Editorial Review

Snow White's stepmother looks like a pussycat compared to the monster under which Adeline Yen Mah suffered. The author's memoir of life in mainland China and--after the 1949 revolution--Hong Kong is a gruesome chronicle of nonstop emotional abuse from her wealthy father and his beautiful, cruel second wife. Chinese proverbs scattered throughout the text pithily covey the traditional world view that prompted Adeline's subservience. Had she not escaped to America, where she experienced a fulfilling medical career and a happy marriage, her story would be unbearable; instead, it's grimly fascinating: Read more

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Reviews (320)

Falling leaves return to their roots.
Adeline Yen Mah was born in a well-placed, moneyed Chinese family prominent in the elite of Shanghai and later on in booming Hong Kong. Her mother died shortly after her birth, and she was always blamed for her death. Her father then married Niang, a beautiful Eurasian who is evil (particularly to Adeline), but nonetheless a formidable force in the Yen household.
Do some people just like abuse?
It is difficult to feel sorry for this woman.
Falling Leaves
This book was very interesting and a easy read. I love the fact that the author conveyed historic events. I would say that she could have went into to more details about her life with her second husband. How did the latter events affect her marriage and family? I would love to read about what has happened since the death of the stepmother. Good Book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Biography    5. California    6. Childhood Memoir    7. Chinese Americans    8. Ethnic Cultures    9. Women    10. Women physicians    11. China    12. True stories of endurance & survival   

Editorial Review

Most 31-year olds can't boast of being the instigator of a revolution. But then again, the world's leading promoter of open source software and creator of the operating system Linux does humbly call himself an accidental revolutionary--accidental being the operative word here. Read more

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Excellent biography of a guy who doesn't know how cool he is.
The title of this book is very fitting, it seems to be the way things happpened. Linus was never a "go-getter" or someone looking to change the world, just a guy who loved programming, and seemed to do it just for fun, as the title implies.
Good Start, Poor finish ... not put together very well
One reason I rated this audio CD so low was the packaging
Reading this book is fun
You'd better be somewhat geek to get the language of this book. It's a fun book. If you are in the IT industry and have affinity for open source and Linux you'd better be reading this book. One thing I did not like is although I *know* Linus is not such a person to *act* as a hero, he is presented to be so. If the book was named ...accidental hero rather than ...accidental revolutionary, I'd not be buying it I guess. But it made me feel a bit like than. Other than that, a very fun book to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Audiobooks    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Computer programmers    6. Finland    7. General    8. History    9. Operating Systems - Linux    10. Scientists - Inventors    11. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

A Rhodes scholar with a healthy ego, the young idealist George Stephanopoulos thought he was ready for the obscure governor of Arkansas. But soon after he signed on as his presidential-campaign manager, the odds of Clinton's triumph soared, and so did the chance for calamity via Gennifer Flowers and other scandals. Stephanopoulos scrambled behind the scenes, squelching rumors, spinning major news organizations, artfully knifing Clinton rivals, and second-guessing public opinion--lessons that would serve him well when Clinton won.Read more

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George Stephanopoulos' version of CYA
First, my standard disclaimer: I am a political moderate and social conservative. This book is an average look at what happens in political inner circles, specifically the Clinton white house. I was a little disappointed that Stephanopoulos did not take more risks to write about subjects that the general public did not already know. It seemed that much of the reason for the book was for the author to exonerate himself from any wrongdoing.

St. George And The Dragon
George Stephanopoulos' memoir of working in the White House during Bill Clinton's first term in office makes you feel like a fly on the wall of the Oval Office. Written in that hypersmart, jargon-fluent style familiar to "West Wing" viewers, "All Too Human" is an engaging, candid companion to readers of any political stripe, in part an impassioned defense of one of America's most infuriatingly bipolar personalities, in part a cautionary tale of power trumping principle.
MY political education
The subtitle of this wonderful memoir taught me more about politics in 400 pages than I'd learned in 40 years. A diehard liberal and a political fanatic, someone whose views would normally make me sneer and scoff, Stephanopolous paints a picture of the stresses, ins-and-outs, spin, activities and the vital scope of the world inside the Oval Office. Every newsworthy event or program is canvassed for its political ramafications; the very definition and refinement of the word "politics" is reinforced on every page; the mistakes that lead to triumphs, and the feel-good preparations that lead to disasters are all here in stark detail. Stephanopolous proves himself a very sensible man, and even his staunchly liberal views are sidenotes to the greater energies, arguments and preparations that occur inside the White House. I occasionally disliked S's speaking his own platform (which he did sparingly), or telling how political parties are constructed to blunt the other even when their plans are sensible, but all in all I learned more from this book about the workings inside the White House than from all my prior readings and public education. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    3. Audio - Nonfiction    4. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    5. Audiobooks    6. Biography    7. Clinton, Bill,    8. Fiction    9. General    10. Political    11. Presidents    12. Staff    13. United States    14. Political Science / General   

Editorial Review

Building on biographies by Read more

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Reviews (182)

Excellent Book for Leaders and Executives
Most people recognize Alexander Hamilton from his name and face on the ten dollar bill. Rarely do people know the story of the poor orphan who rose from poverty on the island of Nevis to become a patriot, a self-made genius, a lawyer, a war hero, the first Treasury Secretary, or even the man responsible for envisioning and creating the industrial superpower that the United States is today.
180 people have already said this book rocks...
I am #181.This biography blew me away.Athough the duel and outcome were not a surprise to say the least (I live in Weehawken, for one), I found myself crying my eyes out for Hamilton in the end.Add a half a star to the 5 if you've been a New Yorker -- because your enjoyment will be that much greater.
Washington's indispensable man
I have enjoyed reading many outstanding biographies, but none have surpassed Chernow's "Alexander Hamilton".This "tour de force" is an enthralling read not only because of its fascinating subject in Hamilton and his inseparable relationship to the founding of our nation, but because it is a meticulously researched and wonderfully told story of perseverance, achievement, and irony.Of illegitimate birth, surviving a wretched youth in the West Indies during the 18th century, Hamilton escaped to New York through the generosity of early employers and a cousin to study at King's College.His superior intellect, obsession to distance himself from his past, and his energy and passion to distinguish himself honorably in his adopted land placed him at the right hand of General and then President Washington during the American Revolution, the founding of the Constitution, and the formation of a fragile new government.Yet he was labeled an elitist, aristocrat and a monarchist by his enemies with bewildering regularity and effect.He was a loving and tender husband and father, yet stumbled into at least one adulterous relationship that greatly crippled his political career.Although he never traveled to Europe he possessed a truer sense of European events and their implications, particularly the French Revolution, than did his more traveled and worldly contemporaries.He was long embroiled in partisan political battles with his antagonists from the Southern States, yet he was the Union's foremost defender when the prospect of Northern succession arose.He came to abhor the practice of dueling, yet he and his oldest son were both victims of its pervasive practice within a three year period.Finally, Eliza Hamilton, despite endless persecution regarding her husband's infidelity and other failings (either real or trumped up) from his political rivals and their vicious press allies remained resolutely and adoringly at his side.She tirelessly devoted 50 years of widowhood to preserving and promoting her husband's indispensable contributions to the formation of a great nation.It is largely due to her efforts that the slanderous and revisionist accounts of Hamilton's life by his contemporary rivals including Jefferson and Adams who greatly outlived him were effectivly challenged.Chernow has also made a significant contribution with this biography in preserving the memory and monumental accomplishments of this often neglected founding father. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1757-1804    2. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    3. Audiobooks    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Hamilton, Alexander,    8. Historical - General    9. Historical - U.S.    10. Statesmen    11. U.S. History - Constitutional Period To Civil War (1789-1860)    12. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    13. United States    14. United States - 18th Century    15. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

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Reviews (2)

King Speeches
I've searched for speeches by Dr.Martin Luther King and I was please with the choices available through Amazon. This is a good look back in history.

Being one with history...
MLK: The Martin Luther King tapes is the first Audio CD I've ever purchased.I am a new student of our great orators, and Martin, from what I've read, is the best.One of my only regrets concerning Dr. King's speeches is that I haven't been able to hear them all as spoken by his eloquent, yet powerful oratory style.This Audio CD has eliminated my concern.I can now hear Dr. King anytime I want to at work. I feel like I'm right there, listening with his audience. If this product is any indication of what to expect from future Audio CD's by other great orators such as JFK, FDR, and even Winston Churchill, then count me in! The only reason for the four stars as opposed to five stars is due to the rudely shortened eulogy of Robert Kennedy during Dr. King's funeral. There should have been more of it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color    4. Biography & Autobiography / Political    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    6. Reference / Quotations    7. 1929-1968    8. Afro-Americans    9. American speeches    10. Audiobooks    11. Biography    12. Biography: general    13. Black studies    14. Civil rights & citizenship    15. Civil rights workers    16. King, Martin Luther, Jr.,    17. Oratory    18. People Of Color    19. Political    20. Politics and government    21. Quotations    22. Speeches    23. Speeches, addresses, etc.    24. USA    25. United States   

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Incoherent narrative
Too choppy. Lots of short excerpts. I would have preferred less excerpts,but each of them running longer. Doesn't give you a "feel" forEisenhower. Kind of expensive for what you get. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Military - World War II    4. Political    5. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

When Sue Bender proudly announced to a friend that her first book, Read more

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Abook for All Times!
After witnessing the recent horror (school massacre) inflicted upon the Amish community, "Everyday Sacred" is a timely reminder that they and the human spirit will endure.It reminds us to ask not what we lack, but to appreciate, daily, what we already have.
The Cure for the unnamed Problem
It's a great description of the Spritual Cure.... but we never analyze what was wrong in the first place... it's a type of Narcissism which in her case comes into conflict with her religious values and forced her to develop her spritual walk as a cure.
Inspirational!
This book fell into my lap at a time when I was "most ready" to hear it, so my review may be tainted.It was so inspirational to me, and I absolutely loved the analogies and word pictures that Sue Bender used.I refer to those illustrations in my mind nearly every day.I use this book as my nightstand "go to book" when I need a spiritual pick-me-up.It is beautiful, articulate, and powerful.I have sent copies to nearly everyone I know because I believe anyone and everyone, no matter what your spiritual beliefs are, can benefit from Ms Bender's eloquent writing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Nonfiction    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Case studies    4. Holy, The    5. Self-actualization (Psychology)    6. Spiritual biography    7. Spirituality - Women's   

Editorial Review

The thorniest scientific problem of the eighteenth century was how to determine longitude.Many thousands of lives had been lost at sea over the centuries due to the inability to determine an east-west position. This is the engrossing story of the clockmaker, John "Longitude" Harrison, who solved the problem that Newton and Galileo had failed to conquer, yet claimed only half the promised rich reward. ... Read more

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Reviews (237)

I suggest this book to anyone interested in geography and history.
I chose this one because I thought it kind of related to me in a way, but I always thought it would be just a bunch of useless fact. As I read it, I became more and more interested in the struggle to 'find the longitude.' I suggest this book to anyone interested in geography and history. It's also an easy reader.
An epic 40 year struggle!
Dava Sobel, like Simon Winchester or Canada's Pierre Berton, has clearly mastered the art of writing history in a form that is not only informative but, perhaps more important, is also compelling and entertaining.
Ocean Navigation Before GPS

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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Biography    5. Clock and watch makers    6. Great Britain    7. History    8. Longitude    9. Measurement    10. Biography & Autobiography / Science & Technology   

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Reviews (4)

Who is she kidding?
Please! As if we the TV audience could not see where real arrogance and hypocrisy lie and on whom! We can spot real compassion and humility from a mile apart, and these qualities are nonexistent in this Tv host! She isnothing but arrogant, inhuman and insensitive with her audience! Please!

Outstanding
I read this book and I profoundly recommend it. This book gives people that little push we sometimes need to get to where we want to be. I found it to be very inspiring to women in general because she struggled a lot andnever gave up. This is how she has reached the point she is at now, whichis mere success. I highly recommend it not only as a great book, but as aconfidence and self-esteem boost.

Entertaining and good example of/and for the latino women
As a journalist and a latina woman when I read this book I really feel identify with all the troubles that Cristina had to deal altrough her career and with all the cultural things that we bring with us as working latino women that succeed. To all the latino women that want to do something in a country like the US or those who want to be successful in the media, this book its a good reading and encourage, to have an idea of what we can deal with in the same journey. Writing in the same way that Cristina speaks the reading of the book it's quick and entertaining, you simply can't stop reading it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    7. Ethnic Cultures - General    8. Saralegui, Cristina    9. Women    10. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

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Great Book!
This is a great book.FDR may be a favorite of yours or not, regardless his speeches desereve to be read.FDR was an inspirational speaker who moved the masses with his words.He has left us with many timeless andpriceless quotes that can be found in the speeches featured in this book. I would highly recommend this book to any one looking for a boost inconfidence.FDR's words make you feel like anything is possible. Remember"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents    4. Political History    5. Reference / Quotations    6. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    7. 1882-1945    8. American history: from c 1900 -    9. American speeches    10. Audiobooks    11. Biography    12. Oratory    13. Politics and government    14. Presidents    15. Quotations    16. Roosevelt, Franklin D.    17. Speeches    18. Speeches, addresses, etc.    19. USA    20. United States   

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Reviews (34)

A Great Read!
Her life and her stories are so interesting and the way she tells them makes you almost hear her voice while reading the words. Her phrasing is almost like stream of consciousness (not like Virginia Woolf-stream of consciousness, just very fragment-y, incorrect grammar, etc.) I got the feeling that what she allows the reader to learn about is only a small fraction of what she really knows and has experienced in her life, not to mention that the stories are more than likely a little one-sided at times, as if the other person in the story, if you could talk to them, would have a completely different version of the same event. But that's part of the attraction of the book for me.
You could hear her voice!
Katharine Hepburn was an amazing American actress and icon. Although you wouldn't think so reading this book, Kate doesn't think of what she does as anything to be ashamed of or boast about. I could still see her in the documentary after this book came out. She said Oscars are nice but they won't garden for you or something like that. She was a remarkable human being. I just have one criticism. She left out the Golden Pond but she also left a very nice page to her devoted platonic secretary, personal assistant and companion, Phyllis. I thought it was so touching that she wrote something so nice about her. It can kind of gives you goosebumps to the amazing person that she was. Sadly, she discovered her brother's dead body from a suicide. Her struggles as an actress and her relationship with the love of her life, Spencer Tracy, is also there for the audience. She clearly loved him so much and yet, they could teach today's celebrities a thing or two about being discreet but they were truly movie stars and gifted actors beyond my comprehension. Katharine, we miss you and this book provides us some of your voice.

A great book according to Homer Simpson
One of Homer Simpson's favorite books, along with TV Guide and Son of Sniglet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    5. Women    6. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Editorial Review

An exhaustive, soul-searching memoir, Bill Clinton's Read more

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Reviews (675)

My Life
Bill Clinton writes a very interesting account of his life in an inviting conversational style. His story-telling approach easily draws the reader into the events of his life. I especially enjoyed the amount of time he spent discussing his childhood. He expresses the pain and isolation that he felt very well. He is a talented communicator and this comes through as he tells his story. The words flowed one after another and I was easily captivated by the details. This review actually refers to the audio CD unabridged version, Part I. However, after 21 CD's for Part I alone, I did become tired of all of the drawn-out explanations and wished I got the abridged version. Overall, it was a great book and I am going to also read Part 2. It provides insight and apology for the actions of our ex-president. He seems to have written it to make amends with those he offended.

Bill Clinton is brilliant !
Why did I decided to listen to an autobiography, I still don't know, autobiography's have never interested me before? However, Bill Clinton's autobiography, articulate and exceedingly detailed, was the exception.
Good read
Well written, good book. Interesting to read his perspective on world events different from what I was seeing in the media. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audiobooks    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Political    7. Presidents    8. Presidents & Heads of State    9. United States    10. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents   

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Reviews (14)

So entertaining!
I've read this book at least two dozen times.I read it once for myself, and each year I read it to my new batch of 7th graders.Everyone loves it.(There are a few parts I don't read to my students.)Every time I pick it up, I fall in love with the characters and am so glad to be part of their lives again!It's funny and sad and is so amazingly real.One year my students wrote Mr. Davis, and he replied.Mr. Davis and I corresponded back and forth for a few letters, and he was seemed like a great guy.

Mesmerizing, transporting tales from a brilliant storyteller
These stories get played on every long car ride our family makes, and all of us (from the first grader on up) are rapt.Davis uses his gentle voice and sly humor to paint unforgettable portraits of beloved relatives, local eccentrics, and lost friends.The stories are fresh and moving each time we hear them; in fact, the repeated listenings increase our appreciation for the mastery of Davis' telling.
My favorite audiobook of all time
I don't think anyone can listen to Donald Davis tell his Different Drummer story and not be touched by it.Just it alone is worth the price of the set of cassettes.You also get to hear LSMFT (yes, that's the title of the story), which has a nearly perfect ending.Each is a story so good that you wish you could forget it, so that you'd have the pleasure of listening to it again for the first time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Childhood Memoir    4. Literary    5. Regional Subjects - South    6. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    7. Juvenile Fiction / General   

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An excellent read from the Daughter of Nat King Cole
What can I say. This book is one of those that you can't put down. Very frank and honest account from the daughter of one of the greatest singing legends. Natalie, (I call her by her Christian name because having read this book, I feel I know her well, which I find important when reading someones autobiography) has had some difficult times and gone from riches to rags, and back to riches, with some life altering experiences along the way. The 'Unforgettable with love' album is also amazing. I'm off to buy 'Ask a woman who knows' concert. READ THIS BOOK!

An Amazing Inspiration
Natalie shares with astounding truth, humbleness, and shows us all how much she has been through, and how she - with the Divine help in her life - has triumphed from the darkest days. This book is an astounding beacon of hope for anyone who has been through both the highs and lows of life, and wants to genuinely rise from within. This Book Is an Amazing Inspiration and So Is Natalie!
Natalie shares with astounding truth, humbleness, and shows us all how much she has been through, and how she - with the Divine help in her life - has triumphed from the darkest days. This book is an astounding beacon of hope for anyone who has been through both the highs and lows of life, and wants to genuinely rise from within. Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Audiobooks    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Composers & Musicians - Pop    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    9. People of Color    10. Singers    11. United States    12. Women    13. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Editorial Review

No TV news blond has more steel than Read more

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Interesting Read - But Reliable?
I am sure she is preaching to the choir about her self-important life, but take it all with a grain of salt from the woman who still cannot undertand us 'normal' folk."I predict historians are going to be totally baffled by how the American people fell in love with [Ronald Reagan] and followed him the way we did." - CBS News reporter Lesley Stahl, Jan. 11, 1989

An Exceptional Memoir!
What an interesting read!While most bios take you from birth through an unremarkable (and lengthy) adolescence, Stahl starts the book (and her life, by her own declaration) at age 30.Then - boom! - we're immediately thrust into Watergate (she was dating Bob Woodward at the time), where Stahl was the only TV newsperson covering the initial - and seemingly un-newsworthy - burglary. An "insider's" view of Washington
Lesley Stahl does a very good job of combining her remembrances of the men who occupied the White House and her own career as a CBS News correspondent.Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    7. Reporters and reporting    8. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    9. United States    10. Women    11. Women television journalists    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

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Reviews (19)

Every Living Thing
I read this book many years ago, I enjoy animal stories, I loved books by James Herriot, I read all of his books, the one perchased recently was a gift for my grandaughter who likes animal stories.

Every Living Thing
As usual, I enjoyed the stories written by James Herriot; maybe not quite as much as previous books but it still made very enjoyable reading!

Funny, sad, entertaining, another Herriot Masterpiece
When I think about it, it scares me that James Herriot almost never got published. It was through a small bit of luck/fate/intuition, whatever you want to call it, that his writing was made into a book.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Essays    4. Medical - Physicians    5. Veterinary Medicine - General    6. Pets / General   

Editorial Review

In the past, Antonia Fraser's bestselling histories and biographies have focused on people and events in her native England, from Read more

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