Fruits Basket, Vol. 16

Book Description

A new chapter is opened in the Sohma family's story--and the rumors are true! Kyo has indeed met Kyoko in the past...and when he did, she told him the story of how she met Tohru's father, which he then tells to us: Tohru's birth...the truth about her mother and father...Yuki's declaration of independence... Grab your best friend and get ready for the New Year's Eve ball--everything you've been waiting to know is right inside the next volume of the super-popular Fruits Basket, the world's #1 shojo manga!

Customer Reviews:

Fruits Basket 16.......2007-06-19

I totally cried as I read this, the story of Tohru's parents is devastatingly adorable and romantic, but the eventual ending is enough to rip your heart out. But as always, Natsuki Takaya-sensei has composed a new chapter in Tohru's story that keeps you turning the pages.

Takaya shoots for the stars, but ends up making a mark on the moon!!!.......2007-06-05

I loved this book, and how it was so dramatic, from a romantic story, to a tragedy. Takaya did very well. I enjoyed the twist with Kyo meeting Kyoko. I could not put the book down. I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo........2007-06-05

I own this series in Japanese, and it is a wonderful read! It has all the important elements of a good shoujo manga: it is romantic, twisted, with a shoujo (in the traditional meaning of the word) involved in finding a new family and love triangles galore. It is just a very fun read, no matter the language!

Beautiful and Tragic, Interesting and Compelling.......2007-04-18

Kyoko's story is revealed in this book, and it's well-written and beautiful, yet also very saddening. It was also extremely interesting to finally meet Tohru's father - who is nothing like what we imagined he might be!
Also, we learn a little about Machi of the student council - and it turns out she's very interesting indeed! I'm getting really attached to her character, and I think a lot of the "quiet, good-grades, no social-life" kids out there can really identify with the poor girl and her situation. I hope there's even more of her in future books.

The story behind Kyoko.......2007-04-13

The stories behind Yuki's mysterious classmate and Tohru's idolized mother come to light in the sixteenth volume of "Fruits Basket." It's a rather sorrowful volume that shows off Natsuki Takaya's skills with messed-up people finding meaning in their lives, but she throws in some humor at the end.

Kyo looks back on his meeting some time ago with Tohru's mother, who told him her life story: her parents only cared for how she made them look, so she became a brutal, angry gang leader known as the Red Butterfly. But then she met a sweet, caring young student teacher named Katsuya Honda, and slowly fell in love with him.

When she failed to get into high school because of a savage beating, her parents disowned her -- and Katsuya proposed. Their life was full of happiness and love, especially when their daughter was born -- until Katsuya died unexpectedly. Overcoming his loss, and finding something to live for, was the greatest challenge that Kyoko ever dealt with.

On a school trip, the mysterious Machi shows another side of her personality to Yuki, and faces up to her growing feelings for the "Prince." And at the New Year's banquet, tensions are riding high when Hatori faces up to an old debt, and Yuki enrages Akito to violence. And finally, Momiji has an unusual New Year's present for Kureno...

As with many of the "Fruits Basket" volumes, Takaya gets your tears pouring, only to cheer you up with some comedy and healed wounds by the end of the story -- and along the way, she tells of a true love story against all the ods, which ended far sooner than it should have.

The first story is the darkest, especially since you know there can't be any happy ending for Katsuya and Kyoko, but the final one has a balance of darkness (Akito going berserk) and deliciously kooky moments; The scene where Ayame carries off Yuki, screaming that they vowed to die together by the Seine is priceless.

And Takaya's artwork only emphasizes the strength of her writing -- she brings scenes like Kyoko's crying fit and violent past or Kyo's bloodstained nightmare to life, in more detail than ever before. But there are some charming scenes too, such as baby Tohru, or the sight of Haru kissing a sleeping Rin.

Kyoko's not the only one whose past is revealed here -- we also get to see glimpses of how Machi became the quiet, introverted person she is, compared to her outgoing brother. But the regulars get some development as well: Yuki has obviously grown stronger and dmore confident, while Kyo's sense of guilt runs a lot deeper than anyone suspects.

The sixteenth volume of "Fruits Basket" is unusually dark, but is a brilliant exploration of the characters' pasts -- and the grief, hope and love that come with them. And it promises to get better.

It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls

Average customer rating:

It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric purses, Baskets, and Bowls
Great Book
Fantastic - Immediately sparked creativity
WOW!
So easy...and the results are great!

It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls
Susan Breier
Manufacturer: That Patchwork Place
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 156477662X

Book Description

Wind, wrap, and sew fabric strips into fantastic containers! Start with a plate shape to learn the technique. Then experiment with four basic container styles to create round, oval, square, and other shapes.

• Create purses, baskets, and bowls in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors

• Simply wrap fabric strips around cotton clothesline, coil into the desired shape, and secure with machine stitching

• Special sections on lids, handles, and embellishments offer unlimited options for your own variations

Customer Reviews:

It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric purses, Baskets, and Bowls.......2007-07-18

I thought this book was full of useful information with very well done directions and excellent photos of the projects.

Great Book.......2007-05-14

This book has very good instructions with illustrations. Have experimented with a basket and just loved the technique. A must have for any quilter. Good way to use up fabric.

Fantastic - Immediately sparked creativity.......2007-04-14

I found this title intriguing the first time I saw it and it didn't disappoint. Breier's explanations and photographs are clear and the gallery is inspiring. The technique is straightforward (wrapping clothesline with fabric strips and zig-zag stitching them together) and it doesn't require a fancy sewing machine.

Once I figured out the correct stitch length and width to use, I found myself addicted to assembling the coils. I still have yet to do a bowl but my family is impressed by the look of the plates. I've shown this book to several other people and each has immediately wanted to go find clothesline and try it. Be sure to purchase clothesline ahead of time (3/16", no solid core) because you won't want to wait once the book arrives!

WOW!.......2007-04-11

I just finished by first two projects. A small bowl and then a larger one. The instructions are very easy to follow and the more you make the more you want to make!! Now I have another way to use up my scrap material. The projects in the book are very inspiring and I'm sure I'll come up with some very unique things!

So easy...and the results are great!.......2007-03-26

This is the first time I've reviewed a craft book, though I have a history of buying many and never really using them. I had to write to add my recommendation for this book to those others have written.

The directions in this book are so clear and the project pictures so inspirational that I immediately went to work to make my first bowl. That was followed in the same day by another. I had a full box of fabric I considered "too ugly" to use for any quilts, but I dug into it and found it had new life as bowl material. In fact, the ugliest fabric I used looked fantastic when cut into strips and wrapped around the clothesline into the bowl's "coils." (Note: finding the clothesline in a local store is the hardest part of making these bowls. Be sure to do some comparison shopping before purchasing your clothesline. I found mine at Wal-Mart for less than a quarter of the price it was at the hardware store).

You do not need a fancy sewing machine to make these bowls. Any machine that does a zig-zag stitch will work. I decided to use my Bernina's walking foot after some experimentation, but it certainly isn't necessary to be successful.

I am already thinking about my next bowls and the great gifts they will make for birthdays and Christmas. The possibilities for embellishment are endless. I am already imagining how I can twist funky yarns or metallic floss around with the fabric to create a whole new surface texture.

Also, don't feel like you are limited to using 100 percent cotton on these bowls. On my second bowl I used a metallic-looking lame and some thin velvet strips and they were gorgeous. I plan to do some beading to really make this bowl zing. You are only limited by your imagination in making these bowls your own individual creations.

I don't consider myself an "artist." I usually need clear instructions to get a project going. But on these bowls I really felt like I created something special right from the get-go. I recommend this book and the bowls very highly.

Average customer rating:

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo.
all fruit baskets
My daughter loves this book
what a fun series!
wonderful!!!

Fruits Basket, Vol. 4
Natsuki Takaya
Manufacturer: Tokyopop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: 1591826063

Book Description

*Peaking at #1 in sales and consistently a strong seller, according to BookScan *Inspired the Hit Anime available on DVD! *The #1 Selling Shojo Manga in Japan! *The best-selling shojo in America *Part of YALSA's 2005 top ten â€œQuick picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readersâ€Elist!

When the infamous Akito makes an in-class appearance at the start of the school year, the Sohma family worries that his arrival will be an uncensored exercise of show-and-tell about Yuki's past. Meanwhile, when Ayame vows to rekindle his brothers' lost friendship, he begins to realize that you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family--especially when they're acting like animals!

Customer Reviews:

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo........2007-06-05

all fruit baskets.......2006-12-26

it was wonderful sweet and momiji was positive cute.loved all the carters. got to read more. the best there is

My daughter loves this book.......2006-02-19

I purchased this book and two others in the series for my 12 year-old daughter after she received the first volume as a Christmas present. She absolutely loves them all.

what a fun series!.......2006-01-06

i just started getting into fruits basket and i love it! i also have the anime series. now i am wanting to read the manga. the manga has a lot more that the anime doesn't have but it's still very good. i definitely recommend it.

wonderful!!!.......2005-10-13

Kyo protects Tohru at school with a move that is decidedly affectionate. It is the first day and Haru and Momitchi are now attending along with the other Sohma's. Haru immediately gets harassed because of the color of his hair and has to prove that it is the natural hair color. Then a bomb is dropped, Akito is there, and he has already encountered Tohru. When Yuki finds them the fear that he displays concerns Tohru, who later plans a badminton game with everyone to cheer him up.

Another member of the zodiac is introduced, this time it's Yuki's older brother Ayami. Ayami is quite charming and handsome, and whisks Tohru off to dinner to talk about the distance between him and Yuki. Later Momitchi tells Tohru of his sad past with his mother and younger sister, apparently his mom had to have her memories erased because she had rejected him. This fact saddens Tohru, who had such a great relationship with her mother before she died.

Tohru and everyone go to her mother's grave to commemorate the one year anniversary of her death. The happiness between Tohru and her friends on this sad day surprise Kyo and Yuki. Kyo begins to realize that a warm feeling to Tohru is gathering in his heart.

Again...I am hopelessly addicted. I'm going to stop telling people to read this anymore. If you have read all of my other reviews of the manga so far, you already know how much I love it. Go read it for yourself. It's wonderful.

Average customer rating:

Still on the way down
Every bit as good as his other ones
Another good read by Hiaasen
A second tier Hiaasen novel.
Loved it

Basket Case
Carl Hiaasen
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 044661193X

Amazon.com

Take one dead rock & roll star, his Courtney Love-type widow, the mysterious deaths of his former bandmates, and the lost tracks of a comeback album. Stir in Jack Tagger, a middle-aged investigative reporter obsessed with death since his banishment to the obit desk; a fetching young editor with a yen for our hero; and a boss looking for a reason to fire him. Put them in the hands of a master like Carl Hiaasen, who adds his trademark flourishes (who else would use a frozen lizard as a weapon?) to a creaky plot like this one, and the result is a winner. Florida is full of caper writers with journalistic credentials, and plenty of them have a deft hand with quirky characters, but no one in the genre is better than Hiaasen. --Jane Adams

Book Description

Take one dead rock roll star, his Courtney Love-type widow, themysterious deaths of his former bandmates, and the lost tracks of a comebackalbum. Stir in Jack Tagger, a middle-aged investigative reporter obsessed withdeath since his banishment to the obit desk; a fetching young editor with a yenfor our hero; and a boss looking for a reason to fire him. Put them in the handsof a master like Carl Hiaasen, who adds his trademark flourishes (who else woulduse a frozen lizard as a weapon?) to a creaky plot like this one, and the resultis a winner. Florida is full of caper writers with journalistic credentials, andplenty of them have a deft hand with quirky characters, but no one in the genreis better than Hiaasen. --Jane Adams

Download Description

Once a hotshot investigative reporter, Jack Tagger now bangs outobituaries for a South Florida daily, "plotting to resurrect mynewspaper career by yoking my byline to some famous stiff." Jimmy Stoma,the infamous front man of Jimmy and the Slut Puppies, dead in afishy-smelling scuba "accident," might be the stiff of Jack's dreams --if only he can figure out what happened.

Standing in the way are (among others) his ambitious young editor, whohasn't yet fired anyone but plans to "break her cherry" on Jack; therock star's pop-singer widow, who's using the occasion of her husband'sdeath to re-launch her own career; and the soulless, profit-hungry ownerof the newspaper, whom Jack once publicly humiliated at a stockholders'meeting.

With clues from the dead rock singer's music, Jack ultimately unravelsJimmy Stoma's strange fate -- in a hilariously hard-won triumph formuckraking journalism, and for the death-obsessed obituary writer himself.

"Always be halfway prepared" is Jack Tagger's motto -- and it's morethan enough to guarantee a wickedly funny, brilliantly entertainingnovel from Carl Hiaasen.

Customer Reviews:

Still on the way down.......2007-09-26

For me, Hiaasen's work has gone downhill steadily from the awesome standards he set with Tourist Season and Double Whammy. I still very much liked Skin Tight and Native Tongue, even Striptease had its moments, but from then on I got the feeling that even the author wasn't really enjoying himself. Lucky You was pretty silly, Stormy Weather and Sick Puppy a pair of interchangeable bores, so with Basket Case he has made an effort to freshen things up by adopting the first-person, present-tense approach. Nah. Didn't work. You get the feeling he signed a lucrative 10-book deal with his publisher and is cranking them out so he can go do something else which he enjoys.

Every bit as good as his other ones.......2007-07-15

I think everyone has missed the boat about Carl Hiaasen.

Why does Carl write these books?
Because he can - sure.
Because he can use the money - well, natch.

But also, I believe, because he really, seriously wants to alert the country to some important things he believes in. And his particular talent - writing wonderfully readable thrillers loaded with comedy - is a way to reach the public. Or at least those members of it who read...a somewhat diminishing crowd.

So the reviewers who complain about the environmental emphasis in many books are missing the point. It MATTERS to Carl.

And that means that "Basket Case" is not really different from his other books. It's just in support of a different cause. It's a voice - alas, somewhat in the desert - crying out against the ghastly combination of power freaks, greed maniacs, and bean-counters who are trashing what was once a magnificent fourth estate.

Read "Basket Case" and enjoy -just don't discount the ferocity of the protests against today's evil media moguls. Whether alerting people across the nation to what is going on will enable anything to change, I don't know, but I wish the cause every success. Unfortunately, things have been getting worse,not better, since he wrote "Basket Case."

Hey, what about the book itself? Is it a great read?

Is it ever!

Let me just tempt you with a few snippets. The story is outlined in plenty of other reviews. Here are a few tiny tastes of the laconic humor that jumps off almost every page.

Jack. the reporter, is hoping to get a prosecutor, Rick Tarkington, involved in the case involving the suspicous death of a former rock star. "I had hoped it would work in my favor that the prosecutor is a rock'n roller. On the wall behind his desk is a photo of the Rolling Stones taken backstage at the Orange Bowl. The picture is signed: "To R.T., Thanks for not searching my dressing room. Keith."

Jack - or maybe Carl - doesn't care for some chain restaurants. "From the pancake house I drive directly to the county morgue. The contrast in ambience is not especially striking."

A quick one for baseball fans:
"He grabs a beer for himself and sits down in one of the matching faded armchairs. "The Marlins are playing," he says.
"That's a matter of opinion."

On GPS:
"The only drawback of this astounding technology is that it allows virtually any knucklehead to blunder into the deepest wilderness, with little or no chance of getting lost. So much for natural selection."

Or the hilarious vision:
Carla, young daughter of Jacks' previous major flame and a sympathetic buddy to Jack:
"I'm thinking of having my tongue pierced."
"Stop right there." I raise both hands.
"All I want to know is, would it make a difference in the b.j. department? My girlfriend Rae, she says the guys go crazy. She's got a half-carat ruby on a platinum post."
"And that doesn't interfere with her tuba lessons?"

Another good read by Hiaasen.......2006-11-20

This is yet another wacky crime comedy by Carl Hiaasen. The setting is of course South Florida but this time we don't get lectured about the environment but in it's place, the lament of the death of city newspapers. Of course you would expect this since Hiaasen is a newspaper journalist. Ignoring this aspect of the story, there still is much to like in the wacky brand of story telling authored by Hiaasen. We have a burglar beat up by a dead animal stored in the freezer, a Courtney Love type of widow who flashes in her video on MTV, an old rock band, the slush puppies, who are getting killed one by one. Overall it's an entertaining read with just the right amount of comedy to temper the serious pursuit of the bad guy and of course a love interest of the protaganist, Jack. Somewhere in there is the evil corporate raider who buys up newspapers and turns them into fluff with stories, graphics and entertainment in the genre of USA Today or Fox news. This has nothing to do with the main story but is this book's lecture by Hiaasen as a substitute for his usual lecture about the environment. Overall, I liked this book.

A second tier Hiaasen novel........2006-08-23

Missing from Basket Case is the author's well known outrage over the ruination of Florida's natural environment by commercial interests. Some readers might see that as a refreshing change of pace while others might be sorely disappointed.
The name of the novel's protagonist and first person narrator is Jack Tagger. Jack is a newspaperman who at one time was a top flight investigative reporter. Unfortunately, his career has taken a turn for the worse and now he has been demoted to the lowly position of obituary writer.
Basket Case's shaggy dog of a plot revolves around Jack's investigation of the drowning death of an ex-rocker known as Jimmy Stoma formerly of Jimmy Stoma and the [..] Puppies.
Carl Hiaasen has filled this comic novel with lots of cynically funny dialogue and some very outrageous situations. On the receiving end of much of Hiaasen's barbed humor are the music industry and the sad state of certain newspapers.
Though entertaining Basket Case does not quite rise to the level of the author's best work. A good satiric novel, not a great one.

Loved it.......2006-05-08

This book was one of the funniest that I have read in a long time. Carl hasn't let me down yet, i got hooked on his books arter reading skinny dip. This deffinatly was not a hard read but it was VERY entertaing. I would recomend this book to any one looking to have some laughs and kill some time. Later on this book becomes a real page turner and you dont want to put it down. I loved this book.

Average customer rating:

Fun, imaginative, and a great read
fruits basket is beautiful
Sugoku tanoshii wa yo.
You better read this book.
Fruits Basket 1 Summary

Fruits Basket, Volume 1
Natsuki Takaya
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: 1591826039

Book Description

Tohru Honda was an orphan when one day fate kicked her out of the house and on to land belonging to the mysterious Sohma family. After stumbling upon the teenage squatter, the Sohmas invite Tohru to stay in their house in exchange for cooking and cleaning. Everything goes well until she discovers the Sohma family's secret, when hugged by members of the opposite sex, they turn into their Chinese Zodiac animal!

Customer Reviews:

Fun, imaginative, and a great read.......2007-09-21

If you love mangas and love a story that gives you every emotion a story can give you, then this is the book for you. The main part of the story is comedy but it does have a lot of other emotions to it and there are a lot of plot eliments that will keep you wanting to read. I don't want to give anything away so I wont, you'll just have to read it. ^_^

fruits basket is beautiful.......2007-07-10

Fruits Basket is my current favorite thing in the entire World. It is a manga and an anime (and I recommend you see the anime!!!) with rich chatacters and a very original storyline. It's full of humor, drama, romance and (especially in the anime) the most beautiful and heartwarming words and speeches. I couldn't say enough good things about Fruits Basket!

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo........2007-06-05

You better read this book........2007-05-23

Okay. So.

Honestly?

I was never a fan of Manga.

And I keep wanting to prounounce it Mangma or Magma, but anyway...when my friend lent me this book one day, I just. Couldn't. Stop. Reading. It.

I was happy to know that there were more books in the series, but I wouldn't want to become too obsessed with the whole Manga issue.

After all, they're just animated characters. (;

My suggestion?

Read the whole series at a bookstore, so you won't have to waste any money.

Aside from all this, this book is really one you should read, but I guess I just think that since I've never read any other Manga before. But if you want to get in to Manga for some reason, this is a great starter book! Hope you enjoy.

Fruits Basket 1 Summary.......2007-04-11

This is one of the best manga books ever! You meet cool characters: Tohru Honda the main character who lives in a tent but then meets some of the Sohma characters like Shigure,and Yuki. Tohru starts living with the Sohma's and finda out their "secret". You'll meet other Sohma's like Kyo and Kaugra. You'll have to read it to find out!

Average customer rating:

Fun, imaginative, and a great read
Sugoku tanoshii wa yo.
My daughter loves this book
AMAZING
Haru is my god... and here is his intro.

Fruits Basket, Vol. 3
Natsuki Takaya
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: 1591826055

Book Description

It's Valentine's Day and you know what that means—lots of chocolates for the cutest boys at school! In this case it's a pretty close tie between hot-headed Kyo Sohma and "Prince Charming" Yuki Sohma. Of course the kind-hearted Tohru, guest of the Sohma family, has chocolates for everyone! But when White Day comes around, what will the Sohma family give her in return?

Customer Reviews:

Fun, imaginative, and a great read.......2007-09-21

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo........2007-06-05

My daughter loves this book.......2006-02-19

I purchased this book and two others in the series for my 12 year-old daughter after she received the first volume as a Christmas present. She absolutely loves them all.

AMAZING.......2006-01-18

This is my favorite book in the series (I have read 12). Before I start my review I just want to say that the whole series is fantastic so dont stop reading at this book!
..now...
in this book you get to meet the ever mysterious and poliete hatsuharu, or haru. haru is an amazing character, he is kind and considerate ...BUT... his zodiac sign gives him a split personality, and you REALLY dont want to be around him when he "snaps", read the book to find out why!
another part i love this book for is its VALENTINES DAY! yuki of course gets lots of chocolates, but hanajima claims his chocolate (muh ha ha). now if kyo actually got a calendar he would know that it was valentines day and he wouldnt run into his "girlfriend" aka the ever so fantastic KAGURA! *cheers*.. you get to see how she handles valentines day =P

well if you made it through my review i have one more thing to tell you, BUY IT, BUY IT!!! the pictures are fantastic and you will be able to laugh as much as i did when i read it!

Haru is my god... and here is his intro. .......2005-10-13

An endurance run prompts the Sohma's into a new battle against one another. During this time Tohru meets Hatsuharu Sohma, an enigmatic young man with white and black hair and one violent temper...well, at times. When she first meets him he is actually quite gentle. His fight with Kyo is cut short when Yuki reveals how sick he is and Haru decides to change to his zodiac sign, the ox, so that he can carry him home. It becomes obvious to Tohru that Haru and Yuki have a special bond with one another.

Valentines comes around and with it a multitude of chocolates for everyone. Later Momitchi decides to thank Tohru's kindness by springing for a trip to some hot springs where they meet a very strange hostess, and mother to a member of the zodiac, the one possessed by the monkey. Yuki also has a gift for Tohru to thank her for her chocolates, and a bit of tenderness is exchanged between the two.

As more and more characters become known the series just keeps getting better. I really loved Haru, but then again I have always liked duality, being a Gemini. Something about him and Yuki's relationship intrigues me as well, just how close are the two of them? I am, without shame, hopelessly addicted to this manga. I recommend it to everyone.

Average customer rating:

Fun, imaginative, and a great read
Sugoku tanoshii wa yo.
It really is a bit confusing.
Moving day
Super Kawaii, ne??

Fruits Basket, Vol. 2
Natsuki Takaya
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: 1591826047

Book Description

Ever since Tohru Honda discovered the Zodiac secret of the Sohma clan, her eyes have been opened to a world of magic and wonder. But with such a great secret comes great responsibility. When her best friends Hana-chan and Uo-chan come to the Sohma house for a sleepover, Tohru has her work cut out for her keeping the "Cat" in the bag and the "Dog" on a leash.

Customer Reviews:

Fun, imaginative, and a great read.......2007-09-21

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo........2007-06-05

It really is a bit confusing........2007-05-22

As an American whose undergrad studies revolved around European subjects, I am still quite ignorant of Japanese customs/cultures/naming conventions and so on. This book confuses me in a few different ways: 1, as another reviewer pointed out, several of the characters look nearly identical, and I had to go back and reread several portions to figure out who was whom. 2, the variations on naming are awkward to me. Tohru is variously referred to as Tohru, Tohru-san, Tohru-chan, Tohru-kun, Honda-san, sometimes even Kyoko-san, which is her mother's name. This isn't so bad, because Tohru is always Tohru no matter what is on the end of it, but for example Hatori is sometimes Ha'ri and sometimes Haa-san and this happens with all the characters who have more than 2 syllables in their names.

There are some weird cultural things drawn in here that I don't understand: a sketch of Tohru's mom in middle school, and she's wearing what looks like a surgical mask? (She was not a doctor.) One of Tohru's friends is referred to as a Yankee, but I can only assume this has a different meaning in Japan. Her name is Arisa Uotani-san (sometimes Uo-chan, which really threw me!) and that is definitely not an American name. So, here I am confused again.

Please forgive my ramblings but once I get started, it's hard to stop! I'll be continuing with Fruits Basket.

Moving day.......2007-02-12

Tohru Honda's adventures really get going in the second volume of "Fruits Basket," where the upbeat teen moves into the Sohma household. Natsuki Takaya's storytelling is stronger and steadier in these chapters, since she's introduced the main characters and can now get going on the plot.

Tohru is moving into her newly furnished room, and her pals (wave-reading goth Saki and toughgrrl Hana) decide to stay over to make sure that the guys will take care of their cheerful friend. And when New Year's rolls around, Kyo and Yuki find themselves wondering what to do -- go to the main house with the other family, or stay with Tohru?

And at the school, the students are planning a cultural festival, and Tohru encounters two other Sohmas -- the chilly doctor Hatori, and the effusive half-German Momiji, who is instantly pals with Tohru. But Tohru learns of a different side to the zodiac members' lives, when she hears about Hatori's tragic past.

The first volume of "Fruits Basket" was all about introducing the characters and getting them into the same house. And in the second volume, Takaya gets to flesh out the cast with new characters and new storylines, and hints about the more sinister aspects of the Sohma family's curse, and the family head Akito.

The storylines in general are darker here, especially the harrowing flashbacks of Hatori's love affair with his ex-fiancee, and the bitterly chilly way that it fell apart. But Takaya also sprinkles it with happier moments, such as the naughty novels, the preparations for the cultural festival ("She brought an IRON PIPE to school!"), and poor Yuki having to wear a dress, much to the delight of his crazed fangirls.

There are also some new dimensions shown in Tohru here. Sure, she's always cheerful and pleasant, but Takaya hints that she is actually quite lonely now, despite the presence of her friends. But the zodiac members also get some development -- including Tohru's whole talk with Kyo about the "umeboshi" on people's backs.

The second volume of "Fruits Basket" is even better than the first, and introduces the mix of tragedy and comedy that Takaya is so good at. And it will only get better.

Super Kawaii, ne??.......2006-09-03

I think that the storyline is so nice and is definitely worth reading. I prefer reading it in Nihongo though. All in all the story is very enjoyable and it has a good balance of darkness and drama against lightheartedness and comedy. Ga suki furuuts basuketto!

Structured Credit Portfolio Analysis, Baskets and CDOs (Chapman & Hall/Crc Financial Mathematics Series)

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
Structured Credit Portfolio Analysis, Baskets and CDOs

Structured Credit Portfolio Analysis, Baskets and CDOs (Chapman & Hall/Crc Financial Mathematics Series)
Christian Bluhm , and Ludger Overbeck
Manufacturer: Chapman & Hall/CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1584886471

Book Description

The financial industry is swamped by credit products whose economic performance is linked to the performance of some underlying portfolio of credit-risky instruments, like loans, bonds, swaps, or asset-backed securities. Financial institutions continuously use these products for tailor-made long and short positions in credit risks. Based on a steadily growing market, there is a high demand for concepts and techniques applicable to the evaluation of structured credit products. Written from the perspective of practitioners who apply mathematical concepts to structured credit products, Structured Credit Portfolio Analysis, Baskets & CDOs starts with a brief wrap-up on basic concepts of credit risk modeling and then quickly moves on to more advanced topics such as the modeling and evaluation of basket products, credit-linked notes referenced to credit portfolios, collateralized debt obligations, and index tranches. The text is written in a self-contained style so readers with a basic understanding of probability will have no difficulties following it. In addition, many examples and calculations have been included to keep the discussion close to business applications. Practitioners as well as academics will find ideas and tools in the book that they can use for their daily work.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-09-13

I had to return this book. There are other books on credit derivatives and CDOs that are much better. This book deals with an important subject but in a very poor way.

Structured Credit Portfolio Analysis, Baskets and CDOs.......2007-06-01

Excellent book on structured credit. However, the authors could have placed more explicit numerical examples. Perhaps a new version could be updated with more explicit numerical examples?
Good book to read cover to cover.

Average customer rating:

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo.
Excellent Blend of Tragedy and Comedy
2nd best manga series ever!!
the first half of the book is great...
Awesome

Fruits Basket, Volume 15
Natsuki Takaya
Manufacturer: Tokyopop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1598160230
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Book Description

Yuki's past finally is revealed! But is it all too much to bear? His sickness takes a turn for the worse, and after Akito reminds Yuki how loathed he is, his will to live might finally be drained... Meanwhile, as Tohru is getting ready to perform in Cinderella, the class decides that they have to rewrite the play. But no amount of revision will prevent Tohru from improvising her loving feelings for a certain someone. Just who is the mystery man? A little bird tells us that the answer is right inside this next volume of the super-popular Fruits Basket, the world's #1 shojo manga!

Customer Reviews:

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo........2007-06-05

Excellent Blend of Tragedy and Comedy.......2007-05-08

I like how this book continues right where vol. 14 left off, just like how books 10 and 11 were connected. I like how a bit more of Yuki's complex and horrific history is revealed, and I like his growing bond with my buddy "Nabe". Takaya-san knows how to balance this tragedy and the moments with Tohru, Haru, Kyo, and Arisa with the school play. From Aya's and Mine-san's entrance (yay, she's back), to the audience's awe of Yuki as the fairy guradian, to the rewritten lines, and even the bossy narrator, the school play was hilarious. Oh yeah, seeing Kazuma and Megumi again is great, and like the references to various other characters (i.e. Rin) not in this book. Don't forget to read the sidenotes and to check out the fanart and original art!

2nd best manga series ever!!.......2007-03-31

Fruits Basket is the best. Tohru is such a sweet-heart! Like everyone else's opinion, I think Kyo & Yuki are total BABES! The story is amazing and Takaya-sensei should NEVER end it!!!

the first half of the book is great..........2007-01-31

I love hearing the sad, horific history of yuki. Throughout the whole series you hear little slips about his life, and finally in the first half of book 15 it finally all comes out. From his relationship with his family to the link between him and tohru's mysterious hat, you will cry, cringe, and scream in anger. After that, though, the book was a little disapointing, but still deserves a solid 4 stars. I can't wait for book 16 to come out in april!

Awesome.......2007-01-12

This book was as awesome as the rest of the series. The plot thickens in this one and the play the students preform is wonderfully whimsical, while retaining the books renown amusmant. In short, it rocked my socks!

Average customer rating:

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo.
Very Good
hopelessly addicted.
FURUBA ROCKS! (aka Fruits Basket)
I love this volume!

Fruits Basket, Vol. 5
Natsuki Takaya
Manufacturer: Tokyopop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: 1591826071

Book Description

*Peaking at #1 in sales and consistently a strong seller, according to BookScan *Inspired the Hit Anime available on DVD! *The #1 Selling Shojo Manga in Japan! *The best-selling shojo in America *Part of YALSA's 2005 top ten 'Quick picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers' Elist!

The Sohma household takes to the lake for a vacation at their summerhouse. However, the peaceful silence is deafening, as Yuki and Kyo are once again not on speaking terms. Will Tohru's klutzy kindness get the dueling duo back to their old cat-and-mouse antics once again?

Customer Reviews:

Sugoku tanoshii wa yo........2007-06-05

Very Good.......2005-12-20

I though this book was very good in this one it starts out with them at the summmer home place that Shigure brings Toharu, Yuki,and Kyo and since no of them can drive Hatori drives them there. When they get back they later find another member of the Zodiac, this time it's Kisa the one cursed by the tiger.
Trough out the book there was a lot of funny parts...but I was reading this in school so every time I can to a funny part I had to restrain my self from giggling in the middle of class(do you know how weird that would seem...). But I thought it was an Awsome book I rate it 2 thumbs up err... I mean 5 stars ^.^' .

hopelessly addicted........2005-10-13

Shigure decides to go to the Sohma family lake house for a much needed vacation, and to torment his editor. He invites Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo.. And persuades Hatari to come along as well (because he's the only one with a drivers liscence. This episode deals largely with Yuki and Kyo's changing relationship, and how Tohru deals with. At the Lake house Ayami Sohma shows up out of the blue. The rift between him and his younger brother, Yuki, is tested once again. He also reveals to Hatari that his former fiancee, Kana, has gotten married.

While out on a walk together Yuki and Tohru encounter Hatsuharu Soma carrying a small tiger. This turns out to be another member of the Sohma family, Kisa, also a member of the Chinese zodiac. When Kisa's mother comes to retrieve her it is obvious that she needs a much needed reprieve from her daughter's curse, so Shigure allows Kisa to stay with them for a few days. Kisa soon bonds with Tohru.

Kisa's mute behaviour causes some concern for the Sohma family, and for Tohru as well. Momitchi Sohma reveals the root of Kisa's silence and a letter from Kisa's instructor proves to be too much for Yuki. Then Hanajima suddenly invites the Prince Yuki fan club to her home after they ask to write a newspaper column about Denpa waves. President of the fan club, Motoko Minagawa has ulterior motives, and Hanajima doubts it not. Hanajima's little brother and his ability to curse people is awaiting for them at the house.

Much to Tohru's shame and dismay she fails one of her mid term exams and has to attend a make up test day. Under this stress her body becomes susceptible to a cold and the Sohma family becomes concerned that she is pushing herself too hard and force her to spend her illness in bed convalescing. Kyo proves to be an apt nurse when he makes her a cure all he loathes, and listens to Tohru reveal her anxieties about graduating high school and why it is so important to her.

Again...I am hopelessly addicted. I'm going to stop telling people to read this anymore. If you have read all of my other reviews of the manga so far, you already know how much I love it. Go read it for yourself. It's wonderful.

FURUBA ROCKS! (aka Fruits Basket).......2005-09-08

I love Fruits Basket. It is really awesome, and I love Yuki! Anyway, I have something to say to Mew Pretear. If you had the smallest inkling about Fruits Basket you would know that its nickname is Furuba. Guess what? It was made up by the creator. She says so in either book one or two. So I suggest that you actually think before you try contradicting a fact.

I love this volume!.......2005-06-02

I don't know why, but I love this volume! I think because it has so much of Hatori in it- actually so much of all the Mabudachi trio! They're most definitely my favorite characters- especially Shigure and Hatori (Ayame's growing on me...)
Anyway, the Sohma's lakehouse is beautiful! (I always wonder what they did to get so fantastically wealthy...) There are some very adorable Tohru Yuki Kyo moments. We meet Kisa, the tiger. (Who's about as un-tiger-like as it is possible to be...) Kisa's adorable, and Hatsuharu makes a wonderful big brother to her. (Proving that you don't have to be Tohru to be nurturing and loving...)

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