My daughter picked out this book as a gift for her favorite teacher, who is always sharing insightful knowledge, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. The content is incredibly diverse, covering everything from history and science to quirky trivia and pop culture, so there’s always something interesting to flip through. The quality of the hardcover feels sturdy and well-made, and with over 700 pages it has a real presence — definitely not a book that gets lost on the shelf. It’s the kind of book you can pick up for a few minutes and always learn something new, which makes it great for both casual reading and teaching inspiration. As a gift, it struck the right balance of being unique, educational, and fun.

I wasn’t expecting this book to be so hard to put down! It’s packed with random facts, stories, and trivia that are both entertaining and surprisingly informative. Some sections made me laugh, others made me say “wow, I had no idea.”The best part is that you don’t have to read it cover to cover—you can flip to any page and instantly find something interesting. It’s become a go-to conversation starter in my house, and even guests end up picking it up when they see it on the coffee table.If you’re curious by nature or just enjoy learning unusual things in a fun way, this is definitely worth having. It’s a big, sturdy book with tons of content, and it would also make a great gift.

I got three of these books to give away for gifts. They are really great! They remind me of the Readers Digest stories back in the 70s ‘Strange stories amazing facts’ – which was so fascinating! This book is a beautiful hardbound book and when you open it up, there are chapters detailing different types of interesting facts. The ‘facts’ arent that long – maybe a paragraph each, so its the kind of thing you can pick up and read a couple of them and then put it down and not ‘lose your place’. Really really interesting and laid out well!

The pages are very thin. Overall, there is a lot of information in the book, and it was worth the money. My 11 year-old loves trivia and reciting facts to me daily, and I haven’t reviewed all of the info. Good value, but I would have paid more for a higher quality physical product.

This very large book is filled with interesting facts.

Bought this for my boyfriend and he absolutely loved it upon first glance! So many fun and interesting topics and a cute bonding experience for anyone who enjoys learning about everything!

This book has a lot of interesting information. Reasonable price for a thick book.

Got this for a dear friend who is a retired Dr who just had major back surgery! He is very smart and was highly impressed with the gift and could not wait to start reading it. The reviews were so funny about couples or friends who start reading this can’t put it down and are caught reading aloud all the facts they find interesting and actually end up making their partner or friends start to leave the room! I think this is what Cliff Claven from Cheers definitely got some of his “It’s a well know fact that,,,,”! 708 pages and I ended up buying me one so I can enlighten my 65 year old brain to run others off while I burst out these facts as I progress with the book. Told my friend that it should give him privacy as it should run away your wife to get her out of the room or start an argument if you announce all the interesting things that this book presents!We shall see after mine arrives Saturday ! Great conversation starter and ender? Ha ha’

I’m new at collecting coins. The Red Book has helped understand a lot about coins. I refer to this book regularly. It has information about the history of coins. It explains why & when each coin chaged designs, what to look for in flawed misprinted coins, and has great pictures to refer ti as examples. This is a great reference guide for beginners as well as advanced collectors. This is a must have guide for all coin collectors.

Information appears to be accurate and up to date. Photos/ illustrations are clear and well captioned.Very good descriptions / details of all US Coinage from the first coins to the most recent.Money well spent.

The basic book in coin field.

Great guide book for coins. Wish they would have more of the uncirculated coins in the book though.

Great informative book. Take good care, ive been told that they are worth money later..

My husband’s go to book. Has almost every US coin, pictures, dates, descriptions help while building his coin collection. Perfect for your collector, an absolute must.

Such a helpful and useful resource for all who are interested in coin collecting.

A wry detailed listing of information! Easy to look Your coins years

Amazon Review: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat is a Game-Changer for Every Home Cook and ChefAs a professional chef and food science educator, I’ve read countless cookbooks, but very few have fundamentally reshaped my approach to cooking like Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat. This book isn’t just a collection of recipes. It’s an essential culinary guide that breaks cooking down into its four foundational elements, making it easy for anyone to cook intuitively.Why This Book is RevolutionaryNosrat doesn’t just tell you how to cook—she teaches you why things work in the kitchen. She simplifies complex concepts with clear, engaging explanations, stunning illustrations, and a warmth that makes you feel like she’s guiding you personally.I’ve always believed that understanding the “why” behind cooking techniques is what separates a great cook from an average one, and this book delivers that knowledge in a way that’s both accessible and profoundly educational.Key Takeaways That Changed My Cooking Forever✅ Salt Enhances Everything – This book deepened my appreciation for how different salts (kosher, flaky, fine) impact flavor and texture.✅ Fat is Flavor – From olive oil to butter, Nosrat explains how fats carry flavor and influence mouthfeel.✅ Acid Balances Dishes – One of my biggest takeaways was how acid (vinegars, citrus, fermented foods) brings food to life.✅ Heat is the Final Key – Understanding the science of heat helped me refine my roasting, searing, and braising techniques.Perfect for Beginners and Experts AlikeWhether you’re a home cook just starting out or a seasoned chef looking to refine your skills, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat belongs in your kitchen. The techniques in this book have helped me train culinary students, teach home cooks, and even improve my own plating and recipe development.Final Thoughts: A Must-Have Culinary GuideThis book has changed the way I cook and teach food science, making it one of my most recommended reads. If you’ve ever struggled with seasoning, balancing flavors, or perfecting textures, this book will give you the confidence and knowledge to cook instinctively.⭐ 5 out of 5 stars! Essential for anyone who loves food.- Chef Rebecca Raffle

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is an incredible guide for anyone looking to truly understand the fundamentals of cooking. Samin Nosrat breaks down the four elements in a clear, approachable way, with practical tips that you can apply immediately in the kitchen. The illustrations are charming and make complex concepts easy to grasp. This book doesn’t just give recipes—it teaches you how to think like a cook, making it invaluable for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Highly recommend!

I bought it a long time ago but never got around to reading or listening to it until a few weeks ago. I am just stunned by how amazing the book is. I am in Love with this book. It’s the perfect balance of knowledge, tips, passion, stories, and anecdotes. Fun, yet also meaningful and impactful – a very rare mix indeed. This is easily one of the top ten cookbooks ever in my mind. It’s a pleasure to read and listen to. Samin is like a great college professor, not the ones who read from the Textbook, but ones who engage you and share their joy of what they love, full of stories and anecdotes. They spark you to think for yourself, and they actually have more knowledge than any dry textbook could ever have.Reading/listening to this book is like spending a long weekend with a really good friend who has ADHD but is a master chef with world-class cooking experience. They just dump all their knowledge and love of cooking over the weekend, cooking dishes with you. At times, it can be overwhelming with all the knowledge and hot tidbits she provides, but Samin is so warm, humble, and unpretentious, her tone is so calming, you just go with the flow. But I am going to have to go back and listen and read the book multiple times and take notes, so that I can fully absorb the immense knowledge she has so generously shared with us. Thank youShe really wants you to understand the concepts and empower you to make better food with the knowledge she is sharing. It’s not about “I am an amazing Chef so copy me”. It’s “I love food and cooking great food, and here are the secrets I used to understand the how and why to create great food, so can you too.I look forward to watching the Netflix series.

Great book. Perfect quality. Love the illustrations and 5 stars for the netflix series that shortens this book.Every chef and home cook can benefit from the information in here.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is more than just a cookbook—it’s a transformative guide to understanding the fundamentals of cooking. Samin Nosrat breaks down the essential elements of flavor and technique with clarity and warmth. The book is beautifully illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this book empowers you to cook intuitively and confidently. It’s a timeless resource that belongs in every kitchen.

Negotiation is a fundamental skill, whether in the boardroom, buying a car, or even deciding where to go for dinner. Chris Voss’s “Never Split the Difference” immediately grabs attention with its subtitle, “Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It,” a nod to the author’s background as a former FBI lead international hostage negotiator. This book promises to unlock persuasion potential by applying high-stakes techniques to everyday professional and personal interactions. Having heard considerable buzz about Voss’s approach, I was eager to delve into his strategies.Key Concepts and Themes:Voss’s central premise challenges the traditional, purely rational approach to negotiation often taught in business schools. Instead, he argues that emotions are not obstacles but pathways to understanding and influence. The book is built around several core techniques borrowed from hostage negotiation:Voss emphasizes truly listening to understand the other party’s perspective and validating their emotions, even if you don’t agree with them. Techniques like “mirroring” (repeating the last few words the other person said) and “labeling” (identifying and acknowledging their emotions) are powerful tools for building rapport and gathering information.The Power of “No”: Contrary to conventional wisdom that pushes for “yes,” Voss explains why getting a “no” can be a valuable step in the negotiation process, making the other party feel in control and opening up possibilities.Calibrated Questions: Using open-ended questions starting with “how” or “what” to subtly guide the other party towards your desired outcome without being aggressive.Bending Reality: Techniques like anchoring and strategic uses of deadlines to influence the other party’s perception of value and time.A systematic approach to making offers and counter-offers that involves calculated concessions.What makes Voss’s methods stand out is their foundation in real-life, high-pressure scenarios where failure had dire consequences. This lends a unique weight and credibility to the techniques presented.Writing Style and Readability:The book is highly engaging, written in an accessible, conversational style. Voss weaves in compelling anecdotes from his time in the FBI, illustrating the techniques with gripping stories of hostage standoffs and criminal negotiations. This makes the concepts much easier to grasp and remember than purely theoretical explanations. While the subject matter is serious, the writing keeps you hooked, feeling more like a thrilling narrative at times than a dry business book.Practical Application:One of the book’s greatest strengths is its focus on practical application. Each chapter breaks down a specific technique, explains the psychological principle behind it, and provides clear examples of how it was used in high-stakes situations, followed by how it can be adapted to business or personal life. While applying techniques honed in life-or-death scenarios to everyday conversations might sound intense, Voss does a good job of translating them into less dramatic contexts. It requires conscious effort and practice, but the examples make it clear how to start implementing them. I found myself immediately trying some of the listening and labeling techniques in conversations, and noticed a difference.Strengths:The insights from hostage negotiation provide a fresh and powerful take on persuasion.Highly Practical Techniques: The book offers actionable strategies that you can start using immediately.Engaging Storytelling: The real-life anecdotes make the concepts memorable and the book a pleasure to read.Focus on Emotional Intelligence: Emphasizes the critical role of understanding and managing emotions in negotiation.Empowering Message: Provides readers with tools to feel more confident and in control during difficult conversations.Criticisms:Intensity of Techniques: Some readers might find certain techniques feel manipulative or overly intense for casual interactions. Voss addresses this, stressing the importance of genuine empathy, but it’s something to be mindful of.Reliance on Anecdotes: While the stories are engaging, some might wish for more data or research backing up every single claim, although the FBI’s success rate serves as strong practical validation.Conclusion:”Never Split the Difference” is a transformative book on negotiation. By drawing on his unparalleled experience, Chris Voss provides a compelling argument for prioritizing emotional intelligence and active listening in any persuasive interaction. The techniques are counter-intuitive at times but profoundly effective when applied thoughtfully. While the intensity of their origin might require conscious adaptation for everyday use, the core principles of understanding the other side deeply are universally valuable.This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to improve their negotiation skills, whether in business, sales, management, or personal relationships. It’s not just about getting what you want; it’s about understanding people and achieving better outcomes by navigating the human element of conversation. It will fundamentally change the way you think about influence and persuasion.

Never Split the Difference was a fantastic read that completely changed how I think about negotiation. I expected a book full of hard-selling tactics, but instead it’s packed with practical, human-centered strategies that actually work in everyday situations. The way Chris Voss breaks things down makes even tough conversations feel more manageable.What I liked most is how actionable everything is. The techniques — like mirroring, labeling emotions, asking calibrated questions, and staying calm under pressure — are explained with real stories that make them easy to remember. I found myself trying a few of the ideas right away, and it’s surprising how effective they are once you get the hang of them.The book also made me realize that negotiation isn’t just for business deals. It’s something we do constantly: at work, with family, with friends, or whenever we need better outcomes. The strategies here help you communicate more clearly, stay in control emotionally, and guide conversations toward solutions that actually make sense.If there’s a small downside, it’s that some of the examples can be intense since they come from high-stakes FBI situations. But even so, the way Voss translates those lessons into everyday life keeps the book grounded and useful.Overall, this is one of the most practical and eye-opening communication books I’ve read. If you want to improve your persuasion skills, handle conflict better, or just understand people more effectively, this book is absolutely worth picking up.

As a medical malpractice attorney, I’m always looking for ways to strengthen my negotiation skills, and Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss is one of the most practical and eye-opening books I’ve ever read on the subject.Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, translates high-stakes negotiation tactics into tools that can be applied in everyday life and professional practice. What struck me most is how his strategies rely less on dominating the conversation and more on understanding psychology, building rapport, and using subtle but powerful techniques to influence outcomes.In the context of mediation, this book is a game-changer. Medical malpractice cases are emotionally charged, and parties often come to the table entrenched in their positions. Voss’s techniques—such as tactical empathy, calibrated questions, and the power of silence—help diffuse tension, uncover hidden motivations, and move discussions forward in a constructive way. I’ve already seen how asking the right “how” or “what” questions shifts the tone from confrontation to problem-solving, which is invaluable in reaching favorable settlements for my clients.The writing style is engaging, filled with real-world anecdotes that keep you hooked while illustrating practical takeaways. Unlike many negotiation books that feel academic or theoretical, this one gives you tools you can apply the same day you read them.For attorneys, particularly those handling mediation-heavy fields like medical malpractice, this book should be required reading. It has changed how I approach negotiation—not just with opposing counsel, but with clients, experts, and even in day-to-day interactions.

This is a great resource with tremendous insight for starting at a new position. Some of the content isn’t applicable to a church situation, but much of it is. It is well laid out with clear questions and practical steps. I’d highly recommend it.

I’ve heard about this book from many people so I bought the updated version and its extremely helpful. It is the “bible” of transitioning to a new role. The general situation is either being hired or promoted to a very senior level or executive role where you have responsibilities for people, budgets and initiatives and have to set direction.The author provides step by step chapters on the different things you have to think about and what phases a transition plan will entail. There are excellent check lists, tables and exercises to help you plan out a successful transition. This includes analyzing yourself as well as your new firm as different situations will require different approaches and half the battle is know what situation you are in. It only took a few days to read including taking notes and doing some analysis. Its not a hard read but I recommend taking the time, bookmarking sections and referring back to them along your journey.

This book offers a clear, structured approach to navigating career transitions and setting yourself up for success in the first three months of a new role.I appreciated its practical frameworks and real-world examples, which make it easy to apply. Some parts can feel repetitive or corporate, but overall it’s a valuable guide for managers and professionals taking on new challenges. Highly recommended for anyone stepping into a leadership or high-impact position.

This should be required reading for every business leader making a transition in their career. Whether the person is a moving into a management role for the first time, or they’ve just been named the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, the wisdom that this book contains is invaluable. By using the STARS model as a guideline, I was able to understand the different transition situations I was in, which varied by area of the business I was analyzing. It’s truly an excellent read, and I highly recommend it!

If you’re starting a new role – whether at a new company or with your current employer – this book will help you. Heck, it will help you with onboarding as well. I’m pretty sure it will just help you even if you’ve been in your role 10 years. Solid book.

This book helps people handle transitions into a new company or a new role. It provides a framework (dubbed STARS) for properly diagnosing the situation we are landing in, and a set of tools (e.g. negotiate expectations, create alliances, create org. alignment, identify early wins, map influencers, etc) and guidelines for what to focus on given our initial diagnosis.I wouldn’t say that the advice or insight here is groundbreaking or unintuitive, but the book’s value resides in officiating as a checklist, spurring thought and intentionality during the early phase of a job transition. Some of the content, related to creating a strategy, seeking organizational alignment, and building a team, are worth revisiting since these challenges can arise at any point.

I wish i found this books earlier in my career path. From the STARS concept to managing yourself, this book will guide your transition smoothly. i will recommend this book to all my friends and family.

I never realized how often I would refer to this book. Not just for planning to navigate my own first 90 days in an organization, but also to predict what others would do in theirs. A constant source of insight at arm’s reach.

Yesterday, I handed off a copy of Bill Burnett and Dave Evans’ ???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????, a refreshing and pragmatic guide to crafting a fulfilling life using design thinking principles. Typically, I use design thinking to focus in on solving the right problem in the right context, but in this context, it gets a little personal. Drawing from their experience teaching at Stanford University, the authors offer a framework that helps readers approach life’s big questions – career, purpose, happiness – not with anxiety, but with curiosity and creativity.Some of the key #themes that drive the narrative:???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????????. The same iterative, human-centered process used to design products can be used to design a meaningful life. This includes prototyping, reframing problems, and embracing failure as feedback.???????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????. Life design is not a solo endeavor. Engaging with others – through conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences – is essential to uncovering new possibilities.???????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????. One of the book’s most powerful tools is the “Odyssey Plan,” which encourages readers to sketch out three radically different versions of their future. This exercise breaks the illusion of a single “right” path and opens up imaginative alternatives.???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????. The authors tackle common mental traps – like “I need to figure out my passion” (insert obligatory eye roll) – and offer reframes that reduce pressure and expand options. Instead of waiting for clarity, they advocate for action that generates insight.???????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????????????. Rather than committing to major life changes blindly, test ideas through small experiments – informational interviews, side projects, or short-term gigs.A key #takeaway for me is that you don’t need to have it all figured out to start designing a better life. The process is iterative, insightful, and deeply personal. By shifting from decision-making to curiosity-driven exploration, you unlock paths that feel authentic, energizing, and empowering.One #quote from the book really stood out to me: “You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you are.”I’m a firm believer that we create our own luck by taking the initiative and blazing our own unique path. But to carve that path, you have to be firmly grounded in where you stand… you’ve got to look inward to blaze a path outward.???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? is more than a bookshelf-worthy self-help book – it’s a toolkit for intentional living. Whether you’re a college student, mid-career professional, or – like me – and aging military retiree, the book offers a flexible, empowering approach to navigating life’s uncertainties with creativity, purpose, and confidence.

The book came in very great condition. The content itself in the book is life-changing. At the end of each chapter is a prompt to practice the material from the chapter. Whenever my life circumstances change and/or improve, I can update the prompts for more clarity on my new circumstances. Of all the self-improvement books I’ve read, this is the only one I actually reread and reuse—it’s that helpful and impactful. I highly recommend this book for teens and adolescents for graduation gifts or any life milestone, really. I wish I had this book sooner in my life.

This book is a good introduction to applying design thinking to life planning, with an emphasis on careers. The content below includes my interpretation of the book’s chapters and key ideas. It is my intent that the review kindles your interest and spurs you on to buy the book.Chapter 1. Start Where You AreThe authors advise readers to accept what you can’t change, avoiding so-called “gravity problems,” which, by their very nature, cannot be changed.Chapter 2. Building a CompassThis chapter discusses one’s Workview (the reason one works) and Lifeview (areas that give life meaning), and encourage readers to align the two to form a Life Compass.Chapter 3. WayfindingThe book defines Wayfinding as figuring out where to go when the destination is not known. The authors emphasize engagement and energy in finding one’s way in work and in life.Chapter 4. Getting UnstuckIn this chapter, the book reviews the use of Mind Maps to generate new ideas.Chapter 5. Design Your LivesThe book encourages readers to develop (at least) 3 potential “Lives” and assess them.Chapter 6. PrototypingIn this chapter, the authors encourage testing the potential lives through informational interviews and other techniques to try out the lives in a non-committal way.Chapter 7. How Not to Get a JobChapter 8. Designing Your Dream JobChapters 7 and 8 were disappointing, offering obvious advice such as, “pursue as many job offers as you can,” and showed little knowledge or awareness of the today’s job search process.Chapter 9. Choosing HappinessThe chapter encourages people to embracing the choices we make, rather than agonizing over them. It especially recommends paying attention to the Basal Ganglia (the ancient base brain) to monitor personal feelings toward potential choices.Chapter 10. Failure ImmunityThe authors recommend learning from one’s mistakes, to become “immune” to the sadness of failure.Chapter 11. Building a TeamHere, the authors encourage the reader to engage others toward one’s life path.Overall, I found the book interesting with useful elements.The book would be improved by removing chapters 7 and 8, and in their place, adding more examples of people going through life designs and the challenges facing them, especially those wishing to change careers. Recommended for people interested in applying design thinking toward career development.

Dave and Bill expertly help you navigate your current life no matter the stage and teach you step by step to design the dream life you’ve always wanted, in your career, personal life and hobbies. This book was really helpful in recognising my priorities and giving me a direction to achieve a balanced life where these priorities get the attention they deserve. I recommend this to anyone, but especially teenagers and adults about to begin navigating their own life!

This book was AMAZING! The author is super talented and this book was such an informative and fun read! I recommend 1000%!!

It’s a really good book, but it’s 90% about your career which makes sense because the majority of your life is spent in your career, but I was hoping it would cover discovering passions and hobbies as well.

If you’re finding yourself unsure of how to proceed with your career direction, this book has really helpful exercises. It blends brainstorming with thoughtful decision making.

I think this is an excellent book. It’s geared toward younger adults maybe 20 to 30. Older adults who have a lot of self-knowledge will probably not find it as helpful.

Joe Scott is hands down my favorite YouTuber, and his book doesn’t disappoint. He has a way of telling stories that is humorous and informative. I enjoyed this book so much I purchased a copy for my brother for Christmas. The paperback version is very nice with a matte finish; perfect for a gift. I highly recommend!!

Whether you’ve found the book from Joe’s channel or because of a general interest in weird mysteries, it is well worth it. Joe rehashes some mysteries from the channel with new facts introduces new mysteries in his trademark blend of Richard Attenborough and Mel Brooks. It’s a great book and I cannot recommend it strongly enough.

It is a good book.

Joe Scott runs the awesome channel “Answers with Joe” and his years long experience in making the weirdness that is our world make a little bit more sense comes through in his first book. The topics are well explained and easily digestible to even those with little to no science knowledge. I think my favorite thing is how he presents each mystery with equal parts wonder and skepticism. Good Job, Joe!

The inclusion of content not covered in Joe’s YouTube or Nebula content is a great addition. It makes this book more than a rehash of previously covered material. The previously covered material is also improved with more in depth descriptions and humor. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to joe publishing more in the future.

Check out this book! Enjoy Joe Scott’s most popular mysteries from his YouTube channel.

Fantastic book! Pick it up for anyone who is a fan of Answers with Joe on YouTube! Or who is just a fan of weird and strange mysteries.

Fantastic read. Enjoy!

The large print easy to read version of the old farmers almanac is simply wonderful and well worth the little bit of extra money paid compared to the small print version you buy at the grocery store checkout. The large print version reads more like a magazine. The stories, facts and figures are most enjoyable and quite interesting.

AWESOME!! Love the larger size so it is easier to read. Gave it as a gift and the gentleman really liked it. didn’t have to get out his glasses!! always full of fun information and facts

Great! Larger than trade, but is much better to read. Glad still publishing!

I love this. Full of great contacts and facts. A piece of the 70s for my life.

I was hoping to get the regular one, but I appreciate the easy reading version. I’m not a kid anymore, and reading tiny print is getting to be a challenge. Thank you for making this available!

Buy it. Very interesting. This was my first time.

Farmers almanac announced that 2026 would be the last year in print I bought a copy for my grandpa for Christmas. I appreciate they have a large text easy to read version however I don’t believe it’s worth three times the amount of money as the regular volume.

Great delivery. Well made product easy to read.

Product Review: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. WhiteCharlotte’s Web is a timeless classic that masterfully blends heartwarming storytelling with profound life lessons. E.B. White’s charming tale of friendship, kindness, and the circle of life continues to resonate with readers of all ages.The story centers on Wilbur, a runt pig saved from slaughter by a compassionate young girl named Fern, and his unlikely friendship with Charlotte, a wise and kind-hearted spider. Charlotte’s ingenuity and unwavering dedication to saving Wilbur form the emotional core of the book, showcasing the power of selflessness and loyalty.White’s prose is simple yet poetic, making it accessible to younger readers while still carrying a depth that adults can appreciate. The book’s rural farm setting is vividly described, transporting readers into a world filled with wonder, innocence, and the bittersweet realities of life.Garth Williams’ illustrations add another layer of charm, capturing the warmth and emotional nuance of the story. Each character—from the playful Wilbur to the grouchy yet lovable Templeton the rat—is beautifully fleshed out, making the barnyard come alive.One of the most striking aspects of Charlotte’s Web is its ability to address complex themes like mortality and the passage of time in a gentle and thoughtful manner. It offers an opportunity for meaningful discussions with children about life’s joys and sorrows.Overall, Charlotte’s Web is more than just a children’s book—it’s a work of art that celebrates the beauty of friendship, the courage to stand by loved ones, and the fleeting yet precious nature of life. Whether you’re revisiting it as an adult or sharing it with a new generation, this book is a treasure that belongs on every bookshelf.

Trying to get my 7 year old into reading more in an age of elcetronics proved difficult. He had already seen the movie so I was able to (i think) captivate him more easily by suggesting this book first. He struggles with some words but overall it is suitable for his level and is pushing him to read more

A childhood favorite book, I knew I wanted to get this for my daughter to read it. She is 3rd grade and though there may be a few words she needs to ask help on, it is a good start to chapter books.

The book and print quality seem to be very nice for the hardcover version. I love the fact they have kept what appears to be the original art for the book instead of modernizing it for today’s readers. I’m in my 40s and grew up with the classic cartoon movie so it’s about time that I sit down to relive come childhood memories from the source.

We got this book for our grandson because it’s a favorite classic! Yes he just turned one but my son reads this to him ❤️ We are never too young or too old to learn about the unconditional love of animals .

I would give Charlotte’s Web ten stars plus if possible. One of the best ever stories written. Love the author and the seller was awesome.

This was my favorite book growing up I purchased for my goddaughter she was happy to receive.

I had a lot of fun reading this. I had never read it growing up, but had always seen it on the shelves of every library I had ever visited. It was one of those books you always knew about, but had never got around to reading. Probably because of the silly movie.Not long ago I was talking to my 8 year old granddaughter. She mentioned that she had never heard of it, which surprised me. LikeI said earlier, “Charlotte’s Web” and E. B. White books were always a library staple.So I decided to share it with her and found an untouched copy in our public library. My wish was to read it with her but she does not live with us so I decided to video it instead.That was fun. I’m not an expert on videos but managed to get all 22 chapters posted to the video site so that she can watch it.The movie leaves out some fun moments in Wilbur’s life. There are also some sweet, tender moments between Wilbur and his friends that the book captures much better than the movie.I think that it is a shame that so many beloved stories, like “Charlotte’s Web” have been reduced to movies. I ask everyone to share and old favorite book with a child.Read every day, read for fun!

I’ve been reading Arthur Brooks’ Atlantic articles on happiness for some time and have always loved them. He offers sensible and practical advice for finding happiness, backed both by scientific evidence and centuries old wisdom from philosophers. His articles are both informative and fun, and almost always spurs reflection. So, as a fan of Brooks, as well as being someone in my early 50’s, I had to read his new book, which is specifically about finding happiness in the second half of one’s life.Brooks starts here with brutal facts of aging and its impacts on your career. As a person approaches their late 40’s and early 50’s, their cognitive abilities will decline. This is a fact and a source of frustration for many strivers and successful professionals who try to keep up in their professions but find doing so increasingly difficult. This is obvious in some professions, such as athletes, who rely more on their physical abilities. But it is also true for just about any profession, and it is the cause of much unhappiness in middle age.The upside to a person losing their fluid intelligence, as Brooks calls the more rapid and agile intelligence of youth, is that at the same time there is an increase of crystallized intelligence, which essentially translates to wisdom. The key to happiness in middle age and beyond then, according to Brooks, is the transition from relying on fluid intelligence for your success to utilizing your crystallized intelligence to find a higher purpose. And Brooks is here to help you with that.As with his articles, Brooks’ writing is engaging and a joy to read. What he writes here makes sense, and as someone in my early fifties, resonates a lot. His advice is practical and seems a little scary but also achievable. He backs his points up with both scientific data and the wisdom of the great philosophers. He refers frequently to the importance of faith in the process. He gives someone who is suffering through this transition hope. Most importantly, he shows us his vulnerability by sharing his own journey through this process, which led to the writing of this very book.I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone in middle age who feels stuck in their careers or life in general. From Strength to Strength is a great place to start getting back on track.

Arthur Brooks book was an interesting and thought provoking read, as a recent retiree.As an introvert I appreciate his insights on what I need to adjust to the changes in my life that are coming, particularly in regards to establishing a few close friendships I can rely on, as well as, taking on a mentoring role for the next generation. On the other hand, I find some of his Christian theology a bit strange and in error, even as a professing Catholic. His discussion regarding Paul’s claim that the thorn that plagued him throughout his life was his source of strength is completely off the mark! It is God’s grace that provides his strength through Christ that allows him to overcome his thorn and to accomplish so much! How much more potent would be Mr. Brook’s thesis that “The secret to going from strength to strength is to recognize that your weakness—your loss, your decline—can be a gift to you and others” made possible by God’s grace! I think the author is attempting to not put off the “nones” who might be reading his book but if he is going to use scripture to prove his point then he should refrain from removing Christ from the story.That being said I did find much of the book useful and enlightening.

This book has nine main chapters, and a total of about 220 pages.In the Introduction Brooks recalls a conversation that he overheard on an airplane, that ended up inspiring him to write this book. He had listened to a famous older man complaining about feeling irrelevant, and he began to realize the importance of planning a new strategy for the second half of your life.The first few chapters cover topics related to becoming more self-aware. Brooks explains that people tend to be in denial about age-related performance decline, and he shows how focusing on the things that tend to IMPROVE with age can be more beneficial. He describes the differences between “fluid intelligence” and “crystallized intelligence”, and uses some historical examples. He gives some advice about not being addicted to success, and understanding evolutionary psychology.In the second half of the book Brooks discusses several concepts; including pondering death and legacy, romance and friendship, and bucket lists. He recalls a few gems of Indian philosophy that he picked up from a guru, and discusses how spirituality can become a source of strength and purpose. He describes the benefits of accepting weaknesses, and meditating on impermanence. He ends with a Conclusion section, where he condenses his overall message down to just seven words…Overall I enjoyed reading this book. Brooks uses many examples from famous brilliant people in history to illustrate his points, while also including personal insights from his own life. Learning to pivot and change your approach to life and happiness as you age can be difficult, and I appreciate this author providing some valuable advice for everyone to keep in mind in their later years.

I found the information in this book helpful in reframing my career and its impact to my overall life happiness. Seek balance between hedonia and eudaimonia! So GOOD

Arthur’s writing has solidified my thoughtsand crystallized my future!! Epic book!! This is a must read for everyone who wants happiness!!!

I wanted to like this book because it was recommended by someone I deeply respect. It does contain valuable tips for reflection, but the book meanders from anecdote to pull-quote to Buddha.This could have been an email.