Kakaku：2223 saved$22.23
Everyman Chess
Not yet published 『The Queen's Indian is a dynamic and flexible way to meet 1 d4. Using Nimzowitsch's principles, Black adopts the hypermodern plan of controlling the centre with pieces rather than the traditional idea of pawn occupation, and this approach often leads to complex and intricate positions rich in ideas both sides. Such is the high regard for the Queen's Indian that virtually all the world's top players have utilized it at one time or another. In this book Andrew Greet presents a complete repertoire for Black in the Queen's Indian. He reveals his secrets from years of experience in the opening, offers answers for Black against all of White's tries for an advantage, and highlights the principal tactical and positional plans for both White and Black. This book tells you everything you need to know to play the Queen's Indian with confidence in your own games. This book features coverage of a popular opening. It is written by a well-known Queen's Indian expert. It contains deep explanations and original analysis.』
Kakaku：895 saved$8.95
Oni Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Queen and Country the best spy drama out there!) 『In the graphic novel genre, nothing comes close to queen and country. These collections of single comic books are a wonderful look into the world of spies and the world we live in. Riveting and wonderful. Recommend reading all the others as well!!』 『Queen&Country: Declassified returns and this time Minder and former S.A.S. officer Nicholas Poole is in the sights. The troubles in Northern Ireland place Poole&his S.A.S. comrades in the middle of a conflict between a rogue IRA killer and his target, a politician who wants peace through the removal of the British Military from Northern Ireland. But can there be peace as generations of conflict continue to exact a fatal toll on the sons and daughters of those that came before?』
Kakaku：1020 saved$10.20
University Press of Mississippi
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (An error that should not have been made) 『One word, "Crayfish". Yes this is a real word, but I have never heard anyone in New Orleans or the state of Louisiana use it. For all the research she is claiming to have done, and for working in New Orleans, it seems she would know the locals use the word "Crawfish". This one little error says a lot about her research and what she knows about New Orleans. Another author romanticizing a city and era they know nothing about.』
(Such a Wonderful Read) 『I have read this book a few times and think it is the most beautiful book on what Voodoo in New Orleans was probably like at its peak. But this is more than that, it's a compelling bio of two women who watched their powers diminished as the US took over Louisianna and slowly stripped them of all rights due to their color. Once proud French-speaking "free women of color" with Creole beauty and wisdom stemming from several continents' bloodlines of culture, the story ends with the last Marie Laveau making sure her children will "pass" as white and that all records of her mother state that she was a good Catholic, a compassionate nurse, and not a Voodoo Priestess. (She was honest about the first two.)
Anyone who wants to understand New Orleans needs to read this book, because it is from a Creole woman's perspective. When and where to be Black did not make you necessarily a slave and to be White did not mean you were free either, the newly American New Orleans still looked to Paris as home. The fear of and need for the dances at Congo Square, the complicated love relationships between persons of different race, the buying of slaves to free them, and the horrible Jim Crow laws that ruined Creole life after the Civil War; this book has so much to offer.』
(Disappointing) 『This book is was not written in an enjoyable format. Martha Ward jumped from person to person and date to date and back and forth and all around. She also injected her views on people and places without presenting proof of validity. They were simply her views, but the way she wrote them in, they could appear to be factual.』
(meh...) 『Another reviewer here has stated that the author should perhaps have written a historical fiction influenced by Leveau, like what Atwood did with Grace Marks in "Alias Grace".
To be honset, I wouldn't have read the book then either. That's because I can't read this book without feeling... well... search inside and read a brief excerpt. The writing reads like a freshman comp paper. I can't take it seriously because the author's put so much fluff into it.
Check it out for yourself, but read the excert before you go out and actually blow some scratch on this book. Who exactly is she qouting in that first chapter?
Bah... if you're interested in Marie Leveau, a topic worthy of interest; then I recomend Long's investigation into the who Marie Leveau was. It too, has it's short-comings, but I assure you that it is more worth your time than this.』
(voodoo queen the spirited lives of marie laveau) 『Great book , loved it, thought it was wonderful』 『Each year, thousands of pilgrims visit the celebrated New Orleans tomb where Marie Laveau is said to lie. They seek her favors or fear her lingering influence. Voodoo Queen: The Spirited Lives of Marie Laveau is the first study of the Laveaus, mother and daughter of the same name, who were two legendary leaders of religious and spiritual traditions many still label as evil.
The Laveaus were free women of color and prominent French-speaking Catholic Creoles. From the 1820s until the 1880s when one died and the other disappeared, gossip, fear, and fierce affection swirled about them. From the heart of the French Quarter, in dance, drumming, song and spirit possession, they ruled the imagination of New Orleans.
How did the two Maries apply their "magical" powers and uncommon business sense to shift the course of love, luck, and the law? The women understood the real crime?they had pitted their spiritual forces against the slave system of the United States. Moses-like, they led their people out of bondage and offered protection and freedom to the community of color, rich white women, enslaved families, and men condemned to hang.
The curse of the Laveau family, however, followed them. Both loved men they could never marry. Both faced down the press and police who stalked them. Both countered the relentless gossip of curses, evil spirits, murders, and infant sacrifice with acts of benevolence.
The book is also a detective story---who is really buried in the famous tomb in the oldest "city of the dead" in New Orleans? What scandals did the Laveau family intend to keep buried there forever? By what sleight of hand did free people of color lose their cultural identity when Americans purchased Louisiana and imposed racial apartheid upon Creole creativity? The book brings the improbable testimonies of saints, spirits, and never-before printed eyewitness accounts of their ceremonies and magical crafts to the lives of the two Marie Laveaus, leaders of a major, indigenous American religion.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Similarities between moden businessweman and Queen Esther) 『The book is about professional success. The two most important points for a successful career, emphasized by the authors, are professional image and mentors. "Find a mentor to open your eyes and doors. Mentors are more important to career success than hard work, talent, intelligence."
The authors analyze many case studies of successful women in modern organizations and find analogies in their actions with Queen Esther's actions. These similarities are very interesting.
I like this book because it has many references to good titles about mentors, professional image, business affairs, etc. After completing this book, you will definitely know what to read next. 』
(I Still Have No Idea) 『Bought this book based on a favorable review in a business journal I read ... in fact, bought one for a friend as well. After several attempts to get into this book I no longer care what Queen Esther knew .... My friend didn't care either.
』
(Ancient Wisdom Comes to Life!) 『The authors do an outstanding job of making an ancient story come alive with relevance for today. Esther provides us with a timeless role model who inspires and instructs us in principles of leadership and authenticity. The book has application for every workplace. An excellent read which is both practical and uplifting! 』
(Not Biblically Based) 『Although this book describes some great qualities a woman in business should strive to have, I do not care for the book selling itself that it is based upon the Old Testament Book of Esther.
From page one, this book states that it was Esther who achieved her position as queen and subsequently saved her people. That is not the point of the OT Book of Esther AT ALL. God put Esther in her position of influence and used her to save her people.
The authors also infer qualities that they ASSUME Esther possesses. If one reads the Scripture, though, very little of Esther's qualities are listed. For instance, Esther's willingness to act and bravery are examples that the Scripture unmistakeably tells us she holds.
However, the authors say things like Esther studied the palace protocol. How do they know that? It is not stated in the OT Book of Esther. The Bible states in Esther 2:15: "When the turn came for Esther (the girl Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her."
The passage only states that Esther didn't ask for anything that Hagai didn't suggest. This could be attibuted to many things.
This book is full of what the authors THINK Esther might have been like, and therefore should not be considered Scripturally-based. It seems to be taking advantage of those women wanting to apply Biblically-based principles to business by inserting human thoughts and opinions to what Esther MIGHT have been like.
And, please know that I believe and know that the Bible shows us how we should live our lives, in and out of business. Esther is also an incredible role model for all women, not just those in business.』
(Queen Esther... Royalty Reigns Supreme) 『What Queen Esther Knew takes the well-known Biblical story of Esther and uses her wisdom, smarts and savvy to relate to our current business world.
It was a pleasure to revisit the story of Queen Esther and learn how ancient wisdom applies to today. Connie Glaser not only has the ability to analyze behaviors that succeed and correspond those actions to ones we can take in our lives, she also breathes life into a favorite heroine who rose above adversity and helped save her people. It is an informative, easy to read book that is an inspiration as well as an education.』 『
". . . practical strategies to help you become the queen you deserve to be."
The story of Queen Esther, the orphan girl who became Queen of Persia and saved her people, has inspired millions and is the focus of a joyful celebration of thanksgiving--but there's more to Esther's story than meets the eye. Connie Glaser and Barbara Steinberg Smalley found something remarkable--Esther's tale contains the ingredients every woman needs to succeed in the business world today.
From Esther's start as a contestant in the ancient world's largest beauty pageant to her triumph over the evil Haman, the authors use her example as a strategist, a risk-taker, and a persuasive speaker to provide a new archetype for contemporary women's success in business. Along the way, they answer questions such as:
- Do I really need a mentor, and if so, how do I find one? - What can I do to be taken more seriously? - How can I get the credit and recognition I deserve--without seeming pushy or aggressive? - How important is risk-taking to my career success?
Smart, savvy, and strategic, Queen Esther provides an impressive role model for women today.
』 『Authors Connie Glaser and Barbara Smalley revisit an ancient question: How did an orphaned Jewish girl win a beauty contest and become the most powerful woman in Persia? They shape the tale of Biblical Queen Esther into an intriguing tutorial for women as managers. Esther’s development as a leader illuminates key strategies for success. These leadership tools are introduced through old/new parallels. For example, Esther’s mastery of "palace protocol" translates into learning corporate culture, her closeness with her wise cousin Mordechai creates a template to finding a mentor, her dustups with the villainous Haman become a primer for dealing with difficult people, and her bravery in saving her people underlines integrity and risk-taking. Glaser and Smalley alternate examples from Esther’s leadership with those of contemporary executives such as Avon CEOAndrea Jung and Enron whistle blower Sherron Watkins.
Each chapter begins with an excerpt from the Esther story and is followed by highly practical suggestions. Seasoned businesswomen may find some strategies familiar. And the writing is diminished by expert quotes that could have been paraphrased. Yet the author’s engaging and thoughtful examples rule the day. Their insights about a tale as old as time are relevant and inspiring.--Barbara Mackoff』
Kakaku：848 saved$8.48
Cherry Lane Music
Usually ships in 24 hours 『14 tracks from the 2005 release by these heavy metal rockers, transcribed note-for-note with guitar tab. Songs include: Burn the Witch * Little Sister * Someone's in the Wolf * Tangled Up in Plaid * and more. PARENTAL ADVISORY FOR EXPLICIT LYRICS.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Puts flesh on a dynamic, historical character) 『The Old Testament book of Esther is somewhat mysterious. Never is the name of God mentioned. The characters never pray or even acknowledge a sovereign God. It's an exciting story with beauty, war, genocide, power and gluttony. The title character is a Jewess, but without any reference to God or even faith, it seems shockingly unreligious to be included in the Bible. Ginger Garrett's debut novel does an incredible job explaining where God and faith may be found in Esther's story.
The book is formatted as Esther's actual diary, discovered Persian antiquities. Scattered between this will-be-queen's entries are modern day newpaper clippings, press releases, commentaries by historians, and footnotes of context or culture.
This was a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The historical context was fatanstic. The sidebars and commentaries were, at times, like a devotional encouraging personal application of Biblical truths.
Bonus feature: a Persian Dinner and Discussion Guide. Nine questions are suggested for group discussion, but the best part is the recipes. Yes - recipes! The author includes six recipes and a menu for an authentic Persian feast -- including Chicken in Pomegranate Sauce, Lamb Kabobs with Mint and Rosewater Cookies. It's perfect for group discussion, Bible study groups, a Purim celebration or just wooing your own king.
Final Thoughts: This is a great read for women who enjoy interesting characters and history. The only thing I did not like about the book: the author occasionally takes a modern pro-women view, unrealistic for an ancient middle-eastern culture. These moments were minor and toward the end of the story. Even with these shattering my suspension of belief, I gladly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to host my own Persian feast.』
(Good Read) 『This is an excellent perception of the story of Queen Esther, in fact Esther is my Hebrew name. The writer inserts current events between the chapters bringing the story of the Jews up-to-date. I really enjoyed this story and informing everyone of why the name Hadassah is world wide.』
(Great read! Very interesting) 『I loved this book. It brought the Bible to life. After reading the book, I went back and reread the book of Esther and it was amazing how a story that I would not have ordinarily related with suddenly became very very real. My husband picked up the book while I was in the middle of it and we ended up reading over each others shoulders to finish it because neither of us wanted to wait!』
(Queen Esther) 『An interesting book, filled with actual facts. Sometimes, I found it difficult to recognize fact from fiction. An easy reading and captivating story. It makes me want to learn more about Queen Esther and her period of time in history. I thoughly enjoy this reading and I highly recommend it to others.』
(Chosen - An interesting Perspective) 『The Book of Esther is a well known story of a woman from the Old Testament. Much is not known of Esther, so the author of this book fills in areas of Esther's life that are left to the imagination. The book was well written and gave the reader a peek into what it would have been like to be a woman living during the period of 480 BC. This concept is supported by the diary style format of reading the story in first person. As the story grows, the words in the diary start to reflect the growth and maturity of Esther herself. The story of Esther has always intrigued me, so I enjoyed the diary very much. However, I felt the story could have had more depth into specific characters and events. Some parts of the story were not clear and could have been explained in deeper detail. If you are not familiar with the story of Esther, and want to be surprised on the ending, read the book 'Chosen' first, and then read 'The Book of Esther' in the Bible. However, I would suggest reading the 'Book of Esther' first to be able to appreciate the author's creative style, and her attempt to bring Esther to life.』 『She came to conquer a king but discovered a man and, in the end, saved a nation. What really happened in Xerxes' palace? Queen Esther's secret diaries tell all.』
Kakaku：799 saved$7.99
Pocket Star
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (got me from the first page) 『 This was my second Linda Howard book and what a wonderful read! I finished it in less than a day.
I love a book with a strong beginning...something that keeps me intrigued. And there was plenty of sexual tension between Niema and John throughout the story; what happened in Ronsard's office was unique. Also, how often do you read a book where you actually have empathy for the villain?
I'm on to find another Linda Howard book to read.』
(All the Queen's Men) 『This is a very good book and very entertaining. I like all of Linda Howards books. She is an excellent writer and her stories are always spellbinding. Ms. Howard can't write books fast enough for me!』
(Great book with ok ending) 『This book was great! Like previous reviews said it's a page turner for sure. The title didn't make sense to me, still trying to figure it out but the characters and events are awesome! John and Niema know each other from 5 years ago when her husband Dallas dies, and John promises to take care of Niema. They meet again 5 years later, where John asks her to help him with an assignment. She is hesitant at first, but then comes to the realization that she enjoys the thrill and excitment behind the danger of the job.
John and Niema's relationship evolves through the story and builds up pretty good. Towards the end of the the book otehr reviewers said the sex scene was border line rape. I disagree. That really discouraged me, but when I read it it wasn't what you'd think. It's all part of the plan, thats all I can say.
So after that scene there relationship is evolved, and the end of the book is suspenseful and really good, and then all of a sudden you hit the last page and are like "what?" The ending was not my favorite. Nothing was really answered (when Niema starts to question her feelings for John). I was disappointed with the ending and think Linda Howard could have done a better job.
If you want a really good page turner book, romance, and suspense then this is the book for you. Just don't be disappointed with the ending, its not horrible, but could have been better.』
(Ill Conceived Romance With An Absurd Spy Component) 『A really rather silly and ill constructed romance. It tries to do double duty as an espionage, but just can't manage it.
Fair enough that that the male lead, John Medina, is obsessed with the female lead, Niema Burdock; such is romantic escapism. But to suppose a healthy man is silently obsessing over the course of a 5 year period is pushing it even in this genre.
Where the plot really breaks down, though, is when he admits to taking her on a dangerous mission simply because he wants her around. When he further delays their rescue because he does not want to give her a chance to leave him without talking - well, it goes beyond absurd. You simply cannot take such a character seriously as professional.
I also had problems with the physical component of the relationship, which starts off with a scene in the office of an enemy, where they pretend to have sex in order to avoid suspicion. Problem is, their pretend sex turns into real sex, and even though Niema is portrayed as climaxing, the undertone is a little too close to rape for me.
There is also a secondary sex scene involving supporting characters where a woman's ex-boyfriend ties her up, strips her and begins having sex with her against her will. When she climaxes because of the oral sex he performs on her, she then becomes consenting. It's the same theme replayed, and it's really not romantic.
None of the couples seems to care about safe sex.
Beyond that, there are some fairly normal cliches; the main "bad guy" has a noble reason for all his actions. The heroine ends up charming him and eventually saving the day with a self sacrificing gesture. If you are okay with the sexual undertone of rape and can ignore the absurdity of the hero's motivations, this may be entertaining for you. The intensity of the characters and the spy angle makes it more interesting, at least, than standard sap. If you're just looking for a distraction, it serves the purpose.』
(Actually enjoyed the read...) 『Although I did not read the book that this is sequel to, I have to say overall I enjoyed it. John Medina was a great hero and his love for Neima was touching. The story was fun and fast paced, and it definitely had a suspense, on-the-edge-of-your-chair element to it that worked. Wasn't her best, but good nonetheless.』 『
Linda Howard seamlessly melds thrilling sensuality with heart-pounding dramatic tension -- and brings back the elusive hero of her smash hit novelKill and Tell-- in this powerfulNew York Timesbestseller.
John Medina, the CIA's legendary Black Ops specialist, works in the shadows of the government's deadliest missions. And no one knows the dangers of getting close to him better than does communications expert Niema Burdock. Five years ago, Niema and her husband, Dallas, worked with Medina on an explosive mission that trapped Dallas in the crossfire -- fatally. Although she has slowly healed from her terrible loss, Niema never planned to see Medina again. But now John Medina needs her....
A French arms dealer is supplying international terrorist units, and only Niema can plant the undetectable bugs needed to crack the deadly ring. Against her better instincts, Niema infiltrates the dealer's glamorous world by going undercover. But when their careful strategy begins to crack, Niema and John take flight in a strange land -- and find their partnership sparking with an erotically charged electricity. In a world of deception, John Medina has once again set Niema on a free fall into danger and desire.
Includes an excerpt fromMr. Perfect,Linda Howard's new hardcover novel of romantic suspense』
『Setting: contemporary Virginia, France, Iran Sensuality: 7
CIA agent John Medina and electronics expert Niemi Burdock share a violent past: the two were part of a covert operation that went tragically wrong, resulting in the death of several people. Now, five years later, their paths cross again and John, whose love for Niemi has only grown over time, is determined to keep her in his life for good. Having spent the intervening five years living a solitary, staid existence--due to feelings of guilt over the ill-fated operation--Niemi is somewhat reluctant to reenter the shadowy world she once inhabited. Still, she can't resist the lure and excitement of danger when John asks her to join him on his latest mission to discover the origins of a deadly new explosive already in use by terrorists.
Concocting a plan to reveal the source of the explosive, the two enter into a dangerous masquerade, walking a tightrope between safety and death, while passion boils beneath the surface. Unaware of John's feelings, Niemi fights her physical response to the legendary agent as her emotions, in frozen limbo for the last five years, thaw with astonishing speed.
First introduced inKill and Tell, agent John Medina is as intriguing as the perilous world he operates in. Watching him in action,à la James Bond, is exhilarating--as is the single-minded intensity of his feelings for Niemi, whose ability to hold her own with John--on both a personal and professional level--and with the host of terrorists, spies, and double-dealers the pair encounter is impressive to say the least. Throwin a couple of chilling chase scenes, some romantic interludes hot enough to peel paint from the walls, and one or two bigger-than-life internationally connected characters, and you've got the latest from Linda Howard--a romantic thriller that's sure to be coming soon to a bestseller list nearyou.--Lois Faye Dyer』
大満足！北国のホタテ・いくら・ボタンエビがぎっしり！
