A wonderfully written, thought-provoking book
345785
A wonderfully  written , thought-provoking book. I was unable to put it  down until the end.  I think it would appeal to all types of readers.
1480614
This is a wonderfully written, creative and thoughtful book. The theme is fascinating and is handled in suprising ways. I highly recommend it!!
3228339
Written about a topic that is wonderfully and thoughtfully explored.  5 stars!
3768503
Beautifully written, thought-provoking, and very informative, offering the reader a close and personal perspective of that tumultuous decade in Iran that would ordinarily not be possible. The comparisons and detailed analysis of the books, i.e., Lolita, The Great Gatsby, Jane Austin novels, etc. that were discussed within the group relative to their individual lives also offered an illuminating insight into these great tombs of literature.
2248447
This is a well written and wonderfully delightful book. Unlike many of the writings of Dennett and others, which are great volumes to be sure, this book shows the tremendous harm religion has done and continues to do to us collectively and individually. One need only look at his own life to see the truth to what the author says. I could hardly put the book down. It is a must-read for the humanist or atheist and wouldn't hurt those infected by the virus.

Highly recommended.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson
3355373
A fantastic, wonderful book! As a journalist researching my own book at the moment, I read it with yellow hi-liter in hand. I practically drained the thing dry, highlighting illuminating paragraph upon paragraph. Dr. Haidt is a positively engaging writer, you have a sense of who he is personally in addition to what he has to teach you. And I noticed one of the earlier reviewers complaining that some of the research Haidt cited is 30 years old. Well, so what? Some of the research is even more ancient than that, if you count his quoting Buddha, John Donne and Confucius. The Happiness Hypothesis is fresh, it's smart, it sparkles. And it's right up there on my bookshelf along with Diane Ackerman's fantastic books (The Alchemy of Mind is a similar gem). The category: "Darn! Here's another book I wish I had written"
987755
A wonderful, wonderful book.  My only disappointment was that he hasn't written another one.  He's clearly very smart, very capable and handy, a fellow of wide acquaintance and knowledge, and a terrific writer.  The tone of the book reminded me a bit of DEAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS, an academic novel (i.e., in the form of letters by a professor to various students and colleagues) by Julie Schumacher.  Shaun Bythell demonstrates both well-earned impatience with (often willful) human ignorance or pride, and an equal capacity for warmth and compassion.  I'm already looking forward to re-reading it, any number of times in the coming years.
1336981
I really enjoyed Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl by N.D. Wilson.  From the beginning it draws you into it, with very descriptive language and random thoughts suprizingly strung together in a coherent manner.
This book begins with the author comparing this world as we know it to a carnival. It goes on to explore this world, especially the insect kingdom and the earth itself.  The author invites us to truly marvel at the vastness of our universe and to appreciate and thank the God who made it all.  He mentions the fact that what holds the world together is truly the breath of God, and that if He so chose all things would cease to be.
This book contains some wonderful descriptive language and some wonderful, memorable images and phrases.  The book is peppered with the author's imaginary conversations with the great thinkers of the past. An example: "Jean-Paul Sarte, in his play No Exit: Hell is other people.  A writer for Wired modified that slightly: Hell is other people's music." (p. 168)  It also contains some wonderful images of God and some wonderful names for Him--the Poet, the Painter, etc.
This book is a wonderfully vivid experience, and it helped me see God and His creation with a new, clearer focus.  I would recommend it to anyone who believes in God or is struggling with their faith.
1492891
Wonderfully written, moving and insightful, full of Godly wisdom, you won't waste your time reading this book.
One of my favorites!
2073687
This book is wonderfully written and has a very unique take on religious matters. I love how it is incredibly thought provoking and great in the sense that it is educational yet interesting to read! I highly recommend this to anyone as I myself thoroughly enjoyed it.
4675584
I had previously never heard of this particular naturalist nor had I read anything by him, but having encountered the absolutely wonderful writing in this book I assuredly will be reading other books by Mr. Lister-Kaye. "Gods of the Morning" takes the reader through a year of seasonal changes in the author's home in the Scottish highlands of Aigas, where he lives and also runs an educational nature field center. Not just birds, but many other species are enlightened upon and written about in a wonderfully poetic way, including spiders, pine martens, roe deer, squirrels, hares, aphids, and there is even an absolutely beautiful chapter of the book devoted to the many dogs the author has had throughout his years, all lovingly described and memorialized. As I say, the writing is exquisite, and many times poetic, with certain passages taking my breath away as I would read them. Simply lovely nature writing. Parts of the book too elaborate on the changing natural world and how different birds, mammals, and insects adapt to those changes. The books ends with the author describing a walk in the woods with his five year old grandson. Beautifully written, thought provoking, and at times poetic and rapturous, I would highly recommend "Gods of the Morning" to anyone who is enthusiastic about birds, wildlife, or the natural world. It is a very special book and has moved to very top of my list of nature writing.
4467365
Wonderful book, beautifully written. Really resonated with me. I suppose I would call it existentialist, it's a little depressing, but well worth the read.
461843
I loved this book.  It was wonderfully written and gave me a lot to think about.  I actually tried to read it a few years ago but couldn't get into it and I'm glad I gave it another try this time.  It was almost as good as A Fine Balance, which is saying a lot.  Wonderful book!
4239321
A wonderful, thought-provoking book! It engaged my attention throughout my reading of it. It transforms what could be dry and statistical information and insight into a style that is not too academic nor too psychobabblish (did I just create a new word??). It gave me insight into how I think and how others do as well. I teach College courses in Marketing, Advertising, and Management and have already incorporated some of what I've learned into my course delivery (note: I am not plagiarizing). This book got me thinking of ways to better communicate and convey topical terms and concepts to my students. I highly recommend this book if you're at all interested in people, how they think, and how to mediate (bridge and build relationships) with others.
2765266
Swallowtail by Sheri Meshal is a wonderful and thought provoking book.  While there are parts that I wish had been developed more, the premise of the book makes you examine your own life.

I find myself still thinking of this book weeks after I finished it.  Yes, I am running a behind on my review, but I also wanted time to think about it.

This book is about Claire, a wife, mother, and friend.  She is under investigation at her bank job.  She is suddenly taken away from her family and friends.  Swallowtail is all about what you would do to help your loved ones.  It is about loss and love.

It somewhat reminds me of a movie or another book, but I can't think of the name.

What would you do to help your family and friends?  Would you move heaven and earth to let them know you are watching over them?  What is the purpose of your life?  What happens after death?

Ms. Meshel answers all of these questions for Claire.  By doing so, I find myself examining my life, and wondering what lessons I should be learning.  I think more and more about little signs, and my loved ones who have passed.

Before my grandfather passed, I never heard the train that is miles away.  He loved trains.  When he passed away, that night I sat on my porch, and heard the train.  I always felt like it was his way of showing me he was okay, and was watching over me.

People always talk about different signs from the other side but it always seems to conflict with Christian beliefs.  Ms. Meshal does a wonderful job of meshing both together and makes you think of your life differently.  It also makes you think of others differently.

This book comforts me.  It is like being wrapped up in a blanket of love.  I strongly urge you to read this book.  While the story is a book of fiction, it will make you examine your life.  It will move some of you to tears like me.  Ultimately, it will leave you with a sense of love.
3951273
This is a lovely, contemplative book that is beautifully written and surprisingly captivating. It gave me a powerful perspective on the author's experience with a debilitating illness, while also drawing me into her fascination with her gastropod roommate. Several days after finishing the book, I find myself thinking about it, which is always a sign of powerful writing.
3374557
Wonderfully written book.  Everyone should read this book.