History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Writing at its best
Couldn't Put It Down
The Frontiersmen
What a book!
My All Time Favorite Historical Narrative !!!!

The Frontiersmen: A Narrative
Allan W. Eckert
Manufacturer: Jesse Stuart Foundation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Wilderness Empire: A Narrative (Eckert, Allan W. Winning of America Series.)
The Conquerors (Winning of America Series)
The Wilderness War: A Narrative (Eckert, Allan W. Winning of America Series.)
Twilight of Empire (Eckert, Allan W. Winning of America Series.)
Gateway to Empire (Eckert, Allan W. Winning of America Series.)

ASIN: 0945084919

Book Description

The frontiersmen were a remarkable breed of men. They were often rough and illiterate, sometimes brutal and vicious, often seeking an escape in the wilderness of mid-America from crimes committed back east. In the beautiful but deadly country which would one day come to be known as West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, more often than not they left their bones to bleach beside forest paths or on the banks of the Ohio River, victims of Indians who claimed the vast virgin territory and strove to turn back the growing tide of whites. These frontiersmen are the subjects of Allan Eckert's dramatic history.

Against the background of such names as George Rogers Clark, Daniel Boone, Arthur St. Clair, Anthony Wayne, Simon Girty and William Henry Harrison, Eckert has recreated the life of one of America's most outstanding heroes, Simon Kenton. Kenton's role in opening the Northwest Territory to settlement more than rivaled that of his friend Daniel Boone. By his eighteenth birthday, Kenton had already won frontier renown as woodsman, fighter and scout. His incredible physical strength and endurance, his great dignity and innate kindness made him the ideal prototype of the frontier hero.

Yet there is another story to The Frontiersmen. It is equally the story of one of history's greatest leaders, whose misfortune was to be born to a doomed cause and a dying race. Tecumseh, the brilliant Shawnee chief, welded together by the sheer force of his intellect and charisma an incredible Indian confederacy that came desperately close to breaking the thrust of the white man's westward expansion. Like Kenton, Tecumseh was the paragon of his people's virtues, and the story of his life, in Allan Eckert's hands, reveals most profoundly the grandeur and the tragedy of the American Indian.

No less importantly, The Frontiersmen is the story of wilderness America itself, its penetration and settlement, and it is Eckert's particular grace to be able to evoke life and meaning from the raw facts of this story. In The Frontiersmen not only do we care about our long-forgotten fathers, we live again with them.

Researched for seven years, The Frontiersmen is the first in Mr. Eckert's "The Winning of America" series.

Customer Reviews:

Writing at its best.......2007-10-08

If you like compelling writing that generates a lightning bolt narrative about manifest destiny and those who were major players in this exciting but heart breaking game, this book is for you. I also recommend another thunder storm of a book: Walking the Trail, One Man's Journey Along the Cherokee Trail of Tears by Cherokee author Jerry Ellis. He was the first person in the modern world to WALK the 900 mile route of the Trail of Tears and the book was nominated for a Pulitzer and National Book Award.

Couldn't Put It Down.......2007-08-27

This was a great read. Once I started I couldn't put it down. I plan on reading the other 5 books by Allan Eckert. It takes you back to pure human nature and puts you in touch with yourself. You have to ask how you would respond to the situations encountered by these brave frontiersmen. I'm telling most of my friends about this book.

The Frontiersmen.......2007-08-15

A very powerful and informative historical narrative of some of the personalities that shaped the settlement of this country ;from the perspective of Simon Kenton. A "must read" !

What a book!.......2007-07-28

I can't decide which I like better, this book or Eckert's 'Dark and Bloody River', but they are both MUST READ's for any history fan. For even a casual reader this book will hold your attention, and provide you with a facinating insight into our nation's history.

My All Time Favorite Historical Narrative !!!!.......2007-06-05

This is a fantastic book if you love Early American Historical Narratives which I love. I first read this book about twenty years ago, and recently read it again. The author's foot notes and reference material allow you to really dive into the time period of the book!

Green River, Running Red: The Real Story of the Green River Killer--America's Deadliest Serial Murderer

Average customer rating:

In the River
not the best book on the subject
Ann Rule does it Again
Very interesting
A Book Worth Waiting For...

Green River, Running Red: The Real Story of the Green River Killer--America's Deadliest Serial Murderer
Ann Rule
Manufacturer: Pocket Star
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Criminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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The Stranger Beside Me (Revised and Updated): 20th Anniversary
Worth More Dead: And Other True Cases (Ann Rule's Crime Files, Vol. 10)
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Kiss Me, Kill Me: Ann Rule's Crime Files Vol. 9 (Ann Rule's Crime Files)

ASIN: 0743460502

Amazon.com

Veteran crime writer Ann Rule is uniquely qualified to chronicle the grisly career of Gary Ridgeway, the man convicted of being the "Green River Killer," the most prolific serial killer in American history. Not only is she one of the more successful true-crime authors, but for nearly 20 years, Rule was exceptionally close to the case, reporting on it for a Seattle newspaper, preparing a long-delayed book on the subject, and living within a few blocks of the strip of highway where most of Ridgeway's victims were abducted. In Green River, Running Red, Rule lends unique humanity to the string of murders that haunted the Seattle area throughout the '80s and '90s by exploring the lives of the dozens of young women who fell into prostitution and were ultimately murdered. Similarly, she catalogues Ridgeway's troubled and bizarre life in such a way that the reader becomes uncomfortably familiar with Ridgeway, although it's never truly clear what drove him to commit such heinous crimes. Along the way, she traces the decades-long struggle of the law enforcement officials assigned to the case as they tracked down countless leads, questioned innumerable suspects, and explored multiple theories that came up empty before finally cracking the case through a series of technological advancements and a little luck. But the most disturbing aspect of the Green River killings (named for where the first victims were found) is how they occurred in relatively plain sight, with Ridgeway, seemingly living an unremarkable life, dwelling and working within a few miles of where his lengthy killing spree took place and evading capture for years. Rule skillfully weaves herself into her account, relating the psychic and cultural impact of the case as it evolved, but she never takes the spotlight off Ridgeway, his eventual captors, and the women who died at his hands.--John Moe

Book Description

In her most personal and provocative book to date, the #1 bestselling master of true crime presents "her long-awaited definitive narrative of the brutal and senseless crimes that haunted the Seattle area for decades" (Publishers Weekly). This is the extraordinary true story of the most prolific serial killer the nation had ever seen -- a case involving more than forty-nine female victims, two decades of intense investigative work...and one unrelenting killer who not only attended Ann Rule's book signings but lived less than a mile away from her home.

Download Description

"In the most extraordinary book Ann Rule has ever undertaken, America's master of true crime has spent more than two decades researching the story of the Green River Killer, who murdered more than forty-nine young women. The quest to discover the most prolific serial killer in American history has been an intimate part of Ann Rule's life, with some of the corpses found only a mile or so from where she lived and raised her own daughters. She did not know the killer, but he apparently knew her and attended many of her book signings. For twenty-one years, the killer carried out his self-described ""career"" as a killing machine, ridding the world of women he considered evil. His eerie ability to lure his victims to their deaths and hide their bodies made him far more dangerous than any infamous multiple murderer in the annals of crime. A few men -- including a law student, a truck painter, and a taxi driver -- eventually emerged as the prime suspects among an unprecedented forty thousand scrutinized by the Green River Task Force. Still, there was no physical evidence linking any of them to the murders until 2001, when investigators used a new DNA process on a saliva sample they had preserved since 1987, with stunning results. Ann Rule has followed the case since July 1982, when the first body -- that of teenager Wendy Lee Coffield -- was found in the Green River, snagged on pilings under a bridge. Rule has compiled voluminous files, working through an incredible 95,000 pages of official police records, transcripts, photographs, and maps, winnowing out the chaff and identifying what is truly important. Over the years, she gained unparalleled access to all the key players -- from King County Sheriff Dave Reichert to those close to the killer and his victims. When finally apprehended and convicted, the killer made a detailed confession -- of his twisted sexual obsessions -- that will shock even the most jaded reader. Green River, Running Red is a harrowing account of a modern monster, a killer who walked among us undetected. It is also the story of his quarry -- of who these young girls were, and who they might have become. A chilling look at the darkest side of human nature, this is the most important and most personal book of Ann Rule's long career. "

Customer Reviews:

In the River.......2007-08-02

Given that she had twenty years to compile her research, Ann Rule had an opportunity to produce the definitive book about the Green River Killer. While other books on the topic preceded this book in print, Rule waited for the Green River Killer to be identified and convicted before publishing. Rule wanted to be thorough, and perhaps she was too thorough.

With a crime spree that began in the early 1980's, it was not until 2001 and major breakthroughs in DNA technology that they were able to arrest Gary Ridgway. A very plain man, he did not fit the image of a monster that most people expected of the killer. Having a bizzare childhood and poor social relationships with others would seem to send signals that there was a problem. Yet Gary Ridgway always seemed to be flying under the radar.

In the early stages of writing this book, Rule decided to recognize each victim as a person individually. While I think this was the right thing to do, a few paragraphs about each of the 48 victims seemed out of place. Not only did it slow the pace of the book, but the brevity or the short passages made them lack any genuine insight into the lives of the victims. Short of making the book 900 pages, I am not sure how Rule could have avoided this quandry.

While many of Rule's books have never solicited my interest, I have enjoyed some of the more focused books that she has written such as "Small Sacrifices" and "I-5 Killer". This does not rank among Rule's better works as it seems to be lacking in vision and occasionally Rule's placing herself in the story seems to scream for self-importance. In reality, the book is about the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway. That is what the description of the book says, not the short biographies of the Green River Killer's victims or Ann Rule's biography.

not the best book on the subject.......2007-06-15

although this book is fairly comprehensive, it comes off as quite self-serving at times. rule never passes up an opportunity to make herself seem like an insider in the case, or to point out what a caring, sensitive, thoughtful person she is in the midst of so much tragedy and horror.

if you're really interested in the story of the green river killer, i'd recommend starting with smith & guillen's "the search for the green river killer" for a detailed account of what happened, followed by mark prothero's (with carlton smith) "defending gary" for further insight into the killer's mind and crimes.

Ann Rule does it Again.......2007-05-22

If anyone wants "gore" or full focus on the killer then maybe this book is not for them. Probably this was one Ms Rules most difficult books to write & I read somewhere that it maybe some time before she returns full focus on serial killers. Finally here we see more focus on the victims rather than on the killer, who they were, their hopes & dreams, the families that were left behind. This killer has already had the spotlight focused on him for too long & thank goodness someone has thought to remember his victims were real life people and does not focus only on their pain & terror (and by reading some other reviews people bought the book only for that). A great read from start to finish and I would reccomend it to anyone

Very interesting.......2007-03-11

This novel about the green river serial killer was both informative and an interesting read. Ann Rule is a master at writing crime novels and this book is no exception. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in crime or is considering going into some sort of law enforcement profession. =]

A Book Worth Waiting For..........2007-01-14

Unlike some of the previous reviewers, I found this book to be both interesting and engaging. If you have followed Ann Rule's work over the years, you know she has been waiting for (and working on) this book but was unable to do so because the killer had not yet been caught. I've read other books on the GRK and found this one to be the perfect book 'end' to the story.
I find it refreshing that she focused on the victims, who were for the most part, faceless "hookers" to much of the population while these crimes were happening. I also liked the way the narrative went from crime to killer; weaving time together for the reader. I wanted to read this book precisely because Ms Rule was so involved. I enjoyed the fact that she'd been to the scenes and met the key players. As a true crime reader, I put this near the top of my list.

The Prince: Jonathan (Sons of Encouragement)

Average customer rating:

What a Blessing!
Wow
Prince Jonathan: A Witness of Loyalty to David and Love for His GOD!!
great read
Back on Track!

The Prince: Jonathan (Sons of Encouragement)
Francine Rivers
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Autores, A-Z | Cristianismo | Religión y espiritualidad | Libros en español | Formats | Books | ( B ) | ( C ) | ( D ) | ( F ) | ( H ) | ( J ) | ( K ) | ( L ) | ( M ) | ( N ) | ( P ) | ( S ) | ( T ) | ( W ) | ( Z )

The Warrior: Caleb (Sons of Encouragement)
The Prophet: Amos (Sons of Encouragement)
The Priest: A Novella (Rivers, Francine)
The Scribe (Sons of Encouragement)
Unspoken (Lineage of Grace Number 4)

ASIN: 0842382674

Book Description

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. In The Prince, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Jonathan.

In this new series of hardcover biblical novellas from beloved author Francine Rivers, each novella tells the story of one of five biblical men who stood behind the great heroes of the faith: Aaron the priest, Caleb the warrior, Jonathan the prince, Amos the prophet, and Silas the scribe. In the vein of the Lineage of Grace series, these books will entertain, challenge, and inspire, directing readers back to the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and hope.

Customer Reviews:

What a Blessing!.......2007-08-08

I loved this book... I felt like I was right there with Jonathan sharing his thoughts. I found myself feeling so proud of his faithfulness to and love for God as well as his devotion to his father and to David. What a blessing!

Wow.......2007-02-12

F. Rivers always takes you into the life of her books. I love getting to know the time and life of when these things happen.

Prince Jonathan: A Witness of Loyalty to David and Love for His GOD!!.......2007-01-25

I thouroughly enjoyed this book. The writer stayed true to the person of Jonathan son of Saul and to the Scripture narrative.

great read.......2006-12-05

Book #3 in Francine River's Sons of Encouragement series, The Prince is the retelling of the life of Jonathan, son of Saul, first king of Israel. While most church-goers are familiar with the story, Francine has taken a look at this historical character in an eye-opening new light.
Jonathan, lover of God's law, for years is torn between honoring his crazed father and supporting his cherished friendship with David, the man prophesied to take Saul's place on the throne. This beautiful friendship between brothers in spirit as well as by law is brought real throughout the pages of this short, yet captivating book.
As Saul relentlessly pursues his imagined enemy David, Jonathan remains faithful to the Lord and his people, all the while on pins and needles for his friend's safety. He begs his father to see reason, to turn to God, to be forgiven.
Continually in the difficult position of having to choose loyalties, the Prince of Israel shines to the glory of his Father, the King of all eternity. I encourage you to pick this book up for a clearer understanding of the emotional struggles that we often forget these Biblical characters faced.
However, Francine does not leave the reader with her insights alone. The "Seek and Find" segment located at the end of the book, draws you into God's word to study the portion of Scripture relating the life of Jonathan. Poignant questions force the reader to discover truths about Scripture as well as himself. "The Prince" is not only entertaining. If used as a devotional, it can be a tool to mold the reader more perfectly into God's plan.

Back on Track!.......2006-10-19

In my review of the first book in this series by Francine Rivers, The Priest, I mentioned that I did not feel the book met the high bar Rivers has set for herself and hoped that other books in the series would show a return to her usual form. I have to say this book, THE PRINCE, is definitely a return to what I've grown to expect from this magnificent writer. The book is derived from the books of Samuel.

This book follows the life of Jonathan, son of Saul, friend of David. Although much of the story is told from Jonathan's viewpoint, this is a masterful chronicle of Saul's transgression from humble farmer to a hostile king consumed by his jealousy of David. Jonathan is accurately portrayed here as a man dedicated to The Law and we also see the beginnings of David's first transgression from God's path.

As we've come to expect, the battle scenes such as David's defeat of Goliath, are portrayed in exacting detail that will place the reader's minds' eye at the scene. And at only 200 pages, this novella is a very easy and fast read. That, however, is what I consider to be the books only short coming. It could have easily been a larger volume and gone into greater detail. For example, I would have liked to have seen Jonathan's wife, Rachel, developed further and given a larger role here.

But all in all, this is exactly what readers have come to expect from this gifted writer. Jonathan's story is certainly a treasure for us all, not just for his fierceness in defeating the Philistines, but more so for this constant dedication and unwavering devotion to God's Law.

Average customer rating:

Too many details that didn't seem to jive with reality
not for the empathic
Hmmm...just OK
Unusual case of movie being better than the book
Not for me.

The River King
Alice Hoffman
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425179672
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Amazon.com

There are two things any reader can count on when coming to Alice Hoffman: her prose and a remarkable empathy for those who live on the fringes of society. In her 13th novel, the author turns both to good account. Set in a tony private school located in a small New England town, The River King traces an intricate weave of intersecting lives over the course of a year. The Haddan School, founded in 1858, has long been the scene of tragedy and wonder: during its first year a tremendous storm flooded the grounds, and more than a century later "frogs can be found in the plumbing; linens and clothes stored in closets have a distinctly weedy odor, as if each article had been washed in river water and never thoroughly dried." Then there are the glorious roses planted by Annie Howe, a villager who married the headmaster and later hanged herself; these flowers have an unusual effect on sensitive girls. "When such girls walked past the brittle canes in the gardens behind St. Anne's, they felt something cold at the base of their spines, a bad case of pins and needles, as though someone were issuing a warning: be careful who you choose to love and who loves you in return."

A cogent warning indeed, for as in all of Hoffman's novels, the question of whom one chooses to love and who loves in return is the crux of the matter. The River King revolves around triangles. First there is Betsy Chase, a young photography teacher at the Haddan School who has gotten herself engaged--almost accidentally--to a fellow faculty member, even as she is inexorably drawn to Abel Grey, a town policeman. Then there are Carlin Leander, a scholarship student, and her best friend, Gus Pierce. While Carlin is able to fit in, even attracting the interest of the most popular boy on campus, Gus is a defiant outcast, a tall skinny kid in a long black overcoat "who viewed his own life as a prison sentence and experienced his existence much as a condemned man might." Carlin's romance with the charismatic, cruel Harry McKenna creates a rupture between her and Gus, and fuels a mean-spirited practical joke with horrific consequences. In the aftermath of tragedy, each character's heart, conscience, and courage is tested in unexpected ways.

Hoffman spins her web of love and heartbreak and transcendence with a sure hand, and in the process creates characters so palpably human in all their petty flaws and small instances of heroism that one almost expects them to step out of the book and into the room. Indeed, if there is a flaw in The River King, it is that Alice Hoffman doesn't always trust the magic inherent in her characters, relying a little too heavily at times on somewhat precious invocations of the otherworldly. But this is a minor defect in an otherwise satisfying novel, one that will keep the reader spellbound by its emotional complexity and compelling story. --Alix Wilber

Book Description

People tend to stay in their place in the town of Haddan. The students at the prestigious prep school don't mix with locals; even within the school, hierarchy rules, as freshman and faculty members find out where they fit in and what is expected of them. But when a body is found in the river behind the school, a local policeman will walk into this enclosed world and upset it entirely. A story of surface appearances and the truths submerged below, The River King confirms Alice Hoffman as "one of our quirkiest and most interesting novelists" (Jane Smiley, USA Today).

Customer Reviews:

Too many details that didn't seem to jive with reality.......2007-09-15

This was an entertaining and quick read. However, as I read it, details kept coming up that made me think, "Huh, that doesn't seem to make sense." This happened so many times that I was extremely frustrated by the end of the book. I posted a discussion on several of these... see if you agree with me, those of you who've read the book.

I also was extremely offended by the depiction of teachers in this book as selfish, lazy, uncaring, snobbish, clueless, or incompetent. The only teacher who had any redeeming value was Betsy, and even she was hardly a good example. Depictions like this are one of the reasons why the teaching profession does not receive the respect that it deserves. Most teachers I know, myself included, are very hard-working, constantly striving to improve themselves by continuing their own education so that they can better help their students, and care about their students' progress and welfare. Although I do not work at a private school, I cannot imagine that ANY school's administration would allow their staff to be so lax in controlling the students' whereabouts and behavior, particulary an exclusive private school which places so much emphasis on its reputation and good name. I did not find many of the incidents involving the school and its administration believeable. I have read a few other of Hoffman's novels, and found even the supernatural/magical aspects of them to work well in the context of the novels and their characters... but even the REAL stuff in this book just didn't jive well with me. Read The Probable Future or Practical Magic, and skip this book.

not for the empathic.......2007-04-24

It is hard for me to believe that Ms Hoffman purposely wrote a character with such charm, sweetness and kindness as Gus and then had him tortured and murdered is a horrific manner and conclude with no real consequences granted to the murderers.

If any reader has any sense of empathy, don't read this. I suppose if you have a heart of stone, the obscene story in this book may soften it. Some reviewers stated that this book "left a bad taste" or they needed a shower after reading it, with me, this book scarred my soul.

I cannot find any redeeming quality to this story. The cruelty inflicted on the character Gus is unimaginable and beyond reason. Alice Hoffman has lost me forever and further more, I will advise everyone (& then some) I know to avoid her novels. In fact, this story caused so much pain, I may take out an ad or two to warn the public. (See my review of the film at Netflix)

Is this what is called entertainment? If so, ripping heads off puppies is entertaining.

As a parent who paid high priced broading school tuition, no well-heeled school would have allowed any student to be so isolated & ignored to be made so vulnerable to die at the hands of sadistic bullies. And that point alone (& there are many others), allows me to dismiss this awful story as the rubbish it is.

Hmmm...just OK.......2007-04-22

I do have to agree that Hoffman has a very lyrical and flowing style of writing, which I like; however, I kept getting caught up by her sometimes wierd analogies. It was like she was sometimes focusing more on how the words 'sounded' rather than if they made sense together. Then, she would sometimes contradict herself...like the night sky was as black as coal and then two sentences later the sky was illuminated by starlight (not the exact wording, but you get what I mean). Overall, I didn't hate it, but I'm not sure I will read Hoffman again...it's just OK.

Unusual case of movie being better than the book.......2007-03-23

This represents one of the few instances in which I actually saw the movie before reading the book. When I saw the movie, I found it moderately captivating. I was drawn into the story and really felt a connection to the characters (however, I have to add I was ill at the time and cannot rule out this reaction being an effect of the fever). In any event, seeing the movie moved me to read the book. I was overall a bit disappointed. The book just never seemed to capture my attention. I never seemed to enjoy the characters or the story and I felt the movie director did a much better job of making the characters real and moving. This is the first time I have ever felt a movie outperformed the book the movie is based on. This is my first time to read a book by this author. To me, it was just "okay", and I don't believe I will be reading any of her other works.

Not for me........2007-01-21

The River King grabbed me at the begining with the pleasant prose and I have to give Hoffman credit for inspiring me to emphathize with intelligent, basically kind people who are failures (except for Carlin).

But before long I got very frustrated with the multiple fainting spells and swooning attacks, and characters who have to take to bed for a week after a shock, have to be carried upstairs after seeing a dead rabbit, and have to breath into a paper bag. It was weird and creepy and after a while every time it happened I wanted to throw the book against the wall.

Maybe Hoffman is a good writer, and maybe this is supposed to be some sort of dark fairytale written with a Victorian aesthetic that I lack the sophistication to appreciate. But I thought it was lousy.

The Fort at River's Bend (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 5)

Average customer rating:

This is only the first half
what a great series!
....................................................
The Fort at River's Bend
deep historical piece within Arthurian saga

The Fort at River's Bend (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 5)
Jack Whyte
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Arthurian | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Historical | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

The Sorcerer: Metamorphosis (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 6)
The Saxon Shore (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 4)
Uther (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 7)
The Eagles' Brood (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 3)
The Singing Sword (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 2)

ASIN: 076530905X

Book Description

Merlyn Britannicus, leader of the colony known as Camulod, is faced with the task of educating his young charge, Arthur, future King of the Britons. Fearing for the life of his nephew when an assassination attempt is thwarted, Merlyn takes Arthur and his boyhood companions Gwin, Ghilleadh, and Bedwyr, to the ruins of a long-abandoned Roman fort far from Camulod. Once there, Merlyn realizes it's time for Arthur to become worthy of the sword he is destined to wield later in his life-the mighty Excalibur.

But beyond their idyllic hiding place, forces threaten the tenuous peace of Camulod. In Cambria, the death of Arthur's father Uther has left his people leaderless, and in Cornwall, Merlyn's enemy Peter Ironhair is gathering forces to destroy all Merlyn holds dear.

And Merlyn himself is struggling, because in order to make his dream of a united Britain real, he must put the person he loves most in the world in mortal danger-he and Arthur must return to Camulod.

Customer Reviews:

This is only the first half.......2007-04-08

It's worth knowing that this is only the first half of the novel called The Sorcerer as it was written by Jack Whyte. It was split into two parts (this one and Metamorphosis) and renamed by marketers. So, if the book doesn't seem to have a satisfying resolution for some, that should explain it. I got this information from an FAQ on the author's website.

what a great series! .......2007-02-16

What a wonderful series! Finally a series about the fabled king arthur that takes the legend and makes it real - so real you can really believe it - steeped in real history, this author takes the legends we've all heard and makes them plausible, makes them breathe with a new life. I'm so impressed and I'll never think of "Camelot" again without thinking of Mr. Whyte's take on the situation. a fascinating series of books... start at the beginning and read all six. you won't be sorry you did!

...........................................................2005-10-21

If you took out all the useless parts, this book would be about 15 pages long.

The Fort at River's Bend.......2005-07-22

Another of Jack Whyte's masterpieces! You'll fall in love with the characters, and be on the edge of your seat through the entire book. Lucky for us, there are already more in the series!

deep historical piece within Arthurian saga.......2004-07-31

Caius Merlyn Brittanicus fears that the next assassin sent by his family's enemy Ironhair might prove successful and kill his nephew, eight-year-old Arthur Pendragon. He decides the future leader of his beloved Camulod must be kept safe until he is ready to rule. Merlyn takes Arthur north to Ravenglass, a haven across the sea from Eire where he can expect sanctuary from King Derek and several friends. Still even with Merlyn ready for seemingly any contingency in what should be a haven, another attack is averted by the sorceress Shelagh.

Derek provides the Camulodians an abandoned Roman fort that they can easily defend from assault. Inside the fort over the next few years, Arthur learns how to be a warrior- soldier using a blade made from the Skystone with an Excalibur symbol etched on it, a military strategist and tactician, and a nurturing but firm ruler of all the people.

The trade paperback version of the fifth Camulod Chronicles, THE FORT AT RIVER'S BEND, is a deep historical piece that showcases in incredible layers the post Roman ancient world of British Cambria. The story line has plenty of intrigue, but the action is on a smaller scale as there is no epic battle, but more a coming of age tale. The secondary cast is an interesting group though Arthur seems a bit too perfect during the years in training for a preadolescent teen. Still fans of the series will appreciate Jack Whyte's intense look at a bygone era.

Harriet Klausner

Freedom River (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books)

Average customer rating:

Freedom River
Freedom River
Worthy of a rating of more than 5 stars
A Powerful, Inspiring Story
An Historical & Artistic Treasure

Freedom River (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books)
Doreen Rappaport
Manufacturer: Jump At The Sun
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Business | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Uptown (An Owlet Book)
Only Passing Through
Visiting Langston
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
No More!: Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance

ASIN: 0786803509

Customer Reviews:

Freedom River.......2002-10-16

Doreen Rapport Freedom River; Illustration by Bryan Collier
14pp. ISBN 0-7868-0350-9.-ISBN 0-7868-1229-X (pbk.).-ISBN 0-7868-229-0 (lib.bdg.)
(Intermediate)

Freedom River is a true story, about getting from Kentucky to the free state Ohio. John Parker a former slave, and now a businessman of Ripely Ohio. John then helps a couple and their child escape being slaves to freedom. The freeing of these salves is taken place through out the year. Both the author and the illustrator work wonderfully together to make this book seem real. The text clearly goes along with the pictures. The illustration is remarkable, the pictures look like photographs. Bryan Collier uses a different technique for his illustrations, it looks as if the pictures are pieces of a puzzle arranged together. As you begin to read this book look closely at the faces of the people, you will see wavy lines, these lines represent the Ohio River. The color schemes really put things in perspective also, they are realistic colors. Through out this book, Doreen Rapport uses short phrases to describe the event that is taking place: Run. Run, Row. Row, Listen. Listen, Wait. Wait, Closer. Louder, Crawl. Crawl. This gives the reader insight to what is going on in the picture by just two word phrases. Another author that does this same technique is Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson. The ending of this story is really surprising, I but when thought about it makes sense. This book is just not about the freeing of slaves, but it is about doing what is right in life, helping others out. I recommend this book to adults and children in the intermediate level. An interesting addition to the end of the story is a historical note which explains in great detail about the life of John Parker.

Freedom River.......2002-10-16

Doreen Rapport Freedom River; Illustration by Bryan Collier
14pp. ISBN 0-7868-0350-9.-ISBN 0-7868-1229-X (pbk.).-ISBN 0-7868-229-0 (lib.bdg.)
(Intermediate)

Worthy of a rating of more than 5 stars.......2001-11-16

In the book, A Freedom River, the writing of Doreen Rappaport along with the illustrations of Bryan Collier together create a stunning retelling of one particular trip on the Underground Railroad. This is the story of a slave family escaping from the slave state of Kentucky to the free state of Ohio.
The book's uniqueness lies not in its topic, but rather in the characters. John Parker, this true story's hero, was not only a conductor on the Underground Railroad, but also an accomplished businessman from Ripley, Ohio. He was born a slave and worked to buy his freedom. He owned his own foundry, and employed both black and white individuals from both Ohio and Kentucky. He helped to make this book unique because he is not a well known conductor, but his impact on the Underground Railroad was just as great. It is said that he helped over 900 slaves escape to freedom during his lifetime.
A Freedom River draws the reader into the experience of the Underground Railroad. It masterfully pulls forth every imaginable emotion, as the characters must make choices that may end in the separation of families, death or freedom. The pace of the book along with large, bold directives, such as RUN, CRAWL, and LISTEN, create a feeling of breathlessness, much as if the reader too, were running for freedom.
The illustrations work hand in hand with the written word in order to create the overall experience of the book. The multi-textured collages with realistic faces add emotion and dept to the story. Wavy lives found throughout the illustrations deeply symbolize the river and its importance in the search for freedom.
This is a beautiful book and worthy of a rating of more than five stars. It could be successfully used with children from 1st to 6th grade. It is an excellent book for introducing and further understanding the Underground Railroad.

A Powerful, Inspiring Story.......2001-05-16

Before the Civil War, Kentucky was a slave state. But just 1000 feet across the Ohio River, Ohio was a free state. John Parker, was as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and helped hundreds of slaves cross that river to freedom. John was a unique individual, an ex-slave who learned to read and write and was able to buy his freedom and a successful Ohio businessman who employed both black and white workers. But he never forgot his slave roots and the terrible pain of being separated from his mother and sold when he was eight years old. Because of this, he risked and devoted his own life to helping slaves escape to safety in Ohio. Freedom River tells the story of one of John Parker's trips to Kentucky to rescue a family of three..... Doreen Rappaport has written a powerful and inspiring story of the courage and determination of one man to right the wrongs of slavery. Her eloquent text makes John Parker and this story come alive and is complimented by Bryan Collier's vivid illustrations that add a real sense of drama and urgency. Perfect for children 8-12, Freedom River is a wonderful introduction to the Underground Railroad and includes historical notes to enhance the story and augment discussion.

An Historical & Artistic Treasure.......2001-02-01

There are many retellings of those who risked their lives to free slaves, but this is surely one of the best. Parker would certainly be proud to have his story told with such fluid, yet vivid, text. Collier's illustrations are poignant, and his explanation of the symbolism he depicts adds an extra layer of richness to this treasure. This book is so much more than a biography. Enjoy it with the special children in your lives.

Average customer rating:

THE STORY HAS A WELL WRITTEN LESSON
John Ruskin wrote children's stories?
childhood favorite!
A book to be avoided unless you are a sanctimonius humbug
Beware the Black Brothers!

The King of the Golden River
John Ruskin
Manufacturer: Simply Read Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Fifty Famous Stories Retold (Yesterday's Classics)
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Parables from Nature (Yesterday's Classics)
Our Island Story (Yesterday's Classics)
The Blue Fairy Book (Dover Storybooks for Children)

ASIN: 1894965159

Book Description

First published in 1889, The King of the Golden River tells the story of young Gluck, a headstrong boy with two dreadful brothers who consistently mistreat him. One day, Gluck and his brothers go off to find the Golden River's source. When they do, they discover the King of the Golden River, who teaches them how to turn the Golden River into real gold. A popular children story which went through several printings in the 19th century and was translated into several languages, The King of the Golden River dramatizes the moral that loving money more than other human beings leads only to destruction.

Download Description

One of these fell westward over the face of a crag so high that when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold. It was therefore called by the people of the neighborhood the Golden River.

Customer Reviews:

THE STORY HAS A WELL WRITTEN LESSON .......2006-10-26

THIS STORY WAS ABOUT THREE BROTHERS WHO TWO OF THEM WERE VERY SELFISH AND ONLY THOUGHT OF THEMSELVES WHERE THE OTHER ONE WAS KIND AND THOUGHT OF OTHER HUMAN BEINGS. THE LESSON IN THE STORY IS THAT IF YOU THINK OF OTHERS OTHER THAN YOURSELF, YOU MAY BE REWARDED IN THE LONG RUN. I PERSONLAY ENJOYED READING THIS STORY TO MY LITTLE BOY WHO IS FIVE.I THINK ANY PARENT OR GRANDPARENT SHOULD READ THIS STROY TO A SMALL CHILD. THERE IS A IMPORTANT LESSON TO BE LEARNED IN THIS BOOK. I WOULD READ IT AGAIN AND AGAIN.......

John Ruskin wrote children's stories?.......2006-09-29

This is an amusing if slightly odd story. I guess that Ruskin considered himself such an intellectual jack of all trades that he'd a have a go at the genre, if only to say he'd done it.

The story is built from familiar parts. There's a Cinderella theme, built around a young boy and his two cruel brothers. There's also a theme of the wandering stranger who, after being treated well or poorly, rewards the doer equally well or poorly. In fact, that was such a cool idea that Ruskin threw in two magical beings quite independent of each other, making the front and back halves of this little creature look like thay came from two different animals.

It's a pleasant enough fairy tale, but not one that I'd spend a lot of time hunting down.

//wiredweird

PS: This reviews a different edition of the story, apparently not listed at Amazon. My 1962 edition was illustrated by Sardo Nardini. The pictures are competent and colorful but, like the story itself, forgettable.

childhood favorite!.......2001-03-24

I must have read this book when I was 7 or 8. When my familiy moved, I searched in vain for the book to re-read, but it must have been lost in the move. I discovered it on a friend's shelf a few weeks ago, and re-read it. What joy! I always thought of this as the story where a bad guy steals Holy Water, but it is much more than this. The young hero has two dreadful brothers. He takes their abuse, and repays them with kindness, rescuing them from their own greed. Ruskin's descriptions of the country side are dramatic and vivid. One warning: Some might be disturbed by the references to the brothers' drunken behavior.

A book to be avoided unless you are a sanctimonius humbug.......2000-11-17

I had it as a text book in my high school and hated it. I had to locate this book today to explain to my 9 year old how we always dont get to read interesting books, more so for class assignments. I know any number of kids who get turned off by Dickens just because they had a tyrannical teacher stuff it down, rather up their brainstems in junior high school. One is asked to read a book in so called dear time, got to read it and follow the party line to get the grades and move on. If you want to teach your child how to read for pleasure, this is not the book to start with.

Beware the Black Brothers!.......1998-08-01

Gluck is cast as the "poor younger child" of two abusive older brothers. They are all presented with a quest to find the source of the local river, and though the two older brothers fail, the younger brother suceeds because he is pure of heart. It's very classic, metaphorical and I highly recommend it, as it was a fave of mine as a child. I was glad to see it's still in print. Austrian.

Average customer rating:

At the River I Stand
Joan Turner Beifuss
Manufacturer: St. Luke's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Labor & Industrial Relations | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Labor & Industrial Relations | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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Going Down Jericho Road: The Memphis Strike, Martin Luther King's Last Campaign

ASIN: 0918518806

Average customer rating:

great reading
more questions
gary ridgway:the green river killer
green river murderer
Excellant True Crime

Gary Ridgway: The Green River Killer
Staff of the King County Journal
Manufacturer: King County Journal
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Serial Killers | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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Chasing the Devil : My Twenty-Year Quest to Capture the Green River Killer
The Search for the Green River Killer
Green River, Running Red: The Real Story of the Green River Killer--America's Deadliest Serial Murderer
Defending Gary: Unraveling the Mind of the Green River Killer
Serial Killers: Issues Explored Through the Green River Murders

ASIN: 097470380X

Book Description

The story of America's most prolific serial murderer, told by the reporters who covered the case from the beginning.

Gary Ridgway got away with murder for more than two decades. When he was finally brought to justice, the Seattle-area truck painter pleaded guilty to strangling 48 girls and young women, while leading the double life of a married man with a steady job.

The true number of victims was probably 60 or even 70. "I killed so many women I have a hard time keeping them straight," Ridgway told the court.

Here, for the first time, is the story of the longest and largest case of serial murder in American history, told by the newspaper reporters who covered the story from the day it began -- July 15, 1982 -- to the day Ridgway was convicted -- Nov. 5, 2003.

Customer Reviews:

great reading.......2006-08-30

I very much enjoyed reading this book.I chose to read this book before reading "GREEN RIVER RUNNING RED" by ANN RULE.I wanted to get as much understanding of what he was like before reading about the things he did.