Well worth the time and effort
598790
I use the word "effort" because it's a bit plodding in the beginning. That said, the beginning must be read and paid attention too.

Jess isn't all that likable at first, but stick with her.  Most assuredly, Miss Mamie is the most difficult of all the characters to relate to, but she is the story, but don't assume anything about her.

I read this in one sitting, and was greatly satisfied, I think you will be too!
4567813
The translation is a bit rough around the edges, but the content is worth pondering. Strauss's critique of modernity and his decision as a modern to return to the ancient philosophers are explored in depth. It's well worth the effort.
1358552
I pre-ordered this and have been able to get through about 1/3 of it so far- and yes, of course I perused the whole thing including the pictures, ha.  I can already see it will need to be re-read several times.  Many page markers already in place.  Candid, thorough and seemingly complete.  It will take the honored space next to a very beat up copy of 'Extreme Alpinism', Chiounard's 'Climbing Ice' and 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'. Thanks to Scott and Steve for committing the vast hard work that goes into a book project of this size and completing it.  So few comprehensive resources on the subject that are of value.  It looks like this may have knocked the ball out of the park.
Will followup comment after applying the lessons and giving them fair time for outcomes.  Much to say.
3881644
The amount of time and effort it took the author to obtain the FACTS incorporated into this story are SO evident and appreciated. Both the facts and fiction parts of this novel will keep you in thought long after completing the last page!
3931044
This scholarly work creates a novel methodology to re-create the lost historical. The early Christian years 30 to 50 CE. The author presents a steady to both inform and educate. Though not an easy read, this book is well worth the effort.
3316260
Some of the recipies in this cookbook require more "prep" time, but in the end it is well worth the effort. My husband and I are still working our way thru the cookbook.
1110299
I was familiar with some of the contributors here, and the companion FC Judd cd as well. However, this exceeded my expectations. A very worthwhile effort! Worth your attention and cash.
2214345
A useful and challenging, yet difficult to garner all the information to process and interpret. Nonetheless, the effort is worth the engagement in order to achieve the outcomes recommended in this dense and informative book.
4635828
Takes a lot of time and commitment and is well planned.  Have not been working on it long enough to realize full results.
126316
Recommend to anyone with doubt. Somewhat difficult to read but well worth the effort. I will most likely read this book again.
2610834
A great cast of characters, all of them individuals with individual voices, many different nationalities, all coming together to make an intriguing story. Well worth the time to read twice to appreciate the intricacies of the plot.
760035
I loved this author's work and this book is no exception. The story is a slow build but the results are well worth the effort. I highly recommend it.
3404284
Takes some work but well worth the effort if you follow the instructions. Plan on at least an hours work  for good results
3341547
Excellent diagrams, good photos and best of all, the words make sense. I appreciate the time and effort that went into this book.
1568185
I enjoyed the story and work done in creating the worlds and cultures present. I also appreciated the message and truth found within these covers. The characters are developed well and the premise is fascinating. I love to have my imagination stretched and this book succeeds in this endeavor. The one con would be the editing. The grammar and punctuation have some errors. Despite this, I wholeheartedly advise others to try this series.
4684301
Empire Express: Building the First Transcontinental Railroad

"Light at the End of the Tunnel"

 It took me nearly as long to read this mammoth book as it took to build the Railroad upon which it is based.  But the effort was worth it in both instances: the Great Transcontinental Railroad literally united the Union at the same time the Civil War was jeopardizing it. There is enough material here for several books: the Railroad Surveys which opened the west to exploration; the visionary dreams of the Chief Engineers (of which there were several); the desperate attempts to fund the project; the physical and logistical challenges;  and the political scandal that nearly wrecked it (the Credit Mobilier Scandal).

 A lot to attempt, and to a large degree David Howard Bain accomplishes it.  But there is simply too much detail, too many names and dates, too involved a plot. I can't help but compare it to David McCullough's excellent history of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, The Great Bridge.  Had he written the story, it might have been more manageable. But Bain deserves an A for effort.

 In a highly-visual story like this, the publisher could have made better use of the ample photographic record of the railroad.
4047731
This book is a challenge. But it is also worth the challenge if you want to think about marriage, identity, love, and society in serious ways. If you put the book down half-way you are undoubtedly going to walk away disliking it-the final chapters really tie everything together and the Penelope chapter is vital to understanding the ideosyncratic bits of the text that leave you asking, "What?"

I would not suggest making a go of it without buying "Ulysses Annotated" by Don Gifford. A lot of what he includes is superfluous unless you read the book for school, but it really gives such a greater idea of what Joyce is trying to do with this book, explaining the Odyssey stories for each chapter, stylistic intentions, and illuminating obscure references to Judiasm, Irish nationalism, character histories, food obsessions, etc. Without it the book will probably not have that much meaning for the reader, it's too complex.

At first Stephen may seem annoyingly self-involved, Bloom a weak coward, and Molly a tart, but when you consider the themes Joyce is taking on-Irish nationalism, being an outsider, understanding another person in a way that allows you to accept their flaws, etc. their character "flaws" give way to another interpretation. Especially considering the novel takes place in a single day.

The book definitely gets better as you read, so don't get frustrated, the end, while not idealistically upbeat as most novels tend to be, is really fitting and satisfying.