A frighteningly vivid depiction of the loneliness possible in old age, especially for someone who has remained single and childless. The Freudian epigraph, while said about England, seems just as true, if not exaggerated, in the U.S. It made me think more deeply about human connections, how and where they take place and sustain themselves -- and how we might better support their incubation and development, individually and in community.

A perfectly fitted concept and design. The reversal of stories from here and stories from there meeting in the center and flipping over to the other side was ingenious and clever. The stories themselves are nicely fitted out vehicles for the trips on which they transport you.

A sort of anthropological science fiction - exploring our culture by looking at a different fictional world's culture. Similar to some of Ursula K. Le Guin's work.

Though I found the concept interesting the subtitle is a bit misleading; many of the activities described herein would not be things everyone used to know how to do - even in the cultures from which they came. Often knowledge of particular tasks is specialized (or class based) and so it is with many included here. One wonders if the authors are really trying for a subtle humorous effect, if so, they fall a bit off of the mark.

Parker's most well known collection. This has some of her longer poems. It also contains "A Pig's Eye View of Literature", Parker's poems about certain well known authors.

Excellent step by step drawing guide that focuses on the most important aspect of drawing: learning how to see.

I can't say this book has really changed my life because I am not easily changed, but the techniques and ideas in it have encouraged me to change some aspects of my behavior (very slowly). I'm hoping I'll eventually become more patient as a result of steady practice but that remains to be seen. An excellent guide to those wanting to ease the internal pressure of their lives.

I find Sher's books consistently full of good advice and this one was particularly suited to my life.

A thoughtful work from one of the excellent modern "comic" artists.

I think this is some of the best of King - old classic stories. Someone should really tell the film makers that stories like "The Lawnmower Man" are best left in print form, however. Most of them are a little too short to transfer well into a feature film (the possible exception being "Children of the Corn" which had a lot of possibilities left open). Sixteen out of the 20 here are very memorable. A good proportion for a short story collection.

Probably (along with Night Shift) King's best short story collection; contains the extremely creepy "Gramma" and the recently resurrected "The Mist".

A good collection King stories - mostly from the '80's. About 1/2 are very memorable. The rest are merely good.

This was very helpful when making a recent decision about a major move and career change. It's laid out very logically and clearly so you can go through the steps one at a time.

Made me rethink the impact of work and money in my life.

I read this more than 10 years ago for a comparative religion class and keep coming back to it. I can't really comment on the translation since I don't know Chinese but certainly in this form it contains many pithy truths.

Parker's third collection of poems. This has some of her very best four line poems. Wit with a hard bite.

A fascinating look at the social and physical history of vaccines from the mid-1600's through contemporay times.

The women in these portraits all project a certain power and intensity that is hard to explain, easy to see.

A very helpful reference for those of us with recurring knee problems. Good information on how diet, supplements and water, as well as psychological issues, play a big part in the physical wellness of our joints. Includes specific diet, supplement, and exercise information.

Grimly funny.

Excellent guide to getting out of debt, it's based on the principles of Debtor's Anonymous (similar to AA). The author calls it the "Back to the Black" program and if you follow the steps that's exactly where you'll be (easier said than done, but the debt didn't pile up in a month and it won't go away quite so quickly either, but it *will* go away).

Calvin & Hobbes; always funny, frequently hilarious.

Well argued feminist treatise about women writers by science fiction author Joanna Russ.

Parker's first poetry collection. Contains the very well known "News Item" (Men don't make passes/ At girls who wear glasses).

First collection of King's novellas and novellettes (3 novellas, 1 novellette). These are the best of the best. All of them except "The Breathing Method" have been made into movies (some with more success than others) but I think the print form really outshines the films.

An excellent resource for those trying to eliminate (or reduce) their pesticide use.

Dick was a very prolific short story writer - this is volume 2 (of 5) each of which has about 20 + stories. Not everyone cares for Dick - his stories deal less with overarching social change than with specific technological change and how humans change (or don't) because of this.

You have to have a certain twisted sense of humor to enjoy these - hence my attachment to them.

Second in Butler's Xenogenesis series. The first generation of blended human/Oankali must survive the xenophobia of humans on Earth.

This certainly was a pilgrimmage, and in terms of spiritual renewal and positive life-altering outcomes a very beneficial one. It was inspiring to read a trail book that spoke about the seeking aspect of the journey.