Kakaku：606 saved$6.06
Charlesbridge Publishing
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Good for the women!) 『This title highlights those women we seldom discuss: PIRATES! The stories are well written and very useful for everything from Women's history month to unusual biographies. This volume draws the young girl readers into the whole pirate scene. It's a fun read for everyone. Not enough information for reports but definitely great for catching interest to search out more information. Good for school and public libraries and personal collections.』
(Remember the ladies) 『Do you remember that whole Girl Power craze roundabout ten or so years ago? It was the oddest thing. Girls were supposed to seek empowerment in an era of Spice Girls and Ally McBeal on the one hand while appreciating Buffy the Vampire Slayer on the other. The term "Girl Power" has long since faded, but the quest continues to find books for our future female leaders that contain ladies with pizzazz. Now the publishing industry is more than willing to churn out a million pretty pink princess books on the one hand and biographies of people like Harriet Tubman and Jane Goodall on the other. That's all well and good, but you know what the problems with these books are? They're all about the GOOD girls. The ones who took on the bad guys and kicked some serious tuchis (metaphorically, usually). I'm all for strong female characters that are pure as newly driven snow, but what about all the bad girls? Is there something to be gained from reading a book about ladies who killed, robbed, and broke the law with impunity? I think so. If boys get their fare share of true life pirate titles, it should be no different for the fairer sex. So gals, if you want to go out and lead a crew of rough and tumble men across the seven seas to fame and infamy, take a gander at "Sea Queens: Women Pirates Around the World", and see how it's done. Just bear in mind that aside from all the moral implications, nine times out of ten you'll reach a nasty, sticky end.
Thirteen female pirates of varying infamy, villainy, and tenacity are presented in Jane Yolen's chronological listing of various deeds and misdeeds. After clearing up some piratical misconceptions and truths about the women who worked in that particular field (ballads, clothing, vocabulary, etc.) we launch into Artemisia Admiral-Queen (Persia: 500-480 B.C.) and it's smooth sailing from there on in (so to speak). Each section considers the rumors and legends of the pirate women, considering the truth and the things we can never know for sure. Illustrator Christine Joy Pratt fills the book with scratchboard illustrations that resemble woodcuts. The book actually clocks in at a mere 103 pages, and with its large font and copious pictures, sidebars, and notes of text it's actually ideal for kids reading early chapter books who aren't quite ready for 400 page non-fiction titles. A roundup of other female pirates, a five page Bibliography (including websites), and an Index finish up the book.
Jane Yolen is no stranger to the world of female piracy. From her 1963 Pirates in Petticoats to her 1995 picture book The Ballad of the Pirate Queens (both books about Ann Bonney and Mary Reade) to Commander Toad and the Space Pirates . . . wait . . . maybe scratch that last one. In any case she's clearly tread this ground before. What she hasn't done before is research some of the other cutlass bearing lasses out there. Plus I appreciated that at the beginning of this book Ms. Yolen took time to tell us where these "facts" came from. As she points out, few pirates wrote about their own adventures. "But there are trial documents, logbooks of navy captains, and depositions from captured pirates and their victims," which, such as they are, are as close to fact as we're going to get here. With its continual efforts to separate truth from fiction, the fear with this kind of book would be that you'd have a herky-jerky narrative that keeps you guessing. You might worry that the end result would leave you not knowing what, if anything, to believe. Fortunately Yolen has, in a sense, simplified these stories enough that rumors and facts go hand in hand. For example, the section on Charlotte de Berry of England contains a sidebar called "Truth or Fiction?" that draws attention to the fact that not only is this pirate potentially fictional, but may well have begun life as a penny dreadful. The proper text is filled with references to "Another version of the story" and what "supposedly" happened in her life. Kids will have no difficulty distinguishing out the real from the fun stories. The trick is that Yolen trusts them to understand the difference.
The real trouble with sticking to the facts is that you can't go about making stuff up. Looking at it, that is probably one of the more obvious statements I've ever written. But it's true! I mean, I sure do wish there were more women pirates in this book, but facts and the lack thereof make that just bit impossible. Yolen has actually created a Roundup of other women pirates "about whom little is known" which sates my curiosity to some extent. These include everyone from Gunpowder Gertie, the Pirate Queen of the Kootenays to Rusla the Norwegian princess. So while I would have liked to have seen a couple more ethnically diverse women pirates in this book, doggone reality keeps getting in my way.
When Charlesbridge thought about bringing an illustrator into this project I wonder if art that could look like woodcuts was a given right off the bat. The pictures featured in scratchboard format here seem a well suited fit to a swashbuckling work of non-fiction such as this. As for illustrator Christine Joy Pratt, she has several books under her belt but is still a relative newcomer to the world of children's books. Some of her best work has been on such kid-friendly periodicals as "Cricket Magazine" and "Spider Magazine." There are some sections that are a little random, of course. For example, a bit on Illyrian Boats contains a picture of a very odd boat made up primarily of what look to be peculiar triangles and spares. I'm not quite sure what's going on in that picture. But while the illustrations in this title don't have the realism of, say, Dan Burr's work on the book Pirates, in this context and within this format they are nine times out of ten an ideal match.
Jane Yolen makes admirable work of immoral women. I don't know how your female pirate section of the library is looking these days, but mine's a tad skimpy. Backing up her sources all the way, Ms. Yolen's words coupled with Ms. Pratt's pretty pics render this a very readable, visually informative and fun piece of informational... uh... info. If you've a gal or two (or even a guy for that matter) prone to thwacking seafarers (read: siblings) with swords of their own making, perhaps a bit of female piratical knowledge is just what the doctor ordered. A glimpse into a world that will have you wanting more. Arrrrr!』 『Throughout the ages, women from all classes and walks of life turned to pirating out of necessity, desperation, or greed. Acclaimed author Jane Yolen examines the contradictions of these bold women's lives and times. Meet Artemisia, the admiral-queen of Persia in 500 BC; Grania O'Malley, the Irish "pirate queen" who challenged Queen Elizabeth I's British ships; Madame Ching, who sailed the South China Sea in the early 1800s; and then other female pirates on their ships, in battle, and in disguise.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Messages and Prayers of hope and peace) 『Its very simple, a wonderful enlightenment to prayers and peace. Read one everyday .. Peace... Love...Light (Nicole..Author of Rainy Day Poems and more 1 and 2.. NY)』 『Answers to Univeral Questions in Mary Queen of Angels』
Kakaku：280 saved$2.80
Candlewick
Usually ships in 24 hours 『Pushy Dolores really wants Andy to do a school project together— but sometimes you need to take your time to make the right choice.
The school Culture Fair is coming up, and Andy Shane has to pick an African country to learn about. Deciding isn’t easy for Andy, so he’s glad when Granny Webb gives him a scarab beetle, which he knows is a symbol of Egypt. But when Andy tries to tell Ms. Janice, Dolores Starbuckle springs up with her gold jewelry and glitter sandals and claims that she is the queen of Egypt. Dolores always gets her way —but this time Andy doesn’t feel like caving in. What will it take for him to share his project with the bossy queen? Fans of the endearing Andy Shane will be happy to see him holding his own in his new early-chapter-book adventure.』
Kakaku：1595 saved$15.95
Abson Books
Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks IPhone 3G used's review (A great and fascinating read) 『I bought this book years ago at Heathrow Airport and devoured it on the flight back to New York. It's the only time I haven't been bored on that 7 hour trip. If you love history, especially English royalty, you will enjoy this. It's well written and while some of the conclusions may be speculative there is enough information on each death to hazard a few guesses on your own. You don't need any medical knowledge to throughly enjoy this book.』
(Excellent Book if you want to know more about illnesses people died of) 『This is a great book to read if you are into history and always wondered about the vague descriptions given in history books as to why people died in olden times. It is pure speculation, taking the symptoms that some historian wrote hundreds of years ago, and trying to figure out what the person really died of. The book will still leave you wanting more information but the only thing to work with is what someone way back when wrote and they hardly had the ability to properly disgnose an illness. This book has many good plausible reasons for their deaths.』
(good concept, not for scientists) 『I was worried when the introduction tactfully implied that the author was playing fast and loose with the facts. Was that the best person they could get?! Then, I was just plain bored. It wasn't bad as a history lesson, but that's not why I bought the book. Perhaps the fact that I do have a medical background made me more skeptical. I expected to find more than unfounded speculation. I would suggest only reading this book if you did not take any biology classes after you left high school.』
(Very good read) 『Excellent. Interesting, well-written, fascinating. And I'm not even a doctor.』
(A top notch read) 『A fantastic book full of gory facts. No medical knowledge needed.』
Kakaku：542 saved$5.42
Company
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Little Wars' Big Picture) 『This is simply a terrific book for those who wish an overview of British military involvements in the 19th Century without having to sort through the literally thousands of works which have been written about them. It is not, and was plainly not intended to be, an exhaustive history of the subject, but rather a terse and readily digestible summary, made vital and appealing by Farwell's engaged and engaging writing style. As is true of his several other, and equally well-crafted, books, the author tells this story through the lives and exploits of the principal military leaders involved, from the brilliant but ultimately frustrated (and, he thought, betrayed) Garnet Wolseley, to that Hapless Hero, Evelyn Wood, who appears not to have been able to eat dinner without stabbing himself with his fork. They're all here, leading the finest soldiers in the world at the time, through a seemingly endless thicket of minor and major conflicts, many the product of hasty and defective thinking by their political masters, but nonetheless invariably costly in blood and treasure. Every time I read one of Farwell's books, I picture him as having picked up his pen (he died in 2000) thinking, "I'll write what I find interesting, and see if readers agree." We do.』
(Disappointing in every respect) 『This book, says the back cover quote from the Library Journal, "will be of value and interest to both the student of military history and of the Victorian Empire," but on the first page of the Foreword, Farwell writes, "Scant attention is paid [here] to the causes of the wars or the political manoeuverings which preceded the hostilities. They are not of much importance." Such matters are, however, of great importance to anyone wanting insight into "the Victorian Empire." And, as others have pointed out, this book is far too short to do justice to the military history, so unless a reader is looking for little more than a "light read," this book disappoints on all scores.』
(Just a Cheery Little Book about wars in Africa and Asia) 『Byron Farwell knows how to tell a tale. The best part of reading a book by Farwell is that he doesn't just give you the straight story, he also gives you the background to how it happened, why it happened, and who made it happen. For me the best part of his stories are the historical sketches of the men who fought Queen Victoria's wars of conquest and punishment.
Farwell takes time in each pastiche to tell you how the general got to be a general, how he was considered by his collegues and those who fought under him. There a great quotes taken from contemporary memoirs and regimental accounts that have statements like, " I wouldn't put him in charge of planning a child's birthday party", or " the man had commanded a desk for thirty years, and now they want him to command real soldiers, quite the waste of good men".
It is interesting to follow along and see how so many of these wars was fought for pride or just plain pig-headed orneryness.』
(I thought I would hate this book, but ended loving it!) 『When I first began reading this book, I was disappointed, thinking that it was little more that an account of the various military campaigns undertaken during the reign of Queen Victoria, with no attempt to connect these wars with events within Britain itself.
However, very shortly indeed, I realized that this book was nothing short of a tour de force! The author uses wit and a thorough understanding of his subject to draw the reader in, both informing and entertaining!』
(The height of the British Empire) 『This extremely well-written book tells the reader, in somewhat condensed form, about the various wars, excursions, etc., that happened during the long reign of Queen Victoria. I don't think that it's completely comprehensive, because to even say a little about each event would mean this book would be three or four times its length. The author hits the "highlights" (if you will), and the reader who is interested in further in-depth resarch can do it on his or her own. There are a plethora of books about the various actions of Imperial Britain during the 19th century, but this one short book gives the reader guidance for them. It's a book that contains much savagery, but there is a touch of humor also, which relieves the almost constant tension. There are also thumbnail biographies of the most important personages of the times, which are quite helpful. This is an excellent short book on the apex of the British Empire.』
Kakaku：848 saved$8.48
Da Capo Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Victoria brought to life) 『As a self described Anglophile, I have read countless royal biographies and histories, mainly focusing on the Tudor and Stuart eras. I decided to dive into Queen Victoria with this book and it did not disappoint!
Although a long book, Hibbert traces the life of Victoria in an engrossing and interesting way that keeps you turning the pages. Victoria comes to life in all of her capriciousness. Her mercurial personality, painted so vividly through the observations of others and through her own diary entries, makes you alternatively detest her, think her mad, then go to loving or pitying her.
The only thing that prevents this from being a five star review is that the organization of the book sometimes threw me off. While generally a chronological account of Victoria's life, some chapters, such as one covering the Price of Wales, leap ahead. It is not too jarring, but sometimes irritating.
Overall, a wonderful read that gives real insight into a woman whose myth and spectre looms so large. My true rating is 4.5 stars.』
(all about vicky) 『i guess growing up knowing you will rule england make you believe the world around you was there to please you.growing up her mother keep her away from other kids,turning into a grown up without being a child.when she finally broke away she was queen.then she married albert and nine kids later .after albert death she was in mourning that she wanting all around to share .she in later year became a very selfcenter woman who couldn't see other's point of view.』
(Good, but a little to wordy...) 『I really enjoyed the book, but it gets so wordy, that it has literally put my daughters to sleep. My only wish is that he would have relied less on letting us know who people were (titles, positions, etc.) and more on Victoria's personality and life. I did enjoy her love affair with her husband!』
(Allows you to step in Queen Victoria's shoes!) 『Once again, Christopher Hibbert has spun a wonderful biography that makes his subject come alive before you're eyes, and at times to allow the reader's imagination into the very shoes of Queen Victoria!』
(Wonderful Book) 『Christopher Hibbert has the marvelous ability to make historical subjects come alive. He succeeds again in this biography of Queen Victoria,
This book is titled a Personal History, and that's really the focus. He turns the venerable monarch into a human being, with hopes, fears, heartaches, heartbreaks, a sense of humor, mood swings, petulance and even (gasp!) desires.
Victoria's image (at least to Americans) is of the stuffy old monarch, unsmiling, and always dressed in black. Hibbert portrays quite a different picture - of a young woman who loved parties, dancing, and the affection of men. He also makes clear Victoria's physical passion for her husband, Albert. This is evident in the passage where, after giving birth to eight children, she is advised by her doctor not to have anymore. Her response was "You mean I can't have any more fun in bed?" Not what we expect from a Victorian!
The portrait of a post-Albert Victoria is of a woman devasted by the death of her lover. Clearly the modern picture of Victoria comes from this stage of her life. However, this image is based on incorrect assumptions. Where we assume the stolid, frumpy queen arises from her belief in Victorian morals, in this book the picture is of a woman who lost her most precious soulmate, and whose last 40 years were a struggle against loneliness and depression, while bearing the heavy responsibility of being the most powerful monarch in the world.
The book also vividly portrays the numerous characters in this remarkable woman's life, including Lord Liverpool, the Duke of Wellington, Disraeli, and Kaiser Wilhelm.
Recommended to anyone with an interest in English history.』 『
In this surprising new life of Victoria, Christopher Hibbert, master of the telling anecdote and peerless biographer of England's great leaders, paints a fresh and intimate portrait of the woman who shaped a century. His Victoria is not only the formidable, demanding, capricious queen of popular imagination—she is also often shy, diffident, and vulnerable, prone to giggling fits and crying jags. Often censorious when confronted with her mother's moral lapses, she herself could be passionately sensual, emotional, and deeply sentimental. Ascending to the throne at age eighteen, Victoria ruled for sixty-four years—an astounding length for any world leader. During her reign, she dealt with conflicts ranging from royal quarrels to war in Crimea and rebellion in India. She saw monarchs fall, empires crumble, new continents explored, and England grow into a dominant global and industrial power. This personal history is a compelling look at the complex woman whom, until now, we only thought we knew.
』 『British scholar Christopher Hibbert adds another engrossing volume to his long list of informative and entertaining histories and biographies. Aptly subtitled "A Personal History," this portrait of England's longest reigning monarch focuses on Victoria's character, as well as her relationships with her husband, children, and the politicians who directed her government. UnlikeGeorge III, which found its subject to be a more intelligent and effective ruler than he had been judged traditionally, this biography does not offer a radically new assessment of Victoria (1819-1901). Instead, Hibbert adds color to the stock image of a stout, grieving widow who was dressed perennially in black as she presided over England's imperial prime. His Queen Victoria is imperious and dignified, to be sure; she is also fun loving, highly emotional, and passionately in love with her consort, Prince Albert. Victoria was mortified to discover she had become pregnant within weeks of her marriage, fearing that it would spoil her intimacy with her husband; and, although she was fond of their many children, Hibbert candidly depicts her as a difficult and overbearing mother. In the graceful, engaging prose that is his trademark, Hibbert skillfully traces England's political evolution into a truly constitutional monarchy through Victoria's dealings with her prime ministers. He also judiciously evaluates her personal ties, particularly the thorny one with son and heir Bertie (later Edward VII), and the controversial one with Scottish servant John Brown. (Hibbert concludes that a sexual link between the two was "most improbable.") His appealing book reaffirms the pleasures of old-fashioned narrative biography.--Wendy Smith』
Kakaku：480 saved$4.80
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Just what I expected it to be) 『I was told that this book would provide insight into how young good looking women look at the world. The book does not disappoint in this regard. The inner thoughts of the female protagonist are exposed, and they ring true. Her issues around growing up, high school, dating, sex, marriage, infidelity abortion, children - it is all in there. Best of all, the book is written in a timeless manner - you would not know the time period if the author did not mention it; it could just as well be taking place today.
Unfortunately, as a literary novel, this book is mediocre at best, unlike what some of the other reviewers may say. At the time it was published, it was no doubt a masterpiece of the womens liberation movement, mostly for its shock value, but that effect has worn off. This book has mostly anthropological value.』
(A Book For Every Women) 『I'm 21 years old and was given this book to read for my U.S. Women's History class that I knew I'd hate (the class, not the book) because I'm no history buff, as this class was an unfortuantely forced elective. I was merely looking forward to reading some of the literature that the professor mandated, such as Work by Louisa May Alcott and Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs; however stumbling onto Memoirs Of An Ex Prom Queen, I opened up to a random page and read a little bit to see what I was getting myself into. This was unlike any other female writer that I've read and did read in that particular class. I knew that ending the semester, this book would still be in my head and hands. I started from the beginning and couldn't put it down with my mind swarming inside and out of the words that dive further and further into Sasha's world of sexuality and ambition. As an English: Creative Writing major, I found this to be my literary muse. Of course, I've always found creative inspiration in plays and poetry, but this work of fiction opened up my eyes to new depths of writing as the woman that I'm growing to be. Everything that Alix Kates Shulman touched on was clever and thought-provoking, relatable and enticing, as well as genious and raw. It reminded me a bit of Sylvia Plath's The Belljar (although that's much heavier and serious to take on) because of the brutal honesty and irony that Sasha expresses in scrutinizing herself and relationships. As a young woman approaching the age that Sasha starts at in the beginning of the novel, all of those qualities and characteristics of the story are amplified to me, although I'm not married, in an anonymous mid-West town, or in a post World War II society. She writes with such gripping reality that could truly touch every woman. For those who are strongly against promiscuity, this perhaps is not the book for you, but if you have an open mind and are willing to hear her philosophies of intimate relations that are both viable and provocative, meet Sasha Davis. I've read this book twice already and know that whenever I need inspiration or to have a little laugh, this is the book to turn to. Even though I know what happens at the end and in the beginning of her story, reacquainting myself with Sasha is stimulating, rewarding, and entertaining. For the holidays, I know that I'm going to give this book to every friend of mine. I've read a variety of talented "dead-white-male writers" like Jack Kerouac, the recently deceased Hunter S. Thompson, William Faulkner, and Ernest Hemingway and they write like men write, but Alix Kates Shulman rivals those classic writers, epitomizing how a real woman tells a story about a real woman.』
(We only wish it felt dated.) 『This is my favorite book of all time. I was suprised to read the other reviews, as they suggest that the women's movement has corrected all the injustices described in the book. Unfortunately the situations the author speaks of are almost as real today as they were then. While women have more financial options than in the past, those who think these situations won't resonate with 'the pretty girls' of today are living in a dream world. Plus, it's a great read.』
(depressing, yet a wonderful book) 『I just finished reading Memoirs of an Ex-Prom Queen [in a span of 24 hours, including 12 hours sleep], and struggling not to sound cliche, this book really changed my view on the world. Even though it was published in 1969, Sasha's experiences in a men-dominated society, especially as a teenager, are not too far from the world we live in today. We are still expected to get married and have children, and if we balk at the idea, though not said aloud, many still view us as abnormal, or lacking affection and maternal instincts - frigid. As I said in the title, this book, for me, was depressing in a personal context, and opened my eyes to the fact that inevitably, we will be the ones stuck with the children, the ones going unsatisfied, and the ones taken and [taken advantage of] for the pleasure of a man. So I don't like men too much, oh well. And even if you don't share the same views as I, don't hesitate to pick up this book because it will have an effect on you that no other book that I know of can deliver.
~another 16 year old reviewer named Alison』
(A true classic) 『This is the most well written piece I have read since dabbling in the American cannon in my college literature classes. It is very frank, sexual and revealing. And the language is abosultely edible! Sasha is raw and on the edge of profound feminine insights, yet is battered again and again by the male-ism that dominates her culture. Women who have had few lovers may find this a difficult read, but that's the challenge. This book was not only a delight for the time period it represented, but I also appreciated the disturbing and yet real male/female scenarios that, although "dated," have given me a insight into raising raising my own young boys ... different from their grandfathers.』 『
Alix Kates Shulman’sMemoirs of an Ex–Prom Queencreated a profound impact on the cultural landscape when it was originally published in 1972. A sardonic portrayal of one white, middle-class, Midwestern girl’s coming-of-age, the novel takes a wry and prescient look at a range of experiences treated at the time as taboo but which were ultimately acceptedas matters of major political significance: sexual harassment, job discrimination, the sexual double standard, rape, abortion restrictions, the double binds of marriage and motherhood, and the frantic quest for beauty. The book went on to sell more than a million copies and is regarded today as a classic, one of the first and best pieces of fiction born of the women’s liberation movement. With many of its concerns still with us today, this witty and devastating novel continues to resonate with readers, and Sasha Davis has proved herself a prom queen for the ages.
Kakaku：512 saved$5.12
Thomas Nelson
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Love to read it again and again!) 『I found this book by accident one day, and I have treasured having it ever since. I love the encouragement, and the fun ideas/activities to share with my family. Not every mom/wife is Dona Reed, and it is a nice reminder that it's OK not to be. The daily devotionals and prayers were also helpful and enjoyable to read. Soon, I would like to begin a woman's study around this book for my church family. I know that other women would appreciate it as much as I have!』
(Modern-day Bombeck Lightens the Load) 『Lynn Bowen Walker, like Erma Bombeck, takes the mundane challenges of raising kids and puts such a spin on it that you can't help but smile...but be happy where you are. A fun--and funny--read. 』
(Fabulous!!!) 『This is such a great book!! Funny, encouraging, insightful...just down right awesome! I look forward each Sunday to reading the chapter of the week. This book will make an excellent gift for my fellow mom-friends. The author is so real and SO easy to relate to. Love it!』
(My Kind of Mom Book) 『Though admittedly not a contender for the homemaker of the year award, Lynn is my kind of mom. Someone who is not afraid to admit she may not have the cleanest house, but through her personal stories it's easy to see her heart is in everything she does.
Lynn's down-to-earth, writing style made me feel like I was sitting down with a good friend, sharing stories over coffee. She's a real mom with practical tips easy enough to implement. She made me feel good about not being Martha Stewart or June Cleaver.
Though the chapters are planned to be read once per week for the entire year, the table or contents makes it easy to find just what I'm looking for like the chapter on "Trippity Doo-Dah: The Family Vacation." Whether I need a quick and fun holiday craft or recipe, tips for getting more organized, encouragement for the stress and busyness of family life, or a fun quote or word of the day, Queen of the Castle has just what I need to make it through the week.
It might be just what you need too!』
(Queen for the Castle) 『This book is a light look at motherhood, yet has good inspirational and motivational parts regarding our spiritual walk. It helped release a lot of guilt for me regarding a "clean house" and had ideas on how to spend more time with the Lord. Not only that it even has good craft ideas as well as some good receipes I used.』 『Being a keeper at home demands that women possess a wide range of skills. Now the training, skills and tips every woman needs are all here in one delightful-to-read volume. Five minutes a day, 52 weeks a year is all a woman needs to get the most of this inspiring, helpful read.』
Kakaku：699 saved$6.99
Bantam
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Nicely Researched Story - Plot Full of Holes) 『I read Private Wars after Tara Chace was referenced in an article about smart, human spies. I give the book 2 stars for being a fast read and hard to put down, it could be adapted for a spy movie. Unfortunately Rucka's research detailing the story in Central Asia was wasted with holes in the plot or implausible occurrences. This disappointment keeps it from getting more stars. Rucka's editor should have challenged him instead of letting him get away with such sloppines. Perhaps the graphics make the comic version better.
Tara acted smartly and humanly, though we learn somewhat crazy; everyone else in the story was incredibly stupid or failed tests of realism. Afghan warloard General Kostum lets BBC reporters into visit him for an interview after the Taliban assassinated a fellow warlord under similar pretenses before 9/11? The head of the secret police does not have a guard detail, even after the first attack on him? Ruslan lives in a dictatorship oblivious to people being killed around him and naively not taking steps to protect himself. I could list more, but don't want to spoil the story.
The plot had huge gaps in credibility when Tara was simply released after capture and later when the main villain was simply found and killed. I was unsatisfied with major events happening without reason; especially after investing so much time in a detailed plot. Once again I could list more, but don't want to spoil the story.』
(Back in the Chace) 『Greg Rucka's "Private Wars" picks up precisely where "A Gentleman's Game" left off, with an exhausted and depressed British spy, Tara Chase, returning to her intel job as "Minder One" (aka chief assassin). But not for long. Denied a leave of absence when she becomes pregnant, she quits. But within a year, despite her new motherhood, she returns to the game to try to set things right in Uzbekistan, where an evil sister contends with a self-righteous brother for the job of President (probably for life) as their father lies dying.
Betrayed by her own agency as well as the U.S. CIA, she . . . well, read it for yourself. To say more would be to spoil things. Suffice it to say here that nothing goes as planned.
The book is, in addition to a great suspense novel, a great character study. Tara Chase (and I hope Mr. Rucka has more tales to tell about her), despite her graphic-novel origins, emerges in the novels as a living, breathing character. She's flawed, of course (maybe half crazy), and maybe you'll wonder at the morals of a woman who would leave a 16-month old child with caregivers while she goes off on missions that perhaps she will not return from. And her intel bosses seem more interested in scheming for power than in righting wrongs. (The whole mission begins because of the attempt by one British intelligence officer, who wants to keep his job, to bring down another.)
The ending is beyond cynical.』
(Rucka's best!) 『In an age where one might think that the spy novel is a thing of the past, Rucka scores with a timely, action packed, intense read that will keep you up until the wee hours. You've already read the details......too much detail if you ask me....suffice to say that Rucka's Tara Chase is a compelling, enviably well conceived character, who leads us careening through a fascinating and exhilarating insider's view of a modern day female James Bond. This is undoubtedly Greg Rucka's best novel to date, and that's saying something.』
(Tara Chase is back and as tough as ever!!!) 『In the sequel to Greg Rucka's A Gentleman's Game, British SIS agent, Tara Chase returns for one of the most challenging and dangerous missions of her career. In the newest novel of this stunning series, Private Wars begins with Chase finding out that she's pregnant with her dead lover's (Tom Wallace) baby. When she puts in a request for a temporary leave of absence with her boss, Paul Crocker, the request is denied and she quits her position as Minder One in anger. Not knowing what else to do, Chase tracks down Wallace's mother in England and tells her that she's having her dead son's child. Chase then moves in with Val Wallace and spends the next year-and-a-half having the little girl and raising her. Everything comes to a halt when Crocker suddenly appears at her doorstep, needing her expertise for a secret mission into an East European country to rescue the son and grandson of its dying President. It seems as though the President's daughter is determined to take over after her father anyway she can, even if it means killing her brother and young nephew. Her lover, who's the head of the country's secret police, has already raped and murdered her brother's wife and now wants to take out the sibling. Chase's job is to get the President's son and grandson out of the country before they can be murdered. The problem is that Chase must do it with little help from her superiors and without the American government finding out. Also, she must find a way to get through twelve armed men who have the son under house arrest, waiting for orders to kill him. Chase, however, manages a miracle and just about succeeds in her mission, until there's an unexpected betrayal from the American side. She's captured and then faces a slow, torturing death at the hands of the secret police. Nothing has prepared her for what she'd have to endure and nothing will ever be the same. Private Wars takes the "Tara Chase" series to a whole new level. It's an even faster read than the first novel with unbelievable action and suspense. The characters are more developed, the plot richer in context, and it's a very difficult book to put down even for a minute. The ending will leave you feeling empty, wishing there had been another alternative and knowing that governments seldom care about the suffering of one individual. Along with the "Atticus Kodiak" series, author Greg Rucka has another winner in Tara Chase. I hope Mr. Rucka will keep this new series alive because I want to read more novels with Chase as the lead character. She's one tough lady who's not afr
