Another Jewel of an Adaptation from Russ Manning, Jan 20 2004

This volume contains two adaptations of one of the best stories: "Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar." This is an extremely faithful adaptation. My only complaint is that the printing was very dark, which kind of hid the lush, beautiful artwork of Russ Manning. Another reviewer complained of this same problem so it must be common for the entire print run.

Fantastic Adaptations by Russ Manning, Jan 20 2004

This volume contains the first four Tarzan novels, which pretty much established the forumla for msot future Tarzan tales. While not word-for-word adaptations, they are faithful to their source material. But the real reason to read them is not the storylines but the lush, beautiful artwork of Russ Manning. Made even better here by being completely re-colored using state-of-the-art digital techniques. This is a must have for funs of Burroughs, Tarzan, and Manning.

Good Effort, But Not Quite ERB, Jan 20 2004

Fortunately, I was somewhat surprised. While it definitely lacks Burroughs's tone in many places, it's relatively true to the original character. Lansdale appears to be a decent enough writer and I think he has a lot of respect for the Tarzan mythos. He wisely introduces one of my favorite characters into the storyline, Jad-Bal-Ja (the golden lion), but I ultimately wasn't overly impressed with what I considered the science fiction aspects of the story, e.g., the bug-like monster.

Not that Burroughs didn't frequently troll the waters of science fiction in Tarzan, it just seemed to lack a degree of originality. The downer ending was also something of an oddity. Admittedly, "Tarzan of the Apes," the one that started it all, had a downer ending, but for the most Burroughs generally wrapped up his Tarzan stories with a semblance of "everything is now right in the world." Okay, so maybe I'm being picky.

I do recommend this book. It is an entertaining read and is never boring. I guess anyone who tries to pick up where my favorite authors left off is usually going to face some negative criticism.

Well Organized Text on Managing Air Transportation, Jan 19 2004

I have a long interest in the airline industry and it was nice to find a book that has no agenda that covers the subject. Although truly a textbook it is a well-organized, well thought out book that is easy to follow and understand. Perfect for students or managers in the industry.

Sorry, Just Not Much Substance Here, Jan 19 2004

The chapters are all essentially short vignettes, and not all of them are even by Mr. Vitale. Many of them are repetitious and almost condescending in tone. For example, Mr. Vitale at one point addresses the problem of why someone who gives would not receive anything in return. Naturally the answer is: you didn't give in the right spirit so you received nothing in return.

Part of what bothers me here is that Mr. Vitale is taking a concept found in many religions and acting as if he has discovered some secret that no one else was previously aware of. As a Christian, I almost find his method of co-opting the concept of "it is better to give than receive," and turning it into a money-making proposition, insulting. But I don't wan to turn this into a religious argument, so let's move on.

I've had a curiosity about Mr. Vitale and his status as a marketing genius for several months. His name started turning up in my e-mail from some writing buddies of mine. He apparently now is "Dr. Vitale," (I guess he picked up a doctorate or something somewhere) and he has the nickname "Mr. Fire." I think it is a self-declared nickname, but even if so, it's not necessarily a name that has any real meaning. He also advocates "spiritual marketing" and "hypnotic writing."

Well, the writing in this book is pretty basic and if it is hypnotic in some way, I guess I'm just too dumb to be hypnotized (no doubt, if any of his fans reply to this review they'll jump on that statement). The spirituality is pretty loose and rootless (although one of the other authors of a chapter does at least give credit to God) and all of it seems to be aimed at one thing: making money. His message just seems disingenuous in that everything is built around gaining wealth.

Given the hype I had read about Mr. Vitale, particularly from a writer I know who swears by him, I had expected much, much more. I guess unless you are an adherent of Mr. Vitale, there's just not a whole lot of substance here. Sorry, Mr. Vitale, perhaps one of your other works will change my mind.

My Favorite Tarzan Novel, Jan 19 2004

In the book, Tarzan finds himself in Opar, a remnant of the lost city of Atlantis (he's bee here before in "Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar"). He's not exactly a popular guy in Opar and is rescued from certain death (is there any other kind in these books) by La, the High Priestess of Opar who just happens to be in love with Tarzan. They are forced to flee together into the Valley of Diamonds, which just happens to be ruled by some very nasty gorillas. Fortunately for Tarzan, Jad-bal-ja is on his trail and arrives in the nick of time.

While this is still a favorite of mine, it contains a plot twist that I always thought was one of ERB's worst. Estaban Miranda is a Spaniard, who happens to look just like Tarzan, and somehow keeps managing to fool a lot of other characters. It just never made much sense that even if he looked like Tarzan, he could so easily get away with imitating the Lord of the Jungle.

Panda is Missing! Can Maisy find him?, Jan 19 2004

Both of my daughters love the Maisy books; there's something about their simple stories and colorful pictures that even appeals to adults. The books are short and easy to read. But, the stories are never obnoxiously simplistic, like so many other books for small children.

This is a lift-the-flap Maisy book wherein children help Maisy look for her toy, Panda. As always, lots of fun for the kids who love lifting those flaps.

I'm Not Real Sure What Ms. Cousins was Going for Here, Jan 15 2004

I'm not sure what Ms. Cousins was going for here. The reality is, the book probably provides a realistic portrayal of how an older child can find their wants set aside because there is a new born in the house. Ms. Cousins resolution appears to be to have the older child realize that they can help with, and play with, their new sibling just like the adults do.

But, while realistic, I'm not so sure it's a good message for young children. My oldest daughter does not particularly like this book. I'm not sure if it's because it sends a message that she should subsume who own ego, wants, and needs to those of her younger sister or if she just doesn't find it interesting. Of course, four year olds don't necessarily feel a need to provide commentary on why or shy not they don't want a book.

The book is also troubling in that the parents seem so oblivious to Za-Za's needs. Not a good message to be sending to older siblings.

As with all her books, Ms. Cousins's art is simple, but colorful and effective. I just believe a better message would be sent had she shown some signs throughout the book that the parents were not so oblivious to Za-Za.

Who Will Turn Out to be Maisy's Best Pal?, Jan 15 2004

Both of my daughters love the Maisy books; there's something about their simple stories and colorful pictures that even appeals to adults. The books are short and easy to read. But, the stories are never obnoxiously simplistic, like so many other books for small children.

This is a Maisy board book (oversized) which means it is a lot harder for your children to tear up. A drawback of many of the board books is they are extremely short. That hasn't been a problem with this book and my children. I think perhaps the larger size of the book enhances the graphics and colors in the eyes of children. Anyway, the big mystery is, who is Maisy's best friend? You'll have to read it to find out; I try to never give away important plot points.

One of Hemingway's Best, Jan 14 2004

Even though it was published posthumously, this book does not reek of other hands having been all over it as have some other posthumous Hemingway publications. It has been questioned as to how much of this book is fact and how much fiction. Even Hemingway raised the issue at the beginning of the book. It doesn't really matter. In this book Hemingway is recollecting events that occurred over roughly a five year period which were over thirty years past when he started on the book. So, no doubt of it may well be fiction, given the passage of time.

But the book is monumental in that it is perhaps the quietest and most elegant of Hemingway's books. It is broken into chapters that recount various episodes in his life during that period he dwelled largely in Paris. It is sometimes funny, occasionally sad, but always intriguing. As I write this, I'm slowly convincing myself that it is my favorite work by him.

We are introduced to Hemingway's circle of friends and acquaintances from that period: Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, James Joyce, Ford Madox Ford, and the always interesting F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. It's amazing how many other literary figures Hemingway came in contact with during his life and he gives interesting tales of all of them.

Even if you normally dislike Hemingway, I truly believe you will love reading this memoir. A true literary triumph and recounting of a time like none we will ever see again.