Product Description
PRAISE FOR THE BRAND WHO CRIED "WOLF"

"Powerful brands command. Read this insightful book and allow Scott to share how to make your brand stand out and deliver you buckets of money!"
—Mark Victor Hansen, bestselling author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul(r) series

"Deming's approach to branding is not about gimmicks. It's about relationships-the real formula for building and sustaining your brand and your business."
—Rieva Lesonsky, Editorial Director, Entrepreneur magazine

"It doesn't matter what you sell. We're all selling service. Deming's book shows businesses of all sizes how to create incredible brand power through innovative service levels. The Brand Who Cried Wolf will not end up on your book shelf; it will stay in your briefcase or on your desk as a daily reference guide. If you want to grow your business, get this book!"
—John Valletta, President, Super 8 Motels

"Deming's revelations on creating an emotionally engaging experience between you and your customer are without equal!"
—Joel Bauer, bestselling coauthor of How to Persuade People Who Don't Want to Be Persuaded

"The Brand Who Cried Wolf explains how every customer interaction, large or small, impacts your brand's image and reputation. This is an easy-to-read book— veryone in your organization needs to own."
—Patrick Sweeney, coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Succeed on Your Own Terms; cohost of the nationally syndicated radio show Winning in Business

"Deming delivers an essential message to businesses and delivers in a way you won't forget. You know the fairy tales, just adapt it to your unique brand: you!"
—Wayne Kandas, CFP and host of nationally syndicated Bloomberg Radio

"Stories sell, and that's what helps sell the ideas in this brilliant book. If you're in business-any business-you need this book. Get it now!"
—Robert G. Allen, bestselling coauthor of Cracking the Millionaire Code; CEO of The Enlightened Millionaire Institute

Chapter 8: Just Call Me Slick!

People Really Hate to be "Sold"

What We’ve Accomplished So Far

By now you know that branding is not exclusively about business identity in the form of a logo or advertising.  You might recognize the Nike brand from its iconic swoosh logo.  You might immediately think of McDonald’s when you think of fast food because McDonald’s commercials are ubiquitous, but by this point, you know that icons and awareness do not constitute a brand.

You also know that big businesses are not the only brands.  Your business does not have to be the size of GM, Microsoft, AOL Time Warner or Wal-Mart.  Your business could be run out of your home with you as the sole employee.  You could conduct business from a small office with a single assistant, or in a store with several employees.  The size, scope, and location of your business does not change the fact that it’s a brand, nor should any of these factors truly impact your brand if you’re focusing on one-on-one relationships.

Businesses are not the only brands, either.  Every individual is a brand, as are organizations from non-profits to political parties to social clubs.  For example, the Gates Foundation, the Red Cross, UNICEF, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Kiwanis Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Republican Party, and Democratic Party — all are brands.  The concept of branding I’ve been articulating is personal, which means everyone needs to develop one.

Each category — from individuals to organizations to businesses large and small — brings with it its own brand development challenges.  At the same time, however, these challenges are minimized when you understand your brand identity.  Throughout this book, I have written about creating unique and memorable experiences for your customers.   Chapter 2 defined a brand in terms of establishing relationships with your customers.  Chapter 3 distinguished between types of experiences you can generate for your customers, and differentiated a brand experience from ones that are merely transactional or simply meet customer expectations.  Chapter 4 highlighted the importance of changing your perspective to adopt your customer’s point of view, rather than emphasize your product or service.  Chapter 5 analyzed the results of changing your perspective.  Chapter 6 admonished you to avoid overstating your own worth.  Finally, Chapter 7 focused on the ripple effects of your actions.  Thus, most of the facets of branding I’ve been articulating since the beginning of this book have emphasized how you affect the customer’s perceptions.  In other words, I’ve been talking about the customer’s connection to your brand.  Now I’m going to talk about how you perceive your own brand, and about your connection to your own brand.

Creating An Authentic Brand Identity: Sincerity Can’t Be Faked!

First, you must take stock of your brand identity.  In the Introduction to this book I stated that everyone is a brand.  Everyone has a brand identity, but not everyone understands their own brand correctly, or even knows what it is.  You cannot develop an authentic, sincere brand without this understanding.  And you cannot create brand evangelists — people who trust you and praise your brand every chance they get — without an authentic, sincere brand.  You earn someone’s trust through your actions, so you’d better know how to act!

Understanding your brand identity, and developing the trust that turns your customers into evangelists, involves knowing what your own beliefs and values are.  The fact is, when you walk in your customer’s shoes, when you change your perspective to deliver the impossible, you’re reflecting a core element of your identity, your values, and your beliefs.  When you are sincere about trying to understand your customers’ needs, desires, and what they’d truly love from you, a genuine connection is made that is the foundation of trust between you and your customers.

Compassion and sincerity can’t be faked.  Branding is not a matter of putting on a persona that others will like.  It’s not playing a role, putting on a mask, or pretending — all that is superficial, a veneer that covers up the “real” you.  Moreover, a veneer can be quickly spotted.  I don’t think there’s anyone that hasn’t had the experience of being “sold.”  It’s uncomfortable precisely because it’s not authentic.  The experience simply feels hollow.  Think about the slick car salesman who’s “going to do what it takes to get you into this car!”  Maybe he’s heavy on the ‘hale fellow well met,’ demeanor, or drenches you with flattery.  When the time comes to make an offer on the car, he engages in an overly dramatic show of anxiety.  “I’m gonna see my manager right now and see if I can talk him into this one.  Between you and me, he’s having a bad day, but I’m really gonna work on him.”  Eventually, the long, drawn out ceremonial dance ends with you signing the lease or sale papers, but you walk away knowing the whole experience could have been different, and you dread the prospect of going through it again.

Why do you dread it?  What has soured you on going through the process again?  In a word: insincerity.  Insincerity is the wolf trotting around in sheep’s clothing pretending to be something he’s not.  When you experience a wolf in sheep’s clothing, you’re soured on future interactions.  It is this sort of insincerity that destroys a brand or prevents an authentic one from being established.

The car salesman example is cliché, just like the sales girl at the clothing store who tells you every single piece of clothing you try on looks so good!  Though they’re cliché for a reason, we tend to forget just what that reason is.  We instantly recognize the cliché, but not what made it true in the first place. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Interesting, informative and fun to read!
This is one of the most interesting books on customer service that I have ever read.I was impressed and entertained with how each chapter starts with a children's story and then the moral from that story is integrated into the chapter. What's more, Scott Deming wrote about many of his own experiences which personalized this book and supported his ideas about creating personal and unique connections.

I have taken many courses and read numerous publications over the years, but none that were quite laid out like this book. The lessons in it can be used in business and in every day life.Take notes as you go to keep track of all of the great points made!

Read this book if you want to sell more products or services!
I work in advertising so I read a lot of marketing books.Unlike many, I really liked reading this book.

Deming is a great story teller.The original parables introducing each concept help you grasp and remember the main points of the book.And Deming's personal account of his brand experiences are not only hilarious, but help drive home the key concepts.

I've never seen branding described this way -- Maybe because most who work in the Ad Biz are overly concerned with being clever, instead of communicating memorable, helpful advice. I really believe anyone in business would benefit by reading this book and applying it's principles to their own brand.

Not Your Father's Book on Branding ...
I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical when I first felt that the title of this book didn't sound grammatically correct to me (I'm the guy muttering "It's 15 items or FEWER" to my wife, every time we're near the express lane at the supermarket) - I thought that the right title should have been "The Brand THAT Cried Wolf."But, Deming quickly and convincingly explains that "The Brand" is more than an inanimate corporate symbol ... it's my company, it's my department, it's me ... and, thus, deserving of the "Who" in his title.Deming uses a pleasing blend of children's fables (which, I will admit, were enjoyable to get caught up on and, in some cases, to read for the very first time), business cases, hypothetical situations and personal experiences and anecdotes to put his principles into meaningful perspectives.I continually found myself playing a mental game of "Can You Top This" with Deming every time he gave examples of unique, emotional, memorable business experiences that caused him to become, as he would put it, a "Brand Evangelist."Likewise, I found myself playing the same game (probably with a little more fervor) whenever he gave his examples of such poor service that caused him to become a "Brand Antievangelist."

Coincidentally enough, just 2 days before reading this book, my family and I rented a movie that seems to be a perfect and real-life exemplification of Deming's "You-Are-Your-Brand" hypothesis: "The Pursuit of Happyness."Based upon a true story, it's about Chris Gardner, a down-on-his-luck salesman who can't buy a break, even after he is given the "opportunity" to compete against 19 other unpaid interns at a stock brokerage for 6 months for one permanent position.His successes started only after he began creating unique experiences for his prospects and clients rather than just those typically provided by such brokerages.His first big "splash" took awhile, but the ripples that resulted got him the business he needed to beat the other 19 and earn the job.(I wish that I had read this book first!)

Definitely a good, fast and worthwhile read.And definitely not you father's book on branding.And that, here, is a good thing.

Buy This Book.... NOW!
Wow! What a great book.It arrived this afternoon - never intended on finishing it this evening. After reading the first chapter, I was hooked.It's that good! This is the second book on branding I've read this month.The first was "Footnotes" by Kenneth Cole.That book, also excellent, shows the finished product.In "The Brand Who Cried Wolf", Deming shows you how to get there... and stay there. Whether you run a large corporation or a home based business, you will learn a great deal from this fun read.Just like Disney, Deming understand the power of a good story.Each of the ten chapters cleverly starts with a brief fable to illustrate a key point. Deming then follows up with countless up to date examples of how companies succeed, and more importantly, fail to achieve success in branding and customer satisfaction.Deming really hits the nail on the head with his comparison of Costco and Walmart.
This is a very well written book filled with stories to inspire.The type of writing that obviously comes from years of experience and a passion to help others.As Deming mentions in chapter eight, "you can't fake sincerity".
To sum it up -Don't think you need to be a business owner to buy this book. This is a great lesson of customer satisfaction and communication skills for anybody who interacts with others on a daily basis. Deming seems well versed in what it takes to form a successful relationship - both personal and business.I'm just glad he took the time to share some of his insightful stories with the rest of us.

A book for the Ages!
What a book!I recently saw Mr. Deming's presentation at a national conference in Dallas.After his presentation, he did a book signing and I bought The Brand Who Cried Wolf.I had it read from cover to cover by the time I got home the following day!This is one of the most inspirational and TRUE books I've ever read.Mr. Deming has not invented anything new here.What I mean is, the processes and ideas are already out there, but the way in which he explains them - with the stories and the humor and the compassion - it's just incredible.I found myself captivated by his style and message during his presentation and the same thing happened reading the book.It's just full of wonderful ideas that you can immediately apply to your personal and professional life.I am buying a copy for every member of our customer service department.Whether you're a professional wanting to improve your organization, or an individual wanting to improve the relationships with those around you, this is the book!I highly, I mean HIGHLY recommend it! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (12)

A true coffe table book the cover is beautiful to keep on the table
THis book is beautiful, a work of art from cover to cover and will surely help even those with little liking for wolves appreciate the beauty of the species. The inside contains much information about te nature of wolves preseted in a manner designed for all people. a worthy edition to any library and a great enhancement for any school library.

Amazing book, with marvelous photos!!
As a lover of the wolves, I have to say that this book let me rapt! The pictures (in black and white) are marvelous, leaving me in the expectation when turning each page! This is a book full of informations and pictures from a life of experiences with wolves! Definitively a fascinating portrait that makes to be worth each cent.

Amazing book that gives new insights into this amazing animal
This was a gift for my 16 year-old son.He has always been fascinated with wolves.He absolutely loved the book.I knew he would love the pictures but the first day he got it, he read a substantial amount of the book and the book was finished in a matter of a few days.He loves the book and it has provided him with new insights into wolves.And it has spurred his interest to go into more detailed readings so I've had to buy him a few more books that are more scientific in their treatment.But I am glad that this volume has lead him to critically appraise what he reads in this textbooks about wolves - it is that critical mind that I am thrilled to see developing in my son and this book has really motivated him.Spurred by his interest, I have also read the book and found it to be absolutely wonderful.I was always puzzled by my son's fascination with wolves, but after reading the passages associated with the pictures, I have a new appreciation for this amazing animal.I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest with wolves. The pictures are amazing and the stories that go with the pictures are great.

wolfs
This book is pritty good but its not one of the best wolf books out there. It has alot of pictures and some useful information but it can have a whole lot more like other wolf books that i have read, but all in all if you are looking to learn about them this book does teach you information about them.

AMAZING! Enter Barry's Wolf Kingdom!
Barry displays wonderful and capturing photos of these gorgeous animals!His photographic talent and knowledge of wolves is evident and I highly recommend this book to anyone with a beginning interest of the wolf to those that have a mission to preserve and support wolf re-introduction.Learn about wolves in their natural environment, study their beautiful balance and poise, and enjoy the amazing photos captured by enthusiast and expert Scott Barry! Do not pass up on this incredible book! ... Read more

Product Description
1820 -- For the first time in more than a generation, Europe was at peace. The Emperor was defeated, imprisoned, and a King sat on France's throne. It was the start of the industrial revolution and desperate men saw their livelihoods replaced by machines. It was no place for a man like Lord Thomas Cochrane, a Scotsman, disgraced sea officer, and former Member of Parliament who seeks his future in the New World. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Napoleon's Wolf
1820 -- For the first time in more than a generation, Europe was at peace.The Emperor was defeated, imprisoned, and a King sat on France's throne.It was the start of the industrial revolution and desperate men saw their livelihoods replaced by machines.It was no place for a man like Lord Thomas Cochrane, a Scotsman, disgraced sea officer, and former Member of Parliament who seeks his future in the New World.

Unbeknownst to the world of the time, it was the dawn of the second Napoleonic era.Years earlier, Cochrane ravaged French shipping and achieved such notoriety that Napoleon called him `Loup de Mer' - Sea Wolf.Now, Cochrane was Napoleon's Wolf.Under the guise of the fight for South America's independence from Spain, Cochrane launches an audacious plan to rescue the exiled Emperor and place him on a South American throne.

Rumours fly and caught in their midst is a young sea officer.Home and on half-pay, Eligus Bronsan is called to service and put in command of the Royal Navy's first steamship.His mission - deliver the mail.That simple task draws him into a hurricane of events in which he is helplessly tossed.He soon finds himself in the middle of Cochrane's mad scheme and Napoleon's rise to power in the New World.

... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Innovative, silly, funny
Cute!Betsy has moxie and handles the wolf as deftly as she handles her unruly sheep.Little ones will not be upset by the suspense because the sheep impart enough jokes to balance it all out.Innovative, silly, funny ... I like this new twist on The Boy Who Cried Wolf-with a happy ending to boot! -Biblio Reads Children's Book Review

Betsy Who Cried Wolf
I read the book Betsywho cried wolf its about how Betsy whose a shepherd.There's a wolf that's first her enemy and then when the wolf comes town from the woods when Betsy blows her wolf whistle .she cries wolf and then when thefarmer's come the wolf goes back into the woods and hides the next day the wolf comes back down andBetsycries wolfand less farmerscameand said if you cry wolf onemore time then send you back to shepherd school.Then the wolf comes again and she cries wolf but no farmers came so the wolf was really hungry and so Betsy gave him some pie and then while Betsy was getting her shirt un pricked from a pricker bush the sheep were going down a mountain there would of died if the wolf didn't save them because the wolf turned good. Then as for thanks she asked him to stay with her.
I liked the book because it was different then other books and most people because people don't like all of the books about one book they like different books about another thing.



The message is if someone needs help then help him or her because Betsy helped the wolf then at the end the wolf helped Betsy.



The vocabulary is just right for kids between 8-10 because I'm 9 and its just right for me.


The conflict is that at first
the wolf is Betsy's enemy then they become friends. Because the wolf kept tricking her and he got her in trouble.


The illustrations are great because they have great details and they're colorful.

The characters are great because they're different then other characters in other books.

I don't think there are any other versions but if there are I would like to read them.

I think the indented audience is for people that have a lot of imagination because they have talking animals and you would have to use your imagination.

Hilarious spin on a classic tale...
Hands down, this is my daughter's FAVORITE bedtime book. She loves it and demands it every single night. The pace is great, and it's a really fun book to read aloud. Despite having read this book about 36 gazillion times, I still enjoy reading it. The illustrations are wonderful and really make the book.

Fractured Folktale Fun.....
"On her eighth birthday, Betsy took the Shepherds' Oath.She was going to be the best shepherd in Bray Valley history.And any wolf who tried to eat her sheep had better watch out!"Well Zimmo, the last wolf on the mountain, had other ideas.He was very hungry and he had a plan to outwit this new shepherd.The next day, just as Betsy was getting started, Zimmo appeared.Quickly, she blew her whistle and cried wolf, and the townspeople came running.But when they arrived, all they saw was Betsy and the sheep.Zimmo had cleverly disappeared.Betsy got a lecture.Later in the day, the whole episode repeated itself, and this time, Betsy was sent back to Shepherd School for a little refresher course.The next morning, the town decided to give her one last chance.She took the sheep up to the pasture and there was the wolf again.But this time, Betsy takes matters into her own hands.....Gail Carson Levine's comical twist on the old, Boy Who Cried Wolf folktale, stars a feisty and endearing heroine, but the story is a bit too pat and predictable, lacks the drama of the original, and concludes with a silly ending that just doesn't ring true.The real star of this book is illustrator, Scott Nash.His bold, bright, and hilarious, cartoon-like illustrations, complete with witty, sheep asides and thought balloons are engaging, expressive, and filled with eye-catching detail.Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Betsy Who Cried Wolf is not the best of the fractured folktale/fairy tale genre, but it's worth a read, if only for a peek at Nash's wonderful artwork. ... Read more

Product Description
Scott Kelby, the world's #1 bestselling Photoshop author, and the man who changed the Photoshop and digital photography world with his ground-breaking, award-winning "Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers" unveils a exciting, brand new way of thinking, and working in Adobe Photoshop that will not only change the industry again, but it will change the way we all work in Photoshop forever, so we can finally spend less time fixing our images, and more time finishing them.

You're about to become a Photoshop Shark!
Scott has focused in and really narrowed things down to just exactly which Photoshop tools and techniques we absolutely, positively have to know, and he found that there are just seven major tools, seven major features that we have to master to enhance our images like a pro. But then he took it a step further. Out of those seven major tools, he looked at which parts or sections of those tools do we really need to master, and which parts can we pretty much ignore (in other words, he whittled it down so you're not learning parts of the tools that you're probably never going to need). Then, and perhaps most importantly, he determined exactly when and in which order to apply these seven techniques that make up Scott's amazing "Photoshop Seven Point System."

But the magic of this book, is not just listing the seven tools and showing how they work. It's how they're used together, and how Scott teaches them (and makes it stick), that makes this book so unique.  You're not going to just learn one technique for fixing shadows, and another technique for adjusting color (every Photoshop book pretty much does that, right?). Instead, you're going start off at square one, from scratch, as each chapter is just one photo—one project—one challenging lifeless image (you'll follow along using his the same images), and you're going to unleash these seven tools, in a very specific way, and you're going to do it  again, and again, and again, in order on different photos, in different situations, until they are absolutely second nature. You're finally going to do the FULL fix—from beginning to end—with nothing left out, and once you learn these seven very specific techniques, and apply them in order, there won't be a an image that appears on your screen that you won't be able to enhance, fix, edit, and finish yourself!

Plus, Scott's techniques work across a wide range of photos, and that's exactly what you'll be working on in the book, from landscapes to portraits, to architectural, to nature, from event photography to everything in between—there isn't a photo you won't be able to beat!

This is the book you've been waiting for, the industry's been waiting for, and Scott's "Adobe Photoshop Seven Point System" is so revolutionary that he's officially applied for a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and this new system is only found in this amazing, ground breaking new book. Once you learn these techniques, and start applying them yourself, you'll be the next one to say—"You can't beat 'The System!'

... Read more

Customer Reviews (98)

7 Point System Gets a 21-Gun Salute
Kelby's 7-point system provides a framework with which to approach the improvement of every photo taken. For any multi-task system, having an approach that is consistent and predictable helps, especially when one is learning what can be a lot of overwhelming choices.Although many excellent books on Photoshop exist, this is the first I've found that proposes a systematic way of approaching Photoshop work.

Student Review
I needed to get this book for my Digital Photography class and currently we are up to CS5 (on my computer I use CS4) and it still works together really well so don't be afraid just cause you see CS3 or immediately write the book off. Its a very helpful book for any beginning photographer and its also helpful if you are just starting with photoshop and don't know much about fixing your photos with it. Scott is funny with his explanations every now and again with his personality mixed in. He is very helpful in this book and puts every detail in making a "Crappy" photo into a Amazing one. If you have any questions about the book feel free to ask me

No Link to Book photos
Nowhere in the book is there a link to the photos which are used for the lessons. It took me 1.5 hours of searching the Internet, Peachpit, etc, to find the link to download the practice photos. What a JOKE. Scott wishes to train us, but does not include where to find the photos included with the book. For other unfortunate users, the link is on this website. [...]. Also, I am not happy to the references to GOD and Jesus in the Preface of the book......Art and Religion should be separate.

Fantastic Book - I use 4-5 of the seven "points" in 90% of my Real Estate photography
I'm a Real Estate Agent and bought this book for a very simple reason - make my property pictures look better and give myself a competitive edge. Little did I know it would turn me into a photography nut!

Before reading the Kelby book I'd been using the same brightness/contrast, sharpness, and (maybe) color balance hacks that I'd been relying on since I got my hands on my first pirated copy of photoshop 15 years ago.If you ARE like I WAS, this book will do WONDERS for you.

Now I have a reputation for my marketing, I get leads from it and can literally say that no other self-ed book has done as much for my business.The biggest eye opener for me was concept of the layer mask.Once I got that down (through an abundance of real-life tutorials) I was experimenting and making retouching "points" of my own.

[...]

Caveat - If you're looking for a detailed description of how the filters themselves actually work, this probably isn't for you ... if you want results, there's no better bang for your buck, or time!

-Armand

Scott Kelby's 7 point system
Great educational tool for work flow sprinkled with juicy little "how-to" tips. Also, as you follow along in this book, Scott explains what you are doing and why. Ever wonder what some of those little sliders are for?
Buy the book, use the book.
I have a few other Scott Kelby books, I don't think you can go wrong with his guidance. ... Read more

Product Description
From the mixed blood of his white father and his Cherokee ancestors, John Dane is a born warrior who finds his niche when he joins the Unites States Marines and goes to fight in Korea. Here, he learns to unleash his violent instincts fighting Korea’s Chinese Communists.

Sharpening his deadly combat skills, Dane soon becomes a professional soldier-for-hire, stalking enemy after enemy in the jungles of Laos and Vietnam.

As Colonel Dane, black belt, mercenary soldier-adventurer, he falls in love with a beautiful war correspondent, whom he rescues from the Vietcong in a deadly mission. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The author was a real mercenary so the book is fine.
Scott C.S. Stone is a legend in Hawaii.He is a very strong and resourceful man with a heart of gold.He was also a mercenary in Indochina.The Song of the Wolf reflects many of the experiences of the author as a young man.And then some.You will never regret reading such a fine adventure novel. ... Read more

Product Description
Kolyn MacGregor, a headstrong beauty with a fiery temper, matches wits with Ian Blackstone, a fierce Highlander feared by all because of the rumor that he can transform himself into a wolf at the time of the full moon. Original. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good reading
Fela Dawson Scott is a great writer, and unlike some "Romance" writers, her stories have great substance, and hold your interest till the end. Yea for Fela! Buy her books, you won't be sorry.

I must agree...tired plot and not so likeable characters
From the back cover:

As wild and free as the Scottish Highlands, young Kolyn MacGregor was cursed with a fiery temper and blessed with a shimmering ethereal beauty. She would need both to fulfill her vow to destry the bane of the MacGregor clan...

The black wolf...

The villagers feared ian Blackstone and claimed the barbarous Highlander could change himself into a wolf beneath the full moon. But Ian was only a man, with a man's needs, and he would meet his match in Kolyn...

The white virgin...

Headstrong and courageous, she was prepared to sacrifice her innocence for her family, but she was not prepared for a fate worse than death--losing her heart to an enemy she had sworn to kill.

And my review:

Pretty good, if overused premise, but there was nothing special about its execution. The is pretty much the same old "I hate you, come here" story. Some authors can do this plot well, some can't.

And like the other reviewer has said, while Kolyn was an okay character, Ian wasn't. He was really mean, and I couldn't see why she should fall in love with him. The fact that he's drop-dead gorgeous is not enough of a reason to satisfy this picky reader. I kind of lost some of my respect for her, that she would fall for someone who could be so awful to her.

Not recommended by this reader.

Has a good start, but doesn't really go anywhere
The usual I-hate-you-but-I-love-you story line.Kolyn is likeable enough, but Ian is too tough.I found it hard to believe that she could fall in love with him as mean as he is to her at first.It's OK, but not great. ... Read more

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A story of a troubled young man's journey into the spirit world in search of peace, and his true identity.With the help of his Native American friend, he finds much more. ... Read more

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Seven good books for children ... Read more

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ISBN-10: 0673821374 ... Read more

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The first installment in its epic trilogy, The Nocturne is a dark fantasy/romance set in medieval France. A tale of forbidden love, The Nocturne is the story of a young sorcerer, Rainier de Aaradyn, who meets -- and saves -- the love of his life, Annora, only to soon discover powers he never knew he had...dark powers that make it seemingly impossible for them to be together.

In this richly-detailed novel, Rainier must make a choice to either embrace his fate and risk losing his soul...or go against it and risk losing the woman he loves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

It's not really "Twilight" if you move it to France
Like most of the books I read, I came across "The Nocturne" by accident. I was searching for stories with wolves, and I came across the names of the talking wolves in this book.The more I investigated, the more it sounded like a fresh, engaging read.I had never read a romantic fantasy all the way through, but talking animals mixed with romance and magic had me excited.Despite the allegations of "Twilight" plagiarism, I leapt into the story and left my brain at the door.

Unfortunately, it took only one chapter for me to fetch my brain back.The book feels like a "Twilight" fanfic, and it makes its own case.In medieval France, Rainier de Aaradyn is a dashing bodybuilder sorcerer who saves a helpless, gorgeous maiden named Annora.Sure enough, they think that they're the most beautiful people they've ever laid eyes on. They want to be together and marry, but his sorcery and her Catholic beliefs keep them separated.The first 160 pages talk about nothing but their obsession with each other, and it doesn't change much down the line.

There aren't many times when the story isn't obsessively romantic; unfortunately, the romance is really all there is here.There's no storyworld to picture in my mind; I might as well be reading characters performing in front of a white sheet, and it wouldn't make a difference.Most of the romance-free times are violent and dark; each death and injury in this book is portrayed in excessive detail.One of the chapters shows how blood and guts spew out of a victim who's stabbed and disemboweled.This particular plot twist breaks away from the "Twilight" storyline, but it's written in an effort to sound as graphic and despairing as possible.The story also has some inconsistencies; for example, an entire chapter is spent on an experience that the main characters forgot.This doesn't make sense; if the characters forgot that it ever happened, it shouldn't be in the book unless it's told from the perspective of someone who does remember.

In terms of the pace, the book is mostly a quick and easy read.I've read better-crafted stories that felt like trudging through quicksand, and this isn't one of those stories.Even though it wastes time on Rainier and Annora's obsession with each other, it's not like "Twilight" where the author talks in-depth about a shopping trip.The voice isn't a stuffy Ye Olde English voice; it talks in a modern, straightforward tone that's easy to read quickly.It isn't bloated with adjectives and adverbs, and there aren't too many bizarre dialogue tags like "he cried," "she injected," and "he blurted out."Both these help me give the book a star.

But the book hasn't been in the hands of a good editor; again, the book makes its own case. It's filled with punctuation errors, misspellings, and awkward sentences.The typeface and spacing are too large, increasing the page count without having to add story material.The TWO WORD caps are inserted into paragraphs in the middle of the chapter; normally, they go only at the beginning of the chapter to introduce it, and having them elsewhere is a distraction.There's been no effort to develop the characters; all of them talk in the exact same voice, which indicates that the author doesn't know her characters well enough to have them speak for themselves.Even though the voice isn't a stuffy one, a lot of sentences are awkward enough to have to be read twice.

Overall, the four wolves--the biggest part of the book that sold me--were all that kept me reading.The wolves are winged and well-named, and they deserved more page time.(It was also nice to see a wolf that didn't turn into a tanned hulk with a six-pack.)These four wolves were placed later in the book, which kept me looking forward to them.Their minor parts in the book interested me, but they were a small reward after reading three hundred pages of pseudo-romance.

At the start, I was hoping for a great introduction to romantic fantasy. In the end, I got 370 pages of teenage sensuality and senseless violence.It deserves a star for its easy read and few departures from "Twilight," but they're not enough to redeem the carelessness of this whole book.Ironically, I was able to read this all the way through; I couldn't get even halfway through any of the "Twilight" books.Still, that's not enough for me to recommend "The Nocturne."It's like cotton candy; it's starts out sweet and easygoing, but there's no substance to it, and in the end, it left me feeling like it just wasn't worth it.

How did this get published?
I found this "book" (and I use the word book loosely) in a bin at B&N. The cover caught my eye, and I decided to read the first few pages. And let me tell you, I've never seen so many run on sentences in my life. I couldn't get past page two, and I'm sure trying to read the whole thing would give me a migraine of epic proportions.

The author needs to find a new hobby; his/her stuff reads like fanfiction written by a 14 year old.

pathetic.
I only managed to read a few pages of this.After having been to this girl's website (which is terrible, by the way) and reading her little self-important bio and description of this book, I figured I'd give it a chance - might be good for a laugh, right?In the first 3 pages there were so many grammatical errors that I lost count.There were run-ons, fragments, and rampant misuse and abuse of the semicolon.Most of the phrasing was awkward and uncomfortable.Jordan is no professional writer... if this is the quality that we can expect from Harvard students, I'm terribly disappointed (or perhaps the kid is lying about her educational background).

I'm not a big fan of Twilight, but genuinely don't think that Meyer stole anything from this kid.After all, she would have to have read a good chunk of this book in order to do so, right?I just don't see that happening.Meyer's writing is, in my opinion, pretty weak... but not nearly this weak.It seems that Jordan's accusation is nothing more than a ploy for attention.

I wish I could give this no stars.

okey
i haven't finished it yet. i lost interest but it was better than i though it would be,so far. kind of slow and jumping back and forth. it's readable.

The Nocturne
For a book that's so hard to find it is a really interesting book to read. I def suggest you have a look at this book. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (11)

Talking with my mouth full
The book is about the history of cultural food items and related recipes.It was well written and informative.

Bakers will enjoy!
This item is still wrapped as a Christmas gift, but I looked it over before wrapping it.I liked it and think the person receiving it will, too!

Breezy and hard to put down
TALKING WITH MY MOUTH FULL is a collection of winsome essays with recipes attached by Bonny Wolf, journalist and NPR correspondent.It seems as if today's food journalists come from one of two diametrically different backgrounds: either they were raised by parents who nearly poisoned them (think Ruth Reichl) or they were raised by parents who passed along their delight in food.Wolf belongs to the latter group, having grown up a baby boomer in Minneapolis reveling in particularly middle-class American institutions which she celebrates and has elaborated on as an adult.Just when you think America has gone to the food dogs with the endlessly vacant discussion of green bean casserole at holiday time, along comes Wolf to say, really, we're eating some good stuff here and we should just enjoy it. Much of it is comfort food and none of it is more difficult and elitist than what a family might serve at a dinner party for friends and family.

Her joie de vivre is contagious as she explores everything from the history and revival of Bundt cakes, regional foods, aprons, dinner party disasters, state fair fare, pot luck suppers, DC's (pre-fire) Eastern Market, Baltimore's crab cuisine, etc.Food as she talks about it is inseparable from place, friends, family, memory and living. Before I knew it, I was marking recipes to try and jotting down titles of old cookbooks to seek out.I doubt I'll overcome my aversion to Jell-o and do the retro thing and make a molded salad, and I'm not going to use lard or suet in the pastie pastry, but Wolf otherwise has me hooked.

Connecting with food and family history
I loved this book -- I had originally checked it out of the library, but had to buy my own copy. I wanted to write notes in it, mark passages to share with my parents -- it's a book that inspires you to think about families and food, plus it has some wonderful recipes. A must read.

Gorgeous and mouth-watering
Bonnie Wolf has written an absolutely beautiful meditation on the subject of food and its relationship to people.Throughout the reading of the book, I found myself nodding and thinking "The woman knows of what she speaks", particularly in her fantastic section on comfort foods.In the photograph on the book cover, Bonnie looks like someone I would very much like to know -- her kindness and joie de vivre shine through on every page.And the recipes, the recipes.Alas, too often reliant on processed ingredients which are not (and God willing never will be) available here in Eastern Europe where I live, but the recipes, the recipes!Thank you, Bonnie! ... Read more

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Albert Payson Terhune's classic story of the "fiery-red collie" with the matching personality. WOLF was first published in 1925, after the dog himself became famous posthumously when his heroic death was recorded in nearly every paper in America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The ugly duckling of dog stories
Wolf is different. He isn't like other Collies; he is a misfit and yet he matures into a beautiful and noble champion. He is the ugly duckling turned swan of the dog world. Child or adult, you can't help but be moved by the personality of Terhunes dogs, his magical "Place" Sunnybank where they all live and the never-ending adventures. Wolf is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

I admit that Terhunes books about Collies inspired me from childhood. You don't own Collies, they own you and I have been owned by three Collies in my life. Needless to say when I wrote "Jack: The Christmas Collie" I was undeniably inspired by the magic, charm and enchantment of "The Place", the Collies and the special way in which Terhune seemed to be able to tell us what is inside their heads and hearts.

Read this book. It is thoroughly enjoyable!

Kevin Brett
Author: "Jack: The Christmas Collie"

Jack: The Christmas Collie

One of the best Terhune books I have ever read!
This is probably one of the best books, of the few favorites of mine, that I have ever read. I have alomost nothing but praise for this book. The only dissapointing thing in this book it that 1 or 2 chapters were axactly like that of which Lad from Lad: a dog had. That one chapter (I think it was one) was a little boring concidering but so far it's been very excellent and I know it will stay that way. I don't kniw why it says age group 4-8. That it completely wrong. It is for all ages. I hate when Amazon screws up because then we get false information. I recommend this book to everyone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Painfully Nostalgic
An interesting find if you can get it.Found my copy in a little comic shop off the beaten path about eight years ago.Old-school battletech stuff is some of the most fascinating.Like leafing through tomes forgotten by Comstar.Brings you back to a time before so much of the Battletech universe was mapped and the worlds were still young, as it were; when the sphere was still filled with so much tragic and epically grand mystery.

Not bad, for a comic book
This black and white comic gives the story of the Wolf's Dragoons after House Marik murders Joshua Wolf. As expected from the title, Natasha Kerensky (the Black Widow) must work with her unit to avenge the deaths of the murdered Dragoons. The book also comes with a Battletech RPG scenario at the end...a barroom fight of all things. Still, if you can find this, it is a story that helps to further explain the actions of the Dragoons in the Inner Sphere. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

justice done to Castle's work
This is a splendidly produced catalogue: if this is the only thing you will get about James Castle, go for it. The reproductions aree many and high quality, and the texts offer masses of important information, while leaving you free to make up you own mind about this enigmatic artist.

james castle's place
I was moved on a very deep level by the work of james castle in this book, and when i saw it at the art institute of chicago i was moved even more deeply. the level of subtlety he communicates on is inspiring. there is a palbable silent quiet urgency to these works, and the book testifies to an intelligence that is full of awe and curiosity and mystery. one can see the direct process of castle witnessing the world and remaking it in his vsion. this is an important artist and human being i hope everyone will discover.

makes me want to spit
i am so happy to own this book. i am inspired and in awe. i know James Castle: A Retrospective will be a reference I return to again and again when i am looking for a new idea and creative energy.

james castles art
James castle retrospective is a outstanding art book. James castle is a outstanding artist. Ann percy Thank you for the effort to put out this book. Your essay and and jacqueline crist essay are must reads for anyone who loves art. larry ballard ... Read more

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Everything developers need to start developing and selling applications on Microsoft's highly-anticipated Windows Phone 7 platform

This is a practical, hands-on guide to mastering mobile development with Microsoft's highly anticipated Windows Phone 7 platform. Written by four experts in Windows Phone 7, this book delivers a solid, wide-ranging understanding of the entire mobile application development process. The authors start with the absolute basics, including installing and utilizing Windows Phone 7 development tools; working with the Metro user interface; and migrating from desktop development. Then, step-by-step, you master page-based navigation, finger-friendly development, storage, integration, profiling, debugging, performance optimization, and more. The authors walk through using Microsoft Silverlight to create intuitive applications that interact with the cloud; developing mobile games with XNA; and distributing applications via the Marketplace. Friendly, accessible, and conversational, this book delivers a practical grounding in Windows Phone development without ever becoming overwhelming or intimidating. Each lesson builds on everything that's come before, helping you learn core techniques from the ground up. You learn key concepts, syntax, and techniques through short, practical examples that reflect the realities of mobile development, and apply Microsoft's own best practices.

Product Description
Chapters: Bill Parcells, Scott Pioli, Weeb Ewbank, Ron Wolf, Mike Tannenbaum, Pat Kirwan, Terry Bradway. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 42. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Bill Parcells (born Duane Charles Parcells August 22, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey) is the current Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He is also a former American football head coach, most recently with the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2007. He is known as "The Big Tuna", a nickname derived from a team joke during his tenure as linebackers coach of the New York Giants. Parcells won two Super Bowl rings with the Giants, defeating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI and the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV. He also led the New England Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI and the New York Jets to the 1998 AFC Championship Game. He announced his third retirement from football on January 22, 2007 before returning to the sport later that year in a management position with the Dolphins. Parcells was born in Englewood, New Jersey, on August 22, 1941. He grew up in the nearby town of Hasbrouck Heights, where he was known by his birth name, Duane. His mother, Ida Parcells (née Naclerio), was a housewife while his father, Charles Parcells, was a graduate of Georgetown Law School who had worked for the FBI before becoming a lawyer for Uniroyal Tires. He is of Irish and Italian descent. Prior to his sophomore year in high school, the Parcells family moved a few miles north to the town of Oradell, where he attended River Dell Regional High School. While he was at River Dell, he was routinely mistaken for another boy named Bill. As he had always disliked his given name of Duane, he decided to adopt Bill as his nickname. Parcells was a gifted athlete as a youth. He ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=305029 ... Read more