This is a wonderful book which, as an Anglophile, I loved reading. Just a word to those who feel it some of the terms are American. Remember, please, that the author is now living in the US, and new terms become automatically one's own after a while. And yes, there is a sequel to this book!

That is how much I loved this book. Mr. Talese eliminates all fluff and nonsense generally written about celebrity and New York City, decisively zooming in on the truth of both, giftedly selecting details that stir, exciting our interest, and thereby awarding his readers an intimate and delightful read.

For me, there is no movie in existence that compares with Giuseppe Tornatore's Cinema Paradiso. It is beyond cinema; it is nothing less than pure art -- painting, music and poetry --in its most sweepingly beauteous form, the soul of which is weakened in attempt to convey here through words. Others before me have reviewed this work of genius, and from them you can take the plot, but if you want to know what this movie is really about, you must see it and only then will you be captivated and beguiled.

I lived with the older, shorter version for over ten years and had no idea I would be even so much more moved with the longer, more recent, uncut version.

I LOVED this book! As a woman, who would not want to be loved as Florentino Ariza loved Fermina Daza. And what woman would not identify with Fermina's proud reluctance to give of herself until she knew that she was truly loved? But what makes this book more important is the poetic and insightful MANNER in which the author views women. He reaches into the depth of total womanhood - not only Fermina Daza's - but ALL the other women we meet in his life. Not all are beautiful, not all are wonderful, but all are unique and alive becauseMarquez incites our interest and intrigues. And note the dedication to his wife, "For Mercedes, of course."

What I also think is wonderful about this book is the descriptive narrative of the relationship between Fermina Daza and her husband, Dr. Juvenal Urbino. Marquez knows about long-time marriage and the irritations that occur; he also knows how petty disagreements can cause big ruptures; and, finally, the interdependency between a couple in spite of themselves. In essence, he knows people and when people aren't interesting enough in themselves, he knows how to embellish and create a work of art.

Finally, Marquez reminds each of us of the impact of decisions made in our youthful naivete which determine the course of our lives.

Josh is good, yes indeed; the combination of his intepretation and SELECTION of these songs is what makes this CD so utterly spectacular! Listening to this music is an experience in completely losing oneself. It is wonderful.

An extraordinary book from an adult's understanding, as well as boyhood perspective, of poverty-stricken and problematic family life in the Gorbals of Glasgow. This very honest, well-written book is successful in its honesty and description of friendships, family situations, political philosophies and working environment during the period. It conveys both a profound and generous understanding of helpless personal circumstances. I went to Scotland searching for a second copy of this book as it was out of print at the time and found it in a used bookstore. I will always have this book with me.

The first half of this novel was interesting, though I agree with one customer review that this should have been a short story. The second half was so repetitive, I was crying with impatience for it to end. However, Zola's descriptions are powerfully rich, and he has a true understanding of the complexity of human beings; in this novel he reaches its furthest depths almost to the point of exaggeration but always maintaining the honesty of the nature of his characters so that it does not entirely lose its credibility.

Zoran Anzelc is absolutely correct about the similarity between Ms. Somers' book and M. Montignac's book; I have read both. He is a scientist and researcher; she is not, and in all probability, she must have borrowed from him. His book is worth reading as he allows CERTAIN carbohydrates with protein and lists those items in numerical order, indicating which are permissible. In fact, if one eats those carbohydrates with protein, the weight loss may be quicker as that interaction effects a quicker metabolism. Also an aside, not mentioned by either writer, but by Susan Roberts of Tufts University, "adding fiber to low-fat diets can triple the weight you lose" (water-based meals - soups, stews). Hope this is helpful.

Zoran Anzelc is absolutely correct about the similarity between Ms. Somers' book and M. Montignac's book; I have read both. He is a scientist and researcher; she is not, and in all probability, she must have borrowed from him. His book is worth reading as he cites certain carbohydrates that may be eaten WITH protein and lists those items in numerical order, indicating which are permissible. In fact, if one eats those carbohydrates with protein, the weight loss may be quicker as that interaction effects a quicker metabolism. Also an aside, not mentioned by either writer, but by Susan Roberts of Tufts University, "adding fiber to low-fat diets can triple the weight you lose" (water-based meals - soups, stews). Hope this is helpful.

Just a note to Kathleen who reviewed this book on 1-25-01, and which I reviewed on 11-15-00. Perhaps Ms. Steinbach chose her title to also mean "without reluctance" (double-entendre).