His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass)

Amazon.com

In the epic trilogy His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman unlocks the door to worlds parallel to our own. Dæmons and winged creatures live side by side with humans, and a mysterious entity called Dust just might have the power to unite the universes--if it isn't destroyed first. The three books in Pullman's heroic fantasy series, published as mass-market paperbacks with new covers, are united here in one boxed set that includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. Join Lyra, Pantalaimon, Will, and the rest as they embark on the most breathtaking, heartbreaking adventure of their lives. The fate of the universe is in their hands. (Ages 13 and older)

Book Description

Now, for the first time, the HIS DARK MATERIALS Trilogy is available in a trade paperback edition. All three books in the His Dark Materials trilogy-- THE GOLDEN COMPASS, THE SUBTLE KNIFE, and THE AMBER SPYGLASS--are available in a new complete boxed set featuring the trade paperbacks. New material is available in all three books: The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife feature black-and-white chapter-opening art by Philip Pullman himself; The Amber Spyglass features chapter-opening quotes from the likes of Milton, Donne, Blake, Byron and the Bible, which did not appear in hardcover.

Customer Reviews:

Children's Book?.......2007-10-12

I am an avid reader, and I love fantasy and children's literature, but what is up with everyone loving these books? I was looking forward to reading The Golden Compass, only to be completely disapointed within a few pages of starting it. I found it to be almost disturbing in its weirdness, and I honestly do not know a child, even an older well-read child, that would be able to read these books without confusion and with a genuine interest in finishing the trilogy. I managed to finish the first book, but had no interest in pursuing the trilogy further, and I was honestly left with a bad vibe from having read The Golden Compass. After reading the comments from the author about his purpose for writing the book, I can understand why I do not like it. What happened to writing children's books with the intent to entertain children with harmless, light-heartedness? I will stick with Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia thank you!!!

Anti Christian .......2007-10-11

While I admit that Pullman has considerable skill as a writer, I'd like to warn others that these books are blatantly anti-Christian. Do a simple Google search of the authors name or the book titles and you'll find plenty to concern you IF you are Christian.

Be aware of what you are indoctrinating your kids with!.......2007-10-10

Parents, before you offer these "fantasy" reads for your kids be aware that this author is promoting atheism and these books are anti-christian, anti-church and anti-God. Be Careful, and be sure that this is what you intend to teach and encourage in your children. I have to give all of these books a thumbs down based on my personal values and beliefs.

Wonderful for young and old alike.......2007-10-08

I am not at all ashamed to admitt that I am a 27 year old person, and I absolutly LOVED all of these books. The author, Pullman, gives such colorful and imaginative explinations that I would actually find it HARD not to fall in love with the main character, Lyra, and her friend, Will. Not to mention the scores of other colorful characters that fit into Lyra and Wills' adventures. I found myself so atatched to Lyra and the other characters in this book that I actually shed a tear MORE THAN ONCE during my readings. I highly recommend this seris of books not only for familys or the newly independent readers, but also for adults who like fantasy fiction books. I have found myself thinking about these books and these characters long after I retired them to my library.

Not good.......2007-10-06

Do all of you realize that the author of these books is an Atheist? He is AGAINST any Christian whether Catholic or non-Catholic. This is NOT a set of books that you want your kids to read. And I really believe that no adult should read these books either. This man Pullman does not like C.S. Lewis or any Christian for that matter. I don't see why any Christian would buy and read these books.

The author is going to use the movie to pull your children in to read these anti-Christian books. I've read that the movie is not as bad as the first book is. This is to lure you in and then to buy the books and then to see the other movies if this man gets that far with the other two movies. We Christians have to stand together and boycott these books.

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

Helped eliminate my headaches
Trigger Point Therapy
A must-have for anyone in pain!
I was skeptical, but it works!
Highly Recommended

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition
Clair Davies , and Amber Davies
Manufacturer: New Harbinger Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

ASIN: 1572243759

Amazon.com

The first edition of this workbook is regarded as a classic in its field, and was the first book to introduce trigger point therapy to the general public as a self-care tool for alleviating chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, muscle ache, and repetitive strain injuries. As the author makes clear, all such conditions are related to lack of oxygen in exhausted or injured muscle tissue. Trigger point therapy has been used for decades by doctors, pain specialists, and massage therapists to quickly stimulate the flow of oxygen and promote rapid pain reduction. This book makes the same techniques available to the general public with instructions that are easy to follow, and abetted by an extensive collection of charts and corresponding illustrations.

The author's interest in trigger point therapy began when he used it to successfully treat his frozen shoulder. Since that time, he has dedicated himself to teaching others the same techniques. That dedication is obvious throughout his writing and the care he takes to make the therapy understandable to the lay public. Also included in this new edition is updated information that should be of great interest to pain specialists and bodyworkers, as well as useful instruction in a variety of relaxation techniques. Overall, this book is an excellent self-care resource for anyone interested in pain relief.--Larry Trivieri Jr.

Book Description

Trigger point therapy is one of the most intriguing and fastest-growing bodywork styles in the world. Medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists are all beginning to use this technique to relieve formerly undiagnosable muscle and joint pain—conditions that studies have shown to be the cause of nearly 25 percent of all doctor visits. The technique involves applying short, repeated massage strokes to trigger points, tiny contraction knots in muscle tissue where restricted circulation and lack of oxygen cause referred pain. Trigger points create pain throughout the body in predictable patterns characteristic to each muscle, producing discomfort ranging from mild to severe. Trigger point massage increases circulation and oxygenation in the area and often produces instant relief. This dynamic technique has made a huge impact among health professionals and the public alike, becoming an overnight classic in the field of pain relief. The book has sold over 145,000 copies since the release of the first edition in 2001. The second edition is a complete update and includes a new chapter specifically for massage professionals, as well as a chapter on systematic muscle relaxation techniques that can reinforce the therapeutic power of trigger point work.

Customer Reviews:

Helped eliminate my headaches.......2007-10-06

I knew I'd made a good purchase when I was flipping through the pages right after it came in the mail, looking at the diagrams of referred pain patterns, and saw the very pain pattern for the headaches I'd been having. It was an extremely gratifying experience to know that there was an actual cause for this weird pattern of pain on my head, and that there was something I could do about it. I also learned that my pressure points were caused by bad posture. So, with an adjustment to how I sit at my desk, and the massage techniques for my pressure points, I've pretty much eliminated my headaches.

The only mild criticism I have about the book is in its diagrams of massage techniques. They're very rudimentary and are all of an older looking man in what looks like a Speedo (and he has no eyes or mouth). As a woman, there are some of the pressure points that are more difficult to reach because of breast tissue and while the author addresses this in the text, there's not a single picture of a woman doing the techniques. I'd rather have had a androgenous figure than this man consistently through the book. On the other hand, the diagrams of the muscles and the pressure point location are very good.

Like I said - it's a minor point - the main reason to get the book is because its techniques are effective.

Trigger Point Therapy.......2007-09-23

The Trigger Point Therapy Workwork has allowed me to try to pinpoint the problem muscles in my leg and to do self-massage to relieve the pain. It has been useful and I do have to admit that I have had less pain than I did before using the workwork.

A must-have for anyone in pain!.......2007-09-20

I use this book regularly in my massage practice and recommend it to my clients often. The author uses clear and concise verbiage with graphics, describing the techniques. These therapies WORK!

I was skeptical, but it works!.......2007-09-18

I had my doubts - while reading it and especially after I started using the self-therapy method. I got tendonitis in one elbow nearly 2 years ago, and it has never completely healed to the point that I can use it like I could before the tendonitis. It's much better than in the beginning, but because I "baby" that arm, I got it in the other elbow about a month and a half ago. I've been wearing the elbow brace I got from the doctor when I got the tendonitis in the first elbow, and started the self-therapy about 3 weeks ago. In the beginning it (the therapy) hurt like h***! I just "knew" I was making it worse than it already was. But I kept at it, just like the book instructed, and low and behold suddenly it's 85% better. A week ago I still could not use a pump dispenser with my index finger on that arm without horrible pain, and today I could carry a 10 lb. object with that arm (no brace) with barely any discomfort.

When I originally got tendonitis in the first elbow nearly 2 years ago, it took 9 months to get to the point that I could use my arm without major discomfort (I wore the brace the entire 9 months), and it has just very gradually gotten better to the point it is at now. The first arm started out much worse than the second arm that I did the self-therapy on, but I was having major pain in this elbow and couldn't lift much of anything. About 3 days ago, it just felt like it was healing and now I'm not wearing the brace anymore either.

It's very important to read the first 3 chapters carefully, and then go on to read about your particular area of pain. The author explains everything very clearly and you do not need to have medical knowledge to use this book.

Highly Recommended.......2007-09-17

The best $13.57 investment I have made....... My wife have been complaining of shoulder and neck pains for over two years, been to at least 4 doctors, spent a lot of money on prescription medicines, laboratories and tests..... This book eliminated that pain in just overnight. She was also complaining about her tennis elbow for over a year and its gone in just 3 days......I highly recommend this book.

Average customer rating:

Berry has written better books
HIGHLY ENTERTAINING THRILLER...
History, bad guys and secrets
Mediocre thriller
The Amber Room

The Amber Room: A Novel
Steve Berry
Manufacturer: Fawcett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345460049
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Book Description

Forged of the exquisite gem, the Amber Room is one of the greatest treasures ever made by man–and the subject of one of history’s most intriguing mysteries. German troops invading the Soviet Union seized the Room in 1941. When the Allies bombed, the Room was hidden, and it has never been seen since. But now, the hunt has begun once more.

Atlanta judge Rachel Cutler loves her job and her kids, and remains civil to her ex-husband, Paul. But everything changes when her father dies under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind clues to a secret about something called the Amber Room. Desperate for the truth, Rachel takes off for Germany with Paul close behind. Before long, they’re in over their heads. Locked into a treacherous game with professional killers, Rachel and Paul find themselves on a collision course with the forces of greed, power, and history itself.

Customer Reviews:

Berry has written better books.......2007-10-11

The Amber Room was a pretty cookie-cutter conspiracy-theory art-history globe-trotting adventure book. We've seen a lot of these lately, and I've always enjoyed Steve Berry's books. His writing has progressed through each novel he's put out, but the Amber Room is only his 2nd book, and wasn't as strong as say, The Templar Legacy. I enjoyed the Amber Room as it was not a story I was familiar with. Plus I love the mystery behind Nazi pilfered art during WWII. There were great descriptors about how the Nazi's affected post-war art and antiques and the mystery behind the Amber Room, which disappeared at the end of the war. It included a good deal of historical locations, and plenty of action with a high body count, but there were some moderately corny parts. Our heroes Rachel and Paul are divorced, but their inner dialogues are contemplating their relationship throughout the entire novel. The epilogue wrapped everything up nicely, but it seemed almost too easy of a conclusion after all that had happened throughout the adventure. A decent, quick read, but there are better books in this genre out there...

HIGHLY ENTERTAINING THRILLER..........2007-09-09

In this, his debut novel, the author delivers a highly entertaining thriller that will keep the reader compulsively turning the pages. As with all of his books, history plays an important role in the theme of the book. This one focuses a lost treasure known as the "Amber Room".

I myself had no idea what the Amber Room was until I read this book. In 1716, the King of Prussia made a gift of the Amber Room to the then Tsar of Russia, Peter the Great. Apparently, they were panels of amber that were used to wall an entire room. Peter the Great kept the amber panels in storage, until about 1746, when his daughter, the Empress Elizabeth, decided to use the panels to wall a study in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. In 1755, Elizabeth moved the Amber Room from the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to what would later be known as the Catherine Palace, where the amber panels were installed. The Amber Room was embellished with semi-precious stones and perfected, a masterpiece of Baroque artistry.

It was there, at Catherine Palace, that the Amber Room remained until 1941, when the Nazis invaded Russia and reclaimed the Amber Room as theirs. The Nazi's had a proclivity for acquiring great works of art from those whom they conquered. At Hitler's express direction, the Amber Room was dismantled, panel by panel, and twenty tons of the precious amber panels were shipped to Germany by truck and rail. The amber panels were eventually installed in Konigsberg Castle, where they remained until early 1945. After Allied bombardment and the march of the Soviet army upon Konigsberg, the amber panels were once again removed, crated, and put on a truck convoy, where they were to have been taken to safety. To this day, its fate remains unknown, as the amber panels were never again seen.

It is around this intriguing real life mystery that the author builds his story. Atlanta judge, Rachel Cutler, and her ex-husband, Paul, get swept away by international intrigue, when Karol Borya, her eighty three year old father dies unexpectedly, leaving behind some intriguing information about the Amber Room. Rachel decides to pick up the trail her father left and head off to Germany, unaware that her movements are being tracked by two competing, ruthless individuals, Suzanne Danzer and Christian Knoll, who are also looking to solve the mystery of the Amber Room. They each hold the position of Aquisitor, a person who works for an individual member of a consortium of nine wealthy individuals known as the Retrievers of Lost Antiquities. The Acquisitor is the one who recovers stolen art treasures on behalf of a member of this consortium for that individual's private collection. They will stop at nothing to get that which they seek. Paul, sensing something is not quite right, joins Rachel in Germany. A dangerous cat and mouse game ensues, as they try to make sense of the hand that fate has dealt them.

There are many twists and turns in this action packed thriller, and a lot of historical information is woven into the fabric of this intricately plotted novel. I was hooked once I read the gripping prologue that sets the tone for the book. I found that I simply could not stop turning the pages of this engrossing thriller. This is a plot driven book, so while it may fall a little short in the area of character development, it does not for one moment diminish the enjoyment that the reader will get from reading this immensely interesting work of fiction. It is simply an amazing debut novel. Those who enjoyed "The Da VInci Code" will, undoubtedly, enjoy this book, as well.

History, bad guys and secrets.......2007-07-26

The Amber Room is a chase novel through Europe in search of a treasure that has been unseen for many a year. The main character in this novel is a woman named Rachel Cutler. She is an Atlanta Judge who finds herself involved in this mysterious race to find the secrets of the treasure.
There are other subplots of the book concerning her ex-husband, her dead father and really bad men who are hot on her tail.

Mediocre thriller.......2007-07-15

This Cross continental thriller pits two professional killers against one another as two prominent art collectors are in search of the Amber Room. It also manages to bring together a couple of divorcees.

The characters are interestingenough, but the story is rather bland and lacks intrigue. Many questions surround what happened to the Amber Room, but I really struggled to find reasons to care about what the true answer is.

The Amber Room.......2007-06-05

Having been to St. Petersburg and Catherine Palace recently, it was a very interesting read. The speculation over what happened to the Amber panels made for a suspenseful story.

The Great Book of Amber: The Complete Amber Chronicles, 1-10 (Chronicles of Amber)

Average customer rating:

Unsure
Back to read it again
Not Free SF Reader
Oberon's Legacy: The Royality of Amber
Amber is a wonderful world......

The Great Book of Amber: The Complete Amber Chronicles, 1-10 (Chronicles of Amber)
Roger Zelazny
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0380809060
Release Date: 1999-12-08

Amazon.com

Roger Zelazny's books have three things in common: a flawed hero who sometimes fails, endlessly surprising plot twists, and a blend of lyricism, literary allusions, and sly puns that makes the pages fly. The Great Book of Amber, collecting all 10 Amber novels, is vintage Zelazny. Despite some irritating typographical errors, it's invaluable for anyone who wants to read or reread the tales of Corwin and his son, Merlin.

Corwin is a prince of Amber, the "immortal city from which every other city has taken its shape." All other worlds, including Earth, are shadows of that reality. Corwin has spent centuries on Earth as an amnesiac. But when someone in the family tries to kill him there, Corwin begins a search for his past. He quickly learns that his family has some very unusual powers. They can travel between Amber, its shadows, and Chaos by manipulating reality; use magical playing cards to communicate and travel instantaneously; and are able to walk the Pattern that created Amber. Corwin regains his memory, solves the mystery of his father Oberon's disappearance, and fulfills his destiny--only to disappear into Chaos.

Merlin searches for Corwin and his destiny as a son of both Amber and the Courts of Chaos. His story parallels Corwin's, answering many questions about Amber, Chaos, and the next generation in the family.

Many readers have complained that the series goes on too long and the ending is disappointing. None, however, would deny that it's filled with fascinating ideas, complex characters, and action-adventure. Don't miss a chance to make up your own mind. --Nona Vero

Book Description

All ten of Roger Zelzany's classic Amber fantasy novels in one book! Join Corwin, Merlin and the others in wild adventures in the lands of Amber, Earth, and the Courts of Chaos, where the powers of Amber and Chaos constantly battle for supremacy through intrigue and adventure. Revisit Amber, the land of mystery, adventure and romance. Amber, the one true world. All other worlds, including our Earth, are merely Shadows.

Customer Reviews:

Unsure.......2007-09-26

I wasn't sure what to rate this book. I absolutely loved the first half of the series but I could have done without the second part. I found the first 5 books to be a light read that moved fairly quickly, and I would recommend it to anyone! The last 5 books felt unfinished and just not as well thought out with too many things left unanswered. It almost seemed like he was tired of writing and just decided to wrap it up.

The first half gets 5 out of 5. The second only gets a 2. So since I can't give 3.5 stars, I'm going with 3. I would still recommend buying the book, because it's a great deal! You'll love the first half and rush right into the second but by the end, will probably be left wishing for something better.

I'll continue to reread the first 5 books as often as I can!

Back to read it again.......2007-09-19

To make this short and sweet..... I read the first five books in 1982, and have never forgotten how much I enjoyed them... and now, 25 yrs later... I just ordered the Complete Chronicles to do it all over again., And I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much now, as I did then....

The Chronicles Of Amber are probably the best story I have ever read...

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A book that is a fabulous deal. The adventures and schemes and wars of a family of megapowerful platonic ideal seeking, reality manipulating bastards and bitches. You are getting 10! books in this collection even though obviously they are not the lengthy doorstops that seem to be published a lot these days. The first five are clearly superior, but the second quintent isn't too bad either. A very new take on the fantasy novel.

Oberon's Legacy: The Royality of Amber.......2007-08-31

I began this series when I was twenty. Even after thirty years, this richly entwined tapestry called Amber has never lost it's timeless facination and ability to pique my interest. Zelazny's world remains a colourfully textured and swirled Pattern within a Pattern within a Pattern....

Amber is a wonderful world.............2007-08-26

I started this series when I was about 14 years old, and was immediately hooked by Corwin, the lead characters plight.

A wonderful blend of fantasy, sci-fi and alternate universe genres.

This series, can be read time and time again, if you give yourself a few years inbetween. Although it was written quite a few years ago, it does not seem dated.

Average customer rating:

Perfect service
Book #2 in this set
Very Fast!!
A Fantastic Story of Romance woven in history
Excellent voices.

Dragonfly in Amber
Diana Gabaldon
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385335970
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Book Description

With her now-classic novel Outlander, Diana Gabaldon introduced two unforgettable characters — Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser—delighting readers with a story of adventure and love that spanned two centuries. Now Gabaldon returns to that extraordinary time and place in this vivid, powerful follow-up to Outlander....

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ... about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ... and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his....

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire’s spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ... in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ... and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves....

Download Description

Diana Gabaldon holds a bachelor¿s degree in zoology, a master¿s degree in marine biology, and a Ph.D. in ecology, none of which has anything whatever to do with her novels. She spent a dozen years as a university professor before turning to writing full-time. Diana Gabaldon lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her family.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect service.......2007-09-05

Quick and efficient are the words to describe the service I received from my last purchase of Dragonfly in Amber...Thank you so much.

Book #2 in this set.......2007-08-21

You MUST read book #1 first. In fact this series needs to be read in order (you can skip Fiery Cross, though, it's very slow and uneventful).

After the way Outlander ended you'll want to jump right into this one.

Starts out with Claire back in present time, but now it's 1968--20 years later than when she went thru the stones the first time. She is no longer a nurse, but a doctor.

***I really enjoyed the medical treatment that was detailed in Outlander and the rest of this series. It was wonderful!

She and her daughter (yep) are researching in Scotland trying to learn what happened to Jamie at the Battle of Culloden.

Oh, this was a "burn the midnight oil" type of book with a box of kleenex!

Go ahead and get book #3 Voyager. It's wonderful, too. And the way this one ends, your going to want to read it.

Very Fast!!.......2007-08-03

This book arrived about 4 days after I placed the order. I was very surprised that I got it that quickly. Thanks!

A Fantastic Story of Romance woven in history .......2007-08-01

A friend gave this book to read. Four hours later I was still reading the book. I finished it over the next several days and I thought it was just a wonderful story. I understand that Dragon Fly is the second book in a series, so I won't hesitate to order the first book Outlander. Ms. Gabaldon is such a gifted writer that knows how to weave a story with history, romance and intrigue. I just love this novel and would recommend it to all my friends.

Excellent voices........2007-07-28

I love to listen to audio cd's. This one is great because the Davina Porter does a really great job of capturing the characters as she reads. I loved it.

Rainbow Magic #2: Amber The Orange Fairy: Amber The Orange Fairy (Rainbow Magic)

Average customer rating:

Amber the Orange Fairy
fairy madness
Great for early elementary school
LOVE IT!!
Amber the Orange Fairy

Rainbow Magic #2: Amber The Orange Fairy: Amber The Orange Fairy (Rainbow Magic)
Daisy Meadows
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439744652

Book Description

When Rachel and Kirsty arrive at Rainspell Island for vacation, they have no idea what kind of magical adventure awaits! The seven Rainbow Fairies have been banished from Fairyland by the wicked Jack Frost. If they don't return soon, Fairyland is doomed to be colorless and gray. The girls have already found one Rainbow Fairy, but now Amber the Orange Fairy is trapped in a seashell! Can they rescue her, too?

Customer Reviews:

Amber the Orange Fairy.......2006-05-29

I really liked this book. Ruby the Red Fairy is safe in 'the pot at the end of the rainbow', but now Amber the Orange Fairy is caught in a seashell! Can the feather they found in one of the bags that King Oberon and Queen Titania gave them get her out?

fairy madness.......2005-12-25

my (just turned) 6 year old niece loves these books- she's currently reading the rainbow magic "color" series, i bought her inky and preordered the next few. i have even created a wishlist just for all the books i'm going to order her in the near future. i'm a little confused about the different series, party fairies, weather fairies, jewel fairies etc... but she was VERY particular in telling me- she's reading THIS color series, she didn't express a very definate desire to read the other series. regardless of her interest i'm going to send her a few of each of the series. i'm a little afraid she's going to burn out of these books because there are so many of them. but then again i think i had a hundred baby sitters club books when i was a kid! but for those just as confused as i am----- i'm almost positive that if the kid is saying- "i want rainbow magic!" get them the color fairy's because they seem the most popular and well loved by my niece and all of her school mates. (she goes to an all girl school)

Great for early elementary school.......2005-08-06

Our 6 year old loves this series. She can't wait for the other books to be released.

LOVE IT!!.......2005-06-30

We started this series for our four year old daughter as a read aloud. She can not wait to get the next book and she has us reading the book again and again. We love seeing her soo excited about books!

Amber the Orange Fairy.......2005-05-01

Kirsty and Rachel already found Ruby...now they found Amber hidden in a seashell! But problem after problem happens...Jack Frost's elves come, and the pot freezes.

Your reviewer,
Lydia, age 9

Amber and Iron (Dragonlance: The Dark Disciple, Vol. 2)

Average customer rating:

Can't wait for finale
Great story but...
Good continuation in the series
Great read, but a few problems..
Confused...

Amber and Iron (Dragonlance: The Dark Disciple, Vol. 2)
Margaret Weis
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0786940867
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Customer Reviews:

Can't wait for finale.......2007-09-29

Deffinatley a great 2nd book in what looks to be an amazing trilogy. Deffinatley looking foward to the final instalment......

Great story but..........2007-09-26

I think this is a great series. I have to agree with a previous reviewer that takhisis came across as "here is power". I am looking forward to which side weis ends up putting mina. If she is for the light, then who will balance her out in the dark? If she is for the dark, then will they bring back paladine? After all, as it was stated previous, there must be a balance. I for one would love to have Takhisis back.:> none of the other evil gods of krynn came close to having her style.. and think of the poor chromatic dragons! all alone, no goddess.. no love.. its just not fair : <

Good continuation in the series.......2007-08-30

Simply put, if you've read the War of Souls trilogy and/or Amber and Ashes (the first in this trilogy), you should most definitely be reading this one. Quality-wise I find the writing and the plot to be a little more simplistic compared to the behemoth that was the War of Souls (hence the 4 stars), but it's still quite worth the time and money to continue the saga of the Dragonlance world.

Other reviews have noted the influence of the gods in this trilogy - particularly this book - but if you read the first it explains that the meaning of "Age of Mortals" has changed with the return of the gods. It makes sense, when you think about it - there is a void in the top spot of the pantheon of gods, and thus a power struggle develops between the deities, and thus they turn to mortals to be the deciding factor because the gods cannot go to war with each other (if they do, Chaos returns).

Great read, but a few problems.........2007-06-21

I would recomend reading this book. It's written well, and the story is very interesting and highly captivating.

I just don't really like how the gods are portrayed. I don't agree with the gods being so impulsive, and quick to emotion. It really doesn't make much sense....

Confused..........2007-06-18

I thought both of the books were great and full of surprises. The only thing I'm confused about is the god Majere really Raistlin? If anyknows, please send an email at ihatebrandon_2@hotmail.com. Thank you.

The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

The Beautiful End to a Magnificent Trilogy
What Happened?
Underwhelming and disjointed
This book drowns in Pullman's notions about religion
A great book

The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, Book 3)
Philip Pullman
Manufacturer: Yearling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440418569
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Amazon.com

From the very start of its very first scene, The Amber Spyglass will set hearts fluttering and minds racing. All we'll say here is that we immediately discover who captured Lyra at the end of The Subtle Knife, though we've yet to discern whether this individual's intent is good, evil, or somewhere in between. We also learn that Will still possesses the blade that allows him to cut between worlds, and has been joined by two winged companions who are determined to escort him to Lord Asriel's mountain redoubt. The boy, however, has only one goal in mind--to rescue his friend and return to her the alethiometer, an instrument that has revealed so much to her and to readers of The Golden Compass and its follow-up. Within a short time, too, we get to experience the "tingle of the starlight" on Serafina Pekkala's skin as she seeks out a famished Iorek Byrnison and enlists him in Lord Asriel's crusade:

A complex web of thoughts was weaving itself in the bear king's mind, with more strands in it than hunger and satisfaction. There was the memory of the little girl Lyra, whom he had named Silvertongue, and whom he had last seen crossing the fragile snow bridge across a crevasse in his own island of Svalbard. Then there was the agitation among the witches, the rumors of pacts and alliances and war; and then there was the surpassingly strange fact of this new world itself, and the witch's insistence that there were many more such worlds, and that the fate of them all hung somehow on the fate of the child.

Meanwhile, two factions of the Church are vying to reach Lyra first. One is even prepared to give a priest "preemptive absolution" should he succeed in committing mortal sin. For these tyrants, killing this girl is no less than "a sacred task."

In the final installment of his trilogy, Philip Pullman has set himself the highest hurdles. He must match its predecessors in terms of sheer action and originality and resolve the enigmas he already created. The good news is that there is no critical bad news--not that The Amber Spyglass doesn't contain standoffs and close calls galore. (Who would have it otherwise?) But Pullman brings his audacious revision of Paradise Lost to a conclusion that is both serene and devastating. In prose that is transparent yet lyrical and 3-D, the author weaves in and out of his principals' thoughts. He also offers up several additional worlds. In one, Dr. Mary Malone is welcomed into an apparently simple society. The environment of the mulefa (again, we'll reveal nothing more) makes them rich in consciousness while their lives possess a slow and stately rhythm. These strange creatures can, however, be very fast on their feet (or on other things entirely) when necessary. Alas, they are on the verge of dying as Dust streams out of their idyllic landscape. Will the Oxford dark-matter researcher see her way to saving them, or does this require our young heroes? And while Mary is puzzling out a cure, Will and Lyra undertake a pilgrimage to a realm devoid of all light and hope, after having been forced into the cruelest of sacrifices--or betrayals.

Throughout his galvanizing epic, Pullman sustains scenes of fierce beauty and tenderness. He also allows us a moment or two of comic respite. At one point, for instance, Lyra's mother bullies a series of ecclesiastical underlings: "The man bowed helplessly and led her away. The guard behind her blew out his cheeks with relief." Needless to say, Mrs. Coulter is as intoxicating and fluid as ever. And can it be that we will come to admire her as she plays out her desperate endgame? In this respect, as in many others, The Amber Spyglass is truly a book of revelations, moving from darkness visible to radiant truth. --Kerry Fried

Book Description

The Amber Spyglass brings the intrigue of The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife to a heart-stopping end, marking the final volume of His Dark Materials as the most powerful of the trilogy.

Along with the return of Lyra, Will, Mrs. Coulter, Lord Asriel, Dr. Mary Malone, and Iorek Byrnison the armored bear, come a host of new characters: the Mulefa, mysterious wheeled creatures with the power to see Dust; Gallivespian Lord Roke, a hand-high spymaster to Lord Asriel; and Metatron, a fierce and mighty angel. So, too, come startling revelations: the painful price Lyra must pay to walk through the land of the dead, the haunting power of Dr. Malone's amber spyglass, and the names of who will live--and who will die--for love. And all the while, war rages with the Kingdom of Heaven, a brutal battle that--in its shocking outcome--will uncover the secret of Dust. Philip Pullman deftly brings the cliff-hangers and mysteries of His Dark Materials to an earthshattering conclusion--and confirms his fantasy trilogy as an undoubted and enduring classic.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

The Amber Spyglass brings the intrigue of The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife to a heart-stopping end, marking the final volume of His Dark Materials as the most powerful of the trilogy.

Along with the return of Lyra, Will, Mrs. Coulter, Lord Asriel, Dr. Mary Malone, and Iorek Byrnison the armored bear, come a host of new characters: the Mulefa, mysterious wheeled creatures with the power to see Dust; Gallivespian Lord Roke, a hand-high spymaster to Lord Asriel; and Metatron, a fierce and mighty angel.

So, too, come startling revelations: the painful price Lyra must pay to walk through the land of the dead, the haunting power of Dr. Malone's amber spyglass, and the names of who will live—and who will die—for love.

And all the while, war rages with the Kingdom of Heaven, a brutal battle that—in its shocking outcome—will uncover the secret of Dust.

Philip Pullman deftly brings the cliff-hangers and mysteries of His Dark Materials to an earthshattering conclusion—and confirms his fantasy trilogy as an undoubted and enduring classic.

"Absorbing... Like Harry Potter creator J. K. Rowling, [Pullman] invents a world filled with strange divinations and wordplays."
   NEWSWEEK

"A literary masterpiece...[that] caps the most magnificent fantasy series since The Lord of the Rings and puts Harry Potter to shame.... A page-turning story that builds to a powerful finish."
   OREGONIAN

"Impossible to put down, so firmly and relentlessly does Pullman draw you into his tale... [A] gripping saga pitting the magnetic young Lyra Belacqua and her friend Will Parry against the forces of both Heaven and Hell."
   PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

Customer Reviews:

The Beautiful End to a Magnificent Trilogy.......2007-10-12

After seven years, The Amber Spyglass continues to echo in my mind as the definitive end of Philip Pullman's masterful trilogy. This book ties the series together with a provocative storyline and delightfully haunting atmosphere, bringing vivid fantasy deep into the realm of complex issues.

An unforgettable experience!

So, if you have a pure imagination and an appetite for a darker type of wonder, this book will fulfill. However, if your mind has been contaminated with teachings of how literature 'should' be written and/or handicapped by religious abuse, you will likely be disappointed.

What Happened?.......2007-10-12

I bought the trilogy after seeing that the movie was slated for release this fall. I was blown away by the Golden Compass. Pullman is a superb storyteller and the high adventure and incredible imagination that went into the first book was mind blowing. I remember thinking that surely this was a story that would surpass "The Wizard of Oz" as a cultural cornerstone of fiction. Having read "Paradise Lost" also played to my aspirartions of intellectualism while reading the books.

But when "The Subtle Knife" adds a new hero and makes an almost predictible jump to our world - present day, so begins a slide away from wonder. Still through incredible writting ability Pullman makes an enjoyable read of it, though nowhere near the story "The Golden Compass" is. The heavy themes certainly start leaving a childrens book mentality far behind. It becomes unclear if the writer hates (and hate is not to strong a word here) religion or just Christianity. Certianly Christianity has all his ire.

By the time we get to "The Amber Spyglass" the exciting beautiful story is a full blown anti-sermon on atheism with all the rhetoric of the most zealous puritanical ministers. "He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster" Says Nietzsche, and that may be what transpires. There are confusing story segments aligned it seems with the sole purpose of pontification. Story arcs that border on boring,such as the spyglass itself, seem wholly irrelevant. Morally bizarre situations rule the day: Broaching sexuality for minors, excusing evil characters actions in Machina Ex Deus fashion, rebellion and out right lieing as a virtue. Some of this could have been interesting if it were a topsy turvey things are not what they seem story, But that ship sails early on. Instead there is no forgiving the lack of motivation for characters early actions. The climaxs are all underdeveloped as far as reasoning. The coming of age subplot has nothing to do with character. Petulance is only rewarded.

As you can guess by now I'm sorry I read anything past "The Golden Compass" and worse I paid for them. When I pickup a book I'd rather not be preached at religious or otherwise unless I am in the religion section. This is not escapist fiction, It's a personal diatribe. Insidiously wrapped in a childrens story.

Underwhelming and disjointed.......2007-10-04

While I liked the Golden Compass and really enjoyed the Subtle Knife, I like many other reviewers here, was entirely underwhelmed by the Amber Spyglass.

All the carefully crafted storylines that were so compelling in the first two books came to a very unsatisfying conclusion. The final big battle is very short, unclear, and a good 100+ pages before the end. After that the book just sort of putters out into ridiculously maudlin conversations and make-out sessions between the two very young protagonists. I just couldn't help thinking "That's it?" at the end. After all the build-up, I expected something more.

And additionally, there were lots of storylines and characters that were just sort of dropped or never fully explained. I was really intrigued in how Lyra was the new Eve and would have to remake the decision in Eden, but I don't really see how that was played out, or how another character served as the snake. If it was in there, it was very unclear. Other characters, like the villain Mrs. Coulter, have very uncharacteristic - and frankly, ridiculous - motivations for their actions in this book.

And as religion seems to be brought up in many of the reviews, I would like to address it briefly too. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, of course. But Pullman spends so much of this book talking about how close-minded and judgmental organized religion is, he just comes across as close-minded himself. All his characters who believe in religion are evil, corrupt, ignorant, or stupid. It just seems very hypocritical to be so judgmental about religion when he is preaching open-mindedness. His belief in atheism is fine, of course, but he allows it to overtake his story, and the plot suffers as a result.

All in all, it is a disjointed story that does not live up to the potential of the first two.

This book drowns in Pullman's notions about religion.......2007-10-02

Throughout the Dark Materials trilogy you can see Pullman gradually moving away from great character development and plot, to a virtual manifesto for Atheism. This in itself can't be faulted too much, except these books are generally "marketed" toward a young audience, however the books characters, events and overall story are sacrificed on the altar of his personal anti-religious agenda.

As others have stated, there are many plot devices and character traits that are simply abandoned: one wonders why they were in the book in the first place (one example: the species the mulafa are warring with).

If you are a "free-thinking" new-age left-winger, this book is perfect for you. If you are a typical, mainstream, religion-respecting person who enjoys good storytelling, you can do better elsewhwere, and I would not recommend this book to anyone under the age of 15.

A great book.......2007-10-01

I was given "The Golden Compass" when I was 12, (Im 16 now), not knowing what the book was about. However, by the time I finished The Amber Spyglass, I knew I had just finished a book series that will never be duplicated again. In his last book, Philip Pullman ties up loose strings, opens up new ones, and settles on the very nature of Dust and God. The series is advertised as a children's series, but its about as children's series as the Narnia chronicles. Sure children will love the books, but to really understand MR. Pullman's main ideas and motifs, one must be old enough to know of religion and love and more "adult" themes. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to have a book to read while sipping coco near a fire(after all, winters almost here), but beware: if you are not willing to read this series, and especially this book, with an open mind, you will find it blasphemous and degrading to religion. But read it with no thought of such issues, and you just might be reading something truly bigger than Narnia.

Amber and Ashes (Dragonlance: The Dark Disciple, Vol. 1)

Average customer rating:

Good book, but a little dry.
Mina rises from the ashes
full of typos
Good book
Well written but dull characters

Amber and Ashes (Dragonlance: The Dark Disciple, Vol. 1)
Margaret Weis
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786937424
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Book Description

The paperback edition of the new novel from New York Times bestselling author Margaret Weis.
The paperback edition of the opening title in a new trilogy from Dragonlance setting co-creator Margaret Weis takes up where the War of Souls series left off with the central character Mina. While following her story, this new trilogy also explores the chaos that is post-war Krynn. This is Weis's first solo trilogy in the Dragonlance world.

Customer Reviews:

Good book, but a little dry. .......2007-09-16

This book was good, if a little dry. The main character Mina, isn't strong enough for me to be on her side, or evil enough to be attracted to the dark aspect of the story. The main way that she connects with the god of the dead is through sex. It's kind of lame, considering other characters Weis is famous for (Raist) have greed, ambition, and sheer talent running through their viens. The "hero"(s) in the story are believable, yet they still failed to really inspire me. The death knight was pathetic, I didn't feel any "sothiness" about him at all! But, it won't keep me from buying the sequal. The storyline is good enough to keep me from being bored.

Mina rises from the ashes.......2006-10-29

Well after just reading this new piece of literature, and having drowned myself in many a cup of coffee, I disagree entirely with the negative comments cast on the book Amber and Ashes by Margaret Weis. I think it speaks volumes about the return of the gods and magic after the War of Souls trilogy, I also like the fact that the book even goes so far as to peel away the layer of secrecy to unravel the gods mysterious plans and thoughts in greater detail. Further exposing the more mysterious ones, most notably Zeboim and Chemosh. All of this I find compelling and captivating.

The characters in this book were interesting with Mina of course, Rhys hits one out of the park for a homer using emmide, Atta was cool, Nightshade was different as far as kenders go, Ausiras Krell, and so on. It also carries over all to briefly some of the other characters featured in the War of Souls. The only reason I dropped a star was the fact that they did not include the map of Ansalon in this copy. In summation a must read and a thumbs up from my end. Keep 'em coming Margaret!!

full of typos.......2006-08-04

I thought the plot was ok and I personally like Mina but I had trouble getting through the book because it is full of typos. Very dissapointing quality, editing wise.

Good book.......2006-07-20

The book itself starts off slow and the main reasoning for that is because it must lay the foundation for the rest of the story arc which will take place in Amber and Iron as well as Amber and Blood. I found this book absolutely enthralling because it further expands on Mina as a character that you can loathe or love. After the defeat of Tahksis in the War of Souls, Mina turns to Chemosh. The main reasoning for this is because she wants to fill the void that has been left by Tahksis and we all know Chemosh as a tricky and capricious god. I find the active roles that the other gods are playing to be exciting as well as refreshing. In all previous books the gods never took a real active role in shaping the world, simply because there was no need to with mortals doing all the shaping for them. Because of Tahksis' betrayal, that has all been changed. Now they work together with mortals to rebuild their world that the Dragon Overlords ruined.

Well written but dull characters.......2006-06-25

I've read many Weis and Hickman books and this has to be one of the worst main characters I've read about..It gets 3 stars because the story has a sense of purpose,it was well written, and I can't wait to read what happens in the next book,but the major problem with this is the dull main character.. I think Rhys is probably the most boring main character I've ever read about which is half the reason for the 3 stars..Mina is one of my favorite characters because of her loyalty and faithfulnes,but the romance scenes between her and chemosh could have been toned down a notch..I did like Nightshade the Kender but even Chemosh started to get annoying.. Like I said,the main characters seemed a bit dull and boring,but the overall story and direction of the novel was pretty good..

I've taken a break from Weis for a while,but I'll be sure to read Amber and Iron soon to see what happens next :)

Hooking Up: A Girl's All-out Guide to Sex And Sexuality

Average customer rating:

Shortcomings
Amber Madison
An informative book for this new generation
Serious Omissions, Flippant Style
Strongly Recommended Resource

Hooking Up: A Girl's All-out Guide to Sex And Sexuality
Amber Madison
Manufacturer: Prometheus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1591024706

Book Description

Where does a young woman find straight talk about sex? From her friends, siblings, school? And how can you tell whether the information from those sources is accessible, accurate, and complete? Books will give facts, but the clinical approach of most books on sex makes the subject as approachable as a cold instrument in the gynecologist's office, and certainly offers little insight into the emotional issues and real-life dilemmas that surround sex and sexuality.

Now Amber Madison gives you just what you've been looking for: comprehensive and accurate information delivered in a style so down-to-earth that it's just like talking to your older sister or one of your best friends. Now there is an educational book about sex that is as captivating as a novel, and as fun as a slumber party. Hilarious, uninhibited, and chock full of must-have knowledge about safer sex and sexuality, Hooking Up gives you a tour of female anatomy plus frank talk on a slew of meaningful issues concerning sexual activity and intimacy. Revealing her own experiences and sometimes humorous mishaps, Amber covers topics ranging from safer sex and avoiding sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy to being comfortable with your own body; being aware of stereotypes surrounding female sexuality; and understanding guys' bodies, emotions, and their insecurities. She teaches you how to avoid being pressured into sex and equips you with the tools to be safe and responsible if you engage in sexual activities. All medical information has been reviewed and endorsed by both Margaret Higham, MD, medical director of Tufts University Health Service, and Diana L. Dell, MD, Duke University Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In a voice that is both informative and engaging, Amber will educate, entertain, and empower you—or a young lady you care about— to deal wisely with the questions, decisions, and consequences that surround sex and intimate relationships.

Customer Reviews:

Shortcomings.......2007-07-11

One of the reviewers - David L. Jenkins, from Virginia - comments, "How graphic is the chapter on the benefits of Abstinence? Counter culture concepts can be just way so.... freaky." Translation: there *is* no chapter on abstinence, as I found out when I actually read the book. Evidently this was meant to be sarcasm, but without a broader context a "clever" one-liner like this zinger becomes unintelligible.

That said, I do wish Madison had spent somewhat more time on abstinence, so I knocked off a star for that.

I was also disheartened that the book is coached entirely in "girls with guys" terms and seems written exclusively for heterosexuals. There *is* a "Chapter 14. Sexual Orientation: Gay? Straight? Questioning", in which the words Gay and Straight are crossed out. This chapter feels like an afterthought and one that really is restricted to the questioning element - "Gee, how do I know if I'm gay or not?" Only one page is dedicated to being gay as an actuality, with the header "I'm Pretty Sure I'm A Lesbian - So Now What?," followed by facile bulleted paragraphs -

- You are not alone.
- You are still normal.
- You are still at risk. (ie. of contracting STDs, or of becoming pregnant if you still choose to have sex with men)
- It will be OK.

That's...nice?...but here's an experiment: try "I'm pretty sure that I'm Straight - So Now What?" and see if one page is sufficient.

No, the author wrote a book to cover *that* eventuality. And here's the thing: much of the information in this book is something to which women across the spectrum can relate. Had Madison simply used more inclusive language throughout the book she would have done beautifully. Instead she wrote a book that purports to be a "girl's all-out guide to sex & sexuality" but wrote it in a way that makes it seem needlessly exclusivist. So that's where my second star went.

The intent of the author, as she said was to both write from her own experience, and from an youthful vantage, as someone who is still close to a lot of the concerns that young women are facing. I think she did a good job of that for the most part and agree that, for the most part, it grants the book its strength and appeal, *and* usefulness. If she ever does come back to it in second edition form, though, I hope that she will consider:

A. Giving abstinence a little more coverage (just because other books do doesn't mean you need to compensate by neglecting it), and
B. Writing the book so that it is more inclusive in its sense and sensibility.

Amber Madison.......2007-03-29

This book was extreamly informative and funny. This book was a quick reader and unlike every other sex book is short but has a ton of information. If you want a book that is easy to get through and informs you about any chicks struggles with sex and sexual this book is it.

An informative book for this new generation.......2007-03-21

Amber Madison demonstrates the importance of connecting with her audience. The book is written for teens, by a young woman who has experienced this chapter in her own life. "Hooking Up" is not a textbook, it is a book that may entice adolescents, both male and female, to read each chapter in its entirety.

Teenagers will do what they want in this new hooking up generation and the book is simply a resource to provide young adults with important information regarding some of the common issues faced by sexually active beings. The knowledge provided to young women (and men) via this book increases awareness, paticularly about topics relating to sex such a STDs, pregnancy and good decision making strategies.

During this generation of casual flings and hookups, it is the notion that women are in danger of being viewed as sexual beings that often elicits fear throughout society. Perhaps a book that rightfully suggests the natural needs of women and men alike provides the solution.

Serious Omissions, Flippant Style.......2007-03-16

As far as medical facts and mechanics go, I have no quarrel with this book. I am troubled, however, by its omissions and general tone. It says nothing about love or marriage. Its style is breezy and jocular to the point of being flippant, undermining any serious statements it might contain. I don't see wisdom here.

The book regurgitates 1970s Feminist views of sexuality. Unlike this author, many Feminists of that period now believe that they were at least partially wrong. Some acknowledge that the sexual revolution has been a disaster for women.

The book's index indicates that there is something about love on 17 pages. Examination of those pages, however, fails to reveal anything on that subject. "What's love got to do with it?" Nothing, evidently. There is no index entry for "marriage."

Perhaps the most serious statement in the book is about losing one's virginity, p 74. "Make sure that you are morally and spiritually at peace with the idea of having sex before you do it." That is excellent advice but it is undermined by a statement on p 73 on the same subject, "For some (the right guy) means someone who says he loves you, and for others it means someone who says he knows your last name."

We should, I think, try to live our lives so that we can be happy. This requires living so as to minimize regrets. One can always try to forgive oneself, but when serious mistakes pile up, the subconscious will not allow that and unhappiness results. This author's attitudes are a guaranteed recipe for unhappiness for many, probably most, girls and women.

Young readers of this book should also read and seriously consider the ideas expressed in "unhooked" (Laura Sessions Stepp, 2007) and "A Return to Modesty" (Wendy Shalit, 1999).

Strongly Recommended Resource.......2007-03-13

One of the most important things that can be done to encourage adolescent and young women to make safe, responsible decisions about their sexuality is to provide them with the tools and information necessary to make those decisions. Amber's book, Hooking Up-A Girls All-Out Guide to Sex and Sexuality, does just that, and does it in a very balanced way. She discusses the positives AND the negatives associated with a variety of behaviors and decision-making processes, and presents girls with the information necessary to understand how and why their bodies and emotions function as they do.

Amber writes in a conversational tone and with a sense of humor that makes the book an easy read and, perhaps more importantly, easy to comprehend. The book covers just about everything young women need to know in a short, concise format that is not intended to be a treatise on the subject, but rather an introduction to what they need to know to understand how their sexuality impacts them and their bodies at this age. It is also a good read for guys who want some insight into what women face as they learn to manage their own sexuality.

This book accomplishes its purpose so well that I have placed it at the top of my "Must Read" list for teenagers and young women. I wish I had had this book or a book like it when I was in high school, and I'd definitely recommend that any parent give it to their daughter.

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