Reviews (4)

terrific look at Marie Antoinette through her fashion
This is a terrific look at Marie Antoinette through the fashion she wore that defied French society over the objections of the aristocracy yet set trends with these same nay-sayers imitating or parodying the monarch while the hookers and madams copied her.The premise of Caroline Weber's fashionable biography is that the doomed queen was her own person from the time at fourteen she first sat on the throne to her last dance with Madam Guillotine.This book is well written and fascinating and fans of the French Revolution era will be enthralled by the detailed accounts especially the haunting all in white final ride to the execution as the author uses the clothing to symbolize the extravagance and ruin of a regime.With a salute to Arnold's Clothing Theory, Caroline Weber provides a fresh look at this violent period through the wardrobe of its most representative figure.
a tour-de-force!
I am glad that Carrie Weber's fascinating book "Queen of Fashion" is making a headway into American and Canadian popular culture to counteract some of the false information that will undoubtedly be generated by the Coppola film. No, Marie-Antoinette was not an empty-headedteenage spendthrift just trying to have fun. There was a method to her "madness." In spite of her joie-de-vivre, she was a Habsburg, and the Habsburgs always knew how to wield power. Weber, through anecdotes and vivid descriptions shows how the ill-fated queen used costume throughout her life to make a statement, which ultimately shaped her destiny. She dressed stylishly as only former courtesans had dressed to show that she and no other was her husband's mistress.An excellent book!

Sartorial savoir-faire
"Queen of Fashion" is a stylish and engaging tour de force that offers a truly original perspective on the life of France's ill-fated queen. In her absorbing and rigorously researched account of Marie Antoinette's life, Weber convincingly shows that the history of the queen's wardrobe and the court politics at Versailles are inextricably interwoven threads of French history. The stylish essence of this book is its ability to communicate the complexity of the period's politics with an accessibility and elegance that will appeal to a broad range of readers. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of fashion or France. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1755-1793    2. 18th century    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Clothing    5. Courts and courtiers    6. Europe - France    7. Fashion    8. France    9. Historical - General    10. History    11. History: World    12. Marie Antoinette,    13. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, King of France,    14. Royalty    15. History / France   

Reviews (65)

Farmer as saint, Haiti as Hell and Kidder as biographer
This book was a loan. It is a worthwhile and absorbing read, mostly because of Kidder's writing ability. The book exists on three distinct levels: the first is as a biography of an interesting man-Paul Farmer, the second is a story about Haiti, the abuse of both it's people and it's land over time and how that creates the modern morass, and lastly is the story of how Kidder became a Farmer fan or how i came to write this book. The book is tying these three levels, these distinct threads into an engrossing and fascinating story so that by the end you too are a Farmer fan.
Western Civilization owes Paul Farmer Big time
Ok, so this single brillant doctor and his clinic saves all of Western Civilization from antibotic resistant TB, ho, hum... Except that he did. And if he hadn't you'd be coughing up blood now, and writing your last will and testiment. Forget Al quadia, TB doesn't need a terorist sponser state.
Kidder does it again
tracy kidder is an excellent down-hope/real-life author.The biography here offered of the dedicated (obsessed?) physician attempting to extinguish TB world wide is fascinating and moving at the same time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Humanitarians    7. Medical - Physicians    8. Medical care    9. Missionaries, Medical    10. Physicians    11. Poor    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (32)

The Confession
I know that a lot of people in the gay community do not think that James McGreevey should be classified as a hero.But as a gay man who struggled with trying to be the "Best Little Boy in Town", I can emphasize with him.Trying to live in a straight world all the while knowing that you are different takes a tremendous toll on your personality and your self worth.
The Confession Jim McGreevey
All of New Jersey and the country were probably anticipating the release of former Governor Jim Mcgreevey's book. Some of the hype may have been due to the scandal involving his sexual encounters. I am completing the book and am very impressed with the wealth of information included.
The people have lost a great man
Isn't it sad that we dispose of gay people like they were garbage once it is found out that someone is gay?Governor McGreevey was an excellent politician, with a keen intellect.Who knows what good he could have done for the people of this country had he stayed in politics?Instead, we force people like this to resign.This is a great loss to society.Many gay and lesbian people have great gifts to offer and yet...we throw them out with the bath water.It is our loss, not their's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Gay politicians    6. Governors    7. Homosexuality    8. New Jersey    9. New Jersey - State Government    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Political    12. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    13. Biography & Autobiography / Political    14. Biography: general    15. USA   

Reviews (1)

Andrew Mellon was the greatest of the Mellon investors, treasury secretary to three presidents, and created the National Gallery
This is one of those big biographies that I wanted to spend a bit more time with because of the way the life that is the subject of the book connects with the age in which he lived, how the generations before conditioned his opportunities and how the way he lived and affected his times echoed into the next generation.Andrew Mellon is an enigmatic character that has great complexities and yet at the same time seems to be not fully realized in his personal life.At his economic zenith, he paid more personal taxes than all but two men. While never nearly as rich as Carnegie or the senior Rockefeller, he was still amazingly wealthy.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Business    6. Cabinet officers    7. Diplomats    8. Politicians    9. Social Stratification    10. U.S. Federal Executive Bodies    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / Business   

Editorial Review

The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought in the winter of 1945 on a rocky island south of Japan, brought a ferocious slice of hell to earth: in a month's time, more than 22,000 Japanese soldiers would die defending a patch of ground a third the size of Manhattan, while nearly 26,000 Americans fell taking it from them. The battle was a turning point in the war in the Pacific, and it produced one of World War II's enduring images: a photograph of six soldiers raising an American flag on the flank of Mount Suribachi, the island's commanding high point.Read more

Reviews (454)

"Flags of Our Fathers" - A Timely Look at a Bloody Battle in Our History
Quite a while ago, Nick Olmsted, a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, recommended that I read "Flags of Our Fathers." I am glad that I finally got around to taking his advice. This story struck me on many levels at once, and this seems to be an opportune time to share some of my thoughts about this remarkable book, written by James Bradley, the son of one of the six Marines whose iconic picture of the raising of the flag over Iwo Jima riveted a war-weary nation.
A hard book to read.
World War II seems such a long time ago for so many of us. Most Americans today weren't yet born when it took place. For this reason, I believe everyone old enough to comprehend its stories should read this book. James Bradley and Ron Powers have written a heart-pounding record of the thirty-five bloody days it took to wrest Iwo Jima (Sulfur Island) from the Japanese. The photograph of the raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi (1/400th of a second's space in time) is recognized around the world. The men who raised it: John "Doc" Bradley (the author's father);Harlon Block; Rene Gagnon; Ira Hayes; Franklin Sousley; and Mike Strank became instant heroes (though Block, Sousley and Strank died not long after). Bradley, Hayes and Gagnon lived to tell the tale, though both Hayes and Gagnon would die with the pain of their experiences on Iwo Jima seared into their psyches to the point they could not live with it successfully.
1/400th of a second in time
"It's funny what a picture can do":1/400th of a second in time.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Iwo Jima, Battle of, Japan, 19    7. Iwo Jima, Battle of, Japan, 1945    8. Marines    9. Military    10. Military - Pictorial    11. Military - United States    12. Military - World War II    13. Military History - World War II    14. Photographs    15. Pictorial works    16. United States    17. World War II    18. History / Military / World War II    19. Photographs: collections    20. Second World War, 1939-1945    21. World history: Second World War   

Reviews (3)

Inspiring Must Read!!!!
What I Know for Sure is that Tavis Smiley's testimony and transparency through this book was a refreshing read.He is a prolific speaker and a voice for this generation. I applaud him for allowing us to share intimately into his life. I was deeply moved by his honesty in retelling the experiences that shaped the man we now see today. The candidness expressed in each chapter allowed us to witness the forces that birth his purpose and propelled his drive, ambition, and advocacy. His love for people was greatly evident. This book is a must read not just for African-Americans but for anyone who has faced adversity, challenges and trying circumstances in life.Greatly inspiring!

A Must Read!
Who is Tavis Smiley?Initially Tavis' prominence in the media led me to think this guy was just a 'talking-head' - a person simply trying to find a means to move up in this world.However, years have shown me I was wrong.
Brother Tavis Smiley is the Truth
I've always dug&Respected Tavis Smiley big time. I've always respected his Vast Knowledge&Ability to communicate&be direct&just do his thing. this Book takes you back to his upbringing. this Book pulls no punches about what he dealt with as a Young Black Man growing up in a Household of a Large family,also dealing with getting whippings(this was the Pre-Pre Time-Out Era which back in the day only applied to Sports Games)and dealing with his own self in the Process. everybody sees&Hears the Success,but not many people are aware of the struggle this Man had to endure&the many lasting images&things he had to deal with Mentally.I applad Brother Tavis Smiley for not being afraid to settting the Record Straight.this Book will hit you in so many ways&depending on your own upbringing it might be close to your own story. I can relate to it big time.Tavis doesn't back down to BET or NPR Either.Tavis without a doubt is one of the most Important Voices out here.he keeps it real&this Book is very direct&real. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Discrimination & Racism    4. People of Color    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Radio personalities    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Television personalities    10. United States    11. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

It began with a simple $27 loan. After witnessing the cycle of poverty that kept many poor women enslaved to high-interest loan sharks in Bangladesh, Dr. Muhammad Yunus lent money to 42 women so they could purchase bamboo to make and sell stools. In a short time, the women were able to repay the loans while continuing to support themselves and their families. With that initial eye-opening success, the seeds of the Grameen Bank, and the concept of microcredit, were planted.Read more

Reviews (20)

Straight from the Founder
If you are interested in microfinance, this book is a prerequisite.Dr. Yunus gives a historical account of the rise of micro-credit and the Grameen Bank.Of course, he is also the biggest advocate of the program.Therefore, most of his arguments are pro-expansion of micro-credit.In spite of this, he manages to show a clear and compelling picture of the micro-finance industry.But, make sure you balance the information with other microfinance books that does not proselytize as much.A good example is "Beyond Micro-Credit" by Thomas Fisher.
Great book!
Yunus tells a great story about his bank and its battle against poverty.Outstanding business model for someone interested in micro lending.

a must read
This was an absolutely amazing book.It has given me renewed hope that poverty can be eliminated from this earth and will redirect my contribution dollars.I am heartened by what one man could accomplish through his own initiatives.A must read for all economists and humanitarians. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Banks & Banking    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Business    4. Development - Economic Development    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Public Policy - Economic Policy    8. Biography: general    9. Development economics   

Reviews (1)

Lou's not just for ND fans
In this autobiography we come to understand the making of a champion.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Coaching    3. Collegiate Athletic Programs    4. Football - General    5. Football coaches    6. Holtz, Lou    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - General    10. United States    11. Sports & Recreation / Football   

Reviews (83)

Witty
Whatever possessed a girl to openly admit she had a lot of one night stands, never mind write a book about it, is beyond me. Although it's witty, it's clever, it's eye-opening, it's just a bit about stuff you don't wanna know? It's all a bit too much information. But the first chapter is really shocking, Chelsea Handler says that the reason she never got into a serious relationship was because she was dared $5 by her older sister to take a photo of their mum & dad. Together. Ewwwwwwwww!!! It probably scarred her for life!
She's my best girlfriend!
I received this book as a birthday present and forgot about it at first. A month or so later I read the first page and was hooked. It was as if I was sitting in a bar drinking straight vodka, so I wouldn'tgain weight, of course, while Handler, my best girlfriend, told me about her latest romp in the bedroom.
Fall down on the ground grabbing your stomach funny!
This is a Perfect "pick me Up and Make Me laugh" book!If youve broken up with your boyfriend, or just need a Quick laugh out Loud Book, this is It!Now if You find sexual Humor Offensive, you will NOT Like it... But If Your Like the rest Of us Girls... This stuff is Hysterical!I was feeling kinda Blue, and I Had purchased this Book a While Back.I Picked it up , and thought what the hell.. Let Me Read for a While get My Mind Off My Troubles.Boy did it ever. I Couldnt put it down.It goes from One embarrassing sexual encounter to the next, and each One extremely Funny! I forgot my troubles and next thing I Know I been reading for over an hour and laughing myself silly... It is a FUN book! I was Hoping she had More Books On Here to order.. But I Didnt see any.Come On Chelsea, do It again.... ROFLMAO!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    5. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Comedians    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    7. Man-woman relationships    8. Sex    9. Sexuality    10. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (7)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Linda Wells, the founder and editor-in-chief of Allure magazine, has put together a book filled with the best beauty secrets, tips, and tricks that she's come across since the magazine's launch fifteen years ago.Although Allure isn't an actual teen magazine, the beauty, style, fashion, and makeup tips that it contains are perfect for anyone who wants to look their best.
Confessions of a Beauty Editor
One stop shopping with the lovely Linda Wells;it was great.I enjoyed reading beauty tips all in one place;I appreciate the reference tips being close at hand;I have them at my fingertips.And even I must confess, I have used them several times.Thanks so much Linda!!!

What a terrific beauty book!
Confessions of a Beauty Editor is not only a beautiful book, but it is an extremely helpful one.So many great tips at my fingertips.I find myself refering to it often.Great job Allure editors! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - General    2. Beauty, Personal    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Fashion & Grooming    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health and hygiene    7. Health/Fitness    8. Personal Health    9. Women    10. Biography: general    11. Health & Fitness / Beauty & Grooming    12. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Reviews (4)

All in all, it's worth a read
Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash is the autobiography of Eric Bischoff, who rightfully self boasts himself as the second most influential man in professional wrestling history, behind Vince McMahon. In his autobiography, he attempts to cover his side of the things. Although he does tell an interesting story, some things just seem to be missing.
Bischoff doesn't tell all
I was expecting to read about Bischoff criticizing many WCW and WWE wrestlers because, if you've ever seen WWE Raw during a commercial break, Bischoff runs down a list of people in the wrestling industry who he believes will be angry with him when these certain people read his book.I don't think so.His opinions on the wrestlers are pretty brief and he doesn't do much in the way of putting down anyone.Disappointing.
Well Written Read With A Lot Of Information
You learn a lot about Eric Bischoff and what has driven him.This book shows the side of him that we don't see in front of the camera.The information about the wrestling industy and the politics of it were very fascinating to someone who has been a fan for many years (particularly a fan of WCW).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Education    5. History    6. Sports - General    7. Sports Economics    8. World Championship Wrestling, Inc.    9. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.    10. Wrestling    11. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    12. Biography: sport   

Reviews (27)

Engrossing, Frustrating
I have been nourished in my faith by Barbara Brown Taylor's writings and presentations over the years.This book is no different.Once I began reading it, I was engrossed in her images and descriptions and connections, as she described her spiritual and professional journey.In many passages, she writes moving descriptions of the grace that happens in congregational life.I highly recommend this as an example of intellectually honest and deeply rooted faith.I have been thinking about it a great deal in the months since I read it.
Cathartic, Even for Me
Barbara Brown Taylor never claims that her approach to the ministry was typical, nor does she advocate that other people follow her footsteps in leaving the church (although she does have some interesting suggestions for empowering churchgoers and the faithful in general).Her story of "finding, losing, and keeping," is merely one personal narrative that successfully avoids the pretense that everyone shares the same dramas and should therefore listen to her wisdom.She is not selling anything.Her book is rather an intimate, articulate self-revelation about her path in the world.
Missing a Sense of Call
I have enjoyed Barbara Brown Taylor's essays in The Christian Century and there is no question that she is a talented and descriptive writer. This book is a pleasant (and quick) read largely because her prose flows so beautifully.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anglican Communion    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Christianity - Episcopalianism    7. Clergy    8. Episcopal Church    9. Episcopal Churches    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Religious    12. Taylor, Barbara Brown    13. United States    14. Women    15. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (1)

Harry Truman's Secretary of State
Mr. Beiser is the author of several books on diplomacy ("American Foreign Relations Since 1600" -- 2003). This definitive and long (800 pages) biography of Dean Acheson, a Democratic player (through the Roosevelt and Truman administrations) and foreign affairs genius. As Truman's Secretary of State, he was present at the start of the post-war era and created the framework for the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, the occupation of the Axis countries and NATO. As a result, Mr. Acheson titled his memoirs, "Present at the Creation." The writing is engaging and interesting as is Mr. Acheson himself (he managed to alienate President Roosevelt). Though this book obviously can not be read at one setting, it is a good history tale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Historical - U.S.    5. Political    6. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    7. Biography & Autobiography / Political    8. Biography: historical    9. History, American | Since 1945    10. Political leaders & leadership    11. The Americas   

Editorial Review

"God, he was a smart kid..." So why did Christopher McCandless trade a brightfuture--a college education, material comfort, uncommon ability and charm--for death by starvation in anabandoned bus in the woods of Alaska? This is the question that Jon Krakauer's book tries to answer. While itdoesn't—cannot—answer the question with certainty, Read more

Reviews (886)

Only read if you can relate to the protagonist
I recently read Under the Banner of Heaven and loved Krakauer's writing, so I picked up Into the Wild.Krakauer didn't disappoint.His writing was honest, personal and to the point.He doesn't mince words, and while his bias is obvious, he presents evidence that reveals many sides of Chris McCandless.
But why?
This is defiantly not my typical read, but once I started I found it compelling, hard to put down, but that does not mean I did not have some problems with it.It seemed like the author tried too hard to make McCandless a sympathetic figure, almost a hero in an odd way.Everything Chris does though leads to his own destruction, he has no one to blame but himself.I don't have much experience in the wilderness so maybe I am just ignorant, but it sure seemed like he could have saved himself.Going off into the woods to die does not seem heroic to me.That being said , the author has done his research and is talented writer.He convinced me not to head off into the Alaskan wilderness alone!Speaking of tales of the wilderness I highly recommend "Across the High Lonesome!"

Jon's Quest
Jon tried to help us understand the unexpainable actions of a misguided youth.Only through Jon's vivid description of his own journey into the the Alaskan wilderness, did we come close to feeling Chris McCandless' intentions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1968-1992    2. Adventure and adventurers    3. Alaska    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography And Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Essays & Travelogues    10. General    11. McCandless, Christopher Johnso    12. Regional Subjects - West    13. Travelers    14. United States    15. Wayfaring life    16. West (U.S.)    17. McCandless, Christopher Johnson    18. Travel / Essays & Travelogues