Don't judge this book by it's cover!
583831
I'm sure you've heard that "you can't judge a book by its cover". The saying is true for this book, but in a little different way. You can't judge this book by its cover because the cover lies!

I picked this book based on the cover and the Amazon blurb. I have a compact camera (canon sd770) similar in features to the camera on the cover, and I want to take better pictures.

The first line of the Amazon product description is: "Top photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon shares his best tips and tricks for getting high-quality images with your point-and-shoot camera". Since this exact line is on product pages everywhere, I think this line came from the publisher.

But then on page 2 of the book, the author distinguishes between point-and-shoot cameras and compact cameras. He says that he is "not talking about point-and-shoot cameras [in the book]". He then states that "full-featured compacts have all of the controls of a digital SLR: full choice of exposure modes, both auto and manual; auto and manual focus; full control of ISO; and a complete choice of white balance."

Well thanks for using the wrong term in your product description! Thanks not defining the word "compact" on your cover when you define it narrowly. And finally, thanks for putting a point-and-shoot camera on the cover when the book isn't for point-and-shoot cameras! How can I not feel deceived after reading two pages?

In the author's defense, he is very clear in the first two pages of the book. I would guess that the publisher made up the cover and the description. I'm sure that the market for a full-featured compact camera book to be much smaller than the market for those with point-and-shoot cameras. So by being deceptive, the publisher sells more books.

The book has other problems too. The author doesn't stick with an audience. Is he defending his use of a compact camera to pros? Is he giving pointers to beginners? Is he taking a photographer to the next stage? Is he helping someone get better pictures with their camera, or is he suggesting the camera you need to get better pictures? Maybe he's throwing everything and the kitchen sink haphazardly into the book--that's how it seems! Since the book's subtitle is: "Get Professional Quality Photos with your Compact Camera", I wish the author had stuck with that audience and theme.

I've had a hard time rating this book. I did learn some good photography basics from this book. I know my vision is tinted by my first impressions. Finally, I asked myself if I would buy other books by this author, and my answer is definitely no.
803777
I love the material inside the book; however, I didn't realize the entire book is black and white on the inside - the colorful cover of the book is deceiving - not what I was expecting.
3189090
As the old adage says, don't judge a book by its cover. Don't get me wrong, the book is chock full of what the title suggests, but not in a way you might expect. Copious amounts of alcohol and adult "relations" are recounted, but heard in the voice of a goofy, self-deprecating Irishman instead of a college frat boy. The writing style flows just like the random thoughts in your own head; you'd think you were Mark himself, riding with The Dude in the bucket you just bought, or attempting and failing to order a simple cup of coffee. I suggest listening to some of Mark's podcasts, then reading the book. You won't be able to get the Irish brogue out of your head as you read to yourself, which makes it that much better.
1522278
This book was really good. Dont let the cover fool you. I enjoyed it a lot. Hope there will be another one.
1289680
They say do not judge a book by its cover. I picked up this book because of the lovely cover and I liked the title. I was pleasantly surprised  as soon as I started to read it. It is not your usual Christian romance novel. My favorite type of book is historical romance and this did not disappoint. I love the way Beth has interwoven rich historical detail into the romance novel. I felt I was getting the benefit of two books in one. The storyline was filled with intrigue and romance. I found it a great read and would recommend it to anyone who likes a historical Christian romance.
310755
FYI the book cover is misleading, yes it matches the title, BUT, I have read this book & it is quite good
Without giving anything away, no, it didn't seem like erotica, more good girl caught in bad situation(s) &.......
3125730
I almost didn't get this book because of the cover but after reading the reviews I decided to take a chance and I am so glad that I did. What a great book. I didn't want to put it down. It keeps you wanting to read more.
1794442
Wow!  This is a perfect example of not judging a book by it's cover.  Honestly, I've put off reviewing this one as long as possible because the book just looks so boring!  Of course, the back doesn't sound boring, but when faced with a plain blue book that simply has a bridge and a cloud on the front, it just doesn't seem that appealing.  After reading, I realize the symbolism in the front cover, but honestly the book packaging itself is a turn off.  I'm really glad that I forced myself to see past that, as well as the lack of editing, and devour the story inside.

The characters are extremely unlikable.  They're not sweet and endearing.  They evoke a strong emotional response in the negative.  Personally,I didn't like any of them and was reminded of a book I'd read once before where I just couldn't get through the book because I couldn't stand the characters.  In this instance, however, I had the pull of the sweet 'other world' to keep me entrenched in the story instead of letting my hatred and rage at the 'live' characters push me away.

The story is staged pretty well.  I had an issue with the ending, but I can't really go into that without adding spoilers to my review.  I can say that though I wasn't a fan of the ending, I do appreciate the fact that Sager was able to pull it off to the point that I was just a little disappointed instead of being angry and frustrated.

Over all, this was a good read that I just couldn't put down.  It's definitely not for the faint of heart, as some of it is quite graphic and the actions of some of the characters is a bit depressing and over the top.  It's a fast-paced read that keeps you engrossed throughout.  It also has a moral message throughout the book, which is always a plus.  It's nice to have an entertaining story that leaves you with a feeling that you've had a new insight.
931634
I purchased this book as a gift for my sister who is "making the transition from dorm room to board room" so to speak, so I thought this would be the perfect book for her. However, when it arrived in the mail I took a look at it and saw that it was not at all what I had envisioned. First of all, the book is a hardcover book with "hard" pages inside...or what they normally would call a "board book". It's a book I would normally think of purchasing for my two year old daughter. It's not a chapter book at all. It's very short- 23 pages to be exact! Since it was so close to Christmas time, I didn't know if I should go ahead and keep it and give it to my sister or return it to Amazon.com- so I decided to read it. (Believe me, it didn't take long.) Now I must admit, overall, the book has some really great advice about business etiquette. It's just, like I said, not what I expected. It's more of a book I would think to buy a 15-18 year old, not a 25 year old. If I had known this book had been so short and made of cardboard or whatever, I wouldn't have purchased it. However, after reading it I do admit that the advice is worthy. It's just a very short book for $9.95. Just wanted to warn everyone- be careful before you purchase this.
3806617
Wow!! Never judge a book by its cover. I am looking forward to the next book.
3149297
This is a book I almost didn't read because of the cover. The cover looks borderline occult-ish to me and paired with the title - I almost passed it up. But I'm glad I didn't! The story is well worth reading, it's a lively romp with plenty of suspense!

Layla Taylor's life is turned upside down when her award winning building project goes up in smoke. Maddox Bishop is the detective sent to find out why the house was burned... with a body inside. More disaster awaits and casts Layla as a likely suspect, but Maddox can't believe she's guilty when his heart gets involved.
4117765
I've been a little hesitant about books with pretty covers every since reading The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers. That book really taught me you can never judge a book by the cover. What a doozy. This cover grabbed my attention immediately and the concept sounded right up my ally. Hunger Games meets The Bachelor? Yes please! (Although I was a little irked because I had been working on my own little story that I described in a similar manner. Bummer for me.)

Then I did my own little research and stumbled across some not so nice trolling done by the author and her agent. Urgh. I realize receiving a one star review sucks. This is practically your baby after all. However, as an author you really need  to develop some tough skin and you have to realize that not everyone is going to love everything you do. Take it as constructive criticism and keep their comments in mind for the future! (To be honest it seems the agent is the one who really needs some etiquette manners. When one female calls another female a degrading name of the five-letter variety, it really shows lack of class. Ms. Cass, is it too late to look for someone classier to represent you?)

Anyway, back to the book.  This novel hooked me from the very start. I don't quite agree that it's The Bachelor meeting Huger Games. I personally could see more of a connection to Princess Academy by Shannon Hale than any existing dystopian  novel. To be honest this story, really could have taken place anywhere. I don't quite see this society as a plausible option for our future. For me it was far more reminiscent of the past, if in the past we had the occasional cell phone / television shows. China doesn't own quite as many U.S. bonds as they once did, but I can understand why the author would see this takeover as a feasible option.

As for the actual plot. My heart began to break very early on as I realized that America and Aspen really couldn't ever be together despite how they may feel. Oh, the agony! Then, she meets Prince Maxon and I could feel my feelings split. Usually where love triangles are concerned I can remain loyal to one side, but not this time! I found myself unwilling to put the book down and read it far into the night. Very well done.

I'm disappointed that this is yet another trilogy. It seems everyone is trying to milk everything for what it's worth with all these stupid trilogies. This book really could be condensed into maybe a 600 page novel. Sure, I'll read the next installment but I'm annoyed that my gratification will be delayed.

My rating? I'm giving this a 5/5 stars, because of the mere fact that I feel completely invested in these characters and I need to see what happens next.
4736298
This book isn't what I expected, it isn't a bad book by any means, just not what I was expecting....
1132007
I should have paid a bit more attention as this is not in color as the cover makes it seem :( I love the book but would not have bought it with out color pages !
4543536
I'm going to add to the trite saying about not judging a book by its cover.  Schlussel rule:  Don't judge a book by its title. And I'm going to correct another belief in the worlds of publishing and writing:  not every interesting article or column is a book.  Sometimes, there's just enough for a column or article, and anything more is ripping off readers to the tune of the cover price or whatever they paid.  Both of these are the case with, "Never Tell Our Business to Strangers: A Memoir," by Jennifer Mascia, a New York Times copy editor.

Ms. Mascia wrote a short article in the Times about discovering her father, John Mascia, was a mafia killer, and she was encouraged to turn it into a book.  Big mistake.  Or, actually, the mistake was mine, buying the book and wasting several hours reading it.  I thought it would be an interesting, escapist read.  The title sounds cool.  The People magazine (and the source should have been a giant clue for me) review said it was a thrilling adventure into the life of a girl who discovers her parents are in the mob.  Wrong, wrong, wrong.  The only thing exciting here was the marketing, in which someone managed to sell the tale of your average American family of losers and scumbags as the life of the Sopranos.  Not even close.  The book lived up to neither its cover nor its title. . . .

Read the rest of my review on my website.
4015966
At first glance of the cover, I was a bit turned off.  But as the old adage goes. "One should not judge a book by it's cover".
I'm glad I didn't let the cover sway me.  In my opinion the cover tends to yell "romance".  This, however, is not the whole picture.
Sure there is romance in the book, as well as the series as a whole, but the action and historical events covered make this an enjoyable series for everyone (even us guys).
If you like historical fiction with substance this is a treat.
3041998
I know one shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I admit to being skeptical when I saw the cover of this book and read the title. I thought it would be one of the 'goofier' star trek paperbacks.

Luckily, I was wrong! Not only is this book far from goofy, it's one of the BEST star trek books I've read to date.

A great adventure for Kirk and Crew as they encounter Klingons on the verge of mutiny, a strange alien race and a space phemonemon that could destroy life as we know it.

And speaking of the Klingons, they were among my favorite characters in the book.  It's nice when the author mixes things up from the norm.  I leave it to the reader to find out the rest.

Highly recommended! A favorite of mine that stands right up there with Black Fire, Way of The Romulans, My Enemy My Ally, Yesterday's Son and The Covenent Of the Crown.  GREAT READ!