Visual Persuasion: The Role Of Images In Advertising
by Dr. Paul Massaris

Sage Publications, 1997

The other day in the University library I stumbled across this excellent book for those of us that need advertising online but can’t afford to pay someone to do it for us. Written by Paul Messaris, a professor of visual communication at the University of Pennsylvania, and published in 1997 it obviously isn’t a new book.  But what it has to say about images in advertising is truly ageless.  Take this little gem for example, which, if I took nothing else away from the book would have made the whole thing worthwhile: “You are wrong if, in your ad, you stand a man on his head just to get attention.  But you are right if you have him stand on his head to show your product keeps things from falling out of his pockets.”

That’s exactly how I feel about a lot of websites.  What in the world does this image or video have to do with the problem at hand?  How does it answer my questions?  Where in this visual cacophony is the information I am searching for?  I’m not a mule; you don’t have to hit me over the head to get my attention.  In fact, like the mule, all you’re going to do is irritate me and I’ll get back at you the one way that I can—by exiting your website and buying the product someplace else.

Visual Persuasion was written for students of advertising, but much of what it says will be of interest to any reader, not just those who make a living from advertising.  For instance, have you ever watched a television commercial written and edited for the young and wondered what was going on? I certainly have, and I’ve always thought the problem to be mine because I am getting old and I am not as up to date on recent cultural nuances as I should be. So imagine my relief when Dr. Messaris announced that his research determined that the same rapid-fire editing that confused me was also confusing to the younger consumers; they liked the accelerated video but missed the advertisers’ point almost as much as older viewers.

Before there was Visual Persuasion there was The Hidden Persuaders by Vance Packard, supposedly an expose of the methods advertisers used to worm their way into our unconscious minds and pocketbooks.  The book came out in 1957 and put the fear of advertising into an entire generation.  Now, after reading Visual Persuasion I discovered that the fear I’ve always had that I bought that 1979 Chevy after viewing a “See The USA In Your Chevrolet” commercial with subliminal messages was unwarranted.  The television technology of the time simply couldn’t support subliminal advertising; a refresh rate far faster than the 60 times a second then possible was necessary. Even today the technology isn’t on the desk of the average viewer.  That sort of disappoints me: not only can’t I trick people into purchasing my product with subliminal advertising on my website, I have nobody to blame for my stupid purchases but myself.

Another concept I found fascinating was the idea that our belief in the honesty of the visual image is gradually being eroded by the number of ways that it can be falsified.  It used to be that a photograph was accepted as representing reality, truth if you will.  Today everyone knows that that is no longer true; any image can be altered so that only an expert can be sure of its veracity.  Does that mean that photographs will soon go the way of numbers?  You know, as in “Figures lie, and liars figure!”

This book depends on a great number of illustrations of dated adverting to get its point across. That these images are from advertising wars of an earlier century in no way diminishes Visual Persuasion’s value.  What it does do, however, is make it a bad choice for an ebook purchase off any of the commercial electronic libraries; as yet e-ink simply doesn’t do justice to images.

I believe “Visual Persuasion” is still in print; I know copies can still be purchased at online bookstores. A well-written book of interest to both advertising professionals and the average reader interested in the advertising world.

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FOR PRICING & SPECS ON THIS CAR VISIT: kbb.com Infiniti EX35. With every manufacturer vying for supremacy in the crossover category, Infiniti has done something interesting. Nissans luxury division has created its own category. Yes, technically the EX35 is a crossover but the term carries baggage that the small Infiniti does not. Its body is free of the faux ruggedness of early crossovers, and its ride and handling are close to that of a proper sports sedan. If we were tasked with categorizing the EX35 we might call it a tall sport wagon. But perhaps it is best to forget categories altogether and just appreciate the EX35 for what it is: a sleek, sporty, technological tour de force. Welcome to our comprehensive Kelley Blue Book review of the Infiniti EX35. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit www.kbb.com today.

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If you found this article worthwhile visit Mike Nardine at Cheap Mike’s Domains.Check out his prices on cheap domains and cheap web hosting and take a look at all the free stuff you get with every domain you buy.

Visual Persuasion–A Book Review Of An Advertising Classic For The Internet Age is a post from: AirStream Books

One of the biggest challenges in a long-term relationship is trying to keep things exciting in the bedroom.

Whether it’s work, the kids or the other 1000 things you need to do, dedicating time to keep the fire burning in your sex life is often easier said than done.  Let’s face it, we all have busy lives. Therefore, it makes sense to find ideas that can be used again and again in your lovemaking repertoire.

Lo and behold: “100 Sex Games For Couples.” Sex games really are a great way to keep things fresh and original and often have a longer reusable value than most techniques and positions.

But does this book by Michael Webb really deliver? Let’s find out

To begin, I really liked the introduction of the book and how it talked about intimacy being spiritual, emotional and physical. It really sets the tone for the whole book and emphasizes that these games are really about “making love,” not having sex.

So what about the games themselves? Actually, I was surprised to find there were only 33 sex games in the book. Instead, the other 67 games are variations of the original 33 games, changing the rules of the games to create different versions. While this was a little disappointing at first, after reading the book, I became quite excited to try many of the games myself. There is more than enough in there to keep things exciting for a long time. And of course, some games will keep you entertained longer than others.

However, on the flipside, you won’t find many of these games anywhere else. In that sense, they truly are original and unique. I was really pleased with the level of imagination and creativity when it comes to these games.

You’ll find exciting games such as: a guessing game (one of my personal favorites), a night of passion that starts elsewhere, a game where stories become your drive for pleasure, a card game with a twist, a great game to choose your bedroom clothing, and many others involving food, communicating, touching and sharing intimate moments.

All in all, the book is well worth the asking price, considering it could be the very thing that brings you closer together as a couple!

So the verdict? I LOVE it and I definitely recommend “100 Sex Games For Couples” to any couple that wants to bring back the fire and add that magic touch.

For more information about 100 Sex Games visit:
Click Here

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FOR PRICING & SPECS ON THIS CAR VISIT: www.kbb.com 2009 BMW 1 Series. It is common in the automotive world for cars to grow bigger and more expensive with each iteration. After decades spent as the brands least-expensive option, the venerable BMW 3 Series has moved up the food chain enough to justify a vehicle beneath it. Enter the 1 Series, a car that aims to deliver BMW luxury, performance and style in a smaller package. After the modest success of the compact 318ti in the late 90s, BMW is understandably cautious about stepping back into the world of small cars. While BMW offers other 1 Series variants in Europe, including three- and five-door wagon models, for now BMW has opted to bring only coupe and convertible 1 Series to America. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit www.kbb.com today.

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Eddie Smith -
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Oprah Love Expert Michael Webb is the author of
“100 Sex Games For Couples,” a book full of ways to
spice up your lovemaking, adding more passion and
intimacy to your experience. To read more, visit 100 Sex Games For Couples

100 Sex Games ­ Book Review is a post from: AirStream Books

The story book We Are All in the Dumps by Maurice Sendak illustrates a visual portrayal of two guys, Jack and Guy, who encounter several challenges and end up rescuing a rather poor little boy. The story itself makes you think about several issues and symbolisms.

First, the theme of “life is unfair” comes out strikingly when you see that Jack and Guy almost pounce the little boy with the black eye on the head. Then there is the whole issue of “bullying” that takes place throughout the story. We see bullying from the rats, then from Jack and Guy, and also from the cat and moon.

The symbolism of “nature” being a monster is awesome as well. It’s something none of us have any control over, and the idea of “helplessness” jumps out of the story when you see the moon carrying away Jack and Guy. I was a bit concerned by the half nakedness of some of the pictures in the story. Some characters only had diapers on with no shirt or pants. When you consider that these are ugly monsters and not real children, this may be scary or misread by children as well.

However, this story lends itself to identifying with kids at their level, and that could be used in my future classroom as a tool for discipline and following directions. How? Well, after a reading of the story in a small group, we could discuss the power of choices with the students.

In the end of the story, Jack and Guy make a decision to do the right thing, rather than letting the little boy with the black eye suffer and die. When they make that choice, it gives the children a visual representation of good versus evil, and the consequences of good choices. The look on the little boy with the black eye’s face at the end of the book says it all: “I am taken care of now and life is better for me.”

After reading this story a discussion about the power of good choices is definitely in order. Why did the boy say “I’m taken care of now and life is better for me.” Why did Jack and Guy save him? What have you done to save somebody before? These questions will illicit some outstanding answers from students.

The pictures in the story are too graphic for some students, and caution should be exercised. I don’t know what it is about some authors out there who want to draw the most horrid creatures, just to capture children’s attention, I suppose. What a shame.

Maurice Sendak is an excellent author and his books are funny, educational, and are just plain good stories. However, some students will not want to look at the pictures, and they shouldn’t be forced to do so. Parents have every right to ask teachers not to read Sendak if the pictures scare their children.

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FOR PRICING & SPECS ON THIS CAR VISIT: www.kbb.com Mazda MX-5. In many ways the Mazda MX-5, previously known as the Miata, is the quintessential neo-British sports car. Its small dimensions, timeless styling and razor-sharp handling generate the same fondness fans of old MGs and Triumphs enjoy. Except that the MX-5 was born in Japan, fathered by Mazda, a company known for creating lively and reliable small cars. By combining British charm and Japanese reliability, the MX-5 has brought the fun of a roadster to a wider audience. And in the process it has become a modern classic. Welcome to our comprehensive Kelley Blue Book review of the Mazda MX-5. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit www.kbb.com today.

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“Helping ALL to Succeed”
http://www.leading-online-business.com
Don Alexander, Published Writer & Online Business Mentor

A Book Review of “We Are All In The Dumps” by Maurice Sendak is a post from: AirStream Books

Felties is a sewing book that shows you how to make cute little stuffed friends. I made sure I used the word “friends” here, because the illustrations in this book give each one so much life and character that I feel they deserve to be called friends, not toys. Nelly Pailloux is a crafter and writer, and is popular in the blogosphere mostly for her amigurumi creations. Her blog, La Fee Crochette, has some free tutorials and lots of photos of her creations. Suitable for the absolute beginner, this book is a wonderful introduction to sewing. Even for the experienced crafter, Felties is a great source of inspiration and I challenge anyone to be able to resist such cute little felt friends.

There are step by step instructions for each character, which are very easy to follow. There is also a pattern included in actual size, so all you have to do is trace and cut. This makes you realise how small each one really is; nimble fingers are essential. I also recommend using tweezers when gluing bits and pieces together to avoid grubby finger marks on the felt. I liked the author’s method of inserting arms and legs inside the body with glue before stitching over them. I guess you need to try it yourself to see what I mean, but basically, the method makes sense and even with the most basic sewing skills, each project would take you less than an hour to make. It gives you a great sense of achievement to finish a project so quickly.

What really won me over in Felties is the illustration and photo included for each character. Each one comes to life on the page with its own unique backdrop. Full of personality, the illustrations remind me of a manga comic. All 18 Felties are adorable, but my favourites are the Sailor Puppy and the Polaro-roo (featured on the front cover). It’s a lot of fun just flipping through the book to look at the pictures!

I guess the question on many people’s minds would be, “What do I do with these toys once I have made them?”. Perhaps a page or two on ideas to answer this question would have been useful in this book. Every character in Felties is really cute, so other than displaying them, I have these suggestions:

* Stick a magnet on it and use it as a fridge magnet.

* Sew on a safety pin to make a brooch.

* Sew a few of them on a length of ribbon and tie up for decoration.

The ease and quickness of each project in Felties is extremely satisfying, especially to people like me who are always trying to complete multiple craft projects. I enjoyed making my Felties so much that I was inspired to make my own felt possum friend. This book will also make an ideal gift for someone just starting out in sewing. All in all, I think Felties is an inspiring and fun book that injects a healthy dose of cuteness into your sewing repertoire.

Felties by Nelly Pailloux is published by Penguin Books (ISBN: 978 0 14 3203391)

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Kids and the elderly sling harsh words at Brad Meltzer’s THE BOOK OF LIES in this engaging spoof of critics’ negative reviews of the author’s newest thriller.

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“sam”

Sewing Book Review – Felties by Nelly Pailloux is a post from: AirStream Books

Book Review: The Book of Common Prayer, “My carry-with-me copy is this size, and I recommend it for traveling places…”
by Peter Menkin

Here I am daring to comment on this wonderful book, used by Episcopalians and one of the prayer and rubric publications that unite Anglicans worldwide. (There are about 77 million Anglicans in the world, and most have their own “version” of this wonderful and inspired book, though perhaps this specific size of which I write and this specific American version, may not be familiar to them all.)

My copy that is this size, and at a similar good price as this one (take advantage of a good offer, by the way), has been used by me for about ten or so years. It’s been a durable book, though worn now and the leather cover warped, despite my treating it from time to time. But then I carry it in my car, and sometimes leave it on the seat where the sun hits it. Nonetheless, it has proved durable.

There are so many personal uses for the prayer book, and touching on some of them, it is important for me to note in this recitation, that the primary purpose of this issue of The Book of Common Prayer for me is taking it to nursing, hospital, and similar places (including home visits), to administer home Communion. It is an excellent size for traveling, and as I may not have mentioned, also offers the complete book with all the prayers and this includes, “Communion under Special Circumstances,” used in the Episcopal Church for bringing home communion.

As a licensed lay Minister in my Church, and as an Oblate, I am always moved and informed by the same words from that shared, intimate service. To give you reader, an idea of the character of the book, here is a quote from the beginning prayer of the section “Communion under Special Circumstances.”

“Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrement of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.”

There is flexibility in the prayers, and the rubrics allow the lay minister or clergy administering the Eucharist to do the following: “After the reading [found before the opening prayer quoted above], the Celebrant may comment on it briefly.” Also, “Suitable prayers may be offered, concluding with the following or some other Collect.”

My opinion is the book, both a religious, spiritually literary, and inspired work, encourages spiritual discussion of a religious nature after or before the words of the service. In this way, the Eucharist is a community or communion activity, where the idea of sharing the Church experience is enlarged in the presence of God and man.

When I visit the elderly, especially the frail elderly in my visits, I sometimes share Psalms. The book contains all 150 Psalms, its own translation, of course. This one is a favorite of mine, not only because of its familiarity, but as well because it is a kind of statement about the journey and ministry with which I am engaged in this pastoral relationship:

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd
I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.

He revives my soul
and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

This is a good place to end the review.

(This review appeared originally on Amazon.com.)

Notes on review: A friend tells me via email the review is “Too long and too much about your personal ministry. You might try reading other reviews (if any) or looking at what Church Publishing says about it.”

I am happy for the critique and suggestions. Here is my response, in part, “As you can tell from the review, my intent was not to take on the book itself for review, but a part of it relevant to me and specific to that particular ‘version’ (inexpensive, small, portable, and useful for a specific purpose and kind of ministry).

“I also wanted to speak to Episcopalians themselves, as well as Christians, mostly, in a way that would engage them in the review based on experience, rather than expertise. To do that, I thought I needed to use my own personal (though personable might be a better term), than expert opinion.

“For me, dealing with so awesome and holy a work has more validity and genuineness by the stance used. Certainly, there is a kind of authority in this kind of review by testimony (granted that is an important focus of the review, by intention).

“There you have an explanation of why I wrote it as I did, and part of the rationale for the conception of the approach.”

I add as of the posting of the review here: I do hope readers will find the review both interesting and able to inform them of some merits of the holy prayer book for Episcopalians in America, The Book of Common Prayer.

It is many things, and contains instructions for worship services including Eucharist, Daily Prayer, Burial, and other rites and sacraments of the Church. As a literary work, it is a marvel and famous as well as admired in that regard. I cannot say how much I have found in this book, and others have found, too.

It does bring one closer to God in Christ and reveals a central part of worship for Episcopalians. An indispensable book for so many Christians of that denomination, and good reading for others who may be interested.

I hope my added notes help the review satisfy some of my friend’s objections.

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FORMORE CAR VIDEOS & REVIEWS VISIT: www.kbb.com Dodge Durango. With so much attention paid to crossover-SUVs these days, its easy to forget that some drivers still need the rugged performance of a traditional truck-based SUV. With them in mind, the Dodge Durangos body-on-frame design offers the strength and durability to handle serious towing and off-road adventures. Welcome to our comprehensive Kelley Blue Book review of the Dodge Durango. The Durango was originally launched as a mid-size SUV. Over the years it has grown in size and now competes with full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. With distinctive styling, room for seven passengers and an available HEMI V8, the Dodge Durango offers much of what SUV fans look for in a vehicle. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit www.kbb.com today.

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I'd like to make a website similar to "rotten tomatoes" but with books, and gather reviews from critics and get a rating for the book in %.

What's the best, free, way to complete for that task? It needs to have the ability to "search".

All help would be appreciated

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Peter Menkin -
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Peter Menkin, an aspiring poet, lives in Mill Valley, CA USA (north of San Francisco).

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Book Review: the Book of Common Prayer is a post from: AirStream Books

Before commencement of book review writing, you should distinguish between two terms: book report and book review. Many people use these terms in the same breath, however there are vital differences in the very essence of these notions.

Book Review and Book Report – Is There a Difference?

A book report has a factual emphasize. It is a factual account of the subject matter of the book, which implies to be descriptive rather than persuasive and analytical. Its aim is to present the content and the structure of the book as objectively as possible. The book report includes a plot summary; it doesn’t look into deeper meanings of the book and doesn’t contain the identification of the symbolism.

Book report writing is a good way to structure and articulate the thoughts about the book you’ve just read. In a nutshell, it is simply a summary of the contents of the book.

A book review is a critical evaluation of the book that provides a thoughtful and in-depth analysis, and evaluation of the main idea, and purpose of the book. It is also a kind of reaction paper, which analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the book in terms of accepted historical and literary standards, supporting this evaluation with evidences from the text. In a word, it presents the assessment of the quality, meaning, and significance of the book.

What, in fact, sets book reviews apart from book reports is their personal character. Book reviews are highly personal and reflect the opinions of the reviewer on the given literary work. In the book review the reviewer clearly states his position and impressions regarding the book under consideration.

Structure of Book Review

The structure of book reviews resembles other types of academic writing. Book reviews usually comprise of a thesis statement, a supporting body paragraph, and a conclusion.

Typically, reviews are succinct, they rarely exceed 1000 words. Book reviews usually comprises of two elements: descriptive and evaluative. In the descriptive element you provide the essential information about the title, author, type of book, and general subject matters. While in the evaluative element you should present the assessment of the book, particularly of the perceived ideas and implied purposes, quoting exemplary passages from the text.

A good book review is well organized, and as well as the critical assessment and analysis it elucidates the essence of the literary work. Book reviews may vary in tone, style, and subject; however they share the common structure.

• Begin your Book Review with Introduction

Your introduction will bristle with factual and descriptive data, including the name of the author, some relevant details about his life and creative work, the title of the book, and the main theme of the given piece.

The second component of the introduction is the thesis of the book, which may be very perplexing to uncover since stories, novels, and plays don’t explicitly state the argument. Though, you should reveal this special angle and novelty of the piece that will actually become the ground for your further discussion and evaluation and allow you to make your book review original.

The introduction infers to be descriptive; however it should be catchy to seize the attention of the readers. So you should choose an interesting form of presenting your thoughts and ideas to make sure that the readers will keep on reading your book review up to the end. Many writers begin their book reviews with a quip or an anecdote that delivers their argument.

• Keep on Summarizing

Second, you should give your readers a concise summary of the literary work, where you state the author’s purpose of writing the book, provide its leading idea, compare and contrast main characters.

Here your aim is to plunge the readers into the atmosphere of the book, to make them interested in the ideas discussed in this literary piece, and to uncover them your understanding of the symbolism and implicit themes contained in the book. To reach this goal you should articulate your thoughts clearly, logically, and make your argument persuasive and sound.

In the course of making critical assessment of the literary work, you’ll have to back your arguments and assertions with concrete evidences from the text. Remember that critical assessment implies not only to analyze the literary piece under review, but also to tell your readers what struck you the most in this book, whether or not reading it was effective, persuasive, and exciting, and also your discussion on how it enhanced your understanding of the issue at hand.

Your analysis and evaluation should be organized into separate paragraphs that deal with particular aspects of your argument. You don’t necessarily should work chronologically through the book, though, you should make the structure of your summary logical and comprehensive for the readers.

• Draw a logic conclusion

Sum up and restate your thesis or make the final judgment regarding the book in the conclusion. Don’t introduce any new ideas and evidence for your argument, make up your conclusion copious with the ideas that extend the logic of your thesis statement.

Harnessing these simple and winning strategies of book review writing, you’ll surely turn your work into a writing marvel.

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FOR PRICING & SPECS ON THIS CAR VISIT: www.kbb.com Lexus IS 350. What does it take to topple the legendary BMW 3 series, the standard bearer of the luxury sedan class? Unfortunately for Lexus, it takes more than the first generation IS had to offer. However, a thorough redesign in 2006 has the Lexus IS poised to once again challenge the long standing dominance of BMWs Bavarian dynamo. Welcome to our comprehensive Kelley Blue Book review of the Lexus IS. Enthusiasts will find a lot to like about the latest Lexus IS. It offers aggressive styling, a luxurious interior, standard rear-drive or available all-wheel drive and, in its most powerful form, a zero to 60 time under six seconds. The result is a vehicle that can go toe to toe with the BMW 3 series yet offers a distinctly different driving experience. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit www.kbb.com today.

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Linda -
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Linda Correli is a staff writer of www.CustomResearchPapers.us and an author of the popular online tutorial for students “What Teachers Want: Master the Art of Essay Writing in 10 Days”, available at www.Go2Essay.com Visit Linda’s web log at http://custom-research-papers.blogspot.com

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Have you been sick and tired of planning a lot of things in your life that you can’t seem to achieve at all? Have you been wondering how can you possibly set short term and long term goals that you would easily achieve in no time? Setting goals for yourself is very important because it’s going to determine what kind of future is waiting for you. If you want to learn how to set goals and how to successfully achieve them in due time, it’s a must that you grab a copy of the amazing The Goal Setting Book today.

Click Here For The Goal Setting Book Instant Access Now!

The Goal Setting Book will help you set and achieve your goals and will even help you get more out of life starting today. It’s indeed a very inspiring book because it exposes the truth about effective goal setting that will surely change your life forever.

You’ll be very thankful to the book because it will inspire you and motivate you to learn how to create a plan to achieve your goals and how to implement that plan. You will no longer only be hoping for the best because you’ll be able to learn how to live the best life ever.

The Goal Setting Book is no doubt the number one guide of many when it comes to setting and achieving their goals effectively. A lot of people who already read the amazing book has been very happy because they were able to learn a lot of helpful things that changed their lives big time.

Stop hoping for the best and start planning for success now. Grab a copy of the amazing The Goal Setting Book today and learn how to live the best and most successful life ever. You deserve a copy of the book because you deserve nothing but the best. Enjoy!

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Today’s show is… Umm… Minus a few hosts, and features a slew of reviews! Be sure to comment, subscribe, and tell your friends.

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This author writes about The Goal Setting Book at How To Set Career Goals

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In this situation you’re recommended to visit Movers-moving.net. This website represents an online directory that provides you easier ways to choose the best moving company that match your needs and budget.

At this website you can easily read the profile of all recommended movers. You can also get the moving quotes so you can compare and get the best price quicker.

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I’m starting to get the sense that the Monk series are like the Star Trek movies – if you’re not overly fond of one of the books, just wait patiently for the next one to come out, and you’ll be impressed by what you get. I was definitely very impressed with Mr. Monk in Outer Space. This book fixes up the issues of the previous book and delves head-first into a fascinating look at the psychology of Monk and his entourage.
<br />Mr. Monk in Outer Space is set in a fandom world somewhere between Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek, and isn’t shy about the similarities. It even calls those two shows out by name several times. It was like re-reading “Will the Vampire People Please Leave the Lobby” and a recent Meg Langslow mystery set in that same world. I wonder if it’s the current theme in book writing, to surround yourself with interstellar aliens. What I’m saying is that parts seemed *too* redundant just because the other books had covered this exact same ground, but that’s something you expect when writing about a subgroup that is very popular at the moment.

Monk starts running into a series of unrelated murders, and solving them as he usually does. Many of the details are telegraphed so you can spot what’s going on before Monk does, but that’s fine. This book isn’t really about those murders. Rather, it is about how Monk relates to his brother Ambrose, and how he becomes slightly more self aware.

I *adore* the Ambrose character – the episode where he is introduced is one of my all time favorites. I was extremely nervous when this book began with Ambrose, given my feelings (and the feelings of many others who wrote me) about what was done to Sharona in the last book. However, my worries turned out to be completely unfounded. If anything, Ambrose was far more rich, more fully realized, than the show had time to draw him. And really, this is one of the true keys of a novel. A TV show has extremely tight time constraints and has to convey the quintessence of meaning in every line of dialogue. With a novel, you have the luxury of fleshing out the nooks and crannies, of building depth and history and meaning. This book certainly does that in a stellar fashion.

It’s not just basic “Oh this is why he does X” type of history. It’s better than that. It’s the little glimpses into personality, the small looks, the hesitations. This book is just head and shoulders above the previous books for many reasons, and it really echoes in the experience you have when you read it.

Natalie shines in this book. I had several issues with her character as portrayed in previous books. I have nothing but praise for her here. Yes, she is flawed, but her flaws are natural and meaningful. She has strength, she has insight, and everything she does is true to what she is about. The same is true for all of the characters. You might get annoyed at a character for doing X, but their behavior fits within their mental framework.

I do have to comment about one aspect. Monk is greatly “escalating” his phobias in this story, without any stated reason. If there had been some back-story about this being “right around the anniversary of Trudy’s death” or some other reason, I would have taken it in stride. However, there are several key plot points that involve specific phobias which specifically contradict TV show activity. In fact one phobia contradicts behavior from the previous book where I was very proud of Monk for how he behaved. They were fairly obvious and quite jarring.

Again, with the rest of the book being so excellent, I tried to mentally make up an excuse for Monk that he was “going over the edge” for some sort of internal reason. The carpet stain just wasn’t enough to explain this change of his rules. I realize this writer may not watch all the TV shows as religiously as some of us readers do, but there should be an easy enough way to have a list of each show and the phobias / activities shown in it as a reference guide. Heck, I suppose maybe I should post one on my site. I realize there’s always going to be minor problems in a story, but when something is a key plot point – and it’s Monk suddenly not wanting to do X when he’s been doing X fairly frequently in the past without any real problem – it’s a roadblock. It would be like Batman being in a climactic final battle and suddenly saying “I don’t like physical violence – why don’t we just talk peacefully with the Joker?” It’s certainly an interesting plot twist, but without any reason or context, it is awfully confusing.

So, that aside, the book had many laugh out loud moments, the insightful underlayer was fascinating, and the characters as a whole were extremely well done. Natalie and Ambrose were perfect. I am looking forward to the next book with great enthusiasm.

Find out more about Monk and the Monk books at http://www.monktv.net

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Mr. Monk in Outer Space book review is a post from: AirStream Books

When discussing spiritual books, we’re talking self-help books taken for the following degree of human transcendence, evolution, or enhancement. We are speaking to, I believe, not religious tomes for bible study but spiritual books as vital contribution to human adult advancement in which mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual balance is the goal.

Diverse books provide distinct concentrate, of program, and each of the “best-selling” spiritual books adds to our repertoire of functioning toward turning out to get great, pure, whole beings. Okay. Adequate with the groovy generalizations: let me just get on the particular spiritual books to which I make this sort of vague reference:

Spiritual Books by Sylvia Browne

From her books on psychic experiences and evolution (for instance ADVENTURES of a PSYCHIC) to her works concerning reincarnation or even the afterlife (as in Life about the OTHER SIDE: A PSYCHIC’S TOUR of the AFTERLIFE) to her latest discussions of God and spirituality (for instance LESSONS for Life or EVERYTHING YOU Need to understand concerning the PARANORMAL), Sylvia Browne may be the spiritual guru of the postmodern generation. And she writes in a candid and no-nonsense, however personable tone that is certainly engaging and informative without being so lofty visitors are alienated or set off otherwise.

Spiritual Books by Rosemary Altea

There is a thing regenerative, some thing spiritually engaging towards the point of becoming mystical about Altea’s spiritual books. Within the EAGLE and also the ROSE: A Remarkable Accurate STORY and PROUD SPIRIT: LESSONS, INSIGHTS, and HEALING from “the VOICE of the SPIRIT World, for instance, she uses narrative to bind her “lectures” and lessons…those which even one of the most skeptical will fully grasp and appreciate at some level.

Spiritual Books by Marianne Williamson

Based for the Course in Miracles, a lot of of Williamson’s books provide a supportive however grab-you by-the-collar realism that’s stunning in its profound simplicity. For instance in her two spiritual books, A RETURN to Adore and a RETURN to Enjoy: REFLECTIONS about the PRINCIPLES of “A Program in Miracles,” the words remind readers of self-empowerment that is certainly a offered, not as some thing one hopes to obtain from individuals who will not give it. That is certainly, she says, in case you act as in case you anticipate to become treated in [X] method, you is going to be.

Spiritual Books by James Redfield

By way of narrative, which furthers the lessons of the human situation, Redfield presents a chronology of “prophecies,” each of which he delivers by designing the prophecy around the personalities in the books. For example, from the CELESTINE PROPHECY, Redfield determines individuals who are “energy suckers”, what we might know as takers but who are men and women getting not necessarily money or material valuables: they take our energy; they drain us; they suck excellent power, out of the air around us, even. By the time you get through a prophecy in his spiritual books, you may feel the energies and spiritual phenomena of which he writes so skillfully and insightfully.

There are dozens of so-called spiritual books. Determining which to study, or which to study very first is challenging, but when you start using the 3 authors above, then move towards performs of, say, Iyanla Van Zant (pragmatic and healing at once), Shakti Gawain (stunning connections), as well as Gary Sukav (heady, brilliant), you will likely be part of the heightening awareness that we are additional than just operate, consume, and sleep creatures.

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Spiritual Books Review is a post from: AirStream Books