Product Description

Customer Reviews (74)

Great imagination. Moving Mars 10,000 light years. Flight against Earth
I'm a huge Mars fan and life member of the Mars Society so I was interested in this Sci Fi book.

Greg Bear is a well known excellent Sci Fi writer who has won many awards. Moving Mars is a good book but could easily of been a great book ( Its NOT as good as Kim Stanley Robinson's 5 star trilogy Red,Green,Blue Mars) but still a good book

The first part of the book is great( 5 stars) as we see the star character Casseia Majumdar and her friend Charles Franklin as students on Mars. Charles shows Casseia an incredible fossil grotto and there is a fight between the corrupt Mars Government and the students. Good Sci Fi stuff.

However the next 150 pages or so to me were time locked in boring Mars/Earth political crap. I know Greg used this to build up his characters which he does well but it was kind of boring explaining the Mars system of government.This part was kind of slow and boring. We see the Triplet of occupied Moon, Mars and Earth that have commerce with each other and the asteroid "belters".

Charles and the other "Olympians" ( deep thinking scientists with the help of super advanced "thinkers"( computers) develope fantastic technology. Based on achieving absolute zero they are able to arrange matter transfer.However Earth learns this and is afraid of Mars as they could have a super weapon. Earth attacks Mars using covert hidden"locust destroyers" and sabotaging their computer and surveillance systems. Many martians killed. But Mars fights back by sending their moon Phobos into earth orbit and saying cease and desist or we will attack. Earth governments are terrorized by the new Earth moon Phobos and stop their attack.

A little later Earth develops the same technology as the Mars "Olympians" and attacks Mars.

Now Vice President Casseia of the Mars Republic becomes President as President Ti Sandra Erzul is badly injured from the Earth attack and later is killed. Mars is getting wiped out and Casseia dos not want to attack Earth with Charles Franklin and the Olympians technology and kill billions of people. She orders Franklin with the help of the "thinkers" and devices to move Mars ten thousand light years more toward the Galactic center to evade Earth so Earth won't track Mars down and destroy it.

I wont ruin the ending for you. The last 150 pages or so are really great Sci Fi ( 5 star). I just wish Greg Bear got to the good stuff quicker and the reader did not have to plow through 1/3 of a slow paced middle book. Moving Mars could of easily been a 5 star book and Greg Bear shows he is capable of a complete 5 star book. I look forward to reading other books by him.

Moving Mars a good 4 star book with a 5 star beginning and ending but a 3 star middle. Worth buying. I enjoyed it.

Moving Mars Runs Out of Gas - Gets Stuck in Deep Space
Set in the year 2171, Moving Mars tells the story of Casseia Majumbar, a young woman who finds herself at the center of a revolution on Mars. Casseia doesn't have any political or leadership aspirations, but events keep pulling her into the spotlight.

The problem with Moving Mars is that it is extremely slow to develop. Many many pages are wasted on dialogue that adds nothing to the story. Other than Casseia there aren't any major characters that developed. Most of the characters in the story just come and go, with no mention of their fates.

As many readers have mentioned, the extremely slow pace of events, makes for a very boring story. Also, the romantic encounters are so juvenile. I wanted to throw up at some of the sequences.

The science in the story is horrendous. So much of it is gibberish that isn't realistic or well thought out. It's also unrealistic how quickly they go from theoretical science to implementation in a matter of months. And how Earth in a couple of weeks can independently catch up and exceed what it took Mars to do in years.

Another problem is that other options aren't considered. For example, rather than Move Mars, wouldn't it be easier to evacuate and go somewhere else?

Overall, I had a hard time finishing this book. Take my advice stay away from this book.

"A sane society is a polite society."
If there was a successful colonization of Mars, interacting with the Lunar colonies and Mother Earth, how would these new Martians view life, love, and the universe?Would they be distinguishable from residents of Earth?And I don't mean physically, but rather socially, ethically, and culturally.

Maybe.

In Moving Mars, author Greg Bear focuses more on the social science side of colonization than the physical science side.The three million or so inhabitants of Mars are organized into family/business units, with loyalty to this unit expected.Over time, there is pressure to develop a Mars-wide central government.Some interests on Earth see this as a threat.This is the story of one Martian, Casseia Majumdar, who goes from being a hesitant student activist to becoming president of Mars.It is also the story of the original Martians, the organizing structure of the universe, and treachery.Greg Bear sets his sights high!

Moving Mars is a bit of a sleeper story, with the reader being lulled into a more robust adventure in the second half of the book.However, for the "Mars colonization" aficionado, it's all good!

Ambition that delivers.Wow.
Other viewers have covered all the ground and believe them. My two cents:Over the top hard science fiction that still holds up as semi-plausible 15 years later. And that is no small feat.

I ding it one star for not being the best narrative ever. There are plenty of terrific engrossing dramas and character studies out there and this book doesn't come close.But if you crave that hard science fiction "sense of wonder" this is truly as good as it gets.Go.

Coming of Age on Mars
Moving Mars (1993) is a standalone SF novel.It is set on Mars during the Statist period and afterward.Earth, Luna and Mars form the Triple alliance.Naturally, Earth has the strongest economy and generates the newest technology.Still, Mars is developing its own resources.

Mars has a creaking political structure.Initially, the settlers had formed Binding Multiples based on the Lunar model.These family-based syndicates owned land, businesses and other resources.Later, the BMs divided Mars into districts run by governors.

In 2171, the governors and the largest BMs accepted a temporary Statist constitution unifying Mars.Freechild Dauble became the President during this trial period.Caroline Connor -- an old friend of Dauble -- was appointed chancellor of the University of Mars at Sinai.

The vote on final acceptance of the new constitution was coming up soon and the Statists feared incidents.So the UMS administration voided the contracts of students suspected of Goback sympathies.They were evicted from their dorms and herded to the train station.

In this novel, Casseia of the Majumdar BM is one of the students voided out of UMS.When her friend Diane goes with other students in protest of the expulsion, Cassie follows her away from the station.

Sean Dickinson and Gretyl Laughton are older students who soon become the leaders of the protest movement.They lead the students to an older section of the UMS campus inhabited only by maintenance robots.There they work out plans for the protest and also include efforts to sabotage UMS communications.Cassie is soon infatuated with Sean.

Charles Franklin is a physicist major at UMS who is attracted to Cassie during the protest.Of course, she is more interested in Sean, but does notice Charles now and then.When the detained students are liberated by Goback forces, Cassie goes back to her family and almost forgets Charles.

Achmed Crown Niger represents the UMS administration in interrogations of the detained students.Later, he returns from exile on Earth to become head of the Cailetet BM.He maintains his contacts with Earth and is often at odds with the other Martian BMs.

In this story, the Statist constitution is rejected and Statist leaders are evicted from Mars.The student protest was futile and foolish.UMS is soon reopened to the voided students.

Instead of returning to UMS, Cassie goes to UM at Durrey Station.There she encounters Charles once again and becames his lover.He is her first lover and seems very considerate.

Cassie learns a little about the Bell Continuum from Charles.He has dedicated his life to studying this obscure subject.Then he asks Cassie to lawbond with him.Although Cassie believes that she loves him, she denies his proposal and the two separate once more.

Cassie decides that she wants to study politics.Mars has a dearth of politicians and almost no experience in the political processes.She eventually wins a position as an apprentice to her third uncle and goes to Earth with him as an envoy of the Martian BMs.

This tale takes Cassie through the eventual unification of Mars.She meets Charles again, becomes involved in his research, and gains the highest political position on the planet.Enjoy!

Recommended for Bear fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of interplanetary colonies, political machinations, and true romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin ... Read more

Product Description
The first published book by the creator of Tarzan of the Apes

Two years before Edgar Rice Burroughs became a worldwide celebrity with the publication of Tarzan of the Apes and its twenty-two sequels, which together have sold more than 30 million copies, he published A Princess of Mars. A futuristic sci-fi fantasy romance, A Princess of Mars tells the story of John Carter, a Civil War veteran who inexplicably finds himself held prisoner on the planet Mars by the Green Men of Thark. Together with Dejah Thoris, the princess of another clan on Mars, the unlikely pair must fight for their freedom and save the entire planet from destruction as the life-sustainingAtmosphere Factory slowly grinds to a halt. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Classic Space Western
Former Confederate captain John Carter, left with no means of income after the war, heads to Arizona and strikes a quartz mine. Trying to rescue his partner from Apaches, Carter takes a wrong turn and comes to a cave, in which he finds a large room, where he is overthrown by a paralytic gas. With a supreme effort, he attempts to move his muscles, but instead his spirit/soul/whatever leaves his body, and he thus exits the cave completely naked. Staring out at the night sky, Carter sees the planet Mars and feels called to by the god of war. He reaches out his arms, senses cold and darkness, and opens his eyes "upon a strange and weird landscape. I knew that I was on Mars."

If you can get past that extreme leap of faith, the rest of A Princess of Mars is pretty easy to stomach. Author Edgar Rice Burroughs (author also of the numerous Tarzan stories) peoples his debut novel (expanded from the short story "Under the Moons of Mars" and serialized in All-Story before being published as a novel in 1919) with characters that are easy to identify with, though they happen to be green-skinned Martians. Though I had long heard of the stories, I was first intrigued to try this one due to its being listed in the Encyclopedia of Weird Westerns, which stated that it falls firmly into the subcategory of Space Western (the same category under which Star Wars falls).

It was primarily this, but also the fact that I had enjoyed Tarzan when I read it so long ago, that led me to seek it out -- preferably in audio, through which I do most of my literary experimentation. I found the Books In Motion audio at the library. Jack Sondericker reads A Princess of Mars from the perspective of time, much as the early part of the novel suggests. His voice is that of an man much older than the protagonist, leading a semblance of retrospective realism to this fantastic tale. (The Librivox audio is also a solid interpretation, with Mark Nelson offering a professional-quality reading that can be downloaded for free.)

Because of the lighter gravity of Mars ("Barsoom" to the locals), Carter finds himself a superman among his new neighbors, able to leap 30 feet in the air and 100 feet away when threatened. The early chapters of A Princess of Mars are mostly given to writing of the expository sort, involving Carter's observations of the strange details of Martian life, peppered throughout with feats of his prowess, which impresses the seemingly unemotional Martians in the only way important to them. Carter even becomes a chieftain of the Tharks after defeating one of them.

I don't usually get into books filled with made-up names and long descriptions of the differences between Earth and whatever planet the story happens to be set on, but Burroughs manages to make it interesting through sheer imagination, with just enough things not so different to balance the very different. A Princess of Mars is such a mythic success at this, it is impossible not to get involved in the exploits of John Carter and the female prisoner he comes across, who looks very different from the green-skinned Martians and who turns out to be Dejah Thoris, red-skinned princess of Helium.

The rest of the book involves the duo's escape from Thark, as they fall for each other, get separated, then reunited, and eventually make a go of it. The ending would be a downer if I didn't know that there are numerous sequels, the first of which is The Gods of Mars. But if you're looking for a full reading experience, with plenty of action, adventure, and even romance, you'd do well to pick up a copy of A Princess of Mars.

Green monsters, beautiful maidens, and a hero
A hero who thinks with his muscles, is a little scared of women, and exemplifies valor without reflection.But in a good way.

John Carter is Civil War (U.S. not English) veteran who has struck out for the West to find his fortune.He's snatched from death at the hands of some very irate locals in a mysterious fashion, and finds himself on Mars facing four armed green monsters (who turn out to be pretty good folks in their own fashion).As he's accepted into their band, in part by killing a few of them, he meets the stunning Dejah Thoris, a red skinned and sophisticated native of Mars and rescues her from the Green Men.And then in the second chapter...

Well, a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.Feats of courage and recklessness, non-stop action, cliff hangers, and a complete absense of political correctness.

Dated, but first rate fun.

E. M. Van Court

Great book, Painful intro
The book; classic (intelligent) pulp action/drama, one of the best.Edgar Rice Burroughs works are a joy to read and this book is no exception, the introduction however... so self-indulgent I had to write a comment!It was written by John Seelye who is the general editor of the Penguin Classics line.The piece is a rambling soapbox that goes on for twenty pages!It made me wonder whose book I was reading.John Seelye gives away endings to other great fiction, (War of the Worlds being one, another reason to skip the intro) he insults E.R.B.'s intelligence at least twice and for no reason his piece opens and closes with an attack on George Bush?!It was so nonsensical it was funny. Seriously, it doesn't matter which side of the isle you're on, is the intro to a Sci-fi book from 1912 the place for personal political views?Probably not.So skip the ranting,Tourette-like intro and enjoy one of E.R.B.'s most unique works (and the lovely Dejah Thoris, recommendation; Google search Adam Hughes, Dejah Thoris; wow).And Mr. Seelye, please, come on down from the box.;)

Classic Sci Fi at its best
Classic hero type John Carter finds himself on Mars, dealing with hostile aliens and find a beautiful human-type princess to rescue. Sound like your typical sci-fi? It was written in 1912. Surprizingly, this was Burrough's first novel. It is exceptionally well-written. Lots of action and social interaction. John Carter has to be both a strong fighter and charming politician. This is a classic and well worth reading.

If you want to sample some of ERB writings, some of his writings are free on line at http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/authors/b#a48

First Step of Carter's Martian Career.
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was a prodigy of imagination. He started his writer career quite late; his first work was published in 1912. From that point on a ceaseless flow of imaginary worlds & heroes poured from his pen: John Carter of Mars, Carson Napier of Venus, David Innes and Abner Perry on Pellucidar at Earth's center and the most famous of them all Tarzan of the Apes.
As many reviewers of this and other ERB stories point out, do not expect "politically correct" tales, they are the product of a society still torn by racial prejudices.

"Princess of Mars" is an astounding piece of fantasy. First story of ERB to be published it contains the seeds of lots of sci-fi and Fantasy novels to come in the following years. Also we may detect some traits of Tarzan in John Carter character.
It's a pleasure to read so "fresh" adventures depicting a whole planet culture, ecology, interaction between different races, monsters, and inventions far ahead of ERB real world, as "rifles with explosive bullets guided by wireless sensors".

It amazes me how ERB can master in a rather short text (for our standards); a high paced action story. Even if this book is more than 90 years old, you will enjoy it from the first to the last page and possibly continue reading all Carter's series.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
... Read more

Product Description
The best-selling relationship book of all time- over seven million copies sold world wide to date- in a freshly designed new format. Learn how to create understanding and communication between the sexes from this classic and authoritative guide.First published in 1993, this book has become an international publishing phenomenon and is one of the most famous non-fiction publications of all time.A lively and accessible guide to successful communication between the sexes that has already helped many millions of readers from across the globe understand why members of the opposite sex behave the way they do, this new edition contains all the text of the original, including: / what makes members of the opposite sex tick / how to understand their verbal and non-verbal language / how to motivate the opposite sex and get what you want / how to avoid arguments and promote fruitful communication / how to score points with the opposite sex and impress your partner / the real emotional needs of the opposite sex and the behaviours associated with these needs / how to keep love alive and stay together long termThis authoritative guide will help you reach a point of harmony and understanding where both sexes can live, work and love together. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Did not receive it
I did not get the book I ordered. I will not order from Amazon.com again. This is the second time this has happened.

A Must Have for all Relationship Counselors!
John Gray teaches you in a wonderful way how men are different from women in the way they think and communicate.I always recommend this book to those, especially men, so that they can stop being confused and hurt in relationships.Did you know that men need to feel needed whereas women need to feel loved?Did you know that men are turned off from women not trusting them?Also, did you know that women's mood fluctuate like waves whereas men retreat in their "caves?"Well, you will learn much more once you read this book!I am no longer ignorant to understanding the difference in how men and women think and communicate... thanks John!

men are from mars, women are from venus
I recommend this to anyone in a committed relationship. My husband and I each had a copy, read the chapters at the same time then discussed them; it was part of what kept our marriage together. If there's a required reading for a committed relationship this is it.

Not bad at all
Got this book a day late so I began to worry that it hadn't got here but once it did i was ok. It's in good condition.

Some Insightful Thoughts, but some Stereotyping!
A catchy title coupled with some insightful thoughts about the differences between men and women has made this book a multi-million seller. Men from Mars Women are from Venus explores the differences between the needs and communication styles of men and women.The book is written primarily for both men and women over twenty five.

John Gray explains that men and women are so unlike each other that they might as well be from different worlds.For several years before this book was written many felt it was improper to discuss gender differences.Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus and other books like it fed this oppressed need.The high volume of sales reflects the desire that men and women want to learn more about each other.

John Gray makes some significant contact with his readers on some key issues. For example, Gray argues that men mistakenly offer solutions to problems (problem solvers) and inadvertently invalidate feelings.Women tend to offer unsolicited advice and direction.

Another important concept that Gray explores is that men aren't always willing to discuss what is bothering them (John Gray calls it going to their cave).Women want to address relationship issues immediately. Gray explains that understanding male and female differences helps a couple to accept each other and work together for a better relationship.

Although very good in some important places, it is lacking in others. Theshortcomings of this book need addressing.First, Gray generalizes male and female characteristics without adequately addressing individualism. His generalizations oversimplify how men and women act and react.

Next, Gray doesn't adequately address the similarities between men and women.In some cases he goes out of his way to show how men and women are different when it can be easily argued that they are alike. For example, John Gray writes that the primary love needs of women are: caring, understanding, respect, devotion, validation, and reassurance.He says that the primary love needs of men are trust, acceptance, appreciation, admiration, approval and encouragement. Gray ignores that men need caring, understanding, respect, devotion, validation and reassurance and women need trust, acceptance, appreciation, admiration, approval, and encouragement.

Some people take Gray's thesis as gospel without questioning its validity.For example, a book published in 1995 book entitled: He's OK She's OK: Honoring the Differences Between Men and Women by Jeannette Lofas, and Joan MacMillan quotes the love needs of men and women noted in John Gray's book without further question or comments. The point Lofas and MacMillan are trying to make is to accept the differences between men and women.This is well taken, but using a quote from John Gray's book withoutexploring whether these needs are really gender specific makes this part of He's OK, She's OK lacking.What's unsettling, is that if two writers who have researched male female characteristics take John Gray's book without question, won't many readers?

This book's biggest contribution is helping many people to become aware of the differences in needs and communication techniques of themselves and others. Although there are some drawbacks, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venushas some useful information for individuals who want to improve their communication and relationships with the opposite sex.

Overall, an interesting read...but caution is advised!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

A fascinating imagination
*** NOTE: As mentioned below, this book is in the public domain. If you wish to read it as an ebook, get the free Kindle version here on Amazon or download it from Project Gutenberg. ***

"World Building" is the term for modern fantasy and sci fi writers who take great lengths to create fictional cultures and civilizations, and then immerse their readers in them.

They all learned it from such efforts as Edgar Rice Burroughs "Mars" series. As you read this book, you'll actually sort of wonder why the Mars Rovers didn't come across the peoples and civilizations described, and you'll feel a bit sad that they did not.

Burroughs describes two societies, one somewhat different than our own, and one completely different. He includes animals, races, social customs, and physiology that were far ahead of his time in terms of literary imagination. Of course, his books were written, self admitedly, as pulp. There are flaws in plotting and some cliche in character development, but these are quickly washed away by the compelling story and the struggles of the hero to survive, and to help those natives of Mars for whom he has come to care.

If you somehow missed these books before, they are good reads, for either older children or adults with a taste for the fanciful. The first few of the series have fallen into the public domain, and you can obtain them for free either here on Amazon for your Kindle, or from places like Project Gutenberg as text files.

The first three books comprise a trilogy: A Princess of Mars, The Gods of Mars, and Warlord of Mars. All three are public domain.

Read, enjoy, and be carried away into a world you'll bemoan the loss of when you are done with the books!

Olden days style, but okay
This story is only readable if you recognize that it was written at the turn of the century.LAST century.The dialogue, the gender roles, the overly-successful hero, and the basic ideas about Mars are so very old-fashioned.But if you recognize the time period that it was written in, then it becomes palatable.Not the best story ever, but it did keep me reading.

Carter Jumps to Mars and Starts the Ball.
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was a prodigy of imagination. He started his writer career quite late; his first work was published in 1912. From that point on a ceaseless flow of imaginary worlds & heroes poured from his pen: John Carter of Mars, Carson Napier of Venus, David Innes and Abner Perry on Pellucidar at Earth's center and the most famous of them all Tarzan of the Apes.
As many reviewers of this and other ERB stories point out, do not expect "politically correct" tales, they are the product of a society still torn by racial prejudices.

"Princess of Mars" is an astounding piece of fantasy. First story of ERB to be published it contains the seeds of lots of sci-fi and Fantasy novels to come in the following years. Also we may detect some traits of Tarzan in John Carter character.
It's a pleasure to read so "fresh" adventures depicting a whole planet culture, interaction between different races, monsters, ecology, and inventions far ahead of ERB real world, as "rifles with explosive bullets guided by wireless sensors".

It amazes me how ERB can master in a not so extensive text (for our standards); a high paced action story. Even if this book is 90 years old, you will enjoy it from the first to the last page and possibly continue reading all Carter's series.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Captain John Carter Takes a Licken and Keeps on Tickin'
This is a nice Dover reprint of the first of Edgar Rice Burrough's Mars novel, which first appeared serialized in wide-circulation pulp magazines in the early years of the twentieth century.

Never quite as popular as Burrough's Tarzan books, the Mars series ranks right up there with the Pellucider (center of the earth) as fantasies dear to the hearts of boys of all ages. (Personally, I've always liked the Mars series better than Tarzan or Pellucider, but--as my wife notes--Burroughs does have a thing about apes, which appear on Mars as well as in the African jungle.)

The story is completely implausible, even for its time. Burrough's gee-whiz fascination with pseudo-science such as radon as a universal energy source, and mystical "rays" unknown on earth, ring particulalarly hollow.

Plopped down among the green hordes of war-like Mars, Virginia gentleman John Carter ex of the Confederate army unites the green Thark hordes to aid the Heliumite civilization of red Martians and win the hand of the incomparable Dejah Thoris in the first of the eleven Mars books.

The book is written in language that probably was intentionally pompous and archaic even for its own time, making it a great vocubulary expander for today's kids who some day will face the SATs. It's amazing that in the hundred years since it was first published, and the millions of copies sold, no one has gone through this book to fix the words spelled incorrectly and other typos.

The book conforms to todays PG rated movie standards: tons and tons of violence, and no sex. Well, Martians are hatched from eggs, anyhow.

I first read this book, and the other books in the Mars series, as a kid, far longer ago than I care to admit. Now, I'm reading them to my eight-year-old son, who loves them.

Flaws, weirdnesses, and bizarre language to the despite, I highly recommend the Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars books to anyone who has a taste for tales of fantastic adventures!

A Princess of Barsoom
"I have never told this story nor shall mortal man see this manuscript until I have passed over for eternity.I know that the average human mind will not believe what it can not grasp......"

Written in 1912 this book is well written for its time and has intrigued countless generations of readers.I get the feeling that this story is being told over a campfire.

Captain Carter is telling the story form memory as an old man of his adventures here on earth and on the planet of Barsoom (Mars).There are encounters with many strange creatures, situations, and yes even a "Princess of Mars." The forward to the book alone will capture your imagination.

John Carpenter states "In one respect at least the Martians ae happy people; they have no lawers."

This is a part is a series by the writer that brought us "Tarzan."The intro to the book alone will capture your imagination.

The Great Book of Tarzan ... Read more

Product Description
From ERBville Press: Edgar Rice Burroughs has written many interesting stories, but we believe, for downright originality and exciting interest, this story is hard to equal. There is hardly a page that does not hold your interest. Once the story gets under way, hair-raising episodes seem to tumble right over each other--they come so quickly.--Hugo Gernsback ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A very odd but very good story
In the sixth installment of the Martian Tales of Edgar Rice Burroughs, it focusses on a new man from Earth named Ulysses Paxton, who after dying in World War One finds himself in a strange facility on Barsoom run by a crazy old man that is master of modifying bodies.There Ulysses is apprenticed by this old man and he assists him in various surgeries.He meets the love of his life, a beautiful woman, only to discover the man he works for has stolen her body and now houses the brain of the wicked Jeddara (queen) Xaxa.Thus Ulysses goes on a quest to find Xaxa and recover the body of the woman he loves.To accomplish this he recruits a religious zealot, an atheist and a Great White Ape that has had it's brain spliced with that of a man's and thus can talk.

This story is a little slow at first but it's very interesting.It contains action and suspense.For once this is not a tale about rescuing the damsel in distress, which is a nice break (unless you count the quest for the body Xaxa stole, so it's like the body in distress.....)

It's weird but it's fun.I recommend it.

Book 6 in the mars series - John Carter
It is past time for these great classics adventure tales to be rediscovered. Book 6 of the John Carter Martian series follows "Chessmen of Mars". In this tale, a sick genius uses his technology to transplant his mind and memories into the body of a young girl, and she in turn is trapped in his 1,000 year old body. The race is on to restore her before it is too late.

And the first salute to SciFi fans
Wounded in battle in trenches of France in WW I, our hero is called to the Red Planet.Ulysses Paxton, Captain, U.S. Army Infantry, a life long follower of the tales of John Carter of Mars, transits the void to arrive on Barsoom.He finds himself in the company of Ras Thavas, the brilliant but aging surgeon and scientist.Re-named Vad Varo, Paxton becomes the champion of a stunningly beautiful martian woman whose body has been stolen by the aging and ugly ruler of another city.Our hero vows to get the brains back into the correct bodies so he can have the girl with the looks AND the personality he loves (and give the cruel and oppresive queen her due).He finds allies, undoes injustice, fights bad guys, sneaks in, abuses the religion of a people, saves the day, gets the girl, and becomes an ally of John Carter, Warlord of Mars.All possible because he was a loyal fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs' (ERB) books.

If nothing else, this book deserves kudos for recognizing fan loyalty.But there are other great aspects of this one.With Paxton, ERB was able to shift perspectives more than in other books.In this one, Mars is given a breath of fresh air, as a new set of eyes tries to describe it.ERB takes on some fairly heavy philosophy, addressing the relationships between atheism, religious fundamentalism (as demonstrated by the Phundahl...), obsessive and ammoral persuit of science, and the need for a balance between rational thought, faith, integrity, honor, sentimentality, and objectivity.His take on religious fundamentalism was insightful, thought provoking, and fairly funny.The discussion of the pursuit of science without morals was equally insightful and thought provoking but much more sober and at times disturbing.

The usual Barsoomian heroic fun, but with layer of more nuanced reflection.ERB pulled it off brilliantly.

E. M. Van Court

GOOD ADDITON TO A GOOD SERIES
Again, we have pulp fiction at it's best.I gave this one five stars simply because it is Burroughs, even though it probably was not up to the standards of "Chessman" or some of the earlier works in this series.I had problems following the many, many characters when I was a young boy, and found I still had the same problem now that I am in my dotage.We do have a new character here, a fellow by the name of Baxter, so we get away from following John Carter somewhat.In a way this was good.All this series should be read and studied by SiFi and S&S Fans, as they are the basis for so much that is written today.All in all recommend this one and the entire series quite highly.

Martian Series, Part 6
This is the sixth novel set upon Barsoom, and it finds a second American making the fateful crossing to the red planet during the first World War.This time, it is Ulysses Paxton, and he arrives upon a thus unmentioned area of Mars, the city of Toonol.Here he meets Ras Thavas, the greatest physician upon the planet and becomes embroiled in his grisly and amazing experiments.

Thavas has discovered how to transfer not only organs from body to body, but brains as well.He proceed to train Paxton, now known as Vad Varo, in this discipline, with the objective of achieving immortality for them both.The plan runs astray though, when Vad Varo falls in love with a beautiful woman whose body has been sold to an evil Jeddara, leaving her a wrinkled old husk.What follows is the rather standard "chase the princess across Barsoom (or at least the body of the princess) that has been the mainstay of the Series thus far, with the new added wrinkle of having bodies change hands with regularity.There is, of course, the obligatory meeting with John Carter at the end where everything is wrapped up quite succinctly.

Like all of his martian novels, "Mastermind of Mars" is a fast moving easy to read and enjoy adventure.There's nothing horribly new here, but any chance to walk again upon Burrough's red planet is a delight, and most fans will be thorougly pleased with the visit. ... Read more

Product Description
John Gray, who celebrated gender differences in his groundbreaking book, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, and eleven other bestsellers, now turns to diet and exercise as a source of well-being and harmony. John Gray taught men and women how to embrace their differences to build strong, loving relationships. This practical guide reveals how diet, exercise, and communication skills combine to affect the production of healthy brain chemicals.

The Mars and Venus Diet and Exercise Solution addresses the unique needs of men and women. With great insight and vision, John Gray examines the different emotional issues that govern mood, motivation, and passion in men and women. He goes on to explore how men and women lose weight differently and provides effective tools to eliminate addictions and food cravings.

The program focuses on:
- Relationship and communication issues that affect hormonal and brain chemistry balance
- Nutritional supplementation for increasing physical, mental, and emotional well-being
- Gender-specific diet, nutrition, and weight management
- Essential physical exercises for stimulating the lymph system, endocrine system, cerebral spinal fluid, and brain system
- Stress and mood management for a longer, healthier, and happier life

John Gray has been working with specialists for the last thirty years to develop this program, which he designed to be effortless and adaptable to any lifestyle. By applying The Mars and Venus Diet and Exercise Solution, you will create the brain chemistry of health, happiness, and lasting romance
Amazon.com Review
"The magic key to health, happiness, and romance is waiting for you in your local health food store," says relationship guru John Gray, Ph.D. Not only do men and women have different communication and lovestyles, they gain and lose weight differently and need different diets, asserts Gray, author of the bestselling Mars and Venus series. Though he does not have credentials in exercise, nutrition, or weight management,Gray creates a program that, he claims, balances each gender's brain chemistry, resulting in health, weightloss, stress management, and romance.

Customer Reviews (61)

More Understanding of Brain Chemistry than help for Weight
So I just ordered this book after checking it out of the library several times.It will go on my shelf as one of my most valuable reference books on relationships.It helps me understand and strengthen my own relationships as well as those around me (like my parents' 65+ year rocky relationship).It reminds me when to nurture myself and stop expecting that from others - something most women really need to hear from time to time!

The diet and exercise information are important to his overall explanation because food and exercise do very much affect brain chemistry and how we feel in general.But, I pretty much had under my belt and have not really referred to at all.I was not reading the book to lose weight, but to learn how varying brain chemistry of the sexes affected relationships.

Gray's explanations of the brain chemistry differences between men and women are invaluable and I have not found them so well explained from any other source. This book offers a deeper understanding of the principles he laid out so well in his original book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.The new brain chemistry angle really clicked with me and was more tangible in helping me to modify my behaviors for my own happiness and the betterment of my relationships.

I really recommend the book, especially for those who are familiar with how brain chemistry affects behavior.

Mars and Venus from a Biochemical View
I found the first book that John Gray wrote to be very useful.When I have mediated for couples, I go over the key ideas very often and usually give a copy of the book to the couple as a gift and as homework.The book does not solve any core relationship problems, but cleans up the communication so that problems can be solved.I am finding that THE MARS AND VENUS DIET AND EXERCISE SOLUTION is a good supplement to his first book.It gives some of the biochemical reasons for the male and female differences mentioned in the other books.It also shows how diet affects those biochemical differences and what we can do about them.I have studied a few books about brain chemistry and am impressed at how simple and practical John Gray makes it.The other books I have read require a few rereads to get what is said and even longer to figure out how to apply it.The book is a little weak on prescribing a diet plan and recipes for people to follow.But I prefer to design my own diet from the key ideas and information.It is cheaper that way.I am vegan and I am used to translating many diet systems into meat free, egg free, and dairy free items.I also prefer to find herbal formulas and fresh food items that can give the necessary nutrients, rather than rely on vitamins, minerals, and amino acid supplements.Vitamin supplements can fill a short term need, but I prefer to do it nutritionally in the long run.It seems that the nutrients are more bioavailable this way and you need less of the nutrient from a natural source than the RDA suggests from a vitamin source.John Gray gives seems to give enough good information, suggesting that we use it to listen to our body, and to design our own diet from there.I found some useful material in the Okinawa Diet Books to supplement what is shared in John Gray's book and there is a program in them for those who need this kind of structure.

High, Even Level of Energy
I read this book & have been living by it.After a few weeks of following Dr. Gray's program, I noticed I had a might higher level of energy, and that my energy level stayed more level throughout the day.

The wellness sections of Dr. Gray's website, [...], have ongoing updates, helping you implement this way of eating & exercising even more.I bought this book for several people for Christmas.Needless to say, I highly recommend it!

The Mars and Venus Exercise Solution:
Great book, experience how simple it is to 'fix' bad diet problems - learn how to supplement your brain chemistry for optimum happiness; no wonder many people are miserable, its simply lack of proper natural ingridents which we have taken for granted. No suffering, no strange complex diet rules, just be sure to ADD the very few items all brains need, and you will feel good.

Nutrition truly changes your life
The Mars/Venus Diet and Exercise solution is the missing link in my life.For 20 years, I have searched for wholeness, of mind, body and spirit.I work tirelessly to release with the emotional and spiritual pain of my past so that I may grow spiritually. I pray and meditate daily. I exercised regularly and I eat as healthy as one can in West Texas, lots of fruits and vegies, limited fried food and sugar.With all of this, I still felt fatigued, irritable and overwhelmed.After reading Dr. John Gray's book, I began using the recommended products and information in he book. I have been amazed at the results in my life the lives of my family and friends.I have since been privately trained by him as a nutritional cleansing coach so that I may help others.His information about how diet and excercise effect addiction has literly allowed me to help many people who struggle with food and alcohol addiction.The information on brain chemistry is fascinating and brings to light the differences in men and women.My marriage has come alive and my 5 year old said, "Mommy, you and my sister (hormonal 12 year old) are so much nicer now!"This book is a must read for anyone who wants to fill better and who are committed to a life change.
Here's too a healthy life filled with joy, peace and happiness.
Becky Benes, onenessoflife.isagenix.com ... Read more

Product Description
Danny, his brothers, and the rest of the clubhouse crew are at it again. Since returning their dangerous snake and reptiles to the wild, they’ve found a meteor "from Mars," as Neil, a visiting neighbor, has determined it. So begins a quest to find flying saucers and make contact with Martians. But such top secret work can be tricky when the "Martians" come looking for their lost meteor. School Library Journal calls The Dangerous Snake and Reptile Club "an appealing tale.... Throughout the story, readers see how well the youngsters work and play together, and allow their imaginations to take them on a super adventure." Now, with a telescope, crystal radio, and amateur chemistry set, the gang takes part in a second uproarious true tale of brothers, best friends, and the extraordinary adventures they create. Use the secret alphabet at the back of the book to decode Neil’s mystery letter or to create messages of your own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A true revelation for kids brought up in the electronic era
In Space Station Mars, Daniel San Souci captures, with precision and great humor, the entertainingly hyperbolic world of a child's imagination. Intelligently written and delightfully illustrated, this is a wonderful "look back" for parents and a true revelation for kids brought up in the electronic era.

Aliens Have Arrived!
Space Station Mars
By Daniel San Souci

Danny tells the story about the 'Clubhouse' boys.A scary movie ignites the imagination of the six boys. Suddenly, they see signs of space invaders, and aliens all around them. They see a UFO, a meteor and hear strange messages in secret alien codes.

Doning their homemade, protective gear, they head to the clubhouse to test for radiation.

Will the boys be safe from invading forces? Will they unravel the codes in time to save the planet?

Kids and adults, alike will enjoy "Space Station Mars," and having fun with the clubhouse boys.

Jill Vanderwood, Author
Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)
These are great read-together books for this age!

Space Station Mars
Wonderful children's book with great stories that children of all ages will enjoy!! We have purchased the whole series for our daughters.

Aaround great read!
After Danny and his friends see a Martian movie, they spend the night in their clubhouse where their imaginations run wild. Before long they are seeing flying saucers and radioactive meteors. Upon further examination, and with the help of whiz-kid Neil, they determine that the meteor is safe. But when an odd shape appears on the horizon, the boys determine the aliens want their meteor back. Thankfully, they have Neil around to act as their ambassador so the aliens can leave in peace.

Space Station Mars is full of wonderful, whimsical childhood imagination, and plenty of humor. The beautiful illustrations reflect not only what they boys are seeing, but what they hope to see and what really is. This mom sees what life used to be and the children only see fun. Our gang can't wait to get our hands on the rest of the Clubhouse Books.

An all-around great read for any child's library.

Armchair Interviews says: This series is sure to be a winner.

Kid Will Be Kids
This book is breath of fresh air for the younger reader.It gives the reader permission to use their imagination to the fullest.The books of this series also work well as read alouds. ... Read more

Product Description
When Davey Martin's family moves to Mars, he discovers that there's nothing to do--at least until he and his robot dog Polaris learn to seize the spirit of adventure. It's not until they've zipped around the planet on his flying scooter--climbing Martian "trees," digging up "fossils," dancing in Martian rain dances--that they discover a treasure that finally piques Davey's interest--a source of water on the red planet!

Chris Gall's new picture book plays on the themes (and ironies) of a complaint parents have heard from their children a thousand times: "There's nothing to do!" The book also offers a deeper lesson to our stationary, convenience-driven society: If you're creative and look carefully, you'll be amazed at what you find!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

my boys love this book
Gorgeously illustrated, imaginative, makes a funny point...Not only did my kids love this book, but me, too! It's a great intro to the sci-fi genre.

Excellent in every way
We've had this book for about a year and a half now, and it has been a strong favorite the whole time. My kids love to have it read to them, and I'm always glad when one of them picks it for bedtime reading.

The illustrations are fantastic -- both at first glance, and on careful scrutiny. Many of them have interesting details that you don't notice at first. The story is fun and engaging. There are real learning opportunities while reading it. Both the story and illustrations are interesting for both kids and adults, for repeated readings.

I give this book my highest recommendation.

Have read it to my little guys countless times!
Beautifully illustrated and story line leaving plenty of room for a young imagination to fill in. We love this book and have read it nearly every night since we purchased it!

Robert Zubrin and Greg Klerkx take note, there IS hope for the future
While the other reviewers noted the charm of this book in general 'fun and nice for a child' ways, I have a different slant.Being a child of the Apollo days and growing up when the idea of going to another planet was the only thrill that could be imagined I've become a bit empty over the decades noticing that that excitement is no longer a major force in our children's lives.Politicians talktalktalk about Education (the industry) while they slashslashslash the budgets of programs that actually make children have a reason to want to learn anything.

But on I hope.

My son is now four and I have looked several times for space oriented books but have overwhelmingly found only science books targetted at 10+ kids (and even then the mentions of Humans on other worlds are depressingly tinged with the yellow of it all having happened three generations in the past, making the excitement level about as high as hearing about Columbus;Mildly important but not anything that that seems like something that they can grow up to do themselves and definitely not something that a little kid can ponder doing right now in their current little bodies).

While poking through the store shelves, with a copy of SkippyJohnJones in my hand I spotted this... luckily far away from the science books and instead "where the fun books are, daddy"

The artwork (amazingly *Hand-Engraved* out of clay covered board, it explains in very tiny print on the copyright page) is like a mix of 30's pulp scifi but with a touch of atomic age, and the simple text, not more than a handful of sentences on each page, made it really jump out as being quality but also easy for a little guy or girl.These lush, but also simple, pictures span both pages and the story takes up just a sliver down either side;Absolutely perfect for the Story Times at a preschool (I join my son sometimes in such a circle when I can pick him up early enough and have observed that this kind of format is something that the teachers prefer because it seems to work well).

And about that story... it is the little things that make it so special.There is no banging the kid over the head but there is actual learning in the words.

Point one: The "treasure" that Davie and Polaris were looking for - and that they dug up; That "the treasure" Is there just a bit below the surface (as we adults now know for a fact) and that it makes all the difference to Mars and to people on Mars is presented so well.

Point two: Something that my son just asked about all by himself tonight - on one page the boy builds a fort(!) and it's really easy for him to build a great one because on Mars he can pick up big rocks all by himself; my son said "why can he do that, daddy?"and I could say casually 'because on Mars things weigh less and little guys can do big, strong things there' I saw his mind turning that one over for a little while (After all, doing big strong things is important to little people who often feel powerless, isn't it?)

Point three:That last page that other reviews have mentioned is more than just a cute little twist. Once Mars is ours some Humans with desire will be looking even higher for more worlds to explore.

Now, you might think me some nut Father, trying to push my child into something... maybe so but I do try to not press, I just want to expose my child to the excitement of possibilities beyond just one already-explored-and-known place.And it's so hard to find those possibilities expressed in ways that he can understand.

Chris Gall does it with this book.

Maybe, maybe some child who has a parent or grandparent read it to them will get a spark and maybe turn that spark into a real space exploration again (or even grow up to be a politician who can think beyond next week's polls and actually do a big thing instead of just talking big ... I have faith that that can happen too ... call me a romantic ;-)), but at the very least if only for a few minutes this book will make your child aware of the fact that other planets aren't just pictures that lifeless robots take for us watch-it-on-tv comfortzoners, that they are places that real people can go and do special things that even a kid would want to do.

I got the book at the store that night (along with SkippyJohnJones)... and tonight after my son picked the book out himself from the shelf and asked me to read it to him I came to Amazon to buy a copy for his school.

A kid has to dream that he can make a difference, right?

Exciting attraction, especially for reluctant readers.
Davey is bored even though his move to Mars from Earth should be exciting. He and his robot dog find adventures easily - until curiosity leads to a big discovery. Large-size drawings provide a read suitable for those moving from picturebooks to the next level, while an adventure-packed space story adds exciting attraction, especially for reluctant readers.
... Read more

Product Description
What do we know about Mars? What remains to be understood? Is there evidence of life there? Will humans ever travel there? The dream of exploring Mars has been around since the early days of human civilization and still forms part of our vision of the future for the human race. Today, we send unmanned spacecraft to explore this neighboring world to examine its climate, search for evidence of past or present life, and learn how conditions there relate to those on Earth. Plans are now being prepared for a manned mission to Mars, set against an uncertain background of political, practical, technical and financial considerations. This unique book provides a complete description of the past, present and future of Mars exploration. Written by a scientist intimately involved with missions to Mars, it provides a personal first-hand account. It will appeal to anyone interested in this fascinating planet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Reviewing El Viejo Y El Mar
I want to thank Amazon and all other parites involved in one way or another for making this book readily available. It was a good book, in pristine condition and was delivered in reasonable time. Thank you.

Excelente narrativa
Hemingway nos da un rrecorrido por el interesante mundo de "la mar" haciendonos identificar con el personaje principal y su pasion por la pesca, quiza esta es una manera de expresar una de las pasiones del escritor e introducirnos a un mundo que puede ser desconocido al principio pero del cual muchos terminamos entendiendo mas al final de la historia. La hisoria de Santiago puede ser la historia de todos nosotros que dia con dia luchamos por aquello que creemos aun cuando parezca que perdemos la batalla en el camino.

BONITA HISTORIA
Se las recomiendo como su nombre lo indica, es una historia muy bella...

Una novela sencilla e interesante, para todo lector
Ésta es una novela corta, cuya narración se mete en los detalles de las situaciones, pero no aburre al lector, por el contrario lo hace interesarse en la historia.

La historia es sobre un viejo pescador que está en un periodo de mala suerte y sale a pescar. Durante el tiempo que dura la pesca muestra las bellezas y peligros del mar, reflexiona sobre el hombre y su parecido y diferencias con criaturas marinas, enseña que cada persona es producto de su pasado y así sucesivamente.

Es una novela sin sobresaltos, para que chicos y grandes la disfruten.

un cuento hermoso
un cuento hermoso, escrito con la parquedad de palabras que caracteriza a Hemingway, con sus oraciones cortas y concisas, con su estilo de periodista puesto al servicio de la novelistica. este cuento trata sobre la busqueda, esa interna busqueda del ser humano, esa agonia por poseer, conquistar,domar, por no ser vencido por el inexorable paso de los anos y la muerte.esto es lo que impulsa a santiago a la pesca todos los dias. no se porque,pero esta historia me recuerda mucho a moby dick, aunque aqui la busquedasea diferente muy recomendado. LUIS MENDEZ ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (25)

Earth to Mars in five days....
I stopped reading science fiction in the eighties for reasons many reviewers have already told hereand the only writer I still read and enjoy is BenBova maybe because he mixes nostalgia from fifties and sixties with true facts science knows today about spaceconditions for exploration.This is a goodbook if you like stories about Mars.Maybeit is te more realistic one I ever read and maybe what happens there during the storyis a possibility (but five days to go Mars...I doubt it).the only negative point is the extremehuman visionabout Mars. A lost civilization should be quite different from whathe drecribes...

Very good continuation of Bova's Mars dead civilization series
I really liked "Mars Life".The book is rich and fully builds on the previous two Mars dead civilization books.I think that the scientific solutions for travel to and from Mars, living on Mars, etc are very well thought out and plausible.Also the political funding issues are very real.

However, the conflicts between the Mars pioneers and the religious fundamentalists back on Earth are fairly overblown in my opinion.I cannot believe that church leaders would actually ask their churchgoers to promise to ignore the Mars exploration videos.And that the religious people would threaten the people who were independently funding the Mars exploration.

Too much political correctness
I have been a great fan of Bova over the years.This is evident by the number of Bova titles in my library.Unfortunately I have purchased my last Bova book.I am completely and totally fed up with the political correctness of the Progressives which is reflected in this novel.Scifi has been one way that I could escape the garbage being thrown upon us daily.Now I have to be subject to the Progressive Movement in my science fiction?I think not!!

There are two main themes in this book that offends me.First is the hoax of global warming.At this point in time global warming HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE a product of bad science and political correctness.Bova is dedicated to this hoax in spite of the proof, as are most Progressives.Even worse is his attitude toward religion.As with most Progressives, he obviously feels that if you are a religious person you are some sort of radical.I am simply not interested in his attempts to modify my attitudes with propaganda in my casual reading.

We are being bombarded with this garbage from every direction.It is time to take a stand and say NO.I certainly have no intention of making a political statement here.However, Bova has done so in this book.I am simply responding to why I think it is a bad book.

Enjoyable but not satisfying
Ben Bova, with his Grand Tour books, has made the solar system come alive for his readers as he spins enjoyable yarns about mankind's expansion into the solar system.In this, his third book about Mars, he clearly outlines in his preface to the book his conviction that massive greenhouse flooding will accelerate a trend to ultra-conservative governments.He explores the negative impact this would have on the exploration of Mars, with the book opening with some 200 scientists from Earth and Selene investigating Mars on several fronts.Can nanotechologyhelp scientists maintain a presence on Mars, or should it be banned as it has been on Earth?Is Space Tourism an answer?Will we find out who built the cliff dwellings?Can Science and Religion work constructively together to improve our understanding of the history of life in our solar system?

While I enjoyed this book and kept reading just another chapter or three, to me the definitive science fiction series exploring Mars and humanity's varied responses to it still remain the Red/Green/Blue Mars series by Kim Stanley Robinson, which has far more realistic and multi-dimensional characters tackling similar themes in far greater depth than is done in Ben Bova's Mars trilogy.Red MarsGreen Mars (Voyager Classics)Blue Mars (Voyager Classics)The Martians

Mars is a bore.
Exploration never seemed so dull. Bova writes with great detail and realism, but little imagination. Random events occur, true to life, but a novel is a contrivance...something about Chekov's gun...if equipment randomly explodes it had better have consequences. The fundamentalist villains are cartoon bad guys when they do appear, but they tend to remain in the background. An America under their thumb would be a lot more interesting and full of drama. The book reads like an outline. ... Read more

Product Description

John Gray shows that by understanding the differences between men and women in the workplace, anyone can identify and respond to various business approaches in a manner that earns greater respect and promotes increased cooperation. By recognizing how men and women interpret behaviors and reactions differently, a person can make more informed choices of how to make the best impression.

Mars and Venus in the Workplace analyzes the differences in the ways men and women communicate, solve problems, react to stress, earn respect, promote themselves, experience emotional support, minimize conflict, score points, view sex, and ask for what they want. By showing the many ways men and women misunderstand and misinterpret each other in the workplace, John Gray offers practical advice on reducing unnecessary conflict and frustration. Filled with his trademark communications charts and practical advice on everyday office issues, Mars and Venus In The Workplace will enable readers to achieve their goals and to make the workplace a source of fulfillment.

If you are new to Gray's work, the continual gender-based assumptions may feel outdated, but know the author understands that no one is all male or all femaleand that we all have areas of sensitivity. The recurring gender pronouns are a simple way of teaching us what years of private practice have shown him: humans of both gender can benefit greatly by listening effectively, being verbally straightforward, and analyzing the reactions of others. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Mars and Venus in the Work Place
I am the only man which works in management of 34 other female managers.I could not be successful without the help of this book.I learned how not to insult my co-workers and bosses.I really think with men and women working togeather so much more these days that it's important to understand the differences, and there are differeces between the sexes.This book has helped me very much, and I think it will help either sex equally...

Try working in a school system, Dr. Gray
I would like to cordially invite Dr. John Gray to visit and work in the public school system, of which many campuses are run exclusively by women. These women can be very matter-of-fact, get-down-to-business and get-the-job-done.Those gals are there to work.Some of them try to bond emotionally and some do not.But they get their jobs done.They often have to do things they don't "feel" like doing, but they do it and they do it darned well.

I think the best cross-gender communication, whether at work or socially, can be as follows;

1.Listen as well as talk.
2.Respect the other person's views.
3.Don't try to make a psychological statement about another person's style, whether male or female.
4.Don't hog the limelight.
5.Respond with empathy.
6.Park your ego outside the door.

In other words, practice GOOD MANNERS!

It works every time.

Different Planets?

I think John Gray has brilliantly created the captivating concept of the coexisting male and female planets of behavior. Women are Venusians, and men are Martians. We all laugh and joke about it, but never truly understand.It was written in a way we can all relate.The book is not only informative, but entertaining. Sure, I enjoy research and stats but this was real life in action. When reading the scenarios you immediately recall a situation of which you have experienced and it's almost like problem solving along the way. These ideas are good for everyone.
Of course neither planet is right or wrong, a great combination is best. Since reading this book, I have developed more "Martian" characteristics, but I will never give up my collaborating "Venusian" style. I have mixed both styles and I think this has made me a better communicator in the workplace.
In the business world if you know each other's planet you are at an advantage.There can be so many misinterpretations if you don't understand the other planet. Knowing more about Mars has made me happier at home and more confident at work.
This book will help you understand the differences in men and women when it comes to problem solving.Women chat about it and men want to be alone. In the business world, it is important to think about. Unfortunately, some male managers can see chatting as a sign of weakness.This sounds really discriminating, but it can be true in certain situations, particularly at meetings.And when it comes time for reviews and appraisals women often don't credit themselves for ideas as a man would.
I have read many pop culture self-help books and this book really made me self evaluate my Venusian ways and I definitely need to develop more `Martian style' to balance out my sometimes too over powerful `Venusian style'.But as the book states-it's not about changing you, but just to better your understanding of how men and women behave and communicate.This book can completely improve your workplace relationships since you will have a different perspective.

Of COURSE we're different!!
The biggest thing missing from my MBA education was learning how to interact with other people. Business is nothing if we can't communicate effectively and regularly. This book explains in clear terms how men can understand women and communicate effectively. We men can't talk to women the way we do with other men. We are very different. By following Dr. Gray's guidelines, men can learn how to earn the trust and respect of female co-workers. We can learn easy ways to speak the woman's language and understand her perceptions. The most fascinating aspect is the description of women's emotions, what they mean, and positive responses men can use to increase productivity and create a pleasant workplace. Working in harmony is the only way to go.

I should think that this book can be especially helpful to women, as they are basically working in a world that has been designed and run by men. As Dr. Gray says, a woman's challenge in the workplace is greater than a man's. While the books and research of Gail Evans and Dr. Deborah Tannen and others have described gender differences, this book by Dr. Gray sheds light on many aspects of workplace problems and offers solutions that are easy, respectful, effective, and even fun.

Another outstanding mars venus book
Dr Gray has done it again...another outstanding book.His insights have assisted me with my male(martians)client.My practice is now brimming with males....because I now understand not to give unsolicited advice...but rather ask better questions.The tools and skills should be taught in schools.I wish I had of know the differences when I first started out in the workplace.Bravo Dr Gray...
It is truly amazing how little changes make such big differences.The quality of my relationships since using the mars venus principles has gone to levels I had never dreamed of!
As a single parent with two boys,I am grateful for all the knowledge and practical advice....It is wonderful to have such a close connection with them.
I would suggest everyone in the workplace read this.How wonderful to go back to basics,courtsey,shivilery.I could only image how much more pleasant,loving and caring the world would be if everyone adopted Grays work!
Keep up the much needed work! God bless him for trying to open peoples eyes and hearts!!!! ... Read more

Product Description

Landscapes of Mars is essentially a picture book that provides a visual tour of Mars. All the major regions and topographical features will be shown and supplemented with chapter introductions and extended captions. In a way, think of it as a visual tourist guide. Other topics covered are Martian uplands on the order of the elevation of Mt. Everest, Giant volcanoes and a rift system, the Grand Canyon of Mars, craters and the absence of craters over large regions (erosion), and wind shadows around craters, sand dunes, and dust devils.

The book includes discussions on the search for water (braided channels, seepage, sedimentary layering, etc.) as well as on the Viking mission search for life, Mars meteorite fossil bacteria controversy, and planetary protection in future missions. The book concludes with an exciting gallery of the best 3D images of Mars making the book a perfect tool for understanding Mars and its place in the solar system.

Customer Reviews (3)

Disapointed
I'm reading Kim Stanley Robinson's Red Mars and there is so much in it about the topography of Mars that I wanted a Mars Atlas so I could look up each area Robinson mentioned. I hoped this book would allow that. It doesn't. There is no index so it is impossible to look up anything. Read the book straight through or nothing. So I was very disappointed in it. Red Mars (Mars Trilogy)

Beautiful Escapism
This is a fun picture book for all ages.It would be well placed in a science teacher's classroom collection, or even in a science-buff's collection of coffee table books.While the text is filled with wonderful descriptions of Martian geology, of particular interest are the spectacular stereoscopic images of the Martian surface.This book takes the scientists view of space exploration, not that of an engineer, and devotes the bulk of it's attention to the planet.It does not spend a great deal of space describing the various engineering and robotics technologies that go into Mars exploration.Nor does it focus on the various challenges facing the team of scientists and engineers who command these enormously successful scientific adventures.

I pick up this book whenever I'm home alone and want to explore while feeling hopelessly earthbound and find myself endlessly revisiting it.

Excellent visual tour of Mars
The pictures in this book are outstanding. This book takes you on a fantastic tour of Mars. I especially enjoyed the discussions on the search for water on Mars and also the Viking mission as it searched for life. The 3D images of Mars was an unexpected surprise! I would highly recommend this book for everyone, especially teachers. This would be a great resource for the classroom. ... Read more

Product Description
Straight from the heart -- real-life couples share inspiring, edifying stories of Mars and Venus in love.

Millions of readers have learned about relationships from John Gray's previous bestsellers, such as Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, Mars and Venus on a Date; and Mars and Venus in the Bedroom. Inspired by this enthusiasm, Gray asked a number of readers to share their own stories of how they've put his principles to work in their relationships. The result is this amazing collection of first-person accounts-along with Gray's own enlightening commentary-that will have you laughing, crying, and nodding in recognition.

Customer Reviews (6)

Case Histories of Couples Working with John Gray
If you liked John Gray's book, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, you may enjoy hearing these stories of how the ideas in that book were used by couples who attended his seminars and did counseling sessions with him.A primary benefit appears to have been providing a couple with a common language about their communication needs.The ideas will have more power after hearing how someone else reacted to and used them.These reactions are in the form of letters that are read by John Gray in this audio cassette version.

If the concepts in that book are ones that you do not agree with, or already have full power for you, you can probably skip this audio cassette.

I found John Gray to be a below average reader to listen to, and was tired of his voice before the cassettes were over.He made no attempt to shift his voice from his usual one as he read each of the letters, and listening became monotonous.An actor would have dramatized and differentiated them a bit to make for more interesting listening.Having a man read a woman's letter in a male voice is also fairly uninteresting.

The words would have had much more meaning and impact if they had been read by the person who wrote each letter.Then the nuances and emotions the person felt would have come through better.

John Gray's ideas about how to improve marital communication are pretty simple, and this abridged version could have been even more abridged.The two primary concepts [(1) of men listening to women without suggesting solutions and (2) women letting men have quiet time] are repeated in almost each one.

If your relationship needs work, I suggest Relationship Rescue and the Workbook that can be used with it as a starting point.I think you will get more benefit from those than from this audio cassette.If your issues are severe or long-standing, you may also need professional counseling.

If you want to read one book or listen to one audio cassette by John Gray, I suggest that you go to Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus.

After you have finished with whatever materials you have used, I suggest that you consider where else you may have weak communications.How are you doing with the rest of your family?With your friends?With neighbors?With those you work with?A good way to find out is to take some private moments to ask each person how well you are communicating with them.Chances are there will be opportunities to improve.Ask questions to improve your understanding of what they tell you.Then follow those ideas.

Enjoy all of your relationships more!

Ugh...not at all what I wanted
I completely agree with the previous review that this book is nothing but a John Gray advertisement.I didn't even make it to the second chapter. After I got annoyed with "John Gray does this...", and "Johnhelped me with that...", I thumbed through the rest of the book andsaw his name repeatedly on every page!I was looking for good relationshipstories and maybe some advice and inspiration, instead I got the printedversion of Mr. Gray's infomercial.

Ugh...not at all what I wanted
I completely agree with the previous review that this book is nothing but a John Gray advertisement.I didn't even make it to the second chapter. After I got annoyed with "John Gray does this...", and "Johnhelped me with that...", I thumbed through the rest of the book andsaw his name repeatedly on every page!I was looking for good relationshipstories and maybe some advice and inspiration, instead I got the printedversion of Mr. Gray's infomercial.

Best relationship book EVER!
I have read dozens of self-help/relationship books and have found John Gray's philosophies to be the most straight-forward, accurate and effective.His descriptions of men and women and their differences inbehavior and response are dead-on, as is Dr. Gray's belief thatunderstanding those differences is the only way to truly get along. Dr.Gray's books will help you and your mate see that you are BOTH"normal" in your behaviors and responses, even though you mayseem irrational or unreasonable to one another at times.Dr. Gray willhelp you see that boys and girls are just plain different and as soon asyou realize what that means in a relationship, trust me, you will breathe aHUGE sigh of relief and give your mate the biggest kiss ever!

Basically an advertising piece for Dr. Gray's techniques.
This book is filled with testimonials for John Gray's approach to relationship development and enhancement.The overriding theme is essentially, "And then I read Dr. Gray's book" (or, preferably,"attended my first seminar") "and my live was changedforever."There are a few allusions to the specifics of his theories,but basically the jargon is used and the reader is assumed to be familiarwith the subject already.The book has been marketed as a collection ofreal-life experiences of ordinary couples, with many of whom the readershould be able to identify, but this is not the case at all.It is aglowing "puff piece" which reads as if it had been drawn from theevaluation forms submitted by couples at the end of his seminars.I am notdisputing the significance of Dr. Gray's insights and presentation in theslightest, just the thrust of this book. ... Read more

Product Description
By applying Strategic Sourcing concepts, The Walt Disney Company realized $300 millions in annual savings, BellSouth improved its results by $1 billion, and IBM achieved 5% improvement in their margins. These are just a few of the many companies exploring the benefits of Strategic Sourcing, the next evolutionary step in Supply-Chain. Strategic Sourcing is a coordinated effort between the different areas of the organization and external partners. It helps companies to focus on the smart way of investing their resources. More than a guide for implementing Strategic Sourcing, this book talks about the importance of building strategic partnerships. At the end, you will realize that business relationships are not so different from personal ones. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Worth Buying it!!
This book was recommended by a friend and it's really worth buying it! Different from other Procurement books that focus only on the mechanics of buying and/or IT solutions, this book is about Strategy! It talks about identifying opportunities within your company and forging different kinds of partnerships with suppliers and competitors.

Great overview of how to leverage value of sourcing!
Although the Mars and Venus concept sounds corny, it makes perfect sense in the context of this book. There is a lot of truth in the similarities between business and personal relationships. I would recommend this book not only for supply chain professionals, but for anyone who wants to understand or develop a new strategy for the company. Quick read.

Small Book with Great Content
It is hard to track all the emerging trends in the current supply environment. This book is an excellent reference and will definitely put you up to speed! Very detailed, but also easy to read.
The book is divided into 3 parts. The first introduces Strategic Sourcing and its importance talking about achievements of several organizations, and the different stages in Strategic Sourcing. Here, the author also gives some of the best practices followed by the leading companies.
In the second part of the book, the author presents the roadmap for the implementation of Strategic Sourcing. Although the tools are not new for most of the purchasing folks, they are nicely put together to explain how the implementation process works.
Finally, in the third part of the book we find 3 business cases describing different Strategic Sourcing solutions and issues found in Distribution, Capital Expenditures, and New Product Development respectively. Each of the cases put emphasis in one specific aspect of the implementation. In addition, they are very short cases, which make it easier for the reader to follow and understand the key points.
The second edition of the book also brings a bonus chapter with the frequently asked questions in this field. Questions like "What Strategic Sourcing professionals do during a market crash?" are addressed in a simple an honest way.
In summary, this is a small book with great content.

Easy Reading with Great Content
Using personal relationships as an analogy, the book transforms a rather complex topic into something easier to understand. In the first part, the author does a great job showing the importance of Strategic Sourcing discussing historical trends, and the fantastic results some big companies have been achieved. In the second part of the book, we have a clear and straight forward framework for the implementation of Strategic Sourcing. Finally, the last part of the book brings three brilliant case studies where we can really see how everything is put together.
I strongly recommend this book for those who want to understand Strategic Sourcing in a simple and straight forward approach.

Great Reading with Good Examples
This book describes innovative strategies that add real value to the companies. It is a very easy read that crystallizes many of the strategic sourcing concepts into useful and understandable formats. Also, excellent examples are provided. I would recommended it both for experienced practitioners as well as the uninitiated. ... Read more

Product Description
"A seamless blending of humor, history, and adventure." Publishers Weekly
A detective novel of ancient Rome.
When wild Germanic troops rebel and a Roman general disappears, Emperor Vespasian turns to the one man he can trust: Marcus Didius Falco, Imperial Rome's answer to Columbo. Slipping undercover into Germania, Falco meets with disarray, torture, and murder in his quest to find a Druid priestess who alone can persuade the barbarians to embrace peace.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Not Free SF Reader
Standard rebellion in Germany.


Falco is off overseas again, as Vespasian wants to know what is going on in Germania and the legion dealing with the uprising there, having lost an executive. Our favorite informer takes them a new standard and again involves himself in getting into trouble.

Not quite as good as some of the earlier books, but decent enough.


3.5 out of 5

Still very fine after all these years
I just reread this earlier Lindsey Davis/Marcus Didious Falco mystery and it was still completely enjoyable the second time around.Interesting plot, wonderful historic detail and terrific character development and interaction.What's not to like.Lindsey Davis is my girl!I look forward to her annual Falco offering and happily recommend this series to anyone who hasn't heard of it (how would that be possible?)

They Just Get Better
This is the fourth novel in the mystery series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, an informer and sleuth in Rome at the time of Vespasian. A series of books that have become hugely popular, so much so that the author is now at the forefront of historical mystery writers. It was probably a stroke of genius on her part to have novels that are extremely well researched and contain all the elementsthat would be and should be found inRome in AD70, but to have a lead character who has the vocabulary of a present day New York cop. In this the fourth novel Falco and Helena Justina seem like old friends.

In this novel Falco has to leave his beloved Rome and travel to Germania, a land that is haunted by the ghosts of past massacres. Dark and dismal, cold and wet and huge parts of it covered by virtually impenetrable forests, where the bloodthirsty tribesmen feel at home and are more than ready to inflict another defeat on the Roman army, such as they did not many decades past.

Falco has the enter the most dangerous country known to Roman world, with a few trainee recruits, their Centurion and their Commander. Not just any old Roman officer but Camillus Justinus, the brother of Helena, who will cut Falco into little pieces and feed him to the fishes in the Tiber if he even thinks about returning without her favourite sibling.

Falco battles the frontier, native/Roman leaders, and Helena
Falco hits the road again in this fourth novel, this time for Germania.Unlike the first two novels, where the action split between Rome and rural locales, almost all of "The Iron Hand of Mars" is set in Gaul and Germany.The grit of the frontier backdrops matches Falco's sour attitude toward the journey and his Imperial mission.His girlfriend Helena Justina fortunately joins the more urban portions of the trip, as their character interactions in Davis's subtle prose are the highlight of these novels.

The plot consists of a long list of Imperial requests relating to recent and past Roman military troubles on the frontier.Davis skillfully explains the history of first century Roman clashes with the Germanic tribes and relates it to the plot without bogging down in dry exposition.Falco's interaction with various members of the frontier legions shows Davis's thorough command of Roman military details.Falco's trek through feral Germania has the same wild adventure tainted with ghosts of legionary history feel as the journey beyond Hadrian's Wall in Sutcliffe's "Eagle of the Ninth."However, random encounters with several of the final people on Falco's task list leave the ending feeling coincidental.Regardless, Davis skillfully develops several new characters, including a gruff centurion and Helena's tribune brother, and continues to build the relationship between Falco and Helena.

More History than Mystery
This book is definitely more of a history book than a mystery book, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable.The wild ride through old Germany and the adventures that befall Falco's ragtag bunch of recruits is fun.The more I read of Falco, the more likeable he becomes.And the characters we are introduced to in each book make quite an impresion.In this case an effeminate barber called Xanthus, and the lovely Helena's younger brother.Her characters seem alive, and it makes for a fun quick read.If you are interested in getting an idea of what Germany was like in 71AD, you could do worse than read this book.Looking forward to the next installment. ... Read more

Product Description
Tan Handron from the realm of Gatho encounters a wide range of enemies in this science fiction thriller of the 1930's.He fends off green men, mad scientists, cannibal, spiders and white apes.The main character Tan Handron finds himself an unlikely hero in this pulp fiction classic."A Fighting Man of Mars," is the seventh book in the Edgar Rice Burroughs Martian series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

NODDING AT STAR WARS
There are many parallels between A FIGHTING MAN OF MARS and STAR WARS. Actually, not just this book, but the whole series is chock-full of them.

Seeing as most of the other reviewers have already covered the plot, this review will point out some of the scenes in the book that bear slight, or even great resemblances to events in the STAR WARS movies.

1) An integral part of the plot has to do with a disintegrating-ray gun. Compare this to the laser of the Death Star that vaporizes planets.

2) There is a flier/spaceship that is invisible. Compare this to the cloaking device referenced in some of the Star Wars movies.

3) In the chapter "Cornered" there is a scene where the main character, Hadron of Hastor, fights a great white ape and cuts its wrist off with the sword. Compare this to THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK where Luke cuts off the arm of the white Wampa after escaping the cave on Hoth.

4) In the chapter "Sentenced to Die" there is a scene where two of the characters enter the chamber of a reclining female captive. This is somewhat similar to Han and Luke entering Princess Leia's chamber in STAR WARS.

5) In the chapter "The Death", upon the opening of a door, a once-trusted friend has apparently betrayed her friends as they find themselves staring into a room of warriors. Compare this to Lando's betrayal of Han and Leia to Darth Vader in the EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

6) In the same chapter, a sword lodged in the mouth of a lizard aids the victory of the victims. Compare this to the Rancor-pit in RETURN OF THE JEDI, where Luke lodges the bone in the Rancor's mouth.

Then of course there are the more obvious precursors to STAR WARS: The Jeds and Jeddaks being the Jedi and the banths being the banthas. Also many of the descriptions of the fliers and flying craft of Barsoom make it easy to visualize Jabba's pleasure barge-type vehicles and Star Destroyers.

Even without the parallels to STAR WARS, this is still a great book to read. Although I rate it at a 4 it's probably closer to a 4.25. Each chapter is full of adventure and leaves you ready to dive into the next. There is a great motto in "We Still Live!" that is used throughout. Finally, all the loose ends and side-plots get neatly tied up at the conclusion of the story.

With the exception of a few cases of Deus Ex Machina, there is very little to not recommend this book, and although it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.

Tan Hadron of Hastur charges to the rescue of his beloved
Sanoma Tora, beautiful daughter of a rich and powerful leader on Barsoom has been kidnapped! Noone knows by who or why, but the poor but courageous Hadron of Hastur (who has been paying court to her) volunteers to charge off to her rescue. Never mind that Sanoma Tora is a spoiled little gold-digger who has snubbed our hero at every turn, making it clear that he is neither rich nor influential enough to get into *her* bed...

Guided by his passion for Sanoma Tora, he sallies forth to rescue her. In the process, he kills bad guys, rescues the innocent, enlists the aid of allies, becomes the hero to a poor escaped slave girl, and saves the entire fleet of Helium (the nation of John Carter, Warlord of Mars) from certain doom.

Romance figures large in this one, with unrequitted love, by and for Hadron being the essential themes of this book.

Needless to say, Hadron acts with honor, comes to his senses about the pampered princess/spoiled, self-serving brat (pick one or more), fights heroically, outwits his enemies, saves the day, and finds a more worthy love. All of the above is obvious, but getting there is a first rate ride.

Another tale of Barsoom, another winner, and another reason to read the next one.

E. M. Van Court

Tan Hadron of Hastur charges to the rescue of his beloved
Sanoma Tora, beautiful daughter of a rich and powerful leader on Barsoom has been kidnapped!Noone knows by who or why, but the poor but courageous Hadron of Hastur (who has been paying court to her) volunteers to charge off to her rescue.Never mind that Sanoma Tora is a spoiled little gold-digger who has snubbed our hero at every turn, making it clear that he is neither rich nor influential enough to get into *her* bed...

Guided by his passion for Sanoma Tora, he sallies forth to rescue her.In the process, he kills bad guys, rescues the innocent, enlists the aid of allies, becomes the hero to a poor escaped slave girl, and saves the entire fleet of Helium (the nation of John Carter, Warlord of Mars) from certain doom.

Romance figures large in this one, with unrequitted love, by and for Hadron being the essential themes of this book.

Needless to say, Hadron acts with honor, comes to his senses about the pampered princess/spoiled, self-serving brat (pick one or more), fights heroically, outwits his enemies, saves the day, and finds a more worthy love.All of the above is obvious, but getting there is a first rate ride.

Another tale of Barsoom, another winner, and another reason to read the next one.

E. M. Van Court

ONE OF THE BEST OF THE MARTIAN SERIES
From the first page you will be hooked.This particular book was first published in installments around 1930, as was the custom with pulp fiction at that time.The series was more or less reintroduced during the early 1960s (that is when I started reading them) and has been around ever since.For a work to last that long indeed says something.I have to agree with the reviewer (Mr. Wallace) in that this is one of the better works of the series.Each page if filled with wonderful improbable action and the villians are endless.While John Carter is indeed a part of the story, the main character is one of his top warriors, Hadron of Hastor.Plenty of Damsel in Distress stuff here, and all good clean fun.If you have never read the series, suggest you do.If you have "out grown" the series, suggest revert back to the little boy or girl lurking deep within you and let him or her out.You won't be sorry.Recommend this one highly.

Barsoom's fate rests with the lowly padwar Tan Handron
The seventh book in the Martian series of Edgar Rice Burroughs, "A Fighting Man of Mars" is communicated to the author via the Gridley Wave (there is something rather quaint about the old convention of having a prologue purporting that what follows is true).Unlike the Tarzan series where ERB put his hero a series of similar adventures involving one lost civilization in the African interior after another, the Martian series offers up a series of heroes who have to rescue the woman they love.The titular character for this endeavor is Tan Handron, a Padwar of Helium who is in love with Sanoma Tora, daughter of Tor Haten, the Umak commander.Tan Handron is descended from a princess of Gatho, which pleases Tor Haten, who is only a minor noble, but Sanoma spurns the young padwar's love because he is poor.Tul Axtar, Jeddak of Jahar, is also interested in her hand, but before anything can be arranged, Sanoma is abducted by a mysterious flier and the chase is on.

"A Fighting Man of Mars" was originally published in six-parts in "Blue Book Magazine" during 1930 and appears to be rather different from ERB's earlier Martian stories in that for one the damsel in distress is not a Barsoomian princess.As Tan Handron pursues the woman he wants across Barsoom he encounters some of ERB's better villains (basically a new one for each installment in the series).As Handron deals with green men and white apes, spiders, mad scientists, and cannibals, he picks up a companion and uncovers a plot that puts all of Barsoom in danger and sets up the big climax.

This is one of ERB's better books, arguably in the Top 10 of his pulp fiction adventures mainly because of all the fantastic creatures, futuristic weapons, and deadly dangers he crams into its pages.With Tan Handron ERB has a hero who is more plagued by doubt that we usually find and I also appreciate that in the end our hero goes for a real relationship rather than some idealized notion of love from afar."A Fighting Man of Mars" shows that ERB was a master of the serialized ("to be continued...") adventures. ... Read more

Product Description
Two events will make the summer of 2003 a remarkable one for amateur astronomers. By late August, Mars will come within 34 million miles of Earth, appearing six times larger and shining 85 times brighter than usual-"the most striking and spectacular Mars apparition in tens of thousands of years" (The New York Times). And William K. Hartmann, co-author of The Grand Tour, Out of the Cradle, and The History of Earth, is publishing A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO MARS.

Conceived and created like a real Baedecker-factual, accessible, heavily illustrated, in a carry-around size-A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO MARS brings together all the astonishing information scientists have recently learned about Mars, and conveys it in the engaging, lively style that made Dr. Hartmann the first-ever winner of the Carl Sagan Medal for public communication of planetary science. Taken around the planet like tourists, readers will discover mysterious dry riverbeds, the largest volcano in the solar system (three times higher than Mount Everest), a possible ancient sea floor, giant impact craters, "the face on Mars," and other wonders.

Throughout is an Extraordinary selection of photographs, maps, and paintings, including images from Mariner 9 and the Viking explorations, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the ongoing Mars Global Surveyor mission. Four gatefolds show the latest topographic maps of the entire Martian surface. Sidebars advise readers on what to wear and landing procedures. In addition, Hartmann's "My Martian Chronicles" spotlight his life and times as a planetary scientist.Amazon.com Review
A Traveler's Guide to Mars revitalizes the Red Planet, leaving readers with the urge to don a spacesuit and take a long trip. With the look and heft of a guide to someplace you might actually go, the book presents Mars as a place of canyons and volcanoes, mesas, and barren plains, not that dissimilar from parts of Earth. Author William K. Hartmann, who participated in the Mars Global Surveyor mission, uses all the photos and data collected by scientists in decades of research to give a thorough, yet not boring, overview of the planet. The most exciting stuff is about water--whether it ever flowed on Mars, where it went, why it's hard to find. Beyond that, there are the rocks, dust, and weather to talk about, and Mars has lots of all three. Sidebars, maps, and chronologies help keep the regions and geology of Mars organized. Hartmann never forgets he's writing for the lay reader, and his style is personable and clear. When answering claims of NASA cover-ups, ancient civilizations, and hidden structures on Mars, he calmly lays out the facts and pictures, urging readers to simply examine the evidence. Hartmann offers a tourist's-eye view of one of our most intriguing planetary neighbors and does more to polish NASA's tarnished image than a thousand press releases. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

NASA Front Man?
The book is a typical nice piece of NASA cover up pabulum for the kiddies. If you're looking for the elementary basic geography of mars its generally correct. But when dealing with the more specific details and history of the Martian terrain you find that there are several glaring inaccuracies.

Although the author has participated in the Mars Global Surveyor Mission he seems ignorant of what's available in the public domain. The Areas of neglect or should we say avoidance concern volcanism, water and evidence of highly intelligent life.

The author seemed to feel that there might have been some volcanic activity on mars within the last 10,000,000 years. Well I hope so, earlier in this decade a NASA image from the orbiting Mars Global Surveyor was made public through the newspapers in which it was displayed and described as an erupting volcanic vent. This image was only a small part of the full image that covers an area some where in the neighborhood of 150 to 400 square miles. At least 50% of area that is shown in this full image is being devastated by volcanic vents and over flowing, crowded calderas that completely cover all that surrounds them with bright glowing lava. (It literally looks like miles of hell!) Re: Global Surveyor image no. M0001750.

There is another image with several crashing, misting, waterfalls, waterways and lakes. There is also an excellent image concerning intelligent life that is so fantastic if widely published it would shock the world!

I'm sorry, when I know the truth, I just can't get excited enough about this book to give it 5 stars like 14 of you have so far. I would say to you, do your own research and really get excited about Mars! donbroc@yahoo.com

P.S . Hey are some of you 5 star guys buddies with Hartmann or working at NASA?

A collection of fourteen original and unique works
Ian Tescee draws upon his more than twenty-two years of experience and expertise with creating electronic music to compose and perform "A Traveler's Guide To Mars", a collection of fourteen original and unique works inspired by space scientist William K. Hartman and utilized in the major planetarium production about Mars at the Carnegie Science Center's Duhl Digital Dome in Pittsburgh. Tescee utilizes keyboard synthesizers and electronic drums, analog guitars, and even sings on one of the tracks. Enhanced with a half-dozen NASA commands and a countdown, a cello solo by Nancy Snustad, the faint quoting of a line from the Ray Bradbury short story 'The Lost City of Mars', "A Traveler's Guide To Mars" also features music written by electronic musician Russell Story, and 'The Wooden Prince' based on a theme by Bela Bartok. The individual pieces comprising this flawlessly produced and highly recommended CD include The New World (5:27); Passport (6:01); Earthrise (4:01); The Lost City of Mars (4:16); Aquamarine (3:43); The Wooden Prince (2:24); Dust-Red Sky (2:02); God of War (2:42); Beneath the Ice (2:09); It's Time to Go Back: Part 1 (2:48); It's Time to Go Back: Part 2 (3:54); Space Tourist Mars (5:23); Life on Mars (4:50); Billions and Billions of Stars (3:54).

Going to Mars...take this book!
This is a fun and exciting trek around the Red Planet. I absolutely love the "hike" format, and this book is probably the next best thing to actually being there on Martian soil. Tidbits like what to wear on Mars and how to tell time definitely give the book a light-hearted personality. Another great feature is the author's own "personal experiences" / Mars exploration observation sections entitled "My Martian Chronicles." Thanks to the author, a great guide, I felt so involved in my "trip" that I wanted to buy a souvenir T-shirt! LOL I love the Classic Martian Map and Topographic Map foldouts at the front of the book. I especially like the easy-to-read large font of the text. I didn't have to squint while reading the book, which is a good thing.

Nice pictures
In this book, we see Mars treated almost as if it was a tourist region. The author has divided Mars into areas of interest. He then discussed separately each area. Just like Earth, Mars has many different regions and scenery.

Although I am keen on space, somehow this book did little for me. After awhile I found it too much and lost interest in the details of each region. What I would have preferred on Mars is fewer notes and more pictures.

The other point is the book is full of interesting pictures unfortunately to appreciate them you need a large size book then this one.

Having said that if your interested in Mars geography though you will find this author knows his information, it is current and he explains his points well.

A fascinating look at the Red Planet
A Traveler's Guide to Mars is well written and quite fascinating for anyone with an interest in the planetary geology of Mars.

Hartmann breaks down the history of Mars into three geologic eras (Noachian, Hesperain, and Amazonian) based on the amount of cratering on the Martian surface. From there, he explores each one of these regions in detail.

From the majestic Mons Olympus volcano and 2500 mile long Valles Marineris Canyon to the probable glacial "melting mountains" of Promethei Terra and controversial ancient ocean shorelines of Vastitas Borealis , Hartmann provides the reader with a sweeping scope of Martian history, replete with stunning aerial photography and images, that is simply quite amazing. He even discusses the "microbial fossil" Martian meteorites as well as the notorious "Face on Mars" in the Cydonia highlands.

Take a trip to Mars ... you won't be disappointed
... Read more

Product Description
[Menage Amour: Erotic Contemporary Menage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, Interracial] Isabel Santos runs Salsa Nights, a Latin dance studio in sweltering South Florida. After a wicked night in a swingers' club ends in murder, two men offer their protection. Isabel is shocked to find they are the two hunks she used to spy on as a child, and she now dreams of being caught between their raw, masculine bodies. Brad Westbrook and Dale Connor made a promise to watch over Isabel and have stayed far away all these years lest they risk slamming her up against a wall and possessing her rather than protecting her. But one taste of her Latin lips and Brad and Dale know they will never again crave another's. Can they keep her safe while showing her what she most wants - a menage a trois? Or will the killer find her before they admit this fiery Latina owns their hearts and convince her they have always owned hers? ** A Siren Erotic Romance ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Erotic, Sexy, and I wanted more!
I read through this novel over the weekend and I'm looking forward to Chalee Mar's next book. It's a hot erotica novel with plenty of sexy scenes, witty dialog, and action. As a Hispanic woman who's read dozens of romance novels over the years, it's awesome to finally read one where the central character is a Latina with enough passion to justify the reason we're known as fiery and passionate!

I enjoyed the journey each of the characters take - it's a menage - and how Isabel grows as a woman who finds her own passion in the bedroom! The sex scenes are enough to make you hot and bothered and leave you dreaming of men like Brad and Dale.

This is a first in a series and according to Ms. Mar's website, the next one will take place in her native Puerto Rico. I can't wait to read what's next and look forward to more steamy sex scenes and characters I can fall in love with and wish were real.

If this is your first menage novel, get ready for some heat, and if it's not, you won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Product Description
Tolerance, the long-awaited debut by American artist Chris Mars, features 159 of Mars' technically brilliant and emotionally stirring paintings as well as numerous essays by Mars regarding the nexus and symbolism of individual works, offering rare and candid insight into the mind of the artist and the imagined minds of the troubled and triumphant souls who populate his canvases.

A darling of the Low Brow and Outsider art movements, Mars' work has been featured in numerous museums and is held in numerous public collections.

Tolerance is printed in accordance with the artist's social conscience.Says Mars: "It's a `green' book. Published using vegetable-based inks, on recycled, bleach-free paper. It was not made by slaves, the printing costs do not sponsor State tyranny, no child's hands will have sewn the binding.It's green and it's fair-trade.It took a while to make that happen. I think I'm as proud of that as I am of the work inside it." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Stunning!
I've been a fan of Chris Mars the musician (his "old life") since the early 90s. I own all four of his post-Replacements solo CDs, and I still regularly listen to "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" and "75% Less Fat." (The song "No More Mud" on the latter release even served as my gateway to "Cat's Cradle" and to Kurt Vonnegut in general.) But I have always especially admired the striking cover art on these CDs, drawn--for I believe much of his early work was with pastels--by Chris himself.

So even though I am usually only a casual patron of the visual arts, I was quite excited to learn that Chris had abandoned music to take up painting full time. Over the past decade, I've made a habit of visiting his website every year or two to admire his latest work. His superficially grotesque but highly sympathetic images of society's outcasts and his abiding empathy for the mentally ill are deeply moving to me. I cannot say it any better than Peter Spooner (in the editorial reviews above): "moral in the highest sense of the word."

I've long wished I could afford to purchase one of Chris's amazing paintings. (But which one?!) And since the increasing recognition of his work over the past decade has outstripped any parallel growth in my earning power, this becomes less likely every year. So imagine my delight when I learned upon my latest visit that he had released an entire BOOK reproducing over 150 of his recent works! I ordered it immediately, and in the few days since I've spent several hours in rapt contemplation of the stunning images within.

Most of his pieces are delightfully complex. In virtually every one I've studied so far I notice a multitude of details that simply aren't apparent online. I'm no expert, but his work seems technically superb to me: he has a strong sense of color and especially of lighting--some of the images just glow. And his recent work has become more overtly political while managing to remain deeply human.

I realize that such a personal review might not be very helpful to anyone still on the fence about buying this book, but I am extremely grateful that Chris decided to release his work in this form. (Thanks, Chris!) I'm glad to see his art getting the recognition I think it deserves, but I am even happier that, through this book, many more people can have the opportunity to experience it first hand. It's an important body of work for sure, but it's also truly beautiful.

Outcasts and misfits
Chris Mars' collection of his paintings is excellent.

A recurrent theme in the paintings in this book is the idea of people being cast out from their natural homes and place in society and alienated from those still living within conventional society. And the outcasts are the victims of some of their fellow beings. There is a tension between two opposing groups in society. Those being abused and those doing the abusing. Those still living within the system and those who have left it voluntarily or have been forced out. But it's not as simple as some people being good and some people being bad. There is a general darkness and malaise in the paintings showing that there are darker forces at work and perhaps the oppressors are simply pawns of these larger forces. The villains are simply those who didn't have the moral strength to stand up to these larger forces.

The outcasts and misfits are quite often pictured living in the street while houses glow warmly in the background. While they might yearn for the comforts of their old homes, these outcasts haven't forsaken their integrity, purity, and sympathy for fellow beings.

As for the oppressors in the paintings, you don't know whether you should pity them, hate them, or both. On the one hand, there are larger forces at work, political and corporate, that make it easy and expedient for them to play the role of bullying martinets in service to the real powers at work. On the other hand, not everyone in the paintings has given in to these larger forces. Some of the people being bullied have no choice in the matter because of physical or mental illnesses or weaknesses that make it hard or impossible for them to resist. But others have the honesty and integrity to see through the lies and resist, while helping those who aren't strong enough to fight back on their own.

The conventional attitude today seems to be that playing by the rules of large corporations (or morally corrupt political leaders), getting what you think is "yours", and looking the other way when it's convenient for your conscience to do so is the cool, smart thing to do. That's what winners do. And you don't want to end up on the wrong side of the winners/losers line. Chris Mars' paintings show the ugly lie behind this attitude and way of living. The oppressors and the ones who look the other way are the truly ugly ones in the paintings. They might think they're not the ugly ones (or, maybe, deep inside they have doubts), but they are.

But, there is something hopeful in the paintings. I don't know that there is reason for hope, but, even if there isn't and things will always be more or less as they are now, I know which side I want to be on.

Dark and beautiful
From page one, it's awesome. I especially dug this disclaimer: This book was manufactured with respect for the environment, workers rights, and human rights. Let's give it up for socially-responsible art and commerce. Seriously.

Those of who are familiar with Mars' art already know that it's dark, dark, dark stuff. So the book is filled with that, but more than that (and my favorite part) are all kinds of, for lack of a better term, explanations about some of the paintings. I've never really been a fan of Mars' paintings. The darkness kind of scares me and makes me uncomfortable. But, after spending a few days with the book, looking at the pictures and reading the passages, I've decided that it's okay. Art is supposed to move us. It's not always that giddy, joyful sort of experience. Sometimes it is dark and uncomfortable, and that's okay too. Sometimes life is dark and uncomfortable.

I was surprised by the political backdrop and tone of some of the paintings. I knew the story of Mars' brother and knew that a lot of his artistic inspiration sprung from that experience. There is a lot of that in this book, with explanations that will literally move you to tears. But, I think, the pieces that most affected me were the more politically-themed ones. The political was new to me, and because Mars' and I seem to have the same political leanings, I really liked those portions of the book. For instance, he writes this about his piece called "State of the Union:
"The central figure is a disheartened, despondent Lady Liberty, who is being probed and prodded by shady practitioners who fail to comprehend her. She's been reduced and dons a warhead dunce cap. Some smugly endorsement her belittlement; some turn away. Others are aware, but feel confused and powerless. All this creates chaos; there is infighting. . . " it goes on, but you get the gist of it.

I cannot deny that I am surprised my how much I am enjoying this book. I think you might too. ... Read more