Programming Jakarta Struts
by Chuck Cavaness
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (13 November, 2002)
list price: $39.95
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Editorial Review

If you've adopted Java as your organizational language, you're probably using, or planning to use, some sort of multitier design to maximize maintainability while making your data store accessible to as many applications as possible. The Jakarta engine ranks as the interface server of choice in that environment, and the Jakarta Struts Framework 1.1 makes it far easier to implement multitier information systems. Programming Jakarta Struts is the best how-to documentation around--in print or on the Internet--on the subject of using Struts to their greatest potential. Chuck Cavaness's book is comprehensive, detailed, critical of its subject where appropriate, and generally invaluable to anyone implementing the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern in Java with the assistance of Struts.

Thankfully, Cavaness opens with an overview of the MVC pattern with a focus on how you're meant to implement it under Struts. For anyone thinking that implementing MVC sounds like more trouble than it's worth, this clarifies why such design usually pays off in the long run. After that, it's into the particulars, which include code listings (lots of them, delightfully commented) and crystal-clear block diagrams that show the flow of messages among objects. There are also many database schema charts that show how the authors structure data in the storefront and shopping cart application that spans the whole of this volume. --David Wall

Topics covered: The Jakarta Struts Framework 1.1 and how to use it to implement the Model-View-Controller (MVC) software design pattern. All the important features of Struts 1.1 get attention, including exception handling, the validation framework, internationalization, logging, and templating with the Tiles framework. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

A very solid book on struts
Yes, it is not a good book for beginners.However, it is one of the best struts book for experienced java developers who are interested in struts.Why is struts the king of all MVC frameworks?A good technology is supposed to take some time to learn. Do not expect to understand everything from the first reading. If you don't know anything about MVC, don't touch this book.Go find some simple tutorials on the web. Once you get your feet wet, come back for the gems inside this book. I have quite a few struts book. This one is the only one that I use all the time.I read this book cover to cover three times and then started to get the hang of it.Once your get the hang of it, you will feel that this book packs quite a punch. I am very happy with this book.

Beginners - Please don't buy
This is not a good book even if you are a Intermediate Struts programmer. Beleive me !!

Difficult to understand
I know enough about jsp's and servlets to get them working, i feel that should be enough to start learning struts.This book's chapter's 1 and 2 focus on the benefits of using a MVC design and even though i KNOW what it is, this book explained it in a way that was extremely difficult to understand.They put so much market speak and irrelevant points in the first 2 chapters i was forced to skip them because I wasn't getting anything out of them.

After that I got a little use out of this book.It does explain about the flow of control in a struts application.But I still feel like they could have done a much better job at explaining that.

And the part that annoys me the most is the tag library section.They intentionally skip the majority of the tags struts provides.It doesn't even explain how to use the
I must give it 2 stars instead of 1 because I'll admit i do know struts better after reading this book.But I still don't know it well enough to set up my own struts application without helping the expert next door in my office >< ... Read more

Isbn: 0596003285
Subjects:  1. Apache (Computer file : Apache    2. Application software    3. Computer Bks - Languages / Programming    4. Computer Books: Languages    5. Computers    6. Development    7. Internet - Web Site Design    8. Internet programming    9. JavaServer pages    10. Programming - General    11. Programming Languages - Java    12. Web site development    13. COM060060    14. Computers / Programming Languages / General    15. Java & variants   

Prey
by Michael Crichton
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (25 November, 2002)
list price: $26.95 -- our price: $17.79
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Editorial Review

In Prey, bestselling author Michael Crichton introduces bad guysthat are too small to be seen with the naked eye but no less deadly orintriguing than the runaway dinosaurs that made 1990's Jurassic Park such ablockbuster success.

High-tech whistle-blower Jack Forman used to specialize in programming computersto solve problems by mimicking the behavior of efficient wild animals--swarmingbees or hunting hyena packs, for example. Now he's unemployed and is finallystarting to enjoy his new role as stay-at-home dad. All would be domestic blissif it were not for Jack's suspicions that his wife, who's been behavingstrangely and working long hours at the top-secret research labs of XymosTechnology, is having an affair. When he's called in to help with her hush-hushproject, it seems like the perfect opportunity to see what his wife's beendoing, but Jack quickly finds there's a lot more going on in the lab than anillicit affair. Within hours of his arrival at the remote testing center, Jackdiscovers his wife's firm has created self-replicating nanotechnology--a literalswarm of microscopic machines. Originally meant to serve as a military eye inthe sky, the swarm has now escaped into the environment and is seemingly intenton killing the scientists trapped in the facility. The reader realizes early,however, that Jack, his wife, and fellow scientists have more to fear from thehidden dangers within the lab than from the predators without.

The monsters may be smaller in this book, but Crichton's skill for suspense hasgrown, making Prey a scary read that's hard to set aside, though notwithout its minor flaws. The science in this novel requires more explanationthan did the cloning of dinosaurs, leading to lengthy and sometimes dry academiclessons. And while the coincidence of Xymos's new technology running on the sameprogram Jack created at his previous job keeps the plot moving, it may be morethan some readers can swallow. But, thanks in part to a sobering foreword inwhich Crichton warns of the real dangers of technology that continues to evolvemore quickly than common sense, Prey succeeds in gripping readers with atense and frightening tale of scientific suspense. --Benjamin Reese ... Read more

Reviews (693)

Better action than "State of Fear"
The strongest part of this book is the fast paced action. I found the science almost boring(maybe because I have done computer programing), but the plot line and action are better than Crichton's newest book State of Fear(also a great book). I could not read this book fast enough. I was yelling(in my mind)at the characters to run faster, get out of the car, don't trust him, etc... The book is now available in paper back and well worth the $7.99 it costs.

Artificial intelligence, evolution, and nanotech
Indeed it is a scary thought: killer nanoparticles that swarm and devour anybody in its path. The novel is about nanotechnology, but it deals also with the evolution of atom-sized robots and the computer intelligence that drives them. The word "Prey", which the book is titled, refers to the program that gives the killer swarm its instructions.

It is a really good read. Crichton has a way of weaving together science fiction and the terrifying consequences of science's alleged misuse into a really good story.

If you are totally new to nanotechnology, "Prey" is a good, albeit fictitious, introduction.

Another winner from Michael Crichton.

Crichton Can do Better
Interesting premise, but so formulaic that Crichton's real motivation to take this straight to the big screen becomes transparent.Michael, don't let us down.Remember your roots and Andromeda Strain. ... Read more

Isbn: 0066214122
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    3. Molecular biologists    4. Nevada    5. Science Fiction    6. Science Fiction - General    7. Suspense    8. Suspense fiction    9. Technological    10. Thrillers    11. Fiction / General   

Bush at War
by Bob Woodward
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (19 November, 2002)
list price: $28.00 -- our price: $17.64
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Editorial Review

Bush at War focuses on the three months following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, during which the U.S. prepared for war in Afghanistan, took steps toward a preemptive strike against Iraq, intensified homeland defense, and began a well-funded CIA covert war against terrorism around the world. The narrative is classic Woodward: using his inside access to the major players, he offers a nearly day-by-day account of the decision-making processes and power battles behind the headlines. Woodward's information is based on tape-recorded interviews of over a hundred sources (some unnamed), including four hours of exclusive interviews with the president, along with notes from cabinet meetings and access to some classified reports.

Woodward's analysis of President Bush's leadership style is especially fascinating. A self-described "gut player" who relies heavily on instinct, Bush comes across as a man of action continually pressing his cabinet for concrete results. The revelation that the president developed and publicly stated the so-called Bush Doctrine--the policy that the U.S. would not only go after terrorists everywhere but also those governments or groups which harbor them--without first consulting Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, or Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is particularly telling. Other principals are examined with equal scrutiny. Though National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice emerges as soft-spoken and even tentative during group meetings, it becomes clear that Bush is dependent on her for candid advice as well as for conveying his thoughts to his cabinet. The relationship between Powell and Rumsfeld (and to a lesser degree Powell and Cheney) is often strained, exposing their differences regarding how to deal with Iraq and whether coalition building or unilateralism is most appropriate. Woodward also describes how CIA director George Tenet prepared a paramilitary team to infiltrate Afghanistan to set the groundwork for invasion, and how this ushered in a new era of cooperation between the defense department and the CIA. A worthwhile and often enlightening read, this is a revealing and informative first draft of the Bush legacy. --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Reviews (205)

Not Bad- Has Moments of Great
Bob Woodward's book is a fascinating blow by blow look into Oval Office in the wake of September 11.

The personalities are vividly portrayed. My perception of George W. Bush has been altered. In this portrayal, he appears to be an interested, conscientious participant and certainly not like he is being chaperoned by Dick Cheney. Bush Jr. is calling the shots.He is portrayed leading the cabinet taking in all information like a sponge.

Woodward, however, posses only limited information. Frequently his narrative seems choppy and incomplete, leaving interested readers wanting more. One great example is his dealing with the Northern Alliance.Readers are left wondering quite a bit about the U.S. relationship with the alliance and the role the group may have taken in any planning.

For me, the most informative insight of the book centers on the concept of power.The President of the United States is to powerful for his own good.Every cabinet member serves at his will. Their power and prestige are derived from his.In order to stay in power they give the president self serving advice designed to defend themselves or advance their agency's interests and interestingly this advice is always in agreement with the Chief. To disagree is to risk alienation and lose access to power.

Armed with all the intelligence and in the wake of the worst attack on America, Woodward masterfully portrays how different key players came to deal with the idea of preserving government continuity and living and working in a giant target, uncertain of the future.

Overall, this is a fascinating book that will be of interest to anyone who wishes they could be a fly on the wall in the cabinet in those terrible times.

Political Red Meat for Cons and Libs (3 & 1/2 stars)
Bob Woodward, who was a major player in breaking the Nixon Watergate scandal and also wrote the book-made-into-movie, "All the Presidents Men," writes his account of President George W. Bush's presidency during the first 100 days after the attacks on the two World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001. Conscientiously fair, Woodward has put together a quite comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary-style book that reveals a full-disclosure look at the Bush war cabinet, their meetings and interactions with one another, interviews with the President and much more.

Of interest to those who seek authenticity, this book will make you feel like a fly on the wall. According to Woodward, Bush at War includes: "contemporaneous notes taken during more than 50 National Security Council and other meeting where the most important decisions were discussed and made." Additionally, Woodward states that he "interviewed more than 100 people involved in the decision making and execution of the war [in Afghanistan], including President Bush" (4 hours of interviews), "key war cabinet members, the White House staff, and officials serving at various levels of the Defense and State Departments and the CIA." Needless to say, a great deal of investigative effort was put into this book, which can be said of all Mr. Woodward's books.

I read Bush at War about a year-and-a-half ago, and after much time and reflection, I am amazed at the amount of access to the Administration that Woodward was given. I found this to be rather astonishing, as it was almost certainly an unprecedented move by a world leader in terms of permitting the scope and freedom that Woodward enjoyed. At the time this book was originally published, Bush at War contained a good deal of secret information from the war effort in Afghanistan. No doubt the reason for such trust in Woodward comes from his reputation for fair and impartial reporting, his unmatched investigative skills, and his astute journalistic credentials.

But enough about Woodward.

From the beginning, we are familiarized with the key players involved in post-9/11 war planning subsequent to the terrorist attacks. Woodward begins the story of that sunny Tuesday on 9/11 by going through the events of that morning through then CIA director George Tenet's perspective, leading to the urgently ominous, "Mr. Director, there's a serious problem." From there, the previously untold story of how Bush, Cheney, Powell, Rice, Rumsfeld, and Tenet dealt with the worst attack on America unfolds before your very eyes.

As I've alluded in my opening statements, this book reads like a documentary to me. I can visualize much of the book as if I were reading a transcript from a hypothetical movie that could've been named "100 Days After." But one of the most interesting and even intriguing things about this book is not just the details of the book itself, but the perspective with which people have read it and reviewed it. There is such a contrast in what people have gotten from it, and the opinions that have been formed after reading it. It is a perfect example for me that the term "what you find depends mostly on what you look for" has a resounding ring of truth; especially when the subject matter involves political figures. But it's really a testament to Bob Woodward in this instance, because it shows to me just how impartial the book really is. Most, if not all the information that those who've read the book were looking for is provided; and most importantly, we are judiciously left to make our own informed decisions and judgments on how we feel about what took place in the Bush White House subsequent to the 9/11 attacks.

For instance, there are conversations about Iraq that provide some insight into the President's feelings on the subject. These quotes are surprisingly candid and really provide more answers on his reasoning for deciding to liberate (or "liberate" for those who prefer the insinuation) Iraq. You will read just what Bush's vision for the world is, in his own words. What's priceless about it is that they're direct quotes that haven't been filtered by spinsters or the PC police. It's raw George W. Bush like you've never witnessed before; and that means that you will love him or hate him even more than you already do. For those that hate him, you will find more reasons to hate him. For those that love him, you will find more reasons to love him. It has plenty of "red meat" for everybody, regardless of political persuasion; and that's a good thing in my view. There's nothing worse than reporting that biased and intended to shape your opinions to the political right or left; because that's not really reporting, that's called propaganda. Bush at War is the real deal, un-salted and raw. It's up to you to spice it, cook it, chew it, digest it, and decide if it sits well with you or not.

For added entertainment, here are just a few notable quotes that stood out for me:

Bush on Iraq:

"Action was not for strategic purposes or defensive purposes, [Bush] said. ` You see...Condi didn't want me to talk about it (Iraq). We'll see whether this bears out, [but] clearly there will be a strategic implication to a regime change in Iraq, if we go forward. But there's something beneath that, as far as I'm concerned, and that is, there is immense suffering.' "

"As we think through Iraq, we may or may not attack. I have no idea yet. But it will be for the objective of making the world more peaceful."

Bush on North Korea's leader:

"...`I loathe Kim Jong Il!' Bush shouted, waving his finger in the air. `I've got a visceral reaction to this guy, because he is starving his people...' "

Bush on unilateralism: "I mean, you know, if you want to hear resentment, just listen to the word unilateralism. I mean, that's resentment. If somebody wants to try and to say something ugly about us, `Bush is a unilateralist, America is unilateral.' You know, which I find amusing. But I'm also-I've been to meetings where there a kind of `we must not act until we're all in agreement.' " He continues, "...well, we're never going to get people all in agreement about force and the use of force. But action--confident action that will yield positive results provides kind of a slipstream into which reluctant nations and leaders can get behind..."

Woodward on Cheney and Powell:

"Cheney and Powell went at each other in a blistering argument. It was Powell's internationalism versus Cheney's unilateralism."

Condi on Nukes:

"I've been in this business for a long time and people always underestimate the time, they rarely overestimate the time [it will take a country to become capable of building nuclear weapons]. If we're wrong and we had four or five or six years before he posed a nuclear threat, then we just went in early. If anyone willing to wait is wrong, then we wake up in two or three years, and Saddam has a nuclear weapon and is brandishing it in the most volatile region in the world. So which of these chances do you want to take? The lesson of September 11: Take care of threats early."

Bush on his role:

"I'm the commander--see, I don't need to explain--I do not need to explain why I say things. That's the interesting thing about being the president. Maybe somebody needs to explain to me why they say something, but I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation."

An In-Depth Analysis of the Months Following 9/11
Bob Woodword gives a nearly day-by-day account of the three months following the terrorist attacks of September 11th.This format allows the reader to gain insight into the decision-making process regarding the war in Afghanistan (you must read Woodword's new book, Plan of Attack, to learn about the war in Iraq).Woodword had unprecedented access to President Bush as well as senior cabinet members, giving him a clear advantage over others in ability to objectively confer the events that led to the war in Afghanistan.Woodword allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the President and his administration, rather than filling the pages with his own opinions and analysis of the proceedings depicted.No matter your party affiliation, everyone would do right to read this book in order to have an informed opinion about the President, his administration, and the war in Afghanistan.No other work covers the events with as much detail and objectivity as Woodword does here. ... Read more

Isbn: 0743204735
Subjects:  1. (George Walker),    2. 1946-    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Bush, George W    5. Decision making    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. Military leadership    8. National security    9. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    10. Political Process - Leadership    11. Political Science    12. Politics - Current Events    13. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    14. U.S. Practical Politics    15. U.S. President    16. United States    17. United States - 21st Century    18. War on Terrorism, 2001-    19. Current Events / General    20. Interviews   

The King of Torts
by JOHN GRISHAM
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (04 February, 2003)
list price: $27.95 -- our price: $18.45
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Reviews (534)

Good listening
I've never read Grisham before and, as someone who spends most of his waking hours as a trial lawyer, I should have better things to do.I found Grisham not to be a particularly good writer and his plot quite predictable.And yet I thoroughly enjoyed the book, at least hearing it on tape.Maybe much of it was the wonderfully rich and varied voice of the reader.Max Pace sounded so evil and enticing as the disbarred lawyer--ruthlessly working behind the scenes to save his corporate clients from their competitors and from their own, sometimes deadly, products.Carter Clay quickly succumbs to Pace's machinations, abandoning his client and the Public Defenders Office, to become a mass tort lawyer, collecting millions of dollars in contingent fees without ever stepping inside a courtroom.One first feels the exhilaration with which Clay gets and spends his ill-gotten gains.Then one experiences an even greater satisfaction when it all gets taken away.In the process, there is insight into a certain segment of the bar, and why tort reform has become so appealing.

Not bad Grisham
I picked up KING OF TORTS in an airport bookstore, looking for something to read on the flight.It is one of the few of his over the years I haven't read.

By the time my flight landed, I was halfway through the book and when I got home, finished it.

It is yet another addicting Grisham book, only this time, more in the technical world of the legal profession.Not really about a big case, but about a lawyer, trying to find ways to rack up fees through class action settlements.

The only problems come in the last fifty pages where it essentially falls apart, trying to wrap up too quickly.Not very believable.

Still, it is an entertaining, fast paced read.If you are a fan of Grisham, worth picking up.If you've never read him before, maybe not the best one to begin with.

Not Grisham's Best
This book allows John Grisham to showcase the ugly aspects of the world of mass torts.Here Clay an aspiring young lawyer goes from ruins as a public defender to riches and back to ruins in a matter of pages.Clay's quest for happiness will keep you entertained as he tries out supermodels, houses, planes, yachts and other material goods.While the emotions and characters are realistic the outcome is sadly predictable.For Grisham fans this is a must read despite it not being even close to his best work. ... Read more

Isbn: 0385508042
Sales Rank: 14313
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Psychological Suspense    3. Legal    4. Legal stories    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Suspense    7. Suspense fiction    8. Fiction / Suspense   

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)
by J. K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (21 June, 2003)
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $19.79
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Editorial Review

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief... or will it?

The fifth book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Somehow, over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teen. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny by the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toadlike and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of Defense Against Dark Arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts, as well. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.Ls), devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, more than any of the four previous novels in the series, is a coming-of-age story. Harry faces the thorny transition into adulthood, when adult heroes are revealed to be fallible, and matters that seemedblack-and-white suddenly come out in shades of gray. Gone is the wide-eyed innocent, the whiz kid of Sorcerer's Stone. Here we have an adolescent who's sometimes sullen, often confused (especially about girls), and always self-questioning. Confronting death again, as well as a startling prophecy, Harry ends his year at Hogwarts exhausted and pensive. Readers, on the other hand, will be energized as they enter yet again the long waiting period for the next title in the marvelous, magical series. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (5509)

Good
The 5th Harry Potter Book was good-yet did not measure up to the first four for these reasons:

a. Harry was real whiny! Where did our adoriable little boy go?What made Harry so likeable in the first four books were his sweetness- and slight sarcasm.He was funny, natural, and seemed like the kid next door that you could talk to, yet might tease you lightly.Now Harry has really become a teenager (his years as 13 and 14 were just prelimainary), and a cranky, irrating, sharp, smart-mouthed one at that.I do understand what he was going through, and how it must have been twice as hard, as half the wizarding world think he's nuts, and he doesn't have any parents, yet I wish that he would cut out the drama- and now I really do understand what my parents must go through everyday.In this book Harry additude was just to-hellish.

b.The length. Now, I am no stranger to long books-I have read books longer than the Harry Potter books (people must remeber that they are double spaced, and in big font), yet the irrating thing about the lenght of this particualar book was that a lot of it were totally uneccesary-it seemed like JK didn't want to diassapoint fans with a short book, so added a lot of unneccesary points to this book.In fact, the first and the last couple chapters were all you needed to be perfectly set for the next book(which I am waiting for feverently!)

Now for the GOOD POINTS!

a.It's a Harry Potter book!That in itself makes it great-one thing I like about these books is that you can always expect a book which is a joy to read over and over again.

b.The other characters remained the same.Even though JK gave Harry a makeover, she wisely refrained from changing the other characters personality(though to be fair, Harry is the youngest of Ron and Hermione, which accounts for a bit of maturity)

c. suspense.JK captures the element of suspense perfectly-which helped save this book.You wanted to keep reading(even if the part you were on was a bit dull) to find out what would happen next.

d. Humor.JK knows that what makes her books so enjoyable is that their the complete package-which includes humor.She nevers forgets to add in quirky, funny moments which make the book really enjoyable.

e.Ties up lose ends.Harry is growing up, and this book gently shows us that the time is drawing nearer for Harry to meet Voldermort.Ahh.. the plot has thicked!

Must read for everyone-just prepare to be slightly dissapointed if you are a devoted Harry Potter Fan!And you know what... I think I'm going to go and read it again!

Not the same as the other four...
Note that this book is very good, and had it not been part of a series, it would have easily achieved the precious five stars. It is part of a series, though, and so it only got four...

Before dedicated Harry Potter fanatics go bananas on me, hear me out. The first four books are astounding, and so is the fifth. So why the four stars? The fifth is just so different. The fifth seems as if it was written by a new author. Sometimes I wondered if the beloved children's series was still for children. The Order of the Phoenix is a darker tale. The language is sooo different. Harry's way, way, way too different: it's not the standard jump between 14 and 15, or the standard jump between losing someone he loves, or knowing the person who wants to kill you is on your trail and no one gives a hoot. He's just not the same, selfless Harry.

I give one reason for this. The story flows better for a movie. There's a little less magic, so to speak, take that both literally and not literally. More conflict, less of the issues that were left out in the movies. (Which are a complete injustice, by the way.) The fifth book, simply put, doesn't have the same charm as the other four. I hope to see it back in the next book. (By the way, even the, mildest Harry Potter fan should get this book. It is impossible to put down, and you don't even notice how different it is until you finish it.)

BRILLIANT!!!!!
i absolutely loved this book, and i dont understand why many reviews complained about the length of it, i actaully enjoyed reading it, and when i was finished with it i read it again, and again, and i couldnt get enough of it, i was dying to know what happens next, and im still dying to know what happens next that i cant wait for the sixth book to be released. i kept reading over the fifth book hoping to find clues as to what happens in the sixth book. i think Rowling is such an amazing and talented writer and she knows exactly how to keep her fans in suspense, and i know that im probably going to be shocked and surprised when i read the sixth book, coz thats what Rowling does, she keeps you in suspense for a long time, and then surprises you in her next book with the events of the story. For example in the fifth book, i was shocked when Sirius died and was very upset for the longest time that he was dead, although i have a feeling he will somehow return or maybe just appear in the next books, i was also surprised at how bad things turned out between Cho and Harry, and it just annoyed me when noone would believe Harry that Lord Voldemort was back. thats why i love reading these books, coz Rowling puts you in the mood of reading them and she knows exactly how to make you feel with every character...i hope the sixth book is as awesome as i expect it to be! ... Read more

Isbn: 043935806X
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Coming of age    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Magic    8. School & Education    9. Schools    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Wizards    12. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft   

PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide
by Kim Heldman
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (22 April, 2002)
list price: $59.99
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Reviews (34)

Good book, but not enough
What makes this book special is that it does not follow the PMBOK format of knowledge areas, but takes you through the entire project life cycle. It is very important for a would-be Project Manager to know how a project evolves and moves forward; and this book helps you learn that.
However, while it covers all the processes defined in the PMBOK guide, it is not very comprehensive enough and in certain areas, only scratches the surface. Also, the practice questions at the end of this book are very different from the type you would see in the real exam.
To recapitulate, this book is good for you to learn the concepts and the project flow, but do not rely on this book alone to see yourself through the exam.

Excellent book
This book is excellent. I read the PMBOK first and actually I didn't understand so many topics, then I bought PMP exam prep book for Rita Mulcahy which was excellent too, the situational questions, the tips, the material that is not covered in the PMBOK and may be asked about in the exam. All of them were great in Rita book. But, still I couldn't understand the whole process and the process interactions together, and it was difficult for me to connect the inputs, tools and tech., and outputs of processes. I tried to memorize them but this was difficult too.

This continued until I started studying from Kim book, it was exactly what I wanted and what I was missing. This book organizes the project management processes according to the process groups not according the knowledge areas, which makes sense and make you understand the subject as a whole and get the big picture. Before reading this book, I found difficulty in integrating the processes together and understanding the sequence of processes. But after reading it and from the first time, I was surprised how I could understand the whole subject and was able to understand and memorize inputs, tools and tech., and outputs.

Another great thing in this book is the case study at the end of each chapter which begins with you from the first process of project initiation and ends with project closure and covers the professional responsibility also. This case study helped me a lot in understanding how project management processes could be applied practically.

This book is great, and in my opinion, the author has made an excellent job. I used this book with (PMP final exam review) for Kim Heldman too, and as I mentioned earlier with Rita book and sure the PMBOK, and for me all those four books were the perfect set and they complement each other, and I was able to pass the PMP exam with an overall score of 87%.

Preparing for the PMP exam
While no one guide is perfect, this new version of Kim Heldman's PMP Study Guide is extremely good.I looked at many others in selecting her book and the one by Andy Crowe to complement the PMBOK, and I thought she did an excellent job in laying out the details of Project Management.In fact, none of the other books I looked at seemed to have the wealth of detail that I saw here (disregarding Kerzner, of course - the early versions of that book are really great for insomniacs, and it's very expensive).I'm going to be teaching some project management courses next year, and am considering using this book and/or her book called "Jump Start" as texts.

Andy Crowe's book was a good high-level guide, and I thought it complemented the Heldman approach very well by showing a different perspective.With the help of these two guides, plus the barely readable PMBOK, I created some color coded drawings of the set of PM processes so that I could memorize each of the processes, and then try to tie in which inputs, tools/techniques, and outputs apply to which processes.

Please bear in mind that the PMP is a very difficult exam, partly because the questions are so poorly worded, and many are very vague.I have over 20 years experience in managing projects, some quite large, and have taught project management workshops to corporate audiences for the last three years.I took every sample test available, many of them twice, and I particularly liked the CD of tests, quizzes, and flashcards that came with the Heldman book.In fact, the flashcards will download to your Palm so that you can look at them when you get a chance.

My score on the exam was 174 out of 200.If I was to do this over <and there's no way in hell that's gonna happen!>, I would work through the Heldman book twice rather than just once.One minor criticism is that she does not provide a 200 question timed test.There's a lot to be said for forcing yourself to take a 200 question practice test as if it were under the real test's conditions.You'll find it easier when you have to go through the real one.

Good luck!PMI is just now releasing the Third Edition of the PMBOK Guide, and a quick glance at the material looked like it was much improved over the 2000 version.There are a lot of changes, most seemingly for the better. ... Read more

Isbn: 0782141064
Sales Rank: 34063
Subjects:  1. Business Software - General    2. Certification Guides - General    3. Computer Bks - Certification    4. Computer Books: General    5. Computers    6. Engineering - Industrial    7. Examinations, questions, etc    8. Hardware - Personal Computers - General    9. Industrial Project Management    10. Microcomputer Application Software    11. Project Management   

Business Data Networks and Telecommunications (4th Edition)
by Raymond R. Panko
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (26 February, 2002)
list price: $113.33 -- our price: $105.69
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Reviews (7)

Terrible Book
This book is awful.The revisions to it are updated, but to follow the book in order is nearly impossible.This is a text book being used at a college.The information in this book is scattered and makes learning the concepts difficult.I do not recommend this book for use at colleges/universities.There has to be another book out there that allows users to learn the concepts and terminology in an easier fashion.

Six Stars!
I've recently completed a course using this textbook.Excellent!!!It has been a long time (if ever) since I have actually enjoyed reading a textbook.I feel it should be mandatory reading for all authors and potential authors who will ever feel the need to publish a textbook for undergraduate level work in a technical field.

Most of the many corrections on the online corrections page are minor and insignificant (i.e. typos) and would probably go unnoticed by the reader.With press deadlines in technologies being what they are, it is fully understandable.The choice to include those corrections (a) gave me a sense of security in that it demonstrated the author's thoroughness and (b) proves that you don't have to cut a new edition of your work every six months (which can be quite annoying for anyone who is looking to get a specific edition for class).

I was pretty much convinced that it was impossible to design and publish a textbook in a technical field of a caliber such as this.In general, technical authors either confuse the reader by over complicating the layout and material or they put the reader to sleep by being overly shallow and overly redundant.This is not the case for this book.In the words of Goldilocks, this one is "just right".I strongly recommend it to anyone, whether they have a class requirement for it or not.

Great Book, using in my PSU networking class
This book is great, it starts from the beginning of the networking age and goes through all the newest technologies and ideas about networking.Covers the business aspects of networking, wireless, how TCP/IP works and pretty muct the 802 standars.Book covers everything, this is one book I won't be selling back.A really good reference book for the basics of networking and rules to follow as well when getting into the networking field. ... Read more

Isbn: 0130359149
Sales Rank: 36918
Subjects:  1. Business enterprises    2. Computer Bks - Communications / Networking    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer networks    5. Computers    6. Data Communications    7. Data Transmission Systems - General    8. Data transmission systems    9. Management    10. Management Information Systems    11. Networking - General    12. Office Automation    13. Study guides    14. Business & Economics / Information Management   

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet
by James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, James Kurose, Keith Ross
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (17 July, 2002)
list price: $100.00
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Editorial Review

Certain data-communication protocols hog the spotlight, but all of them have a lot in common. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet explains the engineering problems that are inherent in communicating digital information from point to point. The top-down approach mentioned in the subtitle means that the book starts at the top of the protocol stack--at the application layer--and works its way down through the other layers, until it reaches bare wire.

The authors, for the most part, shun the well-known seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) protocol stack in favor of their own five-layer (application, transport, network, link, and physical) model. It's an effective approach that helps clear away some of the hand waving traditionally associated with the more obtuse layers in the OSI model. The approach is definitely theoretical--don't look here for instructions on configuring Windows 2000 or a Cisco router--but it's relevant to reality, and should help anyone who needs to understand networking as a programmer, system architect, or even administration guru.

The treatment of the network layer, at which routing takes place, is typical of the overall style. In discussing routing, authors James Kurose and Keith Ross explain (by way of lots of clear, definition-packed text) what routing protocols need to do: find the best route to a destination. Then they present the mathematics that determine the best path, show some code that implements those algorithms, and illustrate the logic by using excellent conceptual diagrams. Real-life implementations of the algorithms--including Internet Protocol (both IPv4 and IPv6) and several popular IP routing protocols--help you to make the transition from pure theory to networking technologies. --David Wall

Topics covered: The theory behind data networks, with thorough discussion of the problems that are posed at each level (the application layer gets plenty of attention). For each layer, there's academic coverage of networking problems and solutions, followed by discussion of real technologies. Special sections deal with network security and transmission of digital multimedia. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Great book from great authors
This book has 8 chapters for a total of 700 pages.
It is one of the best books I have read. The language is simple, authors covers complex topics in highly understandable way. The language is informal, still highly informative.
This book follow the OSI model from a top down approach, starting from the application layer. I think this is a good approach. Generally people reading this kind of books already has a general concept of how computer programs over a network works. So starting from the application layer simplify a lot the understanding of the material presented here.There is not much math involved here. All concepts are explained "verbally" as much as it can be.
The material is well organized. You'll never feel lost. All you need to know is here. Reading this book is a pleasure.
The only penalty I can assign is the price: too high for a book of this category. If I can say three adjectives to describe this book, well, I choose "complete, clear, accurate".
If you are searching a book about computer networks, this is the book for you. Buy it without doubts.

First impressions are the most important.
Probably my biggest problem with this book is in the fact that it doesn't accurately describe the OSI Model.There are 7 layers to the OSI.The fundamentals of networking have not changed in nearly thrity years.This book totally ignores the Session and Presentation layers of the OSI.For a student that read this textbook with no previous knowledge of networks, then they are led to the conclusion that there are only 5 layrers in networking.I do not agree with this book trying to simplify the OSI model.

Also this is a textbook, the author and publisher need to understand that textbooks get resold.As a student I don't always have lots of extra money to spend, and therefore I buy used as much as possible.This book provides a code to access a website.The problem is that it's only good for the first student that uses it.After that, they expect you to fork over more money to get access to the content on the website.ridiculous.

Furthermore, like I said earlier, the fundamentals of networking have not changed in 30 years.Although there are advances being made in gigabit ethernet and wireless networking, the fundamentals remain the same.Releasing new editions every few years is a gimmick intended to plunder students and rob us of what little money we have.I've just finished a BS degree in Computer Science, over 90% of what I learned was theoretical.Very little of what I learned is current, cutting edge technology.I seriously doubt the "new" third edition will have any additional information that would justify a new edition.

networking for chimpanzees ...
I never read a book that was more clear then this one. Also while the book is rather theoretical, it contains so much real case studies and interesting facts that the reader keeps his motivation from the start to the end of the book. Here is a comparison with Tannenbaum 's famous book on computer networking.

-Both books go deep and give fairly rigorous explantion without too much mathematics. Only some basic math and basic probablility is required like binomial distributions etc ...(remark however these books do not delve into the details of mathematical queueing models etc ...)
-This book is very up-to-date with the latest internet technologies like point-to-point file sharing, streaming and multimedia. Tannnenbaum does not contain the latest developments in these fields.
-The physical layer is explained in more details in Tannenbaum.
Other layers are explained with the same level of details in both books.
-This book reads better then Tannenbaum without sacrifying rigour. It contains also much more real-life case-studies.
-The concepts in this book are explained in a much clearer way then Tannenbaum. I perceived Tannenbaum as sometimes confusing. The authors of this book have so good didactic skills that they could explain complex networking topics to chimpansees....

Conclusion : this is the only book I know in computer networks that goes deep enough and explains the concepts in a clear way...If you are looking for the best book on computer networking, stop looking : here it is !!!. ... Read more

Isbn: 0201976994
Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Communications / Networking    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer networks    4. Computers    5. Data Transmission Systems - General    6. Internet    7. Internet - General    8. Networking - General    9. Computers / Networking / General   

Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (04 June, 2002)
list price: $25.00 -- our price: $15.75
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Yann Martel's imaginative and unforgettable Life of Pi is a magical reading experience, an endless blue expanse of storytelling about adventure, survival, and ultimately, faith. The precocious son of a zookeeper, 16-year-old Pi Patel is raised in Pondicherry, India, where he tries on various faiths for size, attracting "religions the way a dog attracts fleas." Planning a move to Canada, his father packs up the family and their menagerie and they hitch a ride on an enormous freighter. After a harrowing shipwreck, Pi finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean, trapped on a 26-foot lifeboat with a wounded zebra, a spotted hyena, a seasick orangutan, and a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker ("His head was the size and color of the lifebuoy, with teeth"). It sounds like a colorful setup, but these wild beasts don't burst into song as if co-starring in an anthropomorphized Disney feature. After much gore and infighting, Pi and Richard Parker remain the boat's sole passengers, drifting for 227 days through shark-infested waters while fighting hunger, the elements, and an overactive imagination. In rich, hallucinatory passages, Pi recounts the harrowing journey as the days blur together, elegantly cataloging the endless passage of time and his struggles to survive: "It is pointless to say that this or that night was the worst of my life. I have so many bad nights to choose from that I've made none the champion."

An award winner in Canada, Life of Pi, Yann Martel's second novel, should prove to be a breakout book in the U.S. At one point in his journey, Pi recounts, "My greatest wish--other than salvation--was to have a book. A long book with a never-ending story. One that I could read again and again, with new eyes and fresh understanding each time." It's safe to say that the fabulous, fablelike Life of Pi is such a book. --Brad Thomas Parsons ... Read more

Reviews (1350)

Incredible story
The sheer number of views posted on this title and the publicity it has generated tells a lot about what should be expected from the story. It is catching. Thiswith THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES is one of the best works of fiction that my eyes have roved through and which my mind has appreciated. I like Martel's poetic style of writing, his plot and the vivid descriptions he gave of things , characters and events results the story, which is similar to the style in DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE. I was so caught up by the book that I was unable to put it down until the last page. In the end, I saw The Life of Pi become so popular. Any reader who knows a good story may think he/or she is starting this book at a stroll but would be surprised to end it at a compelling rush. Like THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN, the story is completely captivating, fast-paced, thrilling, inspiring, shocking and hilarious. I smiled, sighed, laughed and even wiped a tear while reading this book.

Read On
About half way through Life of Pi, the story begins to pick up: teenager Pi Patel finds himself alone on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.Up until now we have learned about Pi's childhood and in particular his fascination with religion -- Pi considers himself to be Hindu, Christian, and Muslim.Whereas leaders from these religions represent Pi's spiritual side, his zookeeper father and his biology teacher represent Pi's rational, scientific side.The two pieces of Pi become whole as the narrator spends months adjusting tactics in order to remain alive on a small craft with a natural predator.

Pi's story gets more fanciful as it progresses, sometimes just skirting the edge of the reader's suspended disbelief.We know from the beginning that our narrator survives this ordeal, but it is not until the end that we learn the true meaning of Pi's adventure.Rare is the ending that pushes the reader to consider what he has just read in a different light; Life of Pi succeeds in this.

Martel takes his time getting to the heart of the story - too long, I would argue.Part One certainly sets the scene for the adventure to come, is essential in order to understand Martel's greater meaning, and teaches a great deal about animals and zoos to boot.But if you find yourself slugging through this (as I did at times) and are considering putting the book down, try instead skipping to Part Two, which begins with the jarring, short sentence: "The ship sank."Life of Pi is worth finishing, and it would be a shame to stop early on and miss the better story.

Another slice
LIFE OF PI is a lovely, intelligent and unique novel - one of the best I've read in a while. Though I found Pi's views on the lives of zoo animals a bit off (in fact they made me not WANT to like the book!), he is an incredibly endearing, smart character whom I could not help respecting and rooting for. He is a teenage boy - a practicing Christian, Muslim AND Hindu (all at the same time - much to the consternation of his family and various religious mentors) who escapes a sinking ship in a lifeboat shared by an orangutan, a hyena and a tiger. Pi and the tiger survive for 227 amazing days in the lifeboat (during which they make an amazing 'botanical' discovery worthy of Star-Trek in its Mr. Spock days) before landing on the coast of Mexico. There Pi provides the authorities two different explanations for his amazing survival.
It's up to you to decide which one is true... Really worth reading LIFE OF PI stands out brightly amongst the novels I've read in the past few years, and I'll be recommending it for years to come. The only other books I've read that I liked this much were Jackson McCrae's THE CHILDREN'S CORNER and a book called RUSH. ... Read more

Isbn: 0151008116
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Human-animal relationships    5. Literary    6. Pacific Ocean    7. Popular American Fiction    8. Psychological    9. Storytelling    10. Survival after airplane accide    11. Survival after airplane accidents, shipwrecks, etc.    12. Fiction / General    13. Reading Group Guide   

Java Web Services Architecture
by James McGovern, Sameer Tyagi, Michael Stevens, Sunil Mathew
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 April, 2003)
list price: $59.95 -- our price: $37.77
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (61)

Disappointed
I am involved in a project to determine the best practices for integrating web services into our applications.We purchased a handful of recommended books on the topic including this one.I have to say that I am disappointed in this book.

First off there is little coverage of web services from an architecture point of view.There are some decent chapters that introduce the concepts of web services and SOA and then the authors jump directly into reference mode on the dozen or so technologies that they think you must master to develop web services.

Maybe it is just a failure of the J2EE process, but this book does little to address the confusion and complexity involved with developing web services in Java.In fact this book just adds to the problem.Developers should not need to know all the details of SOAP, WSDL, UDDI, and all the JAX APIs in order to develop web services.For the most part, all this plumbing technology should be hidden from developers yet it is the focus of this book.

Book needs a revision
This book disappointed me with belated material and using older java implementations. The content and examples needs lot of updates and confusing the readers. The book suggested website www.webservicesarchitecture.com is not working at all. I find no response from the publisher and author as well.

Web Services Architecture
Java Web Services Architecture addresses the most difficult aspects of web services including security, registries, components, reliable messaging, and long-lived loosely coupled asynchronous transactions. These are the concepts of web services that the experts agree will ultimately be the most important, but for which the standards, protocols, and tools are not yet fully baked. The authors explain these missing-piece challenges, describes the ultimate solutions, and helps the reader develop a web-services architecture for their organization. ... Read more

Isbn: 1558609008
Sales Rank: 238958
Subjects:  1. Computer Architecture - General    2. Computer Bks - Internet    3. Computer Books: Web Programming    4. Computer Networks    5. Computer Programming Languages    6. Computer architecture    7. Computers    8. Database Management - General    9. Design    10. Internet - Web Site Design    11. Internet - World Wide Web    12. Java (Computer program languag    13. Java (Computer program language)    14. Programming Languages - General    15. Programming Languages - Java    16. Web services    17. Web sites    18. Computers / Internet / World Wide Web