Friday, July 18, 2014

The Internet Initiative - Internet Based Learning

The internet is a phenomenal tool for learning, this essay explores the vast options and tools available to all students.
Posted through Scribd to preserve formatting.
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My Bookshelf

"Your life is like a book. The title page is your name, the preface you introduction to the world.  The pages are a daily record of your efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragements, and achievements.  Day by day your thoughts and acts are being inscribed in your book of life.  Hour by hour, the record is being made that must stand for all time.  Once the word finis must be written, let it then be said of your book that it is a record of noble purpose, generous service, and work well-done."  ~ Grenville Keiser


Acting as guides and stimulating our imaginations, books are one of the many delights of life.  As a life-long-learner I heartily enjoy a good book, and began to read intentionally my freshman year in college.  In order to process the massive amounts of wisdom and creativity within textual compositions I have created a digital bookshelf where I reflect on what each book has taught me and archive it for future re-reads.  I hope that these reviews will be as beneficial to you as they were fun to write, enjoy! 










Rating ID Value Description
AAA 7 Current Top Book
AA+ 6 Previous Top Book
AA 5 Best - Exceeding Expectations
A 4 Great - Worth The Reader's Time
B 3 Ok - Mostly Benificial Content
C 2 Okay - May Contain Helpful Sections 
D 1 Of Last Resort
FF 0 Disrecommended
I NA Incomplete
NA UNRATED
















Rating Title: Author: Topic/s: Summary:
A Against All Odds Chuck Norris Inspirational Very inspirational , this is the book that first challenged me and made me ponder my Character.
A Blessings For You Graduate Kathy Shutt Quotations An inspiring book solei comprised of quotations.
A Leadership 101 John C. Maxwell Leadership Beneficial picks from Maxwell's arsenal of Leadership material.
A Graduate To Greatness Andrew James Leadership, Quotations Practical principles for a lifetime of success.
A Quantum Reality Beyond The New Physics An Excursion Into Metaphysics. Nick Herbert Quantum Physics, Metaphysics, Historical Mr. Herbert has composed a wonderful reading elating the beginnings of science with the present day happenings of abstract physics.  It is always intriguing to see what it is that science knows and what there is left to know and this book above all taught me that science doesn't know all and frankly never will, but it is a persistent and enjoyable pursuit.
A A Brief History Of Time - From The Big Bang To Black Holes Stephen W. Hawking Cosmology, Physics, Informative, Historical, Biographical This was a very interesting and understandable read, pertaining to the development and standings of cosmology, mathematics and physics.
A The Privileged Planet Guillermo Gonzalez, Jay W. Richards Cosmology, Physics, Informative, Historical, Biographical “In addition, these findings cast a different light on the general narrative of discovery from Copernicus to the present.  The existence of other planets, stars, galaxies, and the like is unambiguous (though limited) support for the Copernican Principle only if these are not at all relevant to our own existence.  But as we’ve seen, there’s no reason to assume this.  With respect to habitability, our existence depends on such local variables as a large stabilizing moon, plate tectonics, intricate biological and non-biological feedback, greenhouse effects, a carefully placed circular orbit around the right kind of star, early volatile elements-providing asteroids and comets, and outlying giant planets to protect us from frequent ongoing bombardment by comets.  It depends on a Solar System placed carefully in the Galactic Habitable Zone in a large spiral galaxy formed at the right time. It presupposes the earlier explosions of supernovae to provide us with the iron that courses though our veins and the carbon that is the foundation of life.  It also depends on a present rarity of such nearby supernovae.  Finally, it depends on an exquisitely fine-tuned set of physical laws, parameters, and initial conditions.” ~ Summary of The Privileged Planet Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay W. Richards (Gonzalez; Richards, 271-272)
A Rules Of Engagement - Finding Faith And Purpose In A Disconnected World Chad Hennings Leadership A book firmly founded on Character and Christ Centered thinking.
A A Leader'S Heart - Devotional John C. Maxwell Leadership, Devotional Amazing compilation of thought provoking, life changing questions.
A Newton And The Counterfeiter Thomas Levenson Historical, Biographical, Scientific For exploring the genius of a mind from roughly four centuries ago this book has an enormous amount of data concerning the late Sir. Isaac Newton ripened to its full potential.   But Newton isn’t the only character, with nearly 1/3 of this book devoted to the late counterfeiter William Chaloner.  The cessation of this book depicts the overlap of Newton’s and Chaloner’s lives constructing a perplexing “Cat and Mouse chase”.  In all the complex plot and perplexing tone derived from the prestigious research of Mr. Levonson was portrayed throughout this book giving it an eccentric livelihood and making it a book worth re-reading.
A The Circle Maker Mark Batterson Spiritual, Inspirational This is an amazing book, one which prompted me to explicitly define my life goals and to begin blogging
A Great Physicists William H. Cropper Informative, Biographical, Physics This was a phenomenal read, great conceptual and at times technical overview of the progression of physics, and sadly the digression of good moral character in physicists, that is something I hope to change!
A Life'S Little Instruction Book H. Jackson Brown Jr. Practical, Inspirational Reading four of the entries from Mr Brown daily is a phenomenal way to take in this massive list of 1532 entries that make you question and help you act.
A Intellectual Capital: The New Wealth Of Organization Thomas A. Stewart Economics The true economy of today is the economy of knowledge workers who invest in intellectual capital, with a currency of information.  This is a revolutionary revelation which has prompted me to make useful data I collect; quantifying and actualizing my intellectual capital.
A The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain  Fiction, Classic, Adventure This adventurous southern based plot was a fantastic read about a boy and a slave floating down the Mississippi River to get away from trouble but end up getting meeting trouble wherever they go.  Mark Twain did a phenomenal job brining out the true culture of the 1800's, parts of which are repulsive due to the presence of slavery and the general lack of character, but overall a great read.
A The Art Of Warfare Sun Tzu War, History, Strategy For a composition written several centuries ago on a form of warfare which is now obsolete, I was pleasantly surprised that this work contains many analogical but practical tid-bits of wisdom.  This read is fairly short and I highly recommend it to any reader.
A The Invisible Man H. G. Wells Fiction, Science Fiction The plot of the Invisible Man was quite enthralling and one not without a moral.  This is an intriguing thriller of a fiction book but that's not all, surprisingly it contains what I would consider a fairly accurate overview of the study of optics.
A Tarzan Of The Apes Edgar Rice Burroughs Fiction, Action, Adventure This action packed adventure of Tarzan - the man raised by apes, stronger than the lion but humbler than the best of gentlemen.  Mr. Burroughs enraptures his readers with a spellbinding romance balanced with fierce action; all of which make this classic a well worth while read!
A The Usborne Book Of Inventors: From Davinci To Biro Struan Reid , Patricia Fara  , Philipa Wingate , Ross Watton Inspirational, Scientific This was quite an intriguing children's book chalked full of interesting facts and figures.
A A Journey To The Interior Of The Earth Jules Verne Fiction, Adventure A Journey to the Center of the Earth is a most adventurous and delightful composition.  The fictions memoir details the extraordinary expedition of Professor Lidenbrock and his nephew Axel, as they explore the hitherto unknown depths below our very feet.
A The Lie: Evolution Ken Ham Scientific,  This was quite an eye opener on the validity and vitality of Genesis in the Bible as the foundation for the word of God!
A The Art Of Mathematics Dr. Jerry P. King Mathematics, Thought Provoking, Scientific Mathematics is not a subject most people think of as art, but King reveals some of mathematics most profound notions, while also identifying where mathematical education has room for improvement.  This is a neat read, full of interesting philosophical notions and intriguing mathematical concepts, making it an all-around good read.
A Gulliver'S Travels  Jonathan Swift Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure I am slightly drawn between conflicting opinions of this singular composition.  I must say that this author has a unique way with words, and I sure can vouch for his fantastic imagination, never have I encountered a plot so exquisite one moment and so obscure the next.  Gulliver is an ordinary man who meets with some extraordinary circumstances, from minute humans to immense giants to flying islands and Socratic assemblages, from sea to sea, fictitiously and fantastically Gulliver journeys across our humble abode.  Swift craftily enlightens his readers by exposing and illuminating upon some interesting fancies particular to human nature, through some odd and albeit sometimes disturbing contrivances.  Despite some of these odd particulars, I would moderately recommend this four-part journey to those whom Swift has dubbed the "judicious reader".  *Note: reader discretion is advised, some sections presented in part II may need by glossed over.
A Reinventing Leadership Warren G. Bennis, Robert Townsend Leadership, Inspirational, Study Group Format Of all of the amazing leadership books Reinventing Leadership stands out as a unique and beneficial read.  The conversationalist dialectic is not unlike that of Plato's "The Republic", a method which I find extremely beneficial as it consistently provides context to the concepts presented.  Additionally this book is written as a "self-study" helper where there are numerous thought provoking questions following each chapter.  Overall I highly recommend this book to the aspiring leader for its ample provision of tools,  suggestions and most of all their application.
A A Study In Scarlet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Fiction, Mystery This introductory piece into the life and undertakings of Sherlock Holmes and his companion, Dr. Watson is an extravagant though lengthy composition.  This title diverts from the regular course of events to include a SIGNIFICANT and slightly disturbing account as to the reasoning behind the crimes committed.  After the high standards which Doyle's latter compositions set, I was rather disappointed with this intrigue.
A The Sign Of The Four Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Fiction, Mystery Doyle never ceases to amaze me with intellectual depiction of Sherlock Holmes; however this venture seemed to drudge on in a rather melancholy way; instead of the usual adventure paced action.  Although this was an ok read, Homes is still GREAT character.
A The Pilgrim'S Progress John Bunyan Christianity, Fiction, Inspirational Trailblazers to "The Way", Christian and Faithful embark on a quest for the celestial city; facing giants and beasts , temptations and reliefs trotting a path for others to follow.  In this old English escapade, Bunyan exhibits a vista of fascinating characters, who are named according to their respective identities, as well as the virtues which they do so embody.  Both entertaining and enlightening this composition must certainly be counted a classic in the annals of English literature and I highly recommend it to the diligent reader.
A The Merry Adventures Of Robin Hood Howard Pyle Folklore, Fiction, Action, Adventure Merry indeed are the ventures recited in this fanciful composition.  From stout Little John to  hearty Friar Tuck this classic collection of lovable characters warms the heart while re-distributing the wealth which passes nigh Sherwood Forest.  Through scuffles and bouts at quarterstaff, Pyle has enthralled readers for generations making the classic legacy of Robin Hood a MUST read.
A The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer Mark Twain  Fiction, Action, Adventure This fictional biographical account of Tom Sawyer, well inscribes the vibrant fertility of childhood on the reader's mind.  Filled with fancies and beaming with scandalous doings, Tom draws along Huck, Joe, Becky and well nigh all his peers into maddening scrapes and marvelous adventures.  Mark Twain has created a masterpiece in his revelry of childhood, every moment of this chronicle entices the reader onward to more fantastic undertakings, making The Adventures of Tom Sawyer a must read.
AA The 360Degree Leader John C. Maxwell Leadership Leading from where you are in life and in work.
AA The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People Stephen R. Covey Leadership Wonderful conglomeration, I will always remember the 7 "The more proactive one is (Habit 1), the more effectively one can exercise personal leadership (Habit 2) and management (Habit 3) in his life. The more effectively one manage one’s life (Habit 3), the more Quadrant II renewing activities one can do (Habit 7). The more one seeks first to understand (Habit 5), the more effectively he can go into synergistic Win/Win solutions (Habit 4 and 6). The more one improves in any of the habits that lead to independence (Habit 1, 2, and 3), the more effective one will be interdependent situations (Habit 4, 5, and 6). Finally, renewal (Habit 7) is the process of renewing all the habits" ~ pg. 303
AA The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership John C. Maxwell Leadership Principals and precepts for leading and living with integrity, courage and wisdom.
AA New International Version ~ Bible God Spiritual The Bible consists of the foundational principals by which my life,"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"~Luke 10:27  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"~ 2 Timothy 3:16
AA King James Version ~ Bible God Spiritual The Bible consists of the foundational principals by which my life,"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"~Luke 10:27  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"~ 2 Timothy 3:16
AA Nueva Version Internacional ~ Bible God Spiritual The Bible consists of the foundational principals by which my life,"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"~Luke 10:27  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"~ 2 Timothy 3:16
AA How To Win Friends And Influence People Dale Carnegie Leadership A book given to me by Brad Singleton, containing great practical ways to communicate and ultimately lead more effectivly.
AA The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin Autobiographical, Historical, Biographical, Practical This biography was written in such a way as to narrate to the reader with some brief retrospective excursions.  Benjamin Franklin was, self motivated, practical and a very relate-able man with some extraordinary skills.  Amongst his many facets, Benjamin was foremost a statesman and an avid seeker of truth.  I heartily recommend this read to any person who loves to learn of the wisdom of others.
AA Relativity: The Special And General Theory Albert Einstein Science, Physics There is a reason why Einstein is a household name for genius!  His grasp of the intricate workings of our mysterious universe is amazing and even more so is that he had the insight and ability to communicate what he saw with the common around him. 
Below I have paraphrased each of the implications of cumulative work of The Special Theory of Relativity:
1. Speed of Electromagnetic wave propagation in vacuo: Nothing can travel faster than C “the speed of light, in a vacuum” ( 299,792,458 ) meters per second) so C is the “universal speed limit”.  2. Time Dilation: The faster you move through space the slower you move through time. 
3. Length Contraction: The faster you move through space the “shorter” you become. 
4. Inertial Mass: The faster you move through space the more energy you attain, thus the more “massive” you become. 
5. Space Curvature: The geometry of space changes based upon its “inhabitance”.  
AA The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Fiction, Mystery Sherlock Holmes is one of the most fascinating characters I have read about!  Though he is fictitious, his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ascribes great qualities to Mr. Holmes, thus equipped with his powerful deductive reason and cheery personality the Great Sherlock Holmes takes on many intriguing and challenging cases with his friend and chronicler Dr. Watson.
AA The Return Of Sherlock Holmes  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Fiction, Mystery Sherlock Holmes is one of the most fascinating characters I have read about!  Though he is fictitious, his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ascribes great qualities to Mr. Holmes, thus equipped with his powerful deductive reason and cheery personality the Great Sherlock Holmes takes on many intriguing and challenging cases with his friend and chronicler Dr. Watson.
AA His (Sherlock Holmes) Last Bow Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Fiction, Mystery Sherlock Holmes is one of the most fascinating characters I have read about!  Though he is fictitious, his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ascribes great qualities to Mr. Holmes, thus equipped with his powerful deductive reason and cheery personality the Great Sherlock Holmes takes on many intriguing and challenging cases with his friend and chronicler Dr. Watson.
AA The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Fiction, Mystery Sherlock Holmes is one of the most fascinating characters I have read about!  Though he is fictitious, his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ascribes great qualities to Mr. Holmes, thus equipped with his powerful deductive reason and cheery personality the Great Sherlock Holmes takes on many intriguing and challenging cases with his friend and chronicler Dr. Watson.
AA Treasure Island Robert Louis Stevenson Fiction, Classic The adventures of Jim Hawkins in his quest for buried treasure is a captivating tale of tragedy and fortune. 
AA The Hound Of The Baskervilles Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Fiction, Mystery, Crime The Hound of the Baskervilles is easily my favorite fictional read thus far!  With an extraordinarily complex plot and well elaborated animation of the characters and their interactions this is likely Doyle's greatest write. 
AA Failing Forward John C. Maxwell Leadership, Business Maxwell never fails to enthrall and educate his readers; life is full of failure, the big question is not how to avoid it but what your going to do with it.  Failing Forward was book that had some intriguing incites and, as always, was chalked full of good quotes making it a book worth reading.
AA Anne Of Green Gables Lucy Maud Montgomery Fiction, Classic, Funny This was a most delightful and optimistic read.  Ms. Montgomery has portrayed Anne as the most perfectly enthusiastic and imaginative character I have read of thus far; making Anne of Green Gables a very worthwhile read.
AA Everyday Greatness Steven R. Corvey, David K. Hatch Leadership, Inspirational Everyday Greatness is a collection of awe inspiring short stories and fantastic quotations, centered around some of life’s most vital traits among Charity, Courage, Integrity, Innovation, Respect, Perseverance, Balance and many more.  This composition of Reader’s Digest excerpts organized by David K. Hatch and overlaid with wisdom galore from the renowned Stephen R. Covey, is a book worth reading over and over again.
AA Robinson Crusoe Daniel Dafoe Fiction, Action, Adventure This is an exciting and adventurous excursion with one man as he learns the truth of God's word and the applicability of his revelation.
AA The Power For True Success - How To Build Character In Your Life Institute In Basic Life Principles  Leadership, Spiritual, Inspirational Wow, what a profound read!  This book was one of the most empowering and thought provoking compositions.  The Power for True Success is partitioned into brief sections each of which details a positive character trait and is chiefly comprised of biblical excerpts. The word of God is a profound revelation; as Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."~John 8:31-32
AA Life'S Little Instruction Book Volume I,Ii&Iii H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Inspirational, Brief Reads Life's Little Instruction Book is no little book but rather a list of over a Thousand unique and inspirational ideas.  Brown has compiled a true masterpiece of short phrases; each statement is candid and comprehensive yet pleasant and prolific.  I HIGHLY recommend this composition to any reader; brown's revelations are perfect for daily introspection.
AA The Valley Of Fear Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Fiction, Mystery This is yet another elaborate excursion into the mind and ventures of Sherlock Holms.  Similar to Doyle’s “Study in Scarlet”, after the mystery had already been solved, Doyle scurried off into a massive tangent in order to develop the past history of a single character.  Albeit this second half of the composition is almost entirely unrelated to the first Doyle throws in an intriguing and twisted ending which leaves the reader’s mind still contemplating.  Because of the incoherency which this composition displays I only recommended it to the strictest of Mystery “Scourers”.
AA The Lost World Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Scientific Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Action When professor Challenger of London makes public claims regarding the continued existence of Jurassic life a young reporter jumps at his opportunity to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to impress the whimsical maiden of his dreams.  This atmosphere of this composition was a stark contrast to Doyle's most famous works with world renowned Sherlock Holms ; a most "Verneian" writ, never-the-less Doyle made every moment of this venture most intriguing and included some  life lessons culminating in what seems to me to be a fantastic read for all audiences.
AA The Mysterious Island Jules Verne Scientific Fiction, Adventure, Action During the mid 1800's, in the midst of the American Civil war, four men through the most fantastic of circumstances are cast onto an island.  With natural the resources and their incredible ingenuity this band of brothers make the most of this opportunity to colonize the island.  All the while strange, but beneficent forces are at work behind the scenes.  Verne never ceases to amaze me with his amazing creativity producing a double benefit of both scientific and fantastic intrigues; always writing with the strongest expressions, even in the presence of an elusive atmosphere.  With the same vast imagination, the wisdom of Verne’s years continually conveys an unprecedented practicality.  All of this and more, which compels me to HIGHLY recommend this work to the adventurous reader.
AA+ Do Hard Things Alex Harris, Brett Harris Inspirational Very inspirational , this is the book that first sparked my love for reading and learning!
AA+ Man'S Search For Meaning Viktor E. Frankl Philosophical, Inspirational Informative and thought provoking.  Attitude is everything!
AA+ Be The Leader You Were Ment To Be Leroy Eims Leadership WOW, leadership literature is one thing but when you mix it with biblical insight it becomes even more powerful and effective.  Of all the books I have read thus far, "Be the Leader You Were Ment To Be" has had the most impact on my life personally.
AA+ Swiss Family Robinson Johann David Wyss Fiction, Adventure Of all the fictional classics I have read, The Swiss Family Robinson is the most wholesome.  From the start Wyss imbedded some extremely applicable and relatable moral lessons both discrete and implied.  Wyss made the novel even more intriguing by filling it with facts, he wrote with an intent to educate the reader in the fields of botany, biology and mechanical engineering.  With its surprisingly wonderful breadth of moral and scientific content I could not yet recommend a better fictional read than The Swiss Family Robinson.
AA+ The Scarlet Pimpernel  Baroness Emma Orcy Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Adventure After reading A Tale of Two Cities and being emotionally repulsed with the havoc of the French revolution I was slightly reluctant to delve into The Scarlet Pimpernel I am, however,  glad that I did!  Never before have I been so exquisitely enthralled and delightfully surprised with the contents of a book.  The innocence of Marguerite and the daring of the a mysterious British robin-hood like extractor along with the cunning of that dastard Chauvelin makes this book a must read.
AAA Heidi Johanna Spyri Fiction, Funny, Joyful This delightful fiction tells the story of a young Swiss girl whose joyful countenance and vibrant personality blesses all who come her way.  The lively characters and picturesque scenery make Heidi a book well worth reading.
B Are You A Champion For Christ Chip Brim Spiritual, Leadership, Inspirational Challenging and inspirational.
B The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald Fiction This creative composition about the upper class of the 1920's, delves into the melodrama of human nature.  All said, the Great Gatsby is an intriguing read, but not a book that I would re-read.
B The Odyssey Homer Greek Mythology, Fiction, Greek The Odyssey is a poetic ensemble that details the travels of Telemachus-pursuit of his father- in the Telemechia ,which consists of chapters 1-5, the wanderings of Odysseus depicted during chapter 5 through chapter 12 and the suitors’ exploits(13-14) of but concludes with the Fall of the suitors, which begins in chapter 15 and is resolved by Athena in chapter 24. 
The Telemechia gives an overview of the current time period, characters and events and highlights the development of Telemachus.  The chronological location of the Telemechia begins about 16 years after the start of the Trojan War- which was instigated by Helen daughter of Zeus.  To place things into prospective The Odyssey takes place over only about 20 years.
B Tortured For Christ Richard Wurmbrand Spiritual, Inspirational This was a real "eye opener" to the world of the communism and the persecution and triumph of the underground church.
B This Day We Fight!: Breaking The Bondage Of A Passive Spirit  Francis Frangipane Spiritual, Inspirational This is a challenging and encouraging book filled to the brim with great quotable phrases of wisdom.
B Around The World In Eighty Days Jules Verne Fiction, Classic An interesting and slightly enlightening tale of Mr. Fogg's epic journey around the world.
B Theodore Roosevelt'S History Of The United States Daniel Ruddy History, America, Revolutionary War This culmination of full length quotations is a phenomenal historical reference guide into the mind of a true American, Theodore Roosevelt.
B The Republic Plato Greek, Government This was an intriguing dialectic regarding the idealistic approach of the well know Greek Philosopher Socrates.  However I would say that this composition had quite a bit of logical inconsistency and often hastened towards an toward irrational conclusions.  Though I disagreed with much of this content I was able to pluck certain bits of wisdom from it, and am ultimately thankful for  trifles that I have uncovered.
B Lord Of The Flies William Golding Depressing, Fiction A novel regarding the moral digression of mankind at any age in a society of unlimited freedom.
B To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee Depressing, Fiction A fascinating and depressing novel regarding the discriminatory status of the United States.
B The Dangerous Book For Boys Conn Iggulden,Hal Iggulden Do-It-Yourself-Projects This is quite a collection of fascinating data, and how-to's.
B The Fear Of Man Vs. The Fear Of God Philip Delre Spiritual, Inspirational This was a well written composition describing some fundamental life pointers.  I am quite impressed on how boldly yet clearly Philip is able to articulate the Gospel.
B Oliver Twist Mark Twain Fiction, Adventure My expectations of this renowned classical composition were high when I began to read this book, but to my dismay the further I read the more depressing and melancholy the text seemed to delve, seldom coming up for brief gasps of enlightenment only to plunge the reader back into a pith of despair.  However, despite this melancholy overtone, Oliver Twist was an intricate and enrapturing melodrama of a composition; the stylistic writing of Mark Twain seems to make the reader feel the boy's every misfortune as vibrant as nails on a chalk board or hot tar on a newly paved road, albeit he does desist in his ever bearing measures against young Twist but keeps the reader hanging on the edge till the last possible moment.
B The Return Of Tarzan Edgar Rice Burroughs Fiction, Action, Adventure Although this sequel was an interesting read it was also much less impressive; the largest tinge was the scatterbrained chronology of events provided by the author.  Overall The Return of Tarzan was quite action packed and full of interesting escapades but not necessarily a book worth re-reading.
B The Gettysburg Address Abraham Lincoln Historical, Speech This is a short but powerful and extremely effective speech impelling the continued efforts of the North during the Civil War.
B The Further Adventures Of Robinson Crusoe Daniel Dafoe Fiction, Action, Adventure Daniel Defoe has contrived a phenomenal sequel to Robinson Curuso, complete with all the adventure of the first part and simply chalked full of wise advice.  While reading this sequel, I acquired quite a few tid-bits of knowledge and recommend it to any inclined reader, who knows you may learn something new too.
B Great Expectations  Charles Dickens Realistic Fiction This story begins when young Pip, the olé chap of Joe the blacksmith, is taken out of his poorish existence as a blacksmiths apprentice and falls into Great Expectations of fortune.  These expectations change Pip's personality and though some even more extenuating and exasperating circumstances, pip is reduced to his formal standings and in the end realizes who his true friends were and the simple truth that people matter most.  Overall this was quite a depressing read; however the situations which the main character experiences are gripping at times and will really challenge the reader to contemplate their life from a new perspective; and it is this introspection that is the sole reason why I would partially recommend this composition.
B The Jungle Book Rudyard Kipling  Fiction, Action, Adventure The Jungle Book is a pleasant collection of short stories; each containing a variety of lovable characters.  Kipling begins this memorable composition with an elaborate tale about a man who was raised by wolves, and then ventures into the world under the sea with a persistent sea lion, and concludes with a group of quadrupeds discussing their experiences in war.  This composition makes up for it's several discontinuities with the vista of personifications and depth Kipling's imagination, and so I would recommended this for a casual read.
B Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea Jules Verne Scientific Fiction, Adventure, Documentary Verne has done it yet again, enthralling the reader with this fantastic adventure detailing marvels nearly a century before their time.  This 1800’s expedition to hunt an unknown terror of the waters, lands professor Aronnax and his trusty servant Conceal  along with a husky sailor on an unimaginable craft, under the command of a mysterious Capitan Nemo.  Although this narrative does get a bit lengthy at times, and notably fails to end "with a bang", I found the read quite enjoyable and as even surprisingly educational (Who knew a snake's eggs hatch inside its body).
B What The Numbers Say Derrick Niederman, David Boyum Mathematics, Practical Mathematics is a field in need of reform and this book creatively proposes several areas of improvement.  We may never be able to change the way which numerical data is mis-represented or inadvertently construed ; but we can change the way we view external data, with a critical mistrust and an "ear" for the bias inherent in all studies ; above all we can ensure that any data which we ourselves generate is accurately depicted, not so that our contemplative methodologies and biases are removed but rather that they are clearly stated.  It is the data which claims to have no bias which is the most formidable enemy of reason ; ignorance of such vital information leaves the reader worse off than before this deceptive intrusion.  Overall Numeracy proved to be a most thought provoking read and beneficial philosophical guide to representing numerical data in the our technological world today.
B Pride And Prejudice  Jane Austen Fiction, Romance This piece of literature, composed by Jane Austen, successfully leads the reader on with all the fancies which social enterprises may allure.  However enthralling the story line may be, I was disappointed to discover that there was no substance of allegorical virtue or practicality in this classic "chick flick".  In all, Pride and Prejudice does verily take the reader on a roller coaster of emotions but simply leaves the reader back where they started, hence - not enlightening to any degree.  Even so, I am irresolute, I can neither commend nor dis-recommend this read, and so I leave it to the curious to determine the worth of this temporal investment.
C I Am Albert Einstein Grace Norwich Short Biography, Children'S Book Quaint, gained a few quotes from this book, and was prompted to read the Critique of Pure reason by its due mention.
C Tale Of Two Cities Charles Dickens Fiction, Historical, Drama, Classic This encapsulating fictional work of Mr. Dickens provides a perspective account of the French revolution, developing many different persona primly sprouting from Paris, France and London, England.  This is a powerfully dramatic and encapsulating bit of historical fiction.  "It was the best of times", as the 1700's were the age of Enlightenment however the French revolution was brutal lawless and though initially idealistic, quickly digressed into "the worst of times", which is the paradox of freedom in relation to anarchy.
C Rabindranath Tangore Particles, Jottings, Sparks The Collected Breif Poems Rabindranath Tangore Poetry, Inspirational Tagore's writings held a plethora of insight in 'tid-bit' formulations.  Though again I disagreed with many of his philosophical standpoints his works were not all tainted overarching allowing me to see our world form yet another perspective.
C Personal Investment Economics This was a most beneficial reading which taught me much about the generalities and workings of economic partitions, including the renowned stock market.
C The Foundations Of Science Sheldon J. Lachman Philosophical This was an interesting overview of scientific philosophy and thus understandably quite humanistic; additionally this rendition was written with a level of arrogance which was unneeded.
C Qed: The Strange Theory Of Light And Matter (Princeton Science Library) Richard P. Feynman Quantum Electrodynamics, Theoretical Physics QED is a highly technical topic, and though I was only able to comprehend ~2% of the content, from what it seems QED is neither a complete or consistent partition of the standard model.  This read was fun primly because it was difficult and also I know I may be using this type of calculation it in the future. 
C From The Earth To The Moon Jules Verne Scientific Fiction, Adventure, Action For a man who lived half a century before the space race and the first satellite, I was quite impressed by the surprising prediction Jules Verne made in his fiction "From the earth to the moon".  This work contained some interesting scientific fantasy, and seemed to be written as more of a third person documentary.  Overall it was quite a charming work.
C Connections: An Insider'S Guide To College Success Jennifer Latino, Sheri Moore, Scott Moore College Advice, This book contained some thought provoking questions and useful advice.  The naturalistic viewpoint seemed to dumb down it's contents, and bilk its pervasiveness.
C Walden: Life In The Woods Henry David Thoreau Biographic Journal, Nature, Relaxing In the mid eighteen hundreds the American author Henery David Thoreau, took to the woods, near Walden pond in Massachusetts, to see if he could not learn more by indulging in less.  With an abundance of time came an abundance of literature.  In his text Thoreau seeks to inculcate aspiring individuals, with a more profound sense of simplicity.  This indeed he does, but with a melodically texture that rather directs the reader contrary to his purpose,  Despite Thoreau's gloomy distemper, the text does have some notable allegories where in the author successfully illustrates some of the deepest human characteristics through the description of the nature surrounding him.  All in all, this composition was quite intriguing and so I must commemorate the attempt, though it was not very enlivening nor inspiring and so I cannot recommend the read.
C Flatland A Romance Of Many Dimensions Edwin Abbott Abbott Scientific Fiction, Though Provoking Written as from the perspective of a "square human" living in a two-dimensional plane, this fictional composition strives to provide the reader with a mathematical foundation for understanding the principles of iterative dimensionality.  Albeit this composition unnecessarily describes a diplomatic system similar to the middle-eastern cast system; taken as a whole it  still contains some select parts worth reading to the mathematically/geometrically/artistically inclined.
C Proofiness: The Dark Arts Of Mathematical Deception Charles Seife Mathematics, Paradoxes In a world driven by information, the key to understanding comes by critical evaluations of contemporary publications.  To sift, through the labyrinth of Mathematical miscommunications, Seife introduces a new vocabulary with allegorical and analytical  roots.  Although duplicitous claims abound the reader finds that the detection of these claims is a matter of discernment, a factor actualize-able by the faculties of the entire populous.  Even though this analytical accord of societal tendencies, does at times turn into a dogmatical "rant", the main purpose is still achieved, the author's illustrations really do make one contemplate the validity of his own conjectures.  Above all, Seife duly instructs the reader to think critically and publish responsibly - indispensable traits to participants of the scientific community.  To the curious, sections of this composition may be useful, but due to the overbearance of political exemplifications I cannot recommend the composition as a whole.
D The Time Machine H. G. Wells Scientific Fiction, Adventure, Action The Time Machine begins with an intriguing but fictitious scientific presentation on the nature of time and space made by "the time traveler".  This persona then goes on an adventure traveling through time and narrates his escapade when he comes back to his present time.  However intriguing the beginning of this narrative was, it quickly was tainted with a melancholy and detached attitude on many ethical subjects, and a generally detestable A-Morality.  Over all this is likely one of the worst reads I have encountered thus far, though certainly not THE worst.
D Best-Loved Poems Neil Philip , Isabelle Brent Poems, Children'S Book This book was a serious failure; there were so few poems I added from this composition that I can count them on one hand.  I must also dis-advise this book, as it contained poems which where thematically a-moral and some quite repulsive.  In short this read is NOT worth your time.
FF The Land That Time Forgot Edgar Rice Burroughs Fiction, Action, Adventure This adventure begins on the high seas in the late 18th century with a few grizzly sea battles which wind the fictional chronicler in a region inhabited by all sorts of per-historic animal life.  Although this composition had a promising beginning I must say that the author seems to have copied bits and pieces from Verne's works, and then once he ran out of sectors to copy he abruptly severs the already crude storyline.  Needless to say this is likely one of the worst compositions I have hitherto divulge in, and so I must resolutely dis-recommend the read.
FF-I The Three Musketeers Alexandre Dumas Fiction Love outside it proper confines and Murder dubbed 'Honor' 
FF-I Moby Dick Herman Melville Fiction This content was quite repulsive due to homosexual references and a blatant lack of morals.
FF-I Come Home America Daniel E. Johnson Elders Ranting, Politics, Government, Contemporary In spite of the truth of it's contents, this book was a drudgery to read.  The composition only address problems and utterly failed to provided positive, practical, suggestions for improvement.  Overall I do not se any beneficial content in this book and would recommend spending your time on more positive and inspirational reads.

Last Updated(07/18/2014)




Sincerely,
Deoac Veritati,
Por Dios y la Verdad,
For God and Truth,
-_-_-
“13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.” ~ 1 Corinthians16:13-14 (NIV)
 Jordan D. Ulmer

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