Format: HardcoverAn adult friend (age 49)loaned me three Harry Potter books for the summer. Wednesday evening I began the first book and I finished the third today, Saturday morning. I am writing this review before I order the fourth Potter book. Will my friend be surprised to get 4 books back! The author's imagination is vividly presented in a cast of almost believable characters attending a school we all wish we could attend. Classes like "Defense Against Dark Arts", "Divination", "Transfiguration", "Arithmancy" and "Care of Magical Creatures" are written as if the author actually attended them and certainly enjoyed every minute of class. More than can be said for most of the classes I have attended. Each book in the series encompasses one year of Harry's fascinating life. The Potter books are written in a way that can charm any age reader. I am 64.A magical read�in more ways than one!What a wonderful book! I read it after my 11-year old son suggested it as a change from my usual reading fare of history and biography. It turned out to be much more than just a springtime reading diversion...it became for me a "magical" reading experience in more ways than one. I was quickly captivated by Harry, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Hermoine, and yes, even the nasty Dursleys, Snape, and Draco Mafoy. Hogwarts came to life for me. I found myself unable to put the book down because it was so exciting and much fun to read! It's easy to understand why my son (and so many kids just like him) love Harry Potter so much.J.K. Rowling proves herself a gifted writer of children's books, not only because the plot is good and the characters come to life, but also because her writing fires the imagination and teaches positive values. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is a great book for kids of all ages...from 9 to 99. It's destined to be a classic of children's literature.Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone is one of those rare children's books that seems to be utterly wasted on children. The plot is engaging, the characters are likeable, and it's a good quick read for those older than the specified ages. I'm 18, and I finished it in a few hours, then handed it to my mother, who is 39. After she finished it, she agreed that we needed to get the rest of the series. In a family that regularly reads Shakespeare, that's high praise! It's a refreshing and enjoyable way to get your mind off the overly serious Muggle world and bring back a bit of wonder and magic. If you're a parent considering getting this book for your child, please do... But get a copy for yourself as well, and enjoy revisiting your own childhood.With this introductory novel was published in 1997, few would have predicted the unprecedented success this series would produce. And everything that made Harry Potter so successful is all first shown, though hardly fully explained, in this book, HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSPHER'S STONE.The novel opens with Harry living under the cupboard with his abusive aunt and uncle. He has had a mean, depressed life, and though an active boy, the sheer amount of trauma he must have endured would scar any child. But the door opens out of this lifestyle. I've read an interesting theory (obviously not true), that a much different writer than Rowling would have ended Book 7 with Harry having imagined all this fantasy world, where he was so prominent and famous, to help escape the neglect and abuse from the Dursleys.He gets a letter (actually, hundreds) saying he is in fact a wizard. So he is enrolled the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Him, along with his new friend the giant Hagrid, go to Diagon Alley, a magical bazaar, and thus he is thrust into the magical universe so captured the imagination of millions. We soon learn Harry is world famous among wizards for conquering an evil Wizard named Vo - um - He Who Must Not Be Named. Sorry `bout that slip. =). Along the way, we learn that Voldemort is after a magical artifiact called thePhilosopher's Stone (which was, unfortunately, changed from the UK original title to "Sorcerer's Stone" in all other regions). So much of the novel is driven by the three main characters defending this stone from Voldemort.Read more ›I studied Spanish in high school and university. I am far from a fluent speaker, though I don't think I'd get myself killed wandering around in Mexico or Spain. Having read all of the Harry Potter books in English many times, I decided to give this a try to brush up on my Spanish skills. I am only about 50 pages into it (reading Spanish takes me a lot longer than English!) but so far I am enjoying it immensely. Of course, it helps that I know what is happening, but that has also helped me with my understanding of the Spanish. I've really enjoyed this experience.lighten travel ReviewFrom beloved award-winning author Max Lucado comes Traveling Light, refreshing words wrapped around the biblical passages of the 23rd Psalm to reenergize weary spiritual travelers. In his inimitable, pastoral voice that both soothes and exhorts, Lucado gently unpacks the verses of the psalm while helping readers lay down the burdens of doubt, anxiety, perfectionism, and fear. "You can't enjoy a journey carrying so much stuff," Lucado writes. "Why don't you just drop all that luggage?" Lucado mixes personal transparency with his trademark humor, offering uncomplicated counsel. Change your focus. Make time for rest. Know you are not alone. Be humble. Trust God. It's only when we set down our "luggage" and let God carry it for us, says Lucado, that we are free to share grace, offer comfort, and help lift the load of others. As you read Lucado's words and work through the study questions, you'll find your own load feeling a little lighter.--Cindy Crosby--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.From Publishers WeeklyFeel the need to throw off the cumbersome burdens that weigh you down? Certainly, responsible adults learn to adjust to tremendous stresses and equip themselves to carry the heavy weights ofself-reliance, weariness, worry and hopelessness over the long haul. But this is not necessary, says bestselling author Lucado (Just Like Jesus; He Chose the Nails; The Applause of Heaven). In Psalm 23, God counters the misconception that burden-bearing signals Christian maturity and admonishes followers to leave their loads at Christ's feet, as he is the only one truly equipped to handle the weight. Lucado dissects Psalm 23 while recounting tender tales of men and women who have overcome crushing circumstances with Christ's support. In keeping with Lucado's typical homespun style, humorous anecdotes often precede powerful punches of biblical truth. Rounding out this collection of essays is a study guide encapsulating each chapter's topic. Readers will travel back, up and on as they reread key excerpts, study pertinent Bible verses and allow the lessons to take root. This insightful collection not only measures up to the high standard of Lucado's own previous works, but his profound perspective on life and spirituality frequently exceeds expectations. (Oct.) Forecast: This should be quite a boost for the recently christened W Publishing Group (formerly known as Word), whose cup runneth over with Lucado. Sales for He Chose the Nails have reached 720,000 copies, while Lucado's recent devotional, Grace for the Moment, has sold 600,000 copies for J. Countryman. W will spend a cool half million in shepherding this title toward the green pasture of bestsellerdom.As a pastor, Max Lucado knows that people carry a lot of baggage with them. This baggage includes worry, guilt, arrogance, discontent, grief, fear, loneliness and shame. He knows that the antidote to these attitudes is found in the 23rd. Psalm. In each chapter, Lucado uses a phrase to illustrate how God rescues us from negative thinking and old attitudes which are a deterrant to a fulfilling life. He shows that relying on God and turning our problems over to Him, allows us to get on with the business of life in a much more positive and constructive way. Readers will see themselves in the chapters which describe the human "baggage" that we carry and will feel relief in the solutions that Max Lucado offers through faith in God. This is an uplifting and encouraging book.Format: HardcoverThis is the first Max Lucado book (well, book) I've ever read and no words in my venacular can praise his work enough. It has so inspired and blessed me!Traveling Light is based on the old (and one of the most famous Psalms) Psalm (23) by David the King. Lucado guides the reader with such tenderness, light-heartedness (and I mean it... You won't believe how quirky and witty he can get *Grin*) and insight into the very heart of the Psalm and God, eventually.I enjoy thoroughly the way Lucado writes about his personal encounters as well as draws experience from others (from his wife to Moses) to illustrate each topical aspect of the Psalm. And it really helps you to see the big picture about vital life lessons such as pride, want and fear.Apart from that, each topic is supported by reading references and questions that challenge you to probe further until you get a satisfactory answer for yourself! His intuition to human needs is amazing: Lucado is able to ask questions which I have long wanted to ask, and gives answers in his writing.It's a brilliant book. What more can you ask for if a Psalm barely filling up a third of a page in a typical Bible is turned into sort of a guidebook comprising 220 pages? Truly, God must be in this writing. And if Max ever gets to read this book review, I'd like to thank him... For his modest sharing :o)Each chapter takes each verse of the Psalm, step by step. Until you unload that heavy burden of luggage. The one you've been carrying around needlessly most all of your life. Because you are NOT ALONE!No matter where we are in our life. Or, what we're doing in our lives. Even through the trials and turmoil the Lord is with us. That's how much He loves us.Though we may experience discontent, weariness, worry, hopelessness, guilt, arrogance, trying to be perfect, fear, loneliness, shame, disappointment, envy, doubt, grief and even facing death and loss. Even the homesickness for Heaven. He is NOT far away. The Lord Jesus follows us and NEVER leaves us, nor forsakes us. We were NEVER intended to bear such burdens. Jesus did it for each and everyone of us. Jesus wrote the book on salvation. He stands at the door of our hearts. Waiting. To give you that free gift of His perfect Grace.In our journey of life we're intended to enjoy it without carrying all the stuff around. Most of us step on the baggage carousel and load up. This book guides us step by step from each verse of the Twenty-Third Psalm. After we're all done. We've dropped everything. Free to enjoy life like we should. With the help of the Savior who did it all. So that we could have the peace and the freedom to live happy lives. Perfect love casts out fear [I John 4:18].I highly recommend this wonderful, helpful book. For supplemental reading also try 'The Spellbinder's Gift' byOg Mandino, 'God in the Dark' by Os Guinness, and 'A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23' by Phillip Keller. If you're looking to slow down from the choatic life see what the power of this book can teach you.Lucado's sense of humor makes his teachings easier to understand and fun to read. He also uses words in such a way that he helps one see things under a total new perspective; like when he explains that "God is the God who follows" (146). I think that the idea of having an almighty God, the God who created the stars, following us anywhere we go is absolute terrific. Who are we to deserve such a treatment?And while taking a journey in this world, who will help us create a relationship with God? The King of kings, our sweet Jesus, the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the sheep, explains Lucado. How about our luggage? Leave it at Calvary. Max Lucado writes, "The path of righteousness is a narrow, winding trail up a steep hill. At the top of the hill is a cross. At the base of the cross are bags." (67) And it is there exactly where he invites us to leave all of our burdens. And what will we do today? About today Lucado reminds us of Jesus' words,"So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own"All the light we can not seeThe story is about war. It offered a look at war from kids' perspectives, a French girl who was blind since the age of six, and a German boy who had a gift with mechanical things, math, waves, and radios.From technical point, the story was very well crafted. The chapters were short, effective, and followed two separate lines surrounding the two main characters. It went back and forth in time, not exactly following the chronological order, but the arrangement worked. And after all the extensive buildup and the girl and the boy's paths are finally crossing, I am really worried, even nervous, because I do not know where the story will lead us and how it is going to end. Well, it is an ending with a lot of hearts.The writing was very skillful and beautiful. I got lost in the passages, when exquisite beauties and wonders in life were presented in a fascinating way, such as sea shells, birds, radio waves, colors in the mind of a blind girl, the streets of Paris, the gems. Theses are in stark contrast with the brutality and ugliness of war. What emerged is an extremely powerful story, a story that is likely going to stay in the minds of readers long after it was read. I have not read a story this good for quite some time, and I am getting Anthony Doerr's other books too.人物：She is an exotic creature with long red hair and brilliant green eyes.熬夜：take a red eye to...Patriotism is every politician's stock-in-trade.。