storage Bench with Drawers, Espresso Brown; Brand: Simpli Home; Review: Wow! Hard to find things made with all real wood but this is!! I hate spending so much money on something and finding particle board that breaks easy so I am very happy with this. This should last us for many years and it just looks amazing!! It took my husband about 1 hour to put together with my toddlers helping of coarse!! :) Drawers slide easy and no scratches or anything. Love this item!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII Hard Sided Collapsible Fabric Storage Container for Nursery, Offices, & Home Organization, (11x11x11") - Chevron Gold; Brand: DII; Review: So cute in person!!! Looks almost like a gift vox! Great size and sturdy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII Cotton Christmas Holiday Dish Towels, 18x28" Set of 3, Decorative Oversized Embroidered Kitchen; Brand: DII; Review: These are so cute! They are perfect for drying dishes or drying your hands and I love having different themed hand towels for the different holidays and these are perfect for Christmas time, which I am sure will be here before I know it. Actually I am using them right now even tho it is August! Oh well I don't care!! :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII Cotton Retro Beer Dish Towels, 18 x 28" Set of; Brand: DII; Review: These are awesome! My kids just got done watching the emoji movie and then these arrived at our door. They are great colors and super cute. My kids and I love them. They are great for drying dishes, hands or a spill.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII "Happy Halloween Burlap Banner Wall Décor for Home, School, Office, Party Decorations; Brand: DII; Review: These are okay. A tad flimsy, but they are made out of foam type stuff so that is expected. Just done expect these to just stay where ever you put them. I wish they came with some 3m strips or something so you can make them stay on a window or door or etc... They do look nice tho but a bit on the small side.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Squishy Portable and Stylish Bean Bag Chair, Twist, Black; Brand: Big Squishy; Review: OMG!! This chair is amazing!!! At first when i saw this and saw the price...i was like...really!?!? But i decided to get it and now i am so happy i did!! This is my favorite place to sit in the house now!! I sit in it for reading, watching tv, reading books to my kids, then my kids and my pets fight over it. I might have to buy a couple more and get rid of thw couch!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DII, Cotton Terry Pot Holders, Heat Resistant and Machine Washable, Set of 3, Pebble; Brand: DII; Review: These look great and they work great and clean up easily. What else is their to say, they are oven mitts and they do the job! :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag, Sandwich Bag, Sous vide Bag, Storage Bag, Aqua; Brand: Stasher; Review: I got this to put in my daughters backpack so if she has leftover snacks from at school during snacktime, she has something to put them in. And this works great for that! She really likes the design and she is 6 and can open and close it easily. It keeps her snacks fresh until she is ready to eat them again and it is easy to clean.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: InterDesign Microfiber Spa Bathroom Accent Rug, 21 x 17, White; Brand: InterDesign; Review: Very comfy on the feet, nice and thicker than most, looks great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Collection Hypoallergenic Topper Polyester Down Alternative Soft and Luxurious Fiber Bed Mattress Pad, Full; Brand: Sweet Home Collection; Review: I got this to put on my 6 year olds bed. Her mattress is okay and she sleeps just fine on it and doesn't complain, but days when she is sick or having nightmares and I try to cuddle with her or sleep with her... My old body does not like her mattress! LOL So I got this to put on top of it and I slept with her the other night since we all got the stomach bug and she needed her Mommy, and wow what a difference! I am so glad I got this for her bed. I might have to invest and get one for my king size bed! :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Classic Brands Decker Hybrid Memory Foam and Innerspring 10.5-Inch Mattress, King; Brand: Classic Brands; Review: This is a surprisingly comfortable mattress. I was a bit worried buying online without trying it in person, but I am very happy with this mattress, my kids say this is comfortable as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Baxter Back Pillow - Cherry; Brand: Bucky; Review: This lumbar pillow is great!! I sit at a desk all day and my lower back sometimes bothers me. Since I got this and have been using it, my back is much better and it is really comfortable to have against my back! I do wish it came with a strap so I could attach it to my chair, cause now I have to readjust it everytime I stand up! I also love that the red cover comes off so you can wash it if it becomes dirty!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Fairfield Inn Laurel; City: Laurel Maryland; Review: We just spent 3 lovely nights at the Fairfield Inn, Laurel MD. The hotel is like any other Fairfield Inn. The rooms are nice, clean and spacious- not luxury, but pleasant. The difference is the customer service. Betty at the front desk is the BEST! So is Jamar! Both were so accommodating and friendly- asking how our day was when we came in at night. Betty talked to us about the area and was interested in my daughter's swim meet results. Just really above and beyond what you normally get from a front desk clerk. Great customer service. Also, while the breakfast was pretty basic--- continental w/ waffles- the customer service was again exceptional. Breakfast was to open after the swimmers staying at the hotel had to be at the pool, so the set up crew had everything ready early each morning to accommodate. That was really great and definitely appreciated by the hungry teenagers! My compliments to a great team at the Fairfield Inn, Laurel. Thank you!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elegance East Hotel; City: Antalya Turkish Mediterranean Coast; Review: First impression was not good, but read on. There is no lobby, and the swimming pool has orange construction cones and a chain in front of it. When walking through the check-in area to the pool, if you look right- there is a broken down car and construction. As we were walking to our room, I was not sure we would stay here. But then we got to our lovely suite and impressions changed. The room and bathroom are huge, clean and well-appointed. The bed is super comfortable and the air-conditioning works great. Turns out that the construction cones and chain are to keep people from walking straight in to the infinity pool as they are walking in to the hotel and pool area- looking around taking it all in. The breakfast was delicious with a huge selection. Seda- the manager (owner?) is very nice- she remembers each guest by name, is happy to provide directions or suggestions for places to eat and is quite concerned that each guest is happy. The hotel exterior does not look so much like the pictures, but it is still a gem. We would not hesitate to stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: GLK PREMIER Regency Suites Spa; City: Istanbul; Review: Although this is a Best Western hotel, it does not feel like a chain hotel, but rather a sweet boutique hotel. There are only 20-25 rooms- ours was on Floor 2. It was good sized, clean and well appointed. The staff is remarkable- so friendly and helpful! They respond immediately to any needs, are happy to provide directions or suggestions for restaurants and activities and always greeted us with a friendly hello. The breakfast is very large with quite a nice selection. And the location is superb- right in the shadows of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. Special shout-out to EK who helped to make my 50th birthday trip wonderful! We would not hesitate to stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir Alsancak; City: Izmir Izmir Province Turkish Aegean Coast; Review: We stayed here for 3 wonderful nights. We had a suite and it was lovely. Big rooms, clean and well-appointed. The location is great- walking distance to restaurants and steps away from the bus and metro (a bit further, but an easy walk). We loved the rooftop pool and restaurant- outstanding food and service--- and a beautiful view of Izmir. Great for pics at sunset too. The hotel staff was friendly and helpful with suggestions and directions. We would not hesitate to stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina; City: San Diego California; Review: The hotel is big and beautiful with a very nice staff and lovely pool area. Great location, clean rooms, and nice facilities. The highlight of the hotel for us was Hella- the yoga instructor! We planned our evenings to be back on the hour or 1/2 hour ready to do her Meditation or Cool Down yoga in our room on Channel 3. Hella also offers yoga classes in the gym, but our conference schedule did not accommodate us participating in those. We did run in to Hella outside of the hotel- recognized her from channel 3- and had a great conversation about her classes. Hella is a great representative for Marriott, exemplary customer service and healthy living. Thanks for a great stay and many thanks to Hella for our yoga sessions!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Christiansburg Blacksburg; City: Christiansburg Virginia; Review: Stayed at the Holiday Inn Christiansburg last night and just want to give a shout out to Abby at the front desk. She was professional, courteous and helped us with our reservation. Made us feel truly welcome- thank you Abby!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Train of Small Mercies; Author: Visit Amazon's David Rowell Page; Review: although I'm not sure how it all fits together. A good read, characters draw the reader in, and one hopes for a good outcome for each of them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Solomon Page; Review: I hoped this book would talk about challenges presented to ordinary families, and how they managed them. Instead there are stories about families that manage their mentally ill, or physically disabled, or criminally inclined children by using their ample funds to start schools, care centers, or other institutions to help themselves and others. There is no doubt these are very worthy efforts, but not much experience of wisdom offered here for those of lesser means.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Seamstress: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Frances de Pontes Peebles Page; Review: a slow start, but once into it, I was hooked. A powerful read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Dog (Harper Trophy Books (Paperback)); Author: Visit Amazon's Meindert DeJong Page; Review: a favorite book of my younger daughter when she was four; read so much to her it fell apart and we had to buy it again. I offer it to all friends with children in kindergarten. An endearing dog, a terrific first or second chapter book to read aloud, and later read by children on their own. The author wrote many books for children, one of which - the Wheel on the School -- my mother read to me about sixty years ago.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Runaway; Author: Visit Amazon's Alice Munro Page; Review: Munro is a gifted author, but these stories were too dark for me. If you can manage that, they're great - they really work, landing with a sad thud.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Into the Beautiful North: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Luis Alberto Urrea Page; Review: I enjoyed this book tremendously, and bought it as a gift for a young friend. I look forward to hearing her views.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: River of Doubt; Author: Visit Amazon's Candice Millard Page; Review: A very dangerous extended exploration of the Amazon by Theodore Roosevelt. A gripping book about an altogether heroic man, in more ways than I knew, where the portrait of TR is complicated and replete with endearing surprises. A varied list of colleagues, some brave, others arrogant, racist, incompetent. A smart, enlightening book, with ample food for thought.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Taste of Honey: Stories; Author: Visit Amazon's Jabari Asim Page; Review: one word description didn't work. alternately dark and optimistic, many twists, some comforting surprises. "short stories" is only half correct, since all of the characters are part of one community. I like this book very much.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Mississippi Cotton; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul H. Yarbrough Page; Review: A nice Southern story of the 1950s and 1960s in rural Missippi. A very pleasnt read and a nice experience for a "Yankee" like me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Caribbee; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Hoover Page; Review: I have read a number of Thomas Hoover's novels and each one in its own way is appealing. Caribbee brings out some fascinating historical information along with an interesting plot. Relax and enjoy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Buried Prey; Author: Visit Amazon's John Sandford Page; Review: This may well be one of the best of the Prey Series. I promised myself that I would pace my reading to fully enjoy the writing. Finished it the first night. Just did not want to put it down. Sanford did a great job of demonstrating the growth and development of Lucas Davenport and the rest of his characters. Was good to be reminded of the flamboyant character we enjoyed some 20 novels ago compared to his "mature" character of today.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Killer: An Alex Delaware Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Jonathan Kellerman Page; Review: Weakest effort yet. Reads like he was just cranking out pages to get another one out. I have read each and every Kellerman novel and this is the first time that I felt cheated with the contents.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: MIDNIGHT SUN; Author: Visit Amazon's Jo Nesbo Page; Review: Another dark novel from a great author. The difference between this and other recent Scandinavian novels is that the reader is left with the possibility that there is a chance of a positive future. Really a fine read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: adidas Performance Men's Adilette SC+ Silver C M Sandal; Brand: ; Review: Great slide easy to wear. Very comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Birkenstock Betula Licensed Womens Reggae Birko-Flor; Brand: Birkenstock; Review: I like them. A little small I'm buying them in a larger size.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Betula Licensed by Birkenstock Womens Quito Birko-Flor; Brand: Birkenstock; Review: Great unique sandals. Get lots of compliments.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bella Vita Women's Nara Dress Pump; Brand: Bella Vita; Review: Perfect comfortable pump. Very professional and a little sexy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Joe's USA - Big Mens Size Five Extra Large T-Shirts-5XL Tee Shirts in 54 Colors; Brand: Joe's USA; Review: nice color fits great; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: To Free A Spy: Deception and Revenge in Washington, Tokyo and Moscow; Author: Nick B. Ganaway; Review: Great read. Nonstop thru Sunday night and Monday morning. Realistic characters, intense plot and full of surprises. Read the last page and did an immediate search to see if Ganaway had any more books in print.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Passenger 19 (A Jammer Davis Thriller); Author: Visit Amazon's Ward Larsen Page; Review: Great story. Full throttle action and parallel stories keep reader wondering what will happen next. Read nonstop and enjoyed every page; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Games Criminals Play: How You Can Profit by Knowing Them; Author: Visit Amazon's Bud Allen Page; Review: Good read......eye opening; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Art of the Con: Avoiding Offender Manipulation; Author: Visit Amazon's Gary F. Cornelius Page; Review: Anyone working in corrections or law enforcement should read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vengeance: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Newt Gingrich Page; Review: Don't Plan on doing anything once you start this book. It grabs your attention and won't let go. Fiction that is all too similar to the evening news!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Criminal Defense (Philadelphia Legal); Author: Visit Amazon's William L. Myers Jr. Page; Review: Never a dull moment. Well developed characters and complex plot. Just when you think you figured out the killer, new evidence gets introduced and you are once turning pages as quickly as you can. One of the best legal stories I have read!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hard Wired (A Jon Reznick Thriller); Author: Visit Amazon's J. B. Turner Page; Review: Couldnt put it down. Read nonstop to the end. Ready to find the next in series! Characters likelike and genuine; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tenth Justice; Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Meltzer Page; Review: Anyone who is ready to read nonstop thru this story..... clear your schedule and get comfortable, call out for food,you won't want to interrupt the read to cook. Just when you think the tension on protagonist is lessening, something else flares up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: OXO Tot Silicone Tub Drain Stopper- Aqua; Brand: OMOTON; Review: I really like this product. I was not sure it would fit my drain as i just have a stand up shower. I am using it to fill up the basin with a few inches of water to bathe my son in. My drain is about the size of the whole product but it still works well and seals.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shrunks Inflatable Kids Bed Rails. Safety Side Bumpers for Toddlers or Adult Beds Great for; Brand: The Shrunks; Review: Use these while camping with my mom for my son. They work great and he stays in the bed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shrunks Inflatable Kids Bed Rails. Safety Side Bumpers for Toddlers or Adult Beds Great for; Brand: The Shrunks; Review: Use these while camping with my mom for my son. They work great and he stays in the bed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DecoBros Wire Fruit Tree Bowl with Banana Hanger, Bronze; Brand: Deco Brothers; Review: Does exactly as advertised. Even successfully hangs up a costco size bunch of bananas.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SoftHeat by Perfect Fit | Luxury Fleece Electric Heated Blanket with Safe & Warm Low-Voltage Technology (Queen, Slate Blue); Brand: SoftHeat; Review: I hate being cold! This blanket is amazing. Sometimes I end up sweating it can get so hot but I love it. My husband hates being hot so we have to keep the house on the cooler side and this blanket helps me stay warm. I love waking up in the morning and turning this blanket on to snuggle with my little one. Its amazing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zinus 6 Inch Spring Mattress, Twin; Brand: Zinus; Review: This mattress is very hard and it smells bad. It is for my 4 year old so he doesnt care but he wakes up smelling like the mattress and its a little concerning.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: BPAGO Modern Flowers Painting Blue Orchid Wall Decor Landscape Paintings on Canvas Wall Art for Living RoomHome Office Bathroom Decoration; Brand: BPAGO; Review: I bought this for my office and its beautiful. I love it and so do my clients.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Bosvision Ultra-Secure 4-digit Combination Lock with 3 Feet Retractable Cable for Bike, Ski, Snowboard and Stroller; Brand: Bosvision; Review: works well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: SmartWool Men's Hike Ultra Light Mini Socks; Brand: SmartWool; Review: They give my feet support beside wearing my arches, spendy but worth it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Portable LED Camping Lantern, Lemontec water resistant Ultra Bright 30 LED Lantern for Hiking, Emergencies, Hurricanes, Outages, Storms, Camping; Brand: Lemontec; Review: They all three work and seem to be bright. With care, they should last a long time as back up lights.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Victorinox Swiss Army Midnite MiniChamp Pocket Knife; Brand: Victorinox; Review: Works as it is described and very handy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 12-in-1 Headwear - UPF 30 Versatile Outdoors & Daily Headwear - 12 Ways to Wear including Headband, Neck Gaiter,; Brand: Tough Headband; Review: Tried, it fits does well, but going to use it in Africa against the dust.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All Season Hooded XL Sleeping Bag with Compression Sack - Perfect Compression Sleeping Bag for Backpacking & Camping; Brand: Tough Outdoors; Review: Used it in Africa, kept me warm and was happy with it. Left with one of the persons on the safari as I was going back to Europe and doing some travelling and this was quite bulky, they were very happy the sleeping bag..; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Midnight in Paris; Brand: Kathy Bates; Review: The film is very entertaining, and worth watching just for the atmospheric views of Paris. I never would have expected to find Owen Wilson in a Woody Allen film, but he is very good in this one. Blu-Ray is nicely done. All in all, an excellent presentation of an excellent film.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Brand: Daniel Radcliffe; Review: Phoenix is not my favorite of the Potter films, but it is still a good view and I thought it was well worth reordering in Blu-ray when my original DVD copy started freezing and doing other weird things when I tried to watch it. The Blu-Ray playback quality is excellent, and will hopefully be even better on the new Oppo player I have on order.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel; Brand: Maggie Smith; Review: Loved this offbeat film. The cast are excellent. Blu-Ray playback quality was excellent. Nice to see a good adult film like this one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ballet Shoes; Brand: Emma Watson; Review: A sweet movie. Well acted.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Walt Disney's Classic The Jungle Book Clamshell; Brand: ; Review: Very good flick. The kid who played Mowgli should have gotten an Oscar. The whole movie is brilliantly done CGI, so he had to act entirely in front of a green screen.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hampton Inn San Antonio Downtown River Walk; City: San Antonio Texas; Review: The only thing good about staying here was the location. It was a quick walk to the Rivercenter mall and the Riverwalk. Experienced a leaking faucet in shower in my bathroomnute . Had poor wifi connections; stepped outside to parking lot and my wifi connection was lost. Also parking fees were added on to my bill which were not expected and cold eggs at breakfast. Would not stay here again.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites San Antonio Downtown Market Square; City: San Antonio Texas; Review: Can't say enough about this hotel. My stay was wonderful thanks to the staff's helpfulness, size and cleanliness of room, free parking which was always available, and good breakfast too! Really loved this hotel. Very nice location and great wifi. Will definitely stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel; City: Corpus Christi Texas; Review: Everyone including valet staff were totally cool and helpful. began with check in and was made super easy for me. Room was nice and comfortable. A little bit of a walk to the Selena Auditorium to see a concert but was do able. Closest hotel to it. All in all, loved staying there and am looking forward to there again; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Corpus Christi; City: Corpus Christi Texas; Review: Everything here was excellent! View of the marina was superb. Room was spacious and clean. Breakfast included was good. Close to Selena Auditorium for concert I was attending and fantastic Water Street Oyster Bar was right there. Had a great stay!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Houston Stafford; City: Stafford Texas; Review: Excellent hotel with great breakfast included with stay. Staff made my trip with ease of check-in/checkout. Right off highway 59. Loved my stay here! Rooms were very clean. Had everything I could need!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Beachside Inn; City: South Padre Island Texas; Review: Everything is nice there. Really enjoyed my stay. Will stay again! Great, clean pool. Loved the key access to room and back doors. Beach access very close! Lighting in the parking area was great. The only negative was non-working bar in room and breakfast area too small. Overall a wonderful stay!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Schlitterbahn Beach Resort; City: South Padre Island Texas; Review: Fun time and wonderful vacation. The best for children at the water parks. Good and relaxing place to stay for adults too. Loved the beach bar on property. Rooms in the back building overlooking the Gulf were perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Orangey the Goldfish (Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Eddie Bee Page; Review: This book seemed rather silly and there is not much of a story; however, it was obviously not intended for adults. My 2 year old absolutely loves it, begs to read it, goes crazy for it, and laughs hysterically almost every time I do read it -- then asks to read it again and again. This is probably in fact our favorite bedtime story currently and we read it on the Kindle Fire each night. The part specifically that cracks her up is when the boy eats the fish food. Recommended for toddlers with a sense of humor, but don't expect to "get it" or think it is necessarily that enjoyable for adults . . .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Summoner: (The Dominic Grey Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Layton Green Page; Review: Very interesting and exciting thriller/mystery type of book with hints of supernatural occurrences. I liked Green's previous book, The Egyptian, and decided to borrow The Summoner for free on Kindle to go back and read it too. I'm very glad that I did, as this was one of my favorite books I've read in the last year. It has all the elements I really enjoy in books that I read to sort of "zone out" and relax or wind down in the evening - suspense, mystery, intrigue. Also thrown in a religious cult and a story set in Zimbabwe and the book couldn't go wrong.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What Do People Do All Day?; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Scarry Page; Review: Just a great book, albeit a little outdated. This was always one of my favorite books and authors as a child, and I am glad that my daughter is now enjoying it as well. Just a lot of vivid imagery to look and discuss with children and you can read it over and over again, but never the same way twice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sneetches and Other Stories: Yellow Back Book (Dr Seuss - Yellow Back Book) (Dr. Seuss: Yellow Back Books); Author: Visit Amazon's Dr. Seuss Page; Review: My almost-3-year-old daughter goes nuts for the sneetches each night and asks to read it most nights. I downloaded the Kindle Fire version of this book, which also came with a couple of other stories that she enjoys as well - The Zax, Too many Daves, and What Was I scared of (a story a pair of walking, empty pants). For the price it seems like a very good bargain and has already been worth a couple hours of entertainment. The only downside is the print is a bit small for the Kindle Fire regular screen; it works a little better on our iPad Kindle App.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Poe; Author: Visit Amazon's J. Lincoln Fenn Page; Review: This was an enjoyable, creepy, horror story that I would recommend if you are in the mood for a spooky novel. It kept my interest and I like the quirky characters and rather unique plot and odd small town setting. I looked forward to reading it each night when before I went to bed, which is usually a pretty good measuring stick; I didn't have to force myself to finish it unlike a few other novels I've read in the past. It did seem to end somewhat abruptly and leave a few loose ends. Perhaps there is a sequel in the works or a series is planned. But for some of the loose ends and feeling of leaving me hanging a bit, I gave 4 of 5 stars.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mabel and the Sock Pirates; Author: Visit Amazon's Elwyn Tate Page; Review: I recommend this book to parents of toddlers. We bought this for her on the kindle and read it on both an original kindle Fire and on an iPad mini. The art is quite pretty and the story is cute. Best of all, our toddler really enjoys the story, and talks nearly every morning about farmer Bill with his stinky socks . . .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cibola; Author: Visit Amazon's David Wood Page; Review: Good book which I enjoyed for the most part, and would normally rate 4 stars, but I had to dock it another star because I felt the book really fell apart toward the end. If you like books by James Rollins, Steve Berry, and other similar authors you might enjoy this - but it's not nearly as good overall as books by Rollins or Berry. I actually purchased this about 3 years ago and got around to reading this last week . . . the premise of the story did not grab me at first. There are several good things about the book - some of the characters are pretty interesting, the story is exciting at times, once it gets going it is not boring by any means. But a few problems, also mentioned by other reviewers, include one element too many of common adventure story lines (i.e., biblical treasure hunt, following a trail of clues to find hidden passages, secret society, monsters); the plot seems to accelerate and suddenly end abruptly, to me, without a very good resolution; and the mistakes or abuses of protocol the archeology "heroes" commit along the way. Still, fairly enjoyable read if you just want to escape for a while and follow an adventure.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Peeking Duck (Case File #2 of Icarus Investigation) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel Ganninger Page; Review: Great book! Fun, interesting, exciting - the perfect novel to read at night to escape from the stressors of the day a bit before falling asleep. I really enjoy the characters in Ganninger's first two novels (Peeking Duck, Flapjack) and the settings to which they travel. I recommend you check out these novels if you like a fun mystery with an interesting plot, written in a humorous way that is not too serious. The idea of Icarus Investigations is a novel take on the detective story. An easy read - not dry at all, never gets boring. A few editing mistakes here and there, but I could tolerate that without it detracting from the story too much. Check it out!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Mandalas Stained Glass Coloring Book (Dover Stained Glass Coloring Book); Author: Visit Amazon's A. G. Smith Page; Review: For a couple of bucks, this small coloring book led to quite a few hours of fun for me and my daughter. It's rather small in size (each page is about the size of my coffee cup) but my 3 yo really enjoyed how there was no set pattern and she could mix and match any colors in any way she wanted. The pictures are also supposed to look like stained glass, and look nice when you hang them in a window. There are not very many pictures in the book but still felt like a pretty good deal for around $2. We used washable markers to color these and the pages did not bleed through. We also bought the Garden Flowers stained glass coloring book which was very similar, and that one was nice too. Recommended if you have little ones who enjoy coloring and crafts. Pretty easy way to entertain them for an hour or so.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocks! Rocks! Rocks!; Author: Visit Amazon's Nancy Elizabeth Wallace Page; Review: Cute little book. I bought it because my daughter is really into finding and collecting pretty rocks that she finds. She likes reading and looking at the rocks in this book but is not really into the story line. The types of rocks are described well and my daughter likes to compare rocks she has found with ones in the book. Although she usually has the attention span for a fairly lengthy story plot she would rather just more casually peruse this book and its pictures. We read this on the Kindle Fire, and perhaps this is an example of a book that would work better in printed rather than electronic form - especially with young kids and if the different rocks had different textures on the page.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Time's Edge (The Chronos Files); Author: Visit Amazon's Rysa Walker Page; Review: Clearly intended for a teen audience and not an adult, but still . . . I enjoyed the first book in this series much more. I felt like Book 2, Time's Edge, focused a lot more on menial details and uninteresting story lines and I struggled at times to finish a chapter and the book overall. Still, a pretty interesting plot and concept for a novel so I enjoyed it overall. The ending was rather abrupt but clearly setting up the next book this series. It's worth checking out.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wool - Omnibus Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Hugh Howey Page; Review: I bought this book quite a while back and finally got around to reading it for a book club. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it to be a very interesting book with a number of of psychological themes. For just a couple of examples, groupthink, ingroup and outgroup research, behavior modification principles are mentioned. Although some of the sections were slow reading at times (not helped by the fact that I usually read late at night when I'm on the verge of falling asleep), overall I found much much more to like than to critique. I hate to give too much away . . . . The chapter I found myself reluctant to finish reading was where the lead character was exploring a submerged underground area, as there seemed to be too much detail, but as for the rest of the book I found myself drawn in and really able to picture myself in the environments and situations. Maybe it's just me but I tend to find a lot of underwater descriptions tedious, and it also tends to drive me a little crazy when there are too many false accusation stories. Overall, and I mean this as a compliment, but throughout the book I also found myself thinking "what a wonderful idea and setting for a novel! it seems obvious now so why couldn't I have thought of this?" But of course I didn't and no one else has written a novel exactly like this either. Highly recommended if you like science fiction in general and sort of slow burn, psychological thrillers that aren't based on sudden scares or cheap thrills.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Kraken Project (Wyman Ford Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: Very good book. I enjoyed the premise and the story and like the Wyman Ford character. Some parts were pretty unbelievable but I was entertained in my nightly reading - not too deep or difficult, but still exciting and an interesting plot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mysterious Benedict Society; Author: Visit Amazon's Trenton Lee Stewart Page; Review: One of the most entertaining children's/young adult books that I've read in some time: both this and the first book in the series are fantastic. I didn't think the first book could be topped but in fact I believe it was. Although intended for children, there is a lot of entertainment for adults too and I find the author's sense of humor to be very good. It comes through in the characters and their actions. I think it's a great book for anyone of all ages. The characters especially are some of my favorites that I've encountered in any book series. Very well done. If you were a fan of other children's books, from Judy Blume to Harry Potter to Wrinkle in time, I don't think this series will disappoint! Very impressed with the writing despite the intended audience being 3rd to 7th graders.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Einstein's Secret; Author: Visit Amazon's Irving Belateche Page; Review: A good, not great, book that kept my attention for the most part, but it felt like the plot and the time travel paradigm sort of fell apart around midway through and towards the end. Some of the graphic details were unnecessary, and added absolutely nothing to the story, such as running over a pedestrian. We had to read about the gory details, which again added nothing to the overall story and in fact detracted from the otherwise fairly interesting plot in my opinion. As another reviewer described, the story overall was just a bit messy . . .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma; Author: Visit Amazon's Trenton Lee Stewart Page; Review: Great book for kids and lovers of children's novels. Great story with the same group of kids making up the Benedict society. Always interesting and amusing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Shadow Cartel (Dominic Grey); Author: Visit Amazon's Layton Green Page; Review: This was a very good book, not great, though it may be a bit unfair to compare this one to the other books in the Dominic Grey series. Overall it was exciting and suspenseful but seemed to end a bit abruptly after building up the main antagonist for so long throughout the story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pig Princess; Author: Visit Amazon's Angela Muse Page; Review: Cute little story, appropriate for 3 and 4 year olds. Humorous and entertaining for kids and pretty artwork too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rendezvous with Rama; Author: Visit Amazon's Arthur C. Clarke Page; Review: Probably my favorite sci-fi book of all time. Definitely my favorite Arthur C Clarke book. I just love the suspenseful nature, the descriptions of an alien craft, and the characters exploring a strange and exciting new world. If you haven't read this book yet, and are a fan of sci-fi, definitely check it out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Zebra Said Shhh; Author: Visit Amazon's M. R. Nelson Page; Review: What a great book! Story is of course similar to several other children's books where someone just wants to go to sleep and is disturbed by random sounds, but different enough to be enjoyable for young kids. And very nice illustrations. Perfect for a bedtime story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SuperFreakonomics CD: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven D. Levitt Page; Review: Great, thought provoking book that makes me envious of the authors' ideas and writing style. Highly recommended for anyone at all interested in social science research and really human nature in general.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hide:The Omnibus (The HIDE Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Jax Spenser Page; Review: I thought this was a really interesting and fascinating book . . . for the first 2/3 or so. Then the plot started to become a bit predictable, darker, and not completely coherent. The ending also seemed a little abrupt and not well-developed. I was expecting where the plot goes, but no spoilers here. But it's worth a read. I borrowed this for free from the Amazon lender's library so no complaints. I was entertained for several nights and actually the book was more interesting and enjoyable than I expected at first. If you're into suspense/sci fi and don't mind teen characters aimed at young adults, then it's worth checking out. Actually a pretty quick read, too, so not a big time investment.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Service for Two (A Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Kingsbury Page; Review: A very good not great historical mystery novel; perhaps not quite as good as previous books in this series. However, always very enjoyable, and I like reading about the historical aspects of rural England and running a hotel. I have seen others say that if you enjoy Downton Abbey then this mystery series will appeal to you, and I think that is true also. The interpersonal relationships and interactions among the characters are also amusing to read about. However, the plot seems a bit simplistic and wraps up far too easily. That said, an enjoyable mystery without too much complexity, so just sit back and enjoy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ink and Bone (The Great Library); Author: Visit Amazon's Rachel Caine Page; Review: Good book with an interesting premise. I liked the idea that the ancient Library of Alexandria became all powerful and set the rules for the future of society. Kind of like Fahrenheit 451 crossed with Hunger Games crossed with some kind of Harry Potter-ish school of wizardry type of book. It gets pretty graphic at times, though, and even though I was fine with it, it would be hard to imagine recommending this for say an 11 or 12 year old. It was also plodding and frustrating to read at times, even though the overall plot and ideas being presented were fairly interesting. Thus, the 4 stars. It kind of spans several genres and should appeal to a wide range of fans: sci fi, fantasy, mystery lovers, etc. Also seemed to end a bit abruptly but guess the author also had to set up the next book in a series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crimson Shore (Agent Pendergast series); Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: Great Pendergast story, as always. Perhaps not as strong as some of the previous novels but still as entertaining as anything out there. I loved the setting and the plot - it fell apart slightly at the very end and seemed rushed, and of course had to end on a cliffhanger. But overall very enjoyable read during the cold winter nights.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghostly Echoes: A Jackaby Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's William Ritter Page; Review: Rather good paranormal mystery book. Not the best in the series or my favorite, but the characters, setting, and plot are all interesting enough to keep your attention for a few days of light reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Brothers Three: Book One of The Blackwood Saga (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Layton Green Page; Review: I hesitantly got and read this book just because I was a fan of Layton Green's previous novels; I was reluctant, however, to read another fantasy novel that involved magicians and fantastic creatures and other worlds etc. The Brothers Three was well worth it, though: interesting, exciting, suspenseful, and a somewhat new take on the fantasy/magic novel. Definitely recommended if you have read and enjoyed any of Green's other novels.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Barbecue! Bible; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Raichlen Page; Review: I bought this for my husband for Christmas and he loves it. He is from the South and can't wiat to try some of what he has learned in this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Smoke & Spice Volume 2 (Large Print 16pt); Author: Bill Jamison and Cheryl Bill; Review: This was a Birthday gift for my husband. He loves it and has friends wanting to borrow it. He is already a skilled smoker and is looking forward to adding to what he already knows.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Living Gluten-Free For Dummies; Author: Visit Amazon's Danna Korn Page; Review: This book is very helpful. Especially for someone that doesn't know the first thing about trying to shop and find foods that you can eat on this diet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hidden Flame, The (Acts of Faith); Author: Janette Oke; Review: I have really enjoy both books in this series so far. . . .I am looking forward to more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog; Author: Visit Amazon's Wendy Volhard Page; Review: This is a nice book to have to gather good information. I am glad I added it to my collection.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Navy Spouse's Guide: Second Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Hall Stavridis Page; Review: I am new to the military life and have found this book to be very helpful. It has been able to give me an idea of where to look for help and an outline in how things are structured.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rhinestone Jesus: Saying Yes to God When Sparkly, Safe Faith Is No Longer Enough; Author: Visit Amazon's Kristen Welch Page; Review: An amazing story about how God can use an ordinary person like you or I if we are only willing to say "yes" to the plan He has for us.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kept; Author: Visit Amazon's Sally Bradley Page; Review: I always enjoy finding a new author to read. The characters in this book had me laugh out loud, surprised me, and kept me glued to this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twisted Innocence (Moonlighters Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Terri Blackstock Page; Review: I love this series!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You're Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be; Author: Visit Amazon's Holley Gerth Page; Review: Awesome book! I loved the way she explained things and made them easy to follow and understand.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thirty-One Prayers For My Husband: Seeing God Move in His Heart; Author: Visit Amazon's Jennifer Smith Page; Review: Great book! Nice to open up and pick a prayer to pray over your husband.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Nineteenth of Maquerk: Based on Proverbs 13:4 (Insect-Inside Series, The); Author: Visit Amazon's Aaron Reynolds Page; Review: My best friends daughter just loves these books! It is the second one I have gotten for her.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have; Author: Visit Amazon's Natalie Chambers Snapp Page; Review: This is such a great book to read or do as a study with friends. Written especially to help woman learn to walk through deep relationships with other woman. It is so important to have good girl friends.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Collide (The Collide Trilogy Book 1) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Ashley Stambaugh Page; Review: I really enjoyed this story. A fun easy read that I couldn't wait to pick up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lulu's Cafe: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's T.I. Lowe Page; Review: Although this book is based on a hard topic I enjoyed the story and characters. It is a good story based on redemption and second chances.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe; Author: Visit Amazon's Max Lucado Page; Review: I love Max Lucado's work and this book didn't disappoint. A great story with fun characters kept me looking forward to picking up the book until I was done.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Rush of Wings: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Kristen Heitzmann Page; Review: I really enjoyed the story and characters. Kept me interested and wanting to know what's happens next. Looking forward to the next book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 2017 Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner; Author: Sue Hooley; Review: I have gotten this planner for several years and love it. It is laid out so well and user friendly. This year I even got some as gifts.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Live Full Walk Free: Set Apart in a Sin-Soaked World (InScribed Collection); Author: Visit Amazon's Cindy Bultema Page; Review: I am almost finished this book and am in love with the message. Its delivered in a down to earth and practical way. Application is explained to help apply it to your life more easily. I have also been privileged to get a sneak peek at some of the video messages and they are also well done. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hidden (Sisters of the Heart, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Shelley Shepard Gray Page; Review: I really enjoyed the characters and couldn't wait to purchase the next book in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: King (Books of the Infinite) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's R. J. Larson Page; Review: A great ending to the trilogy. My favorite of the three.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 40 Scripture-based Prayers to Pray Over Your Children; Author: Visit Amazon's Kaylene Yoder Page; Review: This book is a great addition to your quiet time. It's a wonderful way to cover your kids in prayer daily.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 40 Scripture-based Prayers to Pray Over Your Husband: The "Just; Author: Visit Amazon's Kaylene Yoder Page; Review: This is a wonderful book to have in your library and to use daily in your quiet time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Living Well: 21 Days to Transform Your Life, Supercharge Your Health, and Feel Spectacular; Author: Visit Amazon's Montel Williams Page; Review: this is a very good book if you actually use it I think the recipes in the book are very good. If you are new to juicing and things of that nature then this book is good for you; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brain Quest Workbook: Pre-K; Author: Visit Amazon's Liane Onish Page; Review: This work book is great my only complaint is it didn't last long enough I will order more ASAP my 4 year old couldn't get enough of the activities in the book and he loved the stickers and Reward certificate when he was done .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Can't Come in Here! (You're invited to a Creepover); Author: Visit Amazon's P.J. Night Page; Review: Perfect for girls 8 and up my daughter loved reading this and looks forward to reading the whole series. They are very well written and they keep you entertained for sure. most appropriate for kids to read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Truth or Dare . . . (You're invited to a Creepover); Author: Visit Amazon's P.J. Night Page; Review: I would recommend this book for anyone who has children 8 and up that love to read. My daughter loved it enough to order more of the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ready for a Scare? (You're invited to a Creepover); Author: Visit Amazon's P.J. Night Page; Review: Perfect for girls 8 and up my daughter loved reading this and looks forward to reading the whole series. They are very well written and they keep you entertained for sure. most appropriate for kids to read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
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