Hyperion

Amazon.com

On the eve of Armageddon, with the entire galaxy at war, seven pilgrims set forth on a final voyage to Hyperion seeking the answers to the unsolved riddles of their lives. Each carries a desperate hope--and a terrible secret. And one may hold the fate of humanity in his hands.

A stunning tour de force, this Hugo Award-winning novel is the first volume in a remarkable new science fiction epic by the author of The Hollow Man.

Book Description

On the world called Hyperion, beyond the law of the Hegemony of Man, there waits the creature called the Shrike. There are those who worship it. There are those who fear it. And there are those who have vowed to destroy it. In the Valley of the Time Tombs, where huge, brooding structures move backward through time, the Shrike waits for them all. On the eve of Armageddon, with the entire galaxy at war, seven pilgrims set forth on a final voyage to Hyperion seeking the answers to the unsolved riddles of their lives. Each carries a desperate hope--and a terrible secret. And one may hold the fate of humanity in his hands.

Customer Reviews:

decent read - although it was difficult to suspend reality.......2007-09-12

Its a decent book, its just way too far fetched in a few instances. A giant tree with a force field around it is a space ship that flies around in space faster than light speed. A tree!! This book would have been a lot better if it would have left out the few really rediculous parts, because most of it was otherwise believable - there were just a few parts where I was shaking my head. I guess I'm just more into hard scifi - Asimov's Foundation series is still my favorite scifi of all time.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-04

Fabulous novel. One even the literary snob types might like, given the structure and all the Keats work.

The novel has a Canterbury Tales type feel, as a group of men and women travelling to the important planet Hyperion tell their stories.

Travel is instantaneous throughout the galaxy thanks to the TechnoCore, an AI group and their farcaster technology. People can literally have different rooms of their houses on different planets.

Hyperion is the site of the Time Tombs, an artifact travelling back in time, sent by an unknown entity.

The planet will be the site of an attack by a rogue group of far travelling humanity called the Ousters, upon the stay at homes, unflatteringly terming themselves the Hegemony.

The travelling band must also deal with The Shrike, a monstrous avatar of pain.

Check out Hyperion! Worth a read........2007-08-23

Hyperion

"Hyperion" by Dan Simmons.

In the distant future after hundreds of worlds have been colonized, trouble surrounds the world of Hyperion. There is a Legend of a creature called the Shrike who terrorized a region near the mysterious Time Tombs. Scientist believe that all of the Time Tomb monuments will open soon and must see what the result of their opening will be however it appears that Outsters (an evolved form of Humanity that broke away from the populace when old Earth was destroyed) are on their way to Hyperion to claim the Treasure of the Time Tombs for themselves. The Shrike Church believes that a Pilgramage must be sent ahead to the Time Tombs to Deal with the Shrike before the Ousters take control. 7 Pilgrims are selected by The Shrike Church and sent to Hyperion to journey to the Time Tombs for a meeting with the Shrike........

This book was really good. As many have mentioned it shares a similarity with The Canterbury Tales because the majority of the book is the Pilgrims telling their histories in an attempt to find out why they were selected for the Pilgrimage. This book is not the end of the story and leaves you at quite a cliff hanger.

The Good: I like the format that Simmons used. It made for an atypical read which is always nice. Simmons version of the future is well thought out with plenty of depth. The Book is well paced and keeps you wanting to find out what is going to happen. The Characters are all well written and evolve to have plenty of depth as you read their individual stories.

The Bad: Nothing memorable. It is slightly disappointing where this book ends and you immediately have to go out and buy the second Book "Fall of Hyperion"

Overall: A great book. Definitely worth picking up and giving a read.

beautiful, creative, disturbing, intelligent..........2007-08-22

The Hyperion Cantos is huge and challenging to read, but not easy to put down either. From the first chapter of Hyperion when the structure of the story reveals itself mirroring the Canterbury Tales, I was drawn in. Simmons' universe isn't a dreamy world I'd wish to visit, but it is compellingly drawn. The literary, religious and philosopical references are so huge, I know I probably only "got" a tenth of them, but I loved it. And the rest of the Cantos.

My favorite book.......2007-08-17

I read this book 10-12 years ago, and I can still rate it a solid 5 stars. Life-changing may be too strong or too overused, but it did smash into my brain with a force that reverberates to this day (how's that for some hyperbole?). Seriously, it is something entirely different. All 4 books in the series are well worth the time.

MDX Solutions: With Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 and Hyperion Essbase

Average customer rating:

Issues with samples
excellent book for mdx
MDX Solutions: With Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 and Hyperion Essbase
Reference Book with Little Competition
The [MDX] Bible just got better

MDX Solutions: With Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 and Hyperion Essbase
George Spofford , Sivakumar Harinath , Christopher Webb , Dylan Hai Huang , and Francesco Civardi
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471748080

Book Description

Serving as both a tutorial and a reference guide to the MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) query language, this book shows data warehouse developers what they need to know to build effective multidimensional data warehouses
After a brief overview of the MDX language and a look at how it is used to access data in sophisticated, multidimensional databases and data warehousing, the authors move directly to providing practical examples of MDX in use
New material covers changes in the MDX language itself as well as major changes in its implementation with the latest software releases of Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 and Hyperion Essbase
Also covers more advanced techniques, like aggregation, query templates, and MDX optimization, and shows users what they need to know to access and analyze data to make better business decisions

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Download Description

Serving as both a tutorial and a reference guide to the MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) query language, this book shows data warehouse developers what they need to know to build effective multidimensional data warehouses After a brief overview of the MDX language and a look at how it is used to access data in sophisticated, multidimensional databases and data warehousing, the authors move directly to providing practical examples of MDX in use New material covers changes in the MDX language itself as well as major changes in its implementation with the latest software releases of Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 and Hyperion Essbase Also covers more advanced techniques, like aggregation, query templates, and MDX optimization, and shows users what they need to know to access and analyze data to make better business decisions

Customer Reviews:

Issues with samples.......2007-09-19

My biggest problem is that I am unable to execute most of the samples because of the "dimension contains more than one hierarchy, therefore the hierarchy must be explicitly specified" issue - a behavior change in SSAS 2005. Very frustrating. Are there any corrected samples available for download anywhere?

excellent book for mdx.......2007-07-18

I am new to MDX and found this book very useful. It is very readable, provides excellent explanation of technical topics and lots of examples. The book also offers excellent snippets of code for common coding scenarios in MDX.

MDX Solutions: With Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 and Hyperion Essbase .......2006-11-04

If you are looking for mastering in MDX, this is your book. Highly recommended for begginers and advanced users. Good examples. It's currently helping me to solve real solutions for my customers where there's no easy way to do it only with AS out of the box but with custom MDX for formulas and calculations. Enjoy it!

Reference Book with Little Competition.......2006-09-19

MDX Solutions is an essential reference book for anyone using Analysis Services 2005. No other book covers the subject as thoroughly as this one. However, it remains only a reference book. It is thick, extremely dense, and not a tutorial that you can read cover to cover. Believe me; I've tried, more than once in fact.

It's five authors are experts on MDX and know their stuff, but unfortunately there is no correlation between their raw knowledge and the ability to teach the subject in a step-wise, easy-to-follow manner for someone new to MDX. The text is dense and the examples often difficult to follow. That said, you will need this book if you are planning to do very much MDX programming simply because as of this writing there not better alternatives out there. I wish there were.

A lot of time has obviously been put into this book and I applaud the authors for sharing as much as they have; however, it's very unfortunate that the authors didn't have it edited by multiple reviewers new to MDX who could have turned the book into a better tutorial.

The [MDX] Bible just got better.......2006-04-13

The first edition of MDX Solutions is without a doubt the MDX bible. My copy goes with me wherever I may encounter any MDX-writing requirements. It is by far the most tattered, thumbed-through textbook I own.

From a purely superficial perspective the second edition is about 40% bigger than the original. Just from the size difference alone I am surprised they would consider this a second edition. Did they just keep the title for name recognition? Probably a wise idea. I would almost class this as first edition; a new book.

As the new title suggests the book covers both Microsoft Analysis Services 2005 and Hyperion Essbase's implementation of the MDX specification. Both products and their subtle differences are detailed clearly and wherever possible. There are plenty of product-specific hints, tips & code samples throughout the book. In actual fact you could say that the book actually covers three products if you count AS2000 as a product unto itself. Naturally AS2000 takes a back seat to SSAS but there is still plenty in there.

The tone of the book is balanced so as not to be partial to one product over the other, it simply tells it like it is: Microsoft does it this way, Hyperion does it that way. In a few areas the authors give examples of particular functions/features that may exist in one product but not the other. This is often followed by details of techniques to mimic that behaviour in the other product. A good example of this is Member aliasing (p.158).

Where appropriate complete chapters are dedicated to the specifics of one particular product but mostly are covered together where they share a common MDX foundation. Because of the UDM and attribute-based dimensional model a chapter has been dedicated to going over the new SSAS architecture. Hyperion's User Defined Attributes (UDAs) also has its own chapter.

If you liked the first edition because of its depth of detail and relevant examples you will not be disappointed, this one goes even deeper. I think I could almost feel some of the pain the authors went through as they tried, as succinctly and clearly as possible, to explain some particularly complex concepts within several short paragraphs and a few code samples. Even more so than its predecessor this book *will* make your brain hurt.

To me one of the hallmarks of a good technical book is that it contains information that is simply not available anywhere else i.e. you're getting good value for your money. The book details some MDX features that do not even get a mention in the current (Dec '05) BOL (don't know about Essbase documentation...). Best example is the HAVING clause, the only other place I was able to find any information about this new language feature was on co-author Chris Webb's blog. Ken Henderson's SQL 2000 Guru's Guides were also great examples of "stuff you won't find in BOL or anywhere else".

If I had a criticism of the book it would be (and I am nit-picking here) that on a few occasions sample code is presented containing a concept or syntax shortcut that has not been fully explained to the reader in preceding chapters.

Often appendices get written but never really read and are rarely referenced. Some technical appendices don't really add much value to what you can already find on line or in help files. I often wonder whether some are just put there to, y'know provide a bit of padding to get the publication into the "bloody big technical book" category. To me probably the most valuable part of both versions of MDX Solutions is Appendix A . It is the back of the book that really promotes it to Bible status. Appendix A in this edition now has a 100 page Function and Operator Reference (the original was about 70 pages). MDX function documentation of this quality does not exist anywhere else, not in BOL, not anywhere.

One of the reasons there aren't as many people in the world who use MDX to its fullest is because the underlying concepts take a while to grasp. Many become disillusioned early on and say "I'll just do it in T-SQL, it's easier for me." George et al have tried to provide a little more beginner detail in the first few chapters of this edition, nonetheless the book still goes deep quite quickly. Beginners to MDX could potentially get lost whilst still trying to come to grips with the basic concepts of tuples and sets before being thrown in the multi-dimensional deep end. If you are an OLAP novice or someone who has never written any MDX at all then this is not the book for you to start on. Don't get me wrong, you should still get a copy just don't read it *first*. I would recommend beginning with some lighter MDX reading. "Fast Track to MDX Second Edition" may help ease you into the MDX world without drowning in a sea of square and curly braces. Admittedly, it is based on AS2000 but the essence of MDX itself has not changed between 2000 and 2005, everything is still tuples, sets and axes. "Fast Track" is a smaller book, a lighter read and will serve to get you in the right mind set. So buy both books, read Fast Track first and *then* take MDX Solutions Second Edition off the shelf - you will get much more out of it. If you need more of an overall OLAP base with a bit of MDX mixed in then get a copy of Teo Lachev's "Applied Microsot Analysis Services 2005"

If you own the MDX Solutions first edition and were tossing up whether to get a copy of the latest let me put your mind at ease in that this is, in essence, a new book. Sure you'll see some of the same chapter and section headings and recognise some of the text from the original book but that is pretty-much where it ends. The 300-ish new pages are certainly not padding, the new MDX features and nuances are covered along with even more detail on the ones we already know. If you are committed to making the most of OLAP technology and hence MDX then you will want a copy of this book. Whether you are going to use MDX on the odd occasion or design and build a full-blown OLAP browsing app there is no other equivalent end-to-end MDX publication available. The only other book which comes remotely close is the first edition.

Average customer rating:

Not Free SF Reader
Like the first, try the second. A great read
a good ending to the story of hyperion
Intricately plotted sequel
An erudite and exceptional conclusion

The Fall of Hyperion
Dan Simmons
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553288202
Release Date: 1995-11-01

Amazon.com

The stunning continuation of the epic adventure begun in Hyperion. On the world of Hyperion the mysterious Time Tombs are opening. And the secrets they contain mean that nothing--nothing anywhere in the universe--will ever be the same.

Book Description

In the stunning continuation of the epic adventure begun in Hyperion, Simmons returns us to a far future resplendent with drama and invention. On
the world of Hyperion, the mysterious Time Tombs are opening. And the secrets they contain mean that nothing--nothing anywhere in the universe--will ever be the same.

Customer Reviews:

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

A more convetional story structure is to be found here, as the pilgrims try and deal with an invasion, a Hegemony political leader, and an android avatar reincarnation of Keats.

They discover that the TechnoCore itself is fighting its own battles, and the spillover affects them in a very serious way.

Oh, and throw in some highly entertaining Catholic satire, to boot.

Like the first, try the second. A great read.......2007-08-25

"The Fall of Hyperion" by Dan Simmons

The pilgrims from Hyperion have finally reached the time tombs, but the Shrike has yet to reveal itself. All that can be done is wait for the Shrike to appear. The War that begun is still Raging in the Skies above Hyperion but the Hegemony is in for a surprise when it finds out there are other targets that the ousters have in mind. This leaves Meina Gladstone the Hegemony leader attempting to find a solution that will lead the hegemony to a safe outcome.

This book reads slightly different that the first one as all of the happenings are taking place in the present. With all of the pilgrims tales told in the first book all that is left is for the story to move forward. This is not to indicate that this book is any less enjoyable than the first only that is reads in a more traditional fashion.

There are a few more characters introduced that play major roles and evolve the story into something a little larger in scale than the first but Simmons still manages to devote plenty of pages to the remaining, original cast.

The Good: Similar good as "Hyperion" with a similar writing style with a more traditional structure. There is good story development and evolution and the story was enjoyable overall. It is hard to expand without giving away any of the story but if you liked Hyperion you will likely enjoy this book as well.

The Bad: Nothing memorable.

Overall: Read Hyperion first and if you like it definitely give this one a try.

a good ending to the story of hyperion.......2007-05-09

Although it is true that these two volumes
can be thought of as two parts of a long
book, the style of the two parts is very
different. The storytelling in this second part
is not completely linear, however it follows a
single style. While the recounting of the pilgrims'
stories in the first book showcased Dan Simmons'
mastery of a number of different fiction genres,
the complexity of the story lay in the interplay
between the tales, rather than the individual tales.
The writing in the "Fall of Hyperion" is a bit more
complex, and the story a bit more difficult to follow.
The book ends with many questions unanswered,
but is still a very satisfying read.

Intricately plotted sequel.......2007-04-23

In "The Fall of Hyperion" we finally learn what happens to each of the pilgrims; not everyone lives happily ever after, but that wouldn't be terribly realistic based on the set up in the first book. The plotting is intricate and primarily takes place through the dreams of the main character in this book, another Keats cybrid. I'm certain others have outlined and dissected the plot for you, so I won't take your time; just be sure to grab this book if you're a fan of Dan Simmons, science fiction/fantasy and/or just all-around terrific books.

An erudite and exceptional conclusion.......2007-03-14

The Fall of Hyperion is Dan Simmons' conclusion to the epic novel Hyperion. This book is a small departure from the "frame story" format used in Hyperion in which each character is treated as a separate story within the framework of a single narrative. The Fall of Hyperion settles into the more standard linear narrative, although it does retain some semblance to the original Canturbury Tales style of the first book.

The group of seven pilgrams has reached the Time Tombs, and they seek a confrontation with the mysterious Shrike, a machine like predator who can seemingly transcend time to kill. Each traveler has their own reasons for coming on this quest, but it is not understood how they all relate to one another.

At the same time the galactic government of the Hegemony is at the brink of all out war with the ousters, a group of humans who struck out into space on their own hundreds of years before and has seemingly evolved. The CEO of the Hegemony government Meina Gladstone finds herself in a very difficult position, facing decisions that could affect the future of the hegemony. CEO gladstone must make these choices in the face of conflict with the military, the senate, and especially the Artificial Intelligence known as the Core.

However the main perspective of the story is told through that of Joseph Severen, a cybrid who was modeled after the poet/author John Keats. Severen seems to hold the key details to a future that could take place resulting in either the destruction or salvation of mankind.

John Keats is of course, the inspiration for both the titles of this series as well as its storyline, and his writings figure even more into The Fall of Hyperion. This novel travels much deeper into philosophical and theological territory than does hyperion. I found the concepts to be extremely interesting and enlightening, however some may find that less interesting than the more character driven Hyperion. Simmons is able to deliver a complex and compelling narrative, while at the same time creating a drawing on high concept physics and scienctific principles. This is what sets him apart from the rest of the crowd of "science fiction" authors.

The pilgrims' stories that filled "Hyperion" were a major reason for its brilliance, and it makes that a tough act to follow. however, it is necessary to this concluding act. The switch in style however, does allow the further development and exploration of the philosophical themes which form the basis of the series. That alone makes this novel a superb conclusion.
The Fall of Hyperion is not quite as engrossing and fulfilling as it's predecessor, but it is a worthy and masterly epilogue.

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR MEN: SIMPLE WAYS TO MINIMIZE STRESS IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (Hyperion))

Average customer rating:

Help is here...
Help is here...
Another useful book by Carlson that applies to men AND women
Inspirational!

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR MEN: SIMPLE WAYS TO MINIMIZE STRESS IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (Hyperion))
Richard Carlson
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0786886366
Release Date: 2001-09-05

Book Description

Over the past five years, Richard Carlson has shown countless families, lovers, and workers how to live in a more calm and productive manner. Now he turns his attention to men, with numerous simple strategies and life lessons that blend humor, warmth, and uncommon wisdom. Carlson invites men of all ages to enjoy the benefits of simplification and discover what so many of us already know: that its a stressful world out there, but it doesnt have to be.

Customer Reviews:

Help is here..........2004-02-21

let me begin by saying that there is good advice in
this book, no question about it. if you are looking
for some help in getting a better perspective on life,
then there is help in this book. why do you think the
series is so popular? however, i dont think that the ideas
are original. you can find the same prescriptions for
a better attitude---such as more sense of humor, less
attention paid to difficult people, things are not as
bad as you think, the future is unknown and so do
stress yourself too much over it---in so many other
books in the self help section. it is old wine in a
new bottle. you can even get the same advice from a
wise old relative if your family is fortunate enough
to have one. it is also like listening to a friend
who knows something of life that you havent
realized yet. the format is easy. the book is pocket-size.
the chapters are very short, and the phraseology
non-technical. the cost is minimal. practically,
the lessons contained in this book can apply to
both males and females. if you are looking for your
first self-helpbook, then you have found a good one.

Help is here..........2004-02-21

stress yourself too much over it---in so many other
books in the self help section. it is old wine in a
new bottle. you can even get the same advice from a
wise old relative if your family is fortunate enough
to have one. it is also like listening to a friend
who knows something of life that you havent realized yet.

the format is easy. the book is pocket-size. the
chapters are very short, and the phraseology
non-technical. the cost is minimal. practically,
the lessons contained in this book can apply to
both males and females.

if you are looking for your first self-help
book, then you have found a good one.

Another useful book by Carlson that applies to men AND women.......2001-12-10

Enjoyed reading DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR MEN by Richard Carlson . . . this is the latest in Carlson's "small stuff" series, and it does not disappoint . . . he continues to offer simple ways to minimize stress in a competitive world . . . they seem to make sense, at least to me, and can be applied to virtually any situation . . . although directed at men, I think women would also benefit from reading it . . . by the same token, methinks men could benefit from reading the companion DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR WOMEN (written by Carlson's wife Kristine) . . . I know that I'll be looking for it.

I liked many ideas that I got from the book; among them:
Have an affair. . . .The idea is to reignite your passion for living, and to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Remind yourself how precious and how short this adventure really is. I read a great book called A PARENTHESIS IN
ETERNITY . . . What a great way to think about the duration of your
life--as a blip on a passing screen. We're here for a moment in
time--and then we're gone. Why waste one second of self-pity,
frustration, and all the rest? Our lives are so much more important than that.

Consider how you would respond to the following two sentences spoken by a spouse, lover, or friend. First, "I hate my stupid job; (its bad)." Or, "Do you know what I'd really love to be doing?" Wow--what a difference. In the first sentence, you, as the listener or receiver of the complaint, want to leave the room. Your instinct is to pull away. In the second, however, you want to hear more; you want to engage in the conversation because it brings you closer to the person who is sharing.

Be for something rather than against it. . . . You can see how easy it is to be working with very positive intentions, yet still find a way to drive yourself nuts. Some environmental activists, for example, are doing great things-choosing to be vegetarians, picking up litter, cleaning up the beaches, planting trees, recycling, and raising awareness as well as money for the causes they believe in. Others, however, yell and scream, block traffic, chain themselves to trees, and starve themselves in an attempt to accomplish their goals.

Inspirational!.......2001-10-23

I am a female who recently bought this book as a gift for a relative. Before wrapping, I skimmed the book to see if it had the same Richard Carlson quality. Indeed it does!

This book, just like the other don't sweat the small stuff titles, includes ways to overcome difficult times. It will give you a positive attitude and help you gain peace with yourself, and uprooting events.

Good Christmas gift!

Average customer rating:

Don't bother

Nice plot - abrupt ending

An Interesting Mystery Based Only on Its Own Merits

Quick read, but kinda "flat"

Laurence Shames at his best!

Bad Twin (Hyperion)
Gary Troup
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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The Lost Chronicles : The Official Companion Book

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ASIN: B000LP64N6
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Book Description

Paul Artisan, P.I. is a new version of an old breed -- a righter of wrongs, someone driven to get to the bottom of things. Too bad his usual cases are of the boring malpractice and fraud variety. Until now. His new gig turns on the disappearance of one of a pair of twins, adult scions of a rich but tragedy-prone family. The missing twin -- a charismatic poster-boy for irresponsibility -- has spent his life daring people to hate him, punishing himself endlessly for his screw-ups and misdeeds. The other twin -- Artisan's client -- is dutiful and resentful in equal measure, bewildered that his "other half" could have turned out so badly, and wracked by guilt at his inability to reform him. He has a more practical reason, as well, for wanting his brother found: their crazy father, in failing health and with guilty secrets of his own, will not divide the family fortune until both siblings are accounted for. But it isn't just a fortune that's at stake here. Truth itself is up for grabs, as the detective's discoveries seem to challenge everything we think we know about identity, and human nature, and family. As Artisan journeys across the globe to track down the bad twin, he seems to have moved into a mirror-world where friends and enemies have a way of looking very much alike. The P.I. may have his long-awaited chance to put his courage and ideals to the test, but if he doesn't get to the bottom of this case soon, it could very well cost him his life. Troup's long-awaited Bad Twin is a suspenseful novel that touches on many powerful themes, including the consequence of vengeance, the power of redemption, and where to turn when all seems lost.

Customer Reviews:

Don't bother.......2007-07-20

Although competently written, this book is not a very good stand-alone, nor does it offer any clue or value for the fans of LOST.

Nice plot - abrupt ending.......2007-07-12

Bad Twin is a well written beach-read type novel. The author does a nice job of keeping it a page turner, as there were many chapter where I just couldnt seem to put it down. However, I was less than pleased with the way it ended. The resolving of the plot happened way too quickly in the last 4 pages of the book and just didnt seem to flow with the tempo of the rest of the story. Not bad though overall - some interesting LOST references too.

An Interesting Mystery Based Only on Its Own Merits.......2007-05-14

As long as you don't go into reading BAD TWIN thinking you're going to solve the mysteries of the hit television show Lost, then you should be okay. BAD TWIN, on its own, is an intriguing mystery featuring twin brothers--one a bigwig in the family business, the other a ne're-do-well who has gone missing.

Oh, sure, there are a few references in the actual storyline to make you go "hmmm"--the philosopher John Locke, a trip to Australia aboard an Oceanic flight, the totally hyped numbers showing up as the twin's birthday, and the family name of Widmore. But besides those few basic tidbits, this book won't tell you squat. It really has nothing to do with Lost.

On its own merits, though, it's an engaging mystery that I read in one day, and if Gary Troup was an actual person (which he isn't), and had actually written anything else besides BAD TWIN (which he hasn't), I wouldn't hesitate to read it.

Quick read, but kinda "flat".......2007-05-11

This book was short and I got it used (always a good way to go when you are unsure about a book). It wasn't necessarily a bad investment, but the book wasn't all that great either. If I had the choice, I would probably have rated it a 2-1/2 stars or maybe even 2 stars.

Plot:
Paul Artisan, a private detective, is hired by a rich family to find a wayward son. In the process, he discovers that there are quite a few secrets held by this family that will help lead to the recovery of the missing son.

Good:
There were some great points to the book. I liked Paul and Manny's relationship (something you just don't see between two generations anymore). I also took enjoyment of seeing the Hanso Foundation mentioned (though how would they have let Gary Troup put them in a fictional book is beyond me). Other tidbits from the LOST show were interesting but not essential (which was upsetting).

Bad:
However, the story was flat. The traveling across the world to find the son gets old and feels contrived and more than a little like those connect-the-dots puzzles you do as a child. I had a hard time picturing straight laced, "I-want-to-find-the-truth" Paul with the Paul reminiscing about taking marijuana. The romance between Paul and Pru, which might have made sense if given more time, was rushed. For someone who hasn't had sex apparently in a long time, the thought is always on his mind and apparently every woman he has contact with. I am shocked at how many women are like "I wish I made love to you" after a thirty minute interview. The older son uses more gutter language than he really should (while it is completely absent from the younger). And some of the literary references feel forced (like the author felt he should allude to something later).

Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
F-word gets quite a work out in this book by pretty much everyone Paul gets in contact with. Sh**, d***, h***, God's name are also frequent. Paul pretty much wants to have sex with any woman he meets (no matter how long or short that is) and does have sex (moderately graphic) with Pru. It is suggested that Xander had a relationship with his brother's wife. The step-mom is having an affair. Violence includes two deaths and several attempted murders.

Overall:
For LOSTies (like myself), this is interesting but not necessary. Do what I did and buy it used. I find it difficult to believe that someone like Sawyer who is obviously well-read (i.e. Of Mice and Men) would enjoy something this mediocre and amatuerish.

Laurence Shames at his best!.......2007-04-19

I did not plan on reading this novel. It seemed to be nothing more then another way to cash in on the franchise. Then I discovered who the author really is. Laurence Shames, writer of many quirky mystery novels taking place in Key West, is a pure joy. I can't believe any one thought that Stephen King had written this. Three key clues should have caught anyone familiar with Shames' earlier novels. Scenes in Key West, an old man with an old dog with wise advice, and an actual line taken from an earlier novel's title (The Naked Detective).

Quirky characters and settings make for an excellent book for a weekend at the beach. The mentioning of elements from Lost just add to the fun.

Average customer rating:

Excellent historical fiction for third or fourth graders.
More than just a children's book...

Spy in the Sky (Hyperion Chapters)
Kathleen Karr
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 078681165X

Customer Reviews:

Excellent historical fiction for third or fourth graders........1999-02-27

Kathleen Karr's Spy in the Sky is not just another Civil War book. In fifty-five pages the reader not only learns to care about the characters but also learns of this unique use of gas balloons in war. Teachers will find this useful in the Social Studies units. Third and fourth graders will be able to read it independently. Karr ends with a two page biography of Thaddeus Lowe. It is quite a story packed into 55 pages.

More than just a children's book..........1998-05-14

Thaddeus Lowe is the undisputed father of our U.S. Airforce, and grandfather to famed aviatrix Florence Lowe, aka Pancho Barnes. This children's book tell's Thadddeus's Civil War story as never told before. A great way to share aviation history with your children, and learn a little something for yourself too. - Stan McClain

Jenius: The Amazing Guinea Pig (Hyperion Chapters)

Average customer rating:

Light and easy!

Jenius: The Amazing Guinea Pig (Hyperion Chapters)
Dick King-smith
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786811358

Customer Reviews:

Light and easy!.......2000-04-16

This is a simply told tale for guinea pig lovers and beginning chapter book readers. Likable.

Average customer rating:

Review of Essential 55
ok
GREAT
Mostly Great Rules - Would work best if you are a Dynamic Person..
A Teacher's Must

The Essential 55
Ron Clark , and Hyperion Audiobooks
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1401398464

Book Description

When Ron Clark walked into his fifth grade class in rural North Carolina, he was confronted with a tremendous challenge. The children had little interest in learning and were sorely lacking in guidance. How would he transform a group of apathetic kids into diciplined, thoughtful, and curious students? He quickly realized that they needed to learn some basic rules. Clark compiled a list of 55 lessons and soon, his fifth grade students were reading at sixth grade level, and loving it. What's more, they were gaining somethng crucial-self-respect. Those lessons evolved into The Essential 55-guidelines to living and interacting with others.

Download Description

Ron Clark's ESSENTIAL 55 rules were created to help him control his first class in rural North Carolina where the students had little interest in lessons, and the parents believed school was extended day care. In teaching these students to be orderly, respectful and to feel appreciated, he took a group of below-average students and turned them into stars (for example he took 5th grade students who were reading at a 3rd grade level to reading at 6th grade level and loving it). He continued his mission in Harlem, where he found a school that needed him the most and worked the same magic. But it's not magic. Ron Clark knows how to teach by using discipline and affection in almost equal measure. He devotes his time to teaching these kids how to live in the world so that they have respect for themselves and those around them;rules that apply to all of us. Some of the ESSENTIAL 55 include: how to accept compliments, how to return a greeting, how to gracefully lose a game. In hearing Ron Clark's engaging voice, combined with his confident manner at changing the lives of these kids for the better, any reader will feel she can influence a student, a young child or a son graduating from college and going out into the world.

Customer Reviews:

Review of Essential 55.......2007-09-09

Excellent book and one I recommend all educator's read. All of Ron Clark's rules can be used in every day life whether you are a child or an adult. I would also recommend buying the dvd, The Ron Clark Story. Its a must see for all people who are in the educational field.

This is a true story of an exceptional teacher in a real life school setting.

ok.......2007-08-09

This was ok. There were a few things I would use. A few of his ideas were a little over the top and I would have a hard time including into my day.

GREAT .......2007-07-04

I first heard of Ron Clark when my sister saw him on Oprah. She couldn't stop talking about how great he was and how inspirational. I'm a teacher and she said she almost ordered it for me from the show. The next year several teachers in my district were sent to a conference where he was to speak. Unfortunately, Ron became ill and wasn't able to appear. However, the next year I was sent to the same conference with a different group of teachers and he was there. All I can say is that the book is good, the movie moving, but they are no match to hearing Ron Clark speak in person. There's never a dull moment and he makes you feel that you can accomplish anything........it worked for his students and for me.

Mostly Great Rules - Would work best if you are a Dynamic Person.........2007-06-28

I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't know if I would have the guts to implement all of the "rules" and I think most of them work better when you are the "cool" teacher that Ron Clark is. I have tried to think up even one interesting story about myself that would compare to his background and I can't. I am kind of boring and was always a good student. His explanations of the reasoning behind the rules is great and so far it is the best teaching book I have read.

A Teacher's Must.......2007-06-05

I have 2 children that are teachers. I purchased both the move and the book for their education on how to treat and handle children in the classroom. They were excited over both.

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
You have to understand
Not the superb storytelling of the regular series, but still an important spin-off
Gary Frank...
Dissappointing But Still Essential

Supreme Power: Hyperion
J. Michael Straczynski , and Dan Jurgens
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0785118950

Book Description

Now that the world knows his dark secret, Hyperion suddenly finds himself both alone and hunted. Four new super-powered individuals - each based on a character from the original Squadron Supreme - are after his hide, and they've got the will and means to take him down! Collects Supreme Power: Hyperion #1-5.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Hyperion has told the government to basically take an unlikely anatomical excursion. When they don't listen, he puts on a display of power.

This frightens them so badly they recruit a team of other superhumans to try and stop him, including an evil genius type, and a quantum manipulator. Put those last two together, and hey, suddenly everyone is not in Kansas anymore.

You have to understand.......2006-09-04

Some people are moaning about the fact that this story isn't as layered as the regular series. Well, there is 2 reasons for that. The first is that this is a mini-series so it has to wrap up in 5 issues, also it is essentially just dealing with 1 major character, so it is not going to have the multi-layered feeling of the regular series. Another point to some is the artwork. Yes I love Gary Frank's work as well, but he can not draw a monthly comic as well as all the mini series that have come out. Dan Jurgens does a really good job with the art. If you read the Death of Superman storyline years back, you will remember Jurgen's art. It is not quite as detailed as Frank's, but the characters are all spot on in appearance. The art is solid. The storyline is a little more important than the Doctor Spectrum mini since it bridges the gap from Supreme Power to Squadron Supreme. It also has a nice little twist on the ending that will play an important role in future storytelling. Straczynski wrote this one himself so you know it will be important. This one is worth picking up if you are a fan of the series.

Not the superb storytelling of the regular series, but still an important spin-off.......2006-08-03

Babylon 5 creator and Amazing Spider-Man scribe J. Michael Straczynski's re-imagining of the Squadren Supreme was nothing short of brilliantly realized comic reading. This Supreme Power spin-off, written by Straczynski and focusing on Hyperion, doesn't feature the awe inspiring and innovative storytelling that had become a staple on the regular Supreme Power series, but it is nevertheless an important chapter in the Supreme Power saga. This TPB picks up with the government making one last attempt to bring Mark Milton AKA Hyperion back under their control by organizing a small group of super powered individuals (each of the five are based off of classic Squadren Supreme characters) who make their trek to the great white north to take Hyperion down. However, during the battle, Hyperion and the others find themselves transported to an alternate reality; a reality in which humanity is at the bottom of the ladder, and Hyperion and other familiar faces like Zarda and Doc Spectrum are bringing great misery to humankind. As the story progresses and the secrets are revealed down to the final twist, it becomes apparent that this is only a taste of things to come. Dan Jurgens, AKA the man that killed Superman way back when, provides the pencils here, and they just don't have that cinematic appeal that regular Supreme Power artist Gary Frank has. Despite that however, this is still essential reading in the Supreme Power saga, and if you want to read something truly exceptional, check out the other Supreme Power spin-off, Nighthawk, written by Daniel Way and illustrated by Preacher artist Steve Dillon.

Gary Frank..........2006-08-03

If you loved the art in the Supreme Powers books, don't get this one. I was dissapointed that the artwork had changed and I wasn't a huge fan of the story.

Dissappointing But Still Essential.......2006-08-01

Warning: Contains Spoilers

Supreme Power: Hyperion, J. Michael Straczynski's sequel of sorts to Supreme Power manages to accomplish a rare feat among graphic novels. It is simultaneously disappointing and yet also essential reading.

Part of the problem is that Straczynski's writing isn't as strong here as it was in the original Supreme Power series. For whatever reason, this storyline lacks the richly-detailed layers and contextual backdrops that were hallmarks of the best issues of that series. It also feels rushed like a movie sequel hurried into production with an incomplete script and inferior special effects budget in order to capitalize on the box office success of the original movie.

Furthermore, the superb artwork of Gary Frank, a key ingredient to Supreme Power, is also missed here. Though fill in artist Dan Jurgens is no slouch his pencil work here has a slapdash feel that doesn't do this story justice.

In that story, Mark Milton, aka Hyperion, after bailing on his government employers has gone into hiding at the Artic circle. The government dispatches a newly-recruited batch of superpowered operatives, the Shape, Arcanna, Nuke, and Dr. Emil Burbank to bring him back - dead or alive.

During the ensuing battle an energy blast transports the five to what seems to be a parallel earth whose despotic rulers look strangely familiar. They are the Squadron Supreme and they are led by that world's version of Hyperion.

While this is an interesting premise and rife with possibilities there's just no getting around the fact that this story just doesn't measure up to the high standards set by Supreme Power. Indeed some of the plot points aren't well thought out.

For example, at the close of Supreme Power, Hyperion feeling alone and betrayed sent the government a message by causing a 10.5 on the Richter Scale event at the North Pole. Considering this, does it really make sense that in this story the new recruits find him still hanging around at the North Pole? Wouldn't he have thought to make himself scarce?

However, if you missed this when it first appeared as a five issue mini-series earlier this year I must say that I do recommend it. This is because it serves as a key transitional story which bridges the gap between Straczynski's earlier Supreme Power and the new ongoing Squadron Supreme series which debuted five months ago.

It also points the way toward what could be future events in that series. So bottom line, though it doesn't reach the Olympian Heights of the earlier Supreme Power graphic novels, "Contact," "Powers and Principalities," and "High Command" if you want to follow the ongoing saga of Hyperion and his cohorts this is one to pick up.

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF ABOUT MONEY: SPIRITUAL AND PRACTICAL WAYS TO CREATE ABUNDANCE AND MORE FUN IN YOUR LIFE (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (Hyperion))

Average customer rating:

Awesome book for College/University students!
Nice Essays
Genius

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF ABOUT MONEY: SPIRITUAL AND PRACTICAL WAYS TO CREATE ABUNDANCE AND MORE FUN IN YOUR LIFE (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (Hyperion))
Richard Carlson
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786886374

Book Description

Newly repackaged and updated! This #1 national bestseller offers you practical advice onhow to achieve financial success by eliminating stress, worry, anger, and fear.In this practical and simple book, Richard Carlson turns his attention to two of the most important issues in our daily lives-stress and making money. Newly repackaged and updated with 10 new essays, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff About Money offers 100 brilliant strategies for living more fully and worrying les as a means of attracting more wealth into our lives.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome book for College/University students!.......2005-09-09

"Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" By Richard Carlson, PH.D (printed in the United States. Published by Hyperion, 77 W. 66th Street, New York, New York 10023-6298 (previously published as 'Don't Worry, Make Money').

This book is a non-fictional, self help/motivational book.
The main theme of the book is how to live a life that is more productive, wealthy and carefree. It consists of one hundred short chapters, each with its' own philosophy like 'Be willing to change' or 'Remind yourself that your life isn't your enemy, but your thinking can be'.
Richard Carlson has created a whole series of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" books. When you read one, continue and read them all, they all go hand in hand. He is a frequent guest on many National Television and Radio programs. He lectures many enthusiastic audiences, both in the United States and Internationally. Recently, he was featured on PBS in a special about his don't sweat philosophy. He has paired up with his wife Kristine Karlson to write 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in Love'. What a great idea!
Don't Sweat The Small Stuff About Money" covers everything from getting rid of fear, anger and stress by providing practical solutions. In these one-hundred short chapters, Richard Carlson motivates his audience with his own philosophies on life and money combined.
The "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" series of books all have a philosophy with each chapter. I find it motivating to learn different strategies on how to deal with life and its' problems. I love receiving constructive criticism, and there are lots in this book! My favorite chapter in the book was "Give, Give, Give". In this chapter he states that "giving is its' own reward". I am a firm believer in giving whenever possible. I believe this is the only way things will come back your way. Overall, I would say the book was instructive, memorable and inspiring.
The book greatly affected the way I budget my money, and the way I deal with not having a lot. He taught me that you don't have to be rich to live an abundant life.
I would certainly recommend this book to any college/university student, as most of us are struggling to get by! It enlightens you as you read, as it helps to know you are not alone in the money struggle. Great book!

Nice Essays.......2001-06-02

I gave up reading Richard Carlson's "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff About Money" (formerly titled "Don't Worry, Make Money"), but only because I have other books that I'd rather be reading right now. Carlson's book consists of 100 short sermons about getting along in life, and it's all good stuff. Most of the lessons are obvious from their titles: Express Your Gratitude Toward Others; Think BIG!; Ask for What You Want; Charge What You Are Worth; Think About Purple Snowflakes; etc. Each is backed up with an anecdote and a bit of explanation. (OK, "Purple Snowflakes" is about being different when you need to get someone's attention -- such as taping your message to a football and mailing that, to make sure your letter will be noticed and opened.) I particularly liked Lesson 15, "Remind Yourself that Your Life Begins Now," in which Carlson points out that a ship's wake does not power or steer the vessel. We have momentum, of course -- and other constraints -- but it's up to us to decide each day in which direction to steer. If this sort of thing inspires you, Carlson's bibliography of 29 similar positive-thinking book may be of use. Or look for his other six Don't Sweat the Small Stuff titles. Good advice, all of it. The more seriously you take it, the more it will benefit you.

Genius.......2001-01-24

This book has been incredibly useful. I now recommend it to everyone for personal and business uses. The insight it provides is unmistakebly worth every penny and the gas to go and get it!

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