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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Samantha Mathis (born May 12, 1970) is an American actress. The daughter of actress Bibi Besch, Mathis made her film debut in Pump Up the Volume (1990).Mathis was born in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, the daughter of actress Bibi Besch, and granddaughter of actress Gusti Huber. Her parents divorced when she was 2 years old, and Mathis was raised by her mother. She relocated to Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California at the age of 5.Mathis' mother discouraged her from pursuing acting, but growing up on locations, in theaters, and in acting classes, Mathis knew she wanted to act. Mathis decided to become an actress at the age of 12. ... Read more

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Meet Kate Malone–straight A science and math geek, minister’s daughter, ace long-distance runner, unwilling family caretaker, emotional avoidance champion.Kate manages her life by compartmentalizing it, not unlike the periodic table.She can handle anything–or so she thinks.Then, like a string of chemical reactions, everything happens: the Malones’ neighbors get burned out of their home and move in.Because her father is a Good Man of God (and a Not Very Thoughtful Parent), Kate has to share her room with her nemesis, Flo Litch, and Flo’s adorable, troublemaking little brother.Kate’s ex-boyfriend keeps trying to get back together.And she gets rejected from the only college she has applied to: MIT.Kate’s life is less and less under control–and then, something happens that truly blows it all apart.Amazon.com Review
Chemistry honors student and cross-country runner Kate Malone is driven. Daughter of a father who is a reverend first and a parent second ("Rev. Dad [Version 4.7] is a faulty operating system, incompatible with my software.") and a dead mother she tries not to remember, Kate has one goal: To escape them both by gaining entrance to her own holy temple, MIT. Eschewing sleep, she runs endlessly every night waiting for the sacred college acceptance letter. Then two disasters occur: Sullen classmate Teri and her younger brother, Mikey, take over Kate's room when their own house burns down, and a too-thin letter comes from MIT, signifying denial. And so the experiment begins. Can crude Teri and sweet Mikey, combined with the rejection letter, form the catalyst that will shake Kate out of her selfish tunnel vision and force her to deal with the suppressed pain of her mom's death? "If I could run all the time, life would be fine. As long as I keep moving, I'm in control." But for Kate, it's time to stop running and face the feelings she's spent her whole life racing away from.

Catalyst, Laurie Halse Anderson's third novel for teens, is a deftly fashioned character study of a seldom explored subject in YA fiction: the type-A adolescent. Teens will identify (if not exactly sympathize) with prickly Kate instantly, and be shocked or perhaps secretly pleased to discover that life is no easier for the honor roll student than it is for the outcast. Anderson earns an A plus for this revealing and realistic take on life, death, and GPAs. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Customer Reviews (118)

There's Good Kate....and then there's Bad Kate
"Catalyst" focuses on Kate Malone, daughter of the reverend, straight A student, science geek. All the parents envy the fact that Reverend Malone has the perfect daughter. But even Kate has her dark side. Out of all the colleges that could accept her, she only applies to MIT. In her mind, she isn't the Kate everyone sees. She is Bad Kate, who is the girl that no one wants to be their daughter.
This book isn't a super-interesting book, but it is exceptional in the way that Laurie Halse Anderson writes it. For everyone who reads it, they will receive a different message from the story.

Poor Young Adult literature
This is a poorly written book for the targeted age group.This book is classified as 'young adult'.An adult is 18 and over so this is book is listed for readers 18-25 years old.The literary style is generally below that of that age group.However, the language and subject-matter is appropriate for that age group. Young adults should be able to appreciate and read Hemingway, Faulkner, Dickens.When compared to those, this is a poorly written book.As a literary style, it is more appropriate to 10-15 year olds, but the subject matter, and mostly the choice of language is not appropriate.If you want to write in an immatrue literary style and target an adolescent or pre-adolescent reader then the subject matter and choice of language should be more carefully crafted.Some young adult readers may be at this reading level given the type of books that make the NY Times bestseller lists so it is a fine book for those readers as a remedial book in order to learn to read.

Toxic
I happened across this, and picked it up on the grounds that YA books are often good stories.I found it utterly appalling, not because of the writing (which was expressive and engaging), but because I thought the underlying messages in the story were completely toxic. The ones I noticed:

1) Girls aren't meant to be successful, even if they're bright, talented and disciplined, they'll just screw it up.
2) When you fail, you should give up instead of trying to fix it or find another way.
3) Ignoring problems is the way to deal with them.
4) If you've done something wrong, the answer is to be more nurturing.Even if you're already spending a lot of time caring for people who neither need, want, nor appreciate it.
5) An appropriate way to deal with people who treat you badly is to be more understanding and give them the opportunity to continue the behavior.

Oh, and let's not forget the boyfriend who is convinced by the events of the book that studying history is impractical, and he needs to study something 'real'.

Girls already grow up in a world of mixed messages and conflicting cultural expectations about what makes them good or valued members of society. This is a story designed to undermine ambition and sow doubts about the very things that bright and talented girls already worry about.I'm very grateful that I didn't read this as a teen, when I might have found it more persuasive.

Even Sub-Par Anderson Is Pretty Good
CATALYST is not Laurie Halse Anderson at her best, but it's still an interesting (if flawed) novel.If you like misery, there's plenty to go around in this outing as the minister's over-achieving daughter, Kate Malone, chronicles her obsessive desire to follow her now-deceased mom's path by getting into MIT.Trouble is, Kate never applied to any other school (believe it or -- more likely -- not).This point is tough to buy only because MIT is notoriously selective in its selection of students.While this is of mild interest, it certainly won't carry the plot far, so Anderson adds the high school pariah, Teri Litch (rhymes with...), for some excitement.

Teri lives with her ailing single mother and little brother, Mikey.For Dr. Phil effect, the ex-husband/dad was a wife beater, and Teri is a muscular outcast willing to take on the entire football team in the cafeteria (an odd pastime, but entertaining).A fire guts the Litch house and, lo and behold, Kate's minister dad takes Teri's family in.By now you know the course of the book: gut-wrenching conflict between the pugnacious Teri (who is a bit of a kleptomaniac) and the high-strung Kate.Perhaps sensing that her plot is getting a bit predictable and stale, Anderson adds a maudlin touch (I cannot give away more than that) and from there the novel limps to the finish line.

Nevertheless, you have the usual Laurie Halse Anderson instincts for how teenagers talk and what they care about.No, it's not written as poetically as SPEAK or WINTER GIRLS, but it gets the job done.By the timeyou reach the morally-uplifting ending you'll hold this truth to be self-evident: even sub-par Anderson is pretty darn good.

Another emotional story from Laurie Halse Anderson
This is another emotional story written by Laurie Halse Anderson. "Catalyst" is a novel about Kate - high school senior who thinks she has all her life planned out and under control. She is a perfectionist and does everything to make sure her life doesn't steer away from her plan. Some might think that Kate is self-centered and almost obsessive, but in reality she uses this orderliness to shield herself from the deep pain caused by her mother's death. After a series of events, some catastrophic, some not that vital, Kate is forced to lower her "shield;" she finally starts to understand what is really important in life and faces her emotional issues.

I enjoyed this novel. Anderson's writing, although it requires some getting used to, is superb and deeply personal. This is definitely one of the better YA books. Although I didn't come to understand Kate and Teri as much as I would like to (sometimes Anderson's writing is too subtle for me) and this book wasn't as focused as her other book I've read "Wintergirls", I enjoyed "Catalyst" enough to continue on reading this writer's other books.
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INSPIRATION. SUCCESS.
CONFIDENCE. PASSION.

No one is born with these qualities, but they are the key ingredients for reaching goals, building careers, or taking a blueprint and turning it into a breathtaking skyscraper. In The Trump Card, Ivanka Trump recounts the compelling story of her upbringing as the ultimate Apprentice, the daughter of Donald and Ivana Trump, and shares the life lessons and hardwon insights that have made her a rising star in the business world.

From her office in the Trump Organization, where she is a vice president of development and acquisitions and co-founder of The Trump Hotel Collection, to her career as an international model to the launch of her successful jewelry collection, Ivanka offers valuable, practical advice for young women. Whether it's landing that first job, navigating the workplace, or making a lasting impact, Ivanka shows how to:

• Use uncertainty to your advantage: thrive in any environment.

• Step up and get noticed at work: focus and efficiency will open doors.

• Create a strong and consistent identity: your name and reputation are your best assets.

• Know what you want: get the most out of any negotiation.

The Trump Card also features "Bulletins" from Ivanka's BlackBerry that tap into the wisdom of today's leaders, including Arianna Huffington, Tory Burch, and Cathie Black. "We've all been dealt a winning hand," Ivanka writes, "and it is up to each of us to play it right and smart." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

An amazing young woman
I'm in my sixth decade of life and I've been watching this young woman in the news since she was a tyke.For awhile there I was worried when she went into the modeling phase.I don't care much for her father, but he and Ivana have done an amazing job with their children.Any young person who reads this book and doesn't "get it" is I'm afraid to say a fool.Well done my girl.Well done.

Every Women should read this book!
Ivanka is not just an amazingly beautiful young woman! She is smart, hard-working and very motivated. It will help you if you want to change your career or getting a new job. She lists it in a professional way what you need to do in order to be taken seriously as an employee!Ivanka might be young but she is full of experiences regarding to the professional world. You don`t need to be a real-estate developer! It doesn`t matter what career you have or want she will make things clear. She will explain it how anyone can be successful. She graduated summa-cum-laude from Wharton University! Plus don`t forget it! She is Donald Trump`s daughter so she learned from the Master!
I do recommend it to every women. Even Guys should read it!

Good Business Advice
This is a better business book than some of the critics would have you believe.Yes, Ivanka came from wealth and privilege and yes, she is probably the only person in the US to become a VP of a large corporation at 25.That does not mean she is completely unqualified and in over her head.I was interested to learn how her parents managed to avoid the pitfalls of so many of their peers and raise 3 children who seem well-adjusted, all college graduates, and doing well in the business world. Two points I thought she made that were useful:new grads shouldn't worry if that first job doesn't pay well or offer opportunities for promotion. The main thing to concentrate on is what skills are you picking up.Also, the importance of reading the paper daily and writing notes of congratulations to people mentioned favorably.She has developed several important contacts that way.

The things I did not like: she advocates coming to work on a Sunday to catch up, and her whole team has started to do that as well.I hold my weekends sacred and would not expect my team to give up theirs either.That's probably why I am not a VP.Also, she became vague at times when she should have been specific. E.g. talking about her very first post college job before joining Trump:"At some point I looked up and saw the other new hires were not advancing at the same rate as I was...That was gratifying and vailidating."So what did you do Ivanka, to stand out? I'd like to know.

Worth reading though, for young and not so young in the business world. In fact, I think women who have been in the workforce a few years will appreciate it more than those just starting out.

Inspirational vs. Factual
Ok. First off, I haven't bought the book ( I will be purchasing it however), but I read a few pages and here is my opinion. I do agree with the individuals out there who do feel that this book is focused on Ivanka and seems contradictory and self absorbed at times. However, I like her. Yeah she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but that doesn't mean she didn't have to feed herself and get her own food. Too many times we see millionaires/billionaires or just plain everyday people who are wealthier than us and we discredit them because of what they have. I am a PK kid. I had a very priveledge life as well, but when you take a minute to look on the inside of my life, I had it alot harder than most people. I didn't receive any scholarships or any special passes that people may have thought I received seeing the college I went to. It was me,myself, and I and not my daddy that made those SAT scores and paid for my application, tuition,books, room and board. The point I am trying to make is that although she's Donald Trump's daughter doesn't mean she had everything handed to her. You only see the outside. You don't know if Donald only treats her priveledged because of the money he makes off of her. You don't know whether her house is paid for or her clothes are rented. You only are going by what you see. Often times, children of rich and famous people have it alot harder than most people. Everybody thinks my father paid my way through school, gave me a life full of luxury, etc etc when truth be told I had to do everything on my own. In the public eye he would portray that image that his kids never had to want for anything, but behind closed doors it was a completely different story. If I didn't work I didn't eat. And that is to be taken literally. I think people should be more understanding of people whether young or old rich or poor. As for her being on the board of directors, put yourself in Donald Trump's Shoes. Who wouldn't put their kid in that type of position? As caniving as business is and the other board of directors could possibly be. Any business owner will tell you that when you can find someone you can trust to handle your business affairs for you when you are occupied with other businesses and ventures, it is a blessing and a miracle..as one mistake or one overlooksee can have you out of business or no longer in ownership. Even though Ivanka may lack knowledge on finances and real estate she is experienced in running a business. She's had a good 18+ years worth of experience in it. I mean her entire life has evolved around business. I may not know how to preach a sermon or know the bible as well as the many Dr's and theologians out there who have studied for centuries, but I do know how to operate a church and that qualifies me to be on the board of directors-if you catch my drift. You have people who have their degree in real estate and finance who would fail at launching a business or keeping a striving business afloat. The board of director's job is to do whats best for the company. To take the company in a new direction or to keep the company at the forefront of the industry. The position doesn't require Ivanka to make the reports or to do the marketing material. That is what everyone else gets paid to do...her job is to read the reports and make sure the goals of the company are being met and the income/expense numbers are hitting goal. Yeah it would help if she knew how to create financial statements and annual budgets but its not required in that position. That's something she can learn along the way or consult the chief financial advisor about. As far as her marrying a millionaire...what did you expect? Usually girls measure their boyfriends to their father. Meaning she will only accept a guy that can do what her father has done for her or better. Very seldomly do you see a girl marry a guy who cant provide her the things her dad did. I am 24 and am in the process of launching a million dollar business and a multi-billion dollar empire. I have business advice. I had business advice since I was 18 and developed the companies that I am now in the process of implementing. Because of my age and lack of experience compared to others, people shouldn't listen to what I have to say? That's ridiculous. I do agree that her business advice is vague but I think its because of the pressure she received by marketing experts. I don't think she wanted to do a business book but its what people in her circle would expect of her, its what daddy would expect and so forth. I wish she would've branched out and wrote a book that she was interested in. You can tell in the book by how she goes a little off subject with all the metaphors,etc. that this is something she was told to produce. I think a book on how she really felt about her Dad's decisions wouldve been great. Nothing bad but how she really hates listening to him after so long or the flaws of the Trump family. You know cute stuff. But ending here, I didn't plan to write all of this but I was pulling an all nighter and said what the hell. I find this book to be inspirational and not so much factual. I hope to one day have my kids on the board of directors at my company. I hope they become millionaires and marry millionaires. I hope their expectations in their personal and business life is just as high as their expectations of me being the best mom in the world. Don't be so judgemental of wealthier people and their kids. The more you have, the harder it is to keep and maintain it.

Thanks...but no thanks
I think Ivanka means well writing this book and encouraging young women to set their bars high in the business world. However, there is just NO way to take her seriously. Her anecdotes all point to one thing: TRUMPS DAUGHTER. She tries to play the pity card to get us to feel bad that she's had to "live up" to her name and what a challenge its been to prove people wrong. Her Dad appointed her Vice President of Real Estate Development at his organization when she was 24. I don't care what college you went to - that is definitely nepotism at its best! Nice try Ivanka, but there is just no way I can take your advice seriously. ... Read more

Product Description
Meet Kate Malone, straight-A science and math geek, minister's daughter, ace long-distance runner, girlfriend (to Mitchell "Early Decision Harvard" Pangborn III), unwilling family caretaker, and emotional avoidance champion. Kate manages her life by organizing it, as logically as the periodic table. She can handle it all--or so she thinks. Then things happen like a string of chemical reactions: first, the Malones' neighbors get burned out of their own home and move in. Because her father is a Good Man of God (and a Not Very Thoughtful Parent), Kate has to share her room with her nemesis, Teri Litch, and Teri's troublemaking but adorable little brother. The days are ticking down and she's still waiting to hear from the only college she's applied to: MIT. Kate's life is less and less under control--and then, something happens that truly blows it all apart. ... Read more