Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit
by Daniel Quinn
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Paperback (01 May, 1995)
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Reviews (711)

Required reading for the human species
There are Leavers, and there are Takers.Takers ought to read Ishmael.

Have you ever wondered why in over 30 years of looking, listening, and searching for intelligent life beyond Earth, we have not seen, heard, or found anything?Is it possible that intelligent (technological) life generally causes its own extinction?When a species destroys the basis of its own sustainability, it's only a matter of time before either the mentality of the culture changes, or the ecology that sustains it falls apart.We have the power to decide.Ishmael offers some clues for when and how the Taker, Mother Culture went wrong.

An Unusual Must-Read Book!
If you're searching for the next Tom Clancy, John Grisham, or NY Times Bestseller book, move on. Ishmael is not a book for readers who enjoy character development, intricate plotline, ups and downs, psychological development, family crises, legal battles, war, or any of the "bells and whistles" which come with modern-day commercial hardback and paperback books. Ishmael is clearly for the reader, whether avid or casual, who wants to read a book which will turn over, if not change and transform, one's way of thinking.

Simply put, Ishmael is a work of philosophy. Daniel Quinn, like many other philosophical writers before him, has used a conversational writing style to convey his argument, rather than a traditional narrative: like other "conversational" works like Plato's Symposium, this style has proven to be extremely useful in philosophical works, allowing the reader to associate characters with certain styles of thinking and allowing the reader some kind of basic organization of thought rather than rattling off a number of premises which can be confused or disassociated by the reader, leaving the reader quite confused or befuddled.

Ishmael is a subverting book, simply put - but not in a bad way. It subverts your way of thinking, and forces reevaluation. Like most philosophical works it is opinion, and in this case it is groundbreaking at that. It will force you to think, no matter if it changes your thinking style or not.

Ishmael is centered around a discussion of two characters: a man and a talking (telepathic) gorilla in a teacher-student relationship. Contrary to what most would expect, the man is not the teacher - the gorilla is. As fantastical as this may seem to some, the usage of a gorilla as the teacher is striking and forces one to read further and further into the book.

Quinn, speaking through Ishmael (the name of the Gorilla) uses a variety of sources: philosophy, history, religion, cultural anthropology, psychology, paleontology, and a plethora of other subjects to outline his argument. Society, Quinn argues, is divided into two species: the "takers" and the "leavers." More specifically, from our viewpoint, "civilized" and "savage." Quinn's argument, although much deeper than this short synopsis, entails a viewpoint which suggests that the ultimate goal for "civilized" life is liberation. Liberation from what? The "gods," as he puts them - only when man is completely able to control the environment - when he can force the tide to recede at his call and for it to rain when he wants it to - only then will he truly be "free." For this reason, Quinn maintains, the "takers" have separated themselves from the natural laws, whether it be the advent of agriculture and stockpiling of natural resources, the separation of "man and beast," or conquering nature, whether that be in the form of pollution, environmental control, or other. The justification for all of this, Quinn says, is because culture teaches us that we are the final step in the evolutionary process: that we are the "chosen people," if you will.

Ishmael is a radically thought-provoking book. Upon reading it, one is forced into re-adjusting his or her surroundings, re-evaluating his or her beliefs and practices, as well as reconsidering our position in the natural order as a species. It is remarkably forward-thinking, and as such may be offensive or too radical for some. I suggest that you give it a try, however, because it is a cathartic - it washes you inside and out, and forces you to re-evaluate and perhaps even justify your environmental, moral, ethical, and social conduct to yourself and your inner sense of morality. A truly amazing, unconventional amazing work -- but try it for yourself. Pick up a copy! Another book I need to recommend -- completely unrelated to Ishmael, but very much on my mind since I purchased a "used" copy off Amazon is "The Losers' Club: Complete Restored Edition," a much lighter, contrasting, highly entertaining novel I can't stop thinking about.

Student seeks disciple must have honest heart, pure mind...
I read this book in high school, on the admonition of a friend. Personally all I think of it is good writing. The story itselfeven has a point of just how doomed we are a society unless we work together as a society of 'takers' and whatever the other one was. Its more implied more than anything else.

The problem I have with this book. Is it reaks of fatalism and empirical meanderings, with overdoses of skepticism and faithelessness, he did better with the "Story of B". But not better, by that I mean its supposed to be a book to help humanity find the means within ourselves to conquer our own nature. Sure you could argue semantics that having Ishmael telepathically communicate this to another human is the metamysteries of the earth spirit, Gia, or even God. Though I can't stand the fact this book really is nothing more than uneducated guess into speculative territory about the eternal nature of reality. And man's purpose of part of it(reality) is not simply more than a disease, or infectious plague which atrophies the planet.

My reasonings behind what I have said are simple. It's just good reading. Is it absolutely politically correct doctrine? You better believe it! Does it serve a greater purpose no, in my own opinion I put Daniel Quinn and his hystronic writings in the same vain as that of David Icke. And David Icke is one sick and twisted individual who occasionally get someting close to the truth.

However if you want some real depth, and really want to learn something. Check out Kosta Danoas, its primary stuff to learn what us as human beings are actually capable of being, by becoming. Pick up the Barnes&Noble Kabbalah as secondary reference and you'll begin to believe. Balance all that out with a heavy dose of CS Lewis and follow the white rabbit down the rabbit hole to see what WE as hunmanity really are. Comprehend all the above, and yes you will be better than Ishmael. You will be a living reality as the way things are.

Teacher seeks student, must have honest heart, pure mind, clean hands, and the ability to know he's wrong even when he doesn't want to admit it. Apply in person, with all you heart to God...the rest will come to you. ... Read more

Isbn: 0553375407
Sales Rank: 999
Subjects:  1. Fantasy    2. Fantasy - General    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. Literary    6. Psychological    7. Fiction / General   

My Ishmael
by DANIEL QUINN
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (06 October, 1998)
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Reviews (77)

Innovative but insulting
Parts of the novel were enjoyable, other parts were not. The book must be read with an open mind because the author's views are very clear and biased as he speaks through Ishmael. I found the attacks on the government and even more the attacks on religion somewhat insulting. The conversational, almost childrens book writing style that was used I also did not care for. However, some of the ideas were innovative and they can all make a person think about the potential of the human race and the problems with our culture. Her experiences in Africa were by far the best parts, the rest of the book progressed slowly. I recommend this book to students old enough to understand the vocabulary, yet young enough that its story-book style has no affect on them.

Brain Food?Not unless yogurt is food.
As Literature with a capital L, folks, this is as bad as it gets.The writing is irredeemably sloppy and weak.An amateurish, self-indulgent ramble.The characters are flat and unbelievable, especially Julie, a 12-year-old with wisdom and insight beyond even the most gifted pre-adolescent, not to mention an absurdly mature vocabulary, who (we are asked to believe) is allowed to conduct a mission overseas that is just plain silly.No matter: character is not her real function in the novel.Her job is to pat the preachy telepathic ape on the back.Ishmael proclaims himself a "maieutic" teacher, a midwife who claims to bring enlightenment to his pupils by helping them to uncover for themselves truths that already lie within them, a la Socrates.But then he goes on to tell and preach, preach and tell, and talk and talk and talk ad nauseum and in redundant circles!!!There's nothing maieutic about it!...but, of course, this is really just Quinn himself talking, up on his soapbox.The ape and author are one, and the only other character is a 12-year-old whose sole function is to respond to his sermons with "Gosh, Ishmael (Quinn), that's really deep!" and "Wow, Ishmael (Quinn), you sure are smart!How'd you ever come up with these AMAZING ideas, Ishmael (Quinn)?!"...shameless, self-congratulatory goop.Gimme a break.

And did I mention? The writing is really bad.Really.

It isn't that the novel doesn't harbor a few provocative questions, worth thinking on, penetrating, and discussing.I'm both a teacher and an environmentalist (in fact, I teach environmental science), and there are important issues raised here about human consumption, modern culture, sustainability, and public education (although the notion that schooling is a conspiracy to keep young folks out of the workforce is just laughable...).But Quinn doesn't penetrate these questions with much depth, nor does he tackle their complexities.He skirts around many of the tough questions (I kept thinking "cop out... cop out...").It's pseudoprofound - the sort of shallow philosophizing I read 20 years ago in Bach's Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Illusions ...yuck.

Finally, I was eager and hopeful when I read in the forward Quinn's acknowledgement that many of the novel's ideas are extensions of Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene.But believe me, he screwed even that up.If you want to read a REAL thinker and a REAL writer, spend your money on Dawkins instead.

Now I know why...
This book makes you think, makes you think a lot.I enjoyed this book, even though it started out slow and was sometimes hard to swallow... a 12/13 year old girl (regardless of her parentage) going on a trip 'by herself' arranged by people she didn't know... other than an ape.But if you put the ape thing aside, this book is quite good, and like I said... makes you think about cultures and why things are done the way they are done... and know, that it is not too late. ... Read more

Isbn: 0553379658
Sales Rank: 20840
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Literary    5. Fiction / General   

The Story of B
by DANIEL QUINN
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (03 November, 1997)
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Reviews (122)

Up there with Asimov and Herbert
in the study and reflexion of Human Life on Planet Earth . Not for those that think the earth is flat , like those opposed to Darwin , etc ...

mind-blowing
all of daniel quinns books will change your view of the world for the better. my life has changed considerably after reading this book, and his others. it's time for us to take charge and change minds. if you're looking for a new author to explore, look no furthur. quinn is THE MAN

yowza, why isn't quinn more well known?
after reading ishmael by quinn, i had to read the story of b.all i'm saying is "whoa."quinn doesn't cease to revolutionize my mind with his books.this guys provides so much insite and depth in the story of b.

i am sure that most of you who have arrived at this review got here through recommendations from friends and stuff.all i'm saying is believe the hype!this is another great read.i mean, think about it, invest a few days/weeks of your time and you just might be rewarded for the rest of your life.

for real, that's the way i see it. it took my 3 months to finish this book (busy at work) and it was well worth it.it's not boring, it doesn't drag, it doesn't preach either.

it just presents you with some information and you can make your own decisions from there.better than frying your brain with MTV, mega blockbuster movies, or mindless video games right?check it out, it's worth the investment.

and by the way, read the lectures in the back of the book as you go along, don't wait till the actual end of the book.good luck.email me at: proefound@yahoo.com and let me know what you guys think! ... Read more

Isbn: 0553379011
Sales Rank: 33060
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Religious - General    5. Fiction / General   

Stupid White Men ...and Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation!
by Michael Moore
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (19 February, 2002)
list price: $25.95 -- our price: $16.35
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Editorial Review

Stupid White Men, Michael Moore's screed against "Thief-in-Chief" George Bush's power elite, hit No. 1 at Amazon.com within days of publication. Why? It's as fulminating and crammed with infuriating facts as any right-wing bestseller, as irreverent as The Onion, and as noisily entertaining as a wrestling smackdown. Moore offers a more interesting critique of the 2000 election than Ralph Nader's Crashing the Party (he argued with Nader, his old boss, who sacked him), and he's serious when he advocates ousting Bush. But Moore's rage is outrageous, couched in shameless gags and madcap comedy: "Old white men wielding martinis and wearing dickies have occupied our nation's capital.... Launch the SCUD missiles! Bring us the head of Antonin Scalia!... We are no longer [able] to hold free and fair elections. We need U.N. observers, U.N. troops." Moore's ideas range from on-the-money (Arafat should beat Sharon with Gandhi's nonviolent shame tactics) to over-the-top: blacks should put inflatable white dolls in their cars so racist cops will think they're chauffeurs; the ever-more-Republicanesque Democratic Party should be sued for fraud; "no contributions toward advancing our civilization ever came out of the South [except Faulkner, Hellman, and R.J. Reynolds]," because it's too hot to think straight there; Korean dictator Kim Jong-il "has got to broaden himself beyond porn and John Wayne" by watching better movies, like Dude, Where's My Car? (which contains "all you need to know about America"). Whatever your politics, Stupid White Men should make you blow your stack. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Reviews (1150)

9 in 10 SWM Agree: Moore Has Yet To Be Laid Once In Life!!!!
Boor imposes double-standards. He mocks males as "the weaker sex", yet after citing degrading statistics about more women being under the poverty rate, men are instantly backslid to positions of subjecting women. Boor prevaricates "women still earn less", despite Census Bureau statistics affirming women at record highs in earnings and bachelor-degree holdings, and comprising 45% of executive/managerial occupations in 2002. Women attempt suicide three times greater, and endure depressive, anxiety and eating disorders furiously more, while Boor conceals these to scorn males as "going extinct"!!!! This disparagingly illustrates Boor's nuisance-sickness of misallocating data bent to his agendas to allegedly "support" his one-sidedness.

Moore's comprehensive research uncovered things that are hard to find elsewhere in the media.What especially impressed me were all the connections between members of the Bush administration and large corporations, or the extended Bush family members in power around the nation.Moore is so determined to give non- "stupid white men" their power that he includes a cut out, wallet-sized excerpt from the Federal Voting Rights Act.
I was occasionally thrown off by certain things, like Moore's lengthy argument on why Bush's history with drinking makes him unfit for the white house, or how talk about a decline in the stock market is a diversion created by rich people to cover up the fact that their success is at the expense of lower-wage earners.However, I still consider Moore a credible, insightful writer who has enligthened me, at least.

He's zealous.. i'll give him that!
Ahh Michael Moore... the last angry man!
A man raging violently in his verbal abuse for the system and who in so doing raises many valid points and brings many disregarded facts to the spotlight.
But also a man who in so doing ignores many counter arguments. When you read anything of Moore's you must always remember that though 9 times out of 10 hes probably on to something.. the one time he does screw up.. he screws up. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060392452
Subjects:  1. 1993-2001    2. 2001-    3. American wit and humor    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Humor    6. Political Process - General    7. Political Process - Political Parties    8. Politics - Current Events    9. Politics and government    10. Topic - Business and Professional    11. Topic - Political    12. United States    13. Political Science / General   

The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton
by JOE KLEIN
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (05 March, 2002)
list price: $22.95
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Editorial Review

Primary Colors author Joe Klein offers a nonfictional take on his favorite subject, Bill Clinton, whom he describes as both "the most talented politician of his generation" and "the most compelling." Klein is of two minds when it comes to the man from Hope: he is at once disappointed by Clinton's failure to achieve greatness, but also a defender of what Clinton did do. He can be unremittingly harsh about the 42nd president's personal shortcomings: "Bill Clinton often seemed the apotheosis of his generation's alleged sins: moral relativism, the tendency to pay more attention to marketing than to substance, the solipsistic callowness." Yet he also credits Clinton with running "a serious, substantive presidency" whose chief success was dragging "Washington toward a recognition that a revised form of government activism might be appropriate in the anarchy of an instant economy." Klein is a smart and engrossing writer, and The Natural is an honest liberal's best effort to explain eight controversial years. Readers who supported Clinton will discover new insights into why he didn't accomplish more; those who opposed him will gain a sharper understanding of why he remained so popular with the public. --John Miller ... Read more

Reviews (59)

A very Objective Look at Clinton
I have to admit that Klein's book about the Clinton presidency is one of the most objective accounts of Clinton I have ever seen. Although friendly with the ex-prez, Klein pulls no punches and presents Clinton's presidency warts and all. In the end we all know what Clinton did, but Klein gives us more insight as to the "whys" of his actions. Is Clinton the greatest president of all time? No. Is he the worst? Not even close. If all books on presidents were written as objectively as this one, we would all have a better understanding of what makes these men tick.
Is Clinton a better president than W? You tell me: peace and prosperity vs. war, a declining stock market, and skyrocketing gas prices.

too short, unorganized
I got the impression that Mr. Klein just threw together a bunch of odds & ends he had left over from another book and notes -- the way they made the movie "Midway" out of edit-outs from "Tora, Tora, Tora!"

A balanced and thoughtful review--a rarity!
A rarity indeed in the realm of Clinton literature is an honest and balanced review of the Clinton years.It is not a deep review but a wonderful reconsideration of the Clinton years.Klein is spot on in most of writing--from his accounts of the destruction of Newt Gingrich to the accounts of Clinton's self-destruction.He hammers Clinton particularly hard for the Mark Rich pardon, which makes perfect sense in the context of who Clinton was.Klein makes one very bizarre conclusion.He blames Clinton for the current problems between Israel and the Palestinians.It is unclear how the failed peace talks are really Clinton's fault (don't Barak, Sharon and, of course, the Arafat and his ilk, deserve the blame?).Nevertheless, a rare book that is honest and tempered.And it pulls no punches.Fair and balanced. ... Read more

Isbn: 0385506198
Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Clinton, Bill,    6. Current Affairs    7. Ethics    8. Government - U.S. Government    9. History    10. Political    11. Political corruption    12. Politics/International Relations    13. Presidents    14. Presidents & Heads of State    15. United States    16. Current Events / Political   

Sex, Lies, and Headlocks : The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation
by SHAUN ASSAEL, MIKE MOONEYHAM
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (16 July, 2002)
list price: $24.00 -- our price: $24.00
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Reviews (69)

Too many wrong facts
This book had way too many glaring inconsistancies. Some of the facts were intriguing, but many of them were wrong, or explained in the wrong time period. I am a huge wrestling fan, and have heard many of the stories presented in the book over the years. The authors get too many facts wrong, making me believe that even the intriguing facts I didn't know about could be wrong. Overall, you'd be better going somewhere else to find your pro wrestling dirt, because this book will just end up confusing you.

"Sex, Lies, & Headlocks" Review
Shaun Assael and Mike Mooneyham pull no punches in this no-holds-barred exploration of Vincent Kennedy McMahon and his billion-dollar empire, the World Wrestling Federation (now known as "WWE"). "Sex, Lies, & Headlocks" tells some rather interesting behind-the-scenes stories from the days of the Monday Night Wars where McMahon's World Wrestling Federation went up against the Turned-owned WCW run by Eric Bischoff. It goes into in-depth detail about the steroid scandal, the Montreal screwjob, the defection of Scott Hall & Kevin Nash to WCW, and just about every other major happening in pro wrestling during the 90's. Of course, a lot of the book is based on rumors and heresay so you may want to take it all with a grain of salt. Whether it's fact or fiction, "Headlocks" is an entertaining read for any diehard wrestling fan.

Big Book of Lies
As other reviews have noted, this book is not a tell all on Vince McMahon.It is more of a history of pro-wrestling, but Vince was the last man standing when the book went to press.The authors don't seem to think much of pro-wrestling, as they belittle it throughout the book.They also did little to no research while writing it.Definitely not worth your time...Be aware! ... Read more

Isbn: 0609606905
Sales Rank: 168069
Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. McMahon, Vince    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - General    6. Sports Economics    7. United States    8. World Wrestling Federation    9. Wrestlers    10. Wrestling    11. Sports & Recreation / Wrestling   

Culture Jam: How to Reverse America's Suicidal Consumer Binge--And Why We Must
by Kalle Lasn
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (07 November, 2000)
list price: $13.95 -- our price: $10.46
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Reviews (52)

Of Critical Importance
In some ways to me this was preaching to the choir, but the message is well-articulated.Not only has the consumption and marketing domination of our culture been destroying the biological environment, it has been destroying our day to day lives in our immediate environment and even our psyches.

It is nearly impossible to get through the day without relentless advertising and other ills of the modern age.The deafening noise of leaf blowers, car stereos, noisy exhaust systems, car alarms, back-up beepers, cell phones,...Toxic smells of smoking, exhaust and BBQ lighter fluid.And the barrage of advertising everywhere, even on rented DVD's and at some gas pumps.And have you been to a ballgame lately?

The psychic space is even more insidious.Our minds are full of jingles and iamges that are completely edited or manufactured whole-scale.Our images of beauty are so idealized by models and actors/actresses that not only have their bodies manipuilated, but their very imaged edited.

I do take issue with the vegan nonsense.Meat and not grains are the evolutionary and natural human diet.Most of the grazing land is unfit to grow crops.While not very PC, starvation is a major ecological control of a population that has gotten too large to be supported in the ecosystem.Feeding the hungry means a bigger population and more hungry mouths to feed.

So what to do?Its hard not to cave when you live in the modern world.I drive a reasonable vehicle and try not to drive much if I can.I recycle.I donate used items to Goodwill or Amvets.I try not to buy much and keep my life simple.I haven't really watched TV except videos and DVD's since the Superbowl.I'm even moving away from magazines and the newspaper.But its not really enough.

Very Important Book for our Times
As my title indicates, Culture Jam is a very important book for our times.Not many people are happy these, days, and most people are quick to point out that there's just something "wrong" with the way the world works.

In Culture Jam, Lasn identifies many of the wrongs of the world in this critique of American/Multinational corporate and media power.If you've ever been treated unfairly by a large corporation, or if you're worried about the unchecked power and billions of dollars that every corporation (from Walmart to Viacom to Rupert Murdoch's News Newtwork) uses to change the world in its own image, then get this book.

It's broken into four parts (named after the seasons), and shows exactly how bad the world has gotten and provides a light at the end of the tunnel.Lasn gets you fired up in the first half of the book, pointing out social injustices, and he proposes some ideas and hope for solutions at the end.

This book isn't a cure-all.It's a call for action.It's a call for fat Americans to wake up, take control of the horrible world we've let come to be, and streamline the system.For the sake of your self, your family, and your planet, start with this book and look deeper for ways to effect meaningful change.For more ideas and an overview of Lasn's philosophy, visit his website.Do a search for adbusters.

Support corporate media giants and buy this book!
Lasn rails agains corporate media giants and asks his readers to risk their livelihoods by commiting criminal acts of vandalism, even though he prostrates himself before his corporate pay masters. Despite being a well written polemic, no one has bothered to question why this book is not in the public domain? In fact, the publishers, William Morrow and Perennial Publishing, are subsidiaries of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, owners of Harper Collins, Fox Entertainment, Direct TV, The New York Post, and countless other mass media and advertising companies. Many of the billboards, TV commercials, and other advertising that have saturated our environment are produced by the same company that earns profits from your purchase of this book. To be precise: "News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) had total assets as of September 30, 2004 of approximately US$52 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$22 billion. News Corporation is a diversified international media and entertainment company with operations in eight industry segments: filmed entertainment; television; cable network programming; direct broadcast satellite television; magazines and inserts; newspapers; book publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Basin."

So support corporate America and BUY THIS BOOK! Brought to you by Adbusters, sponsors of "BUY NOTHING." And while you're buying "BUY NOTHING" posters and bumper stickers, why not try out "Blackspot Sneakers," a five buck sneaker for only 79 bucks, available exclusively from your Adbusters retailer. A great stocking stuffer for that would be revolutionary who already has everything. ... Read more

Isbn: 0688178057
Sales Rank: 38353
Subjects:  1. Media Studies    2. Popular Culture - General    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Sociology - General