Bond Reviews

I was charmed and enthralled by Tommy "Butch" Bond's life story. Frankly, my expectations of show biz autobiographies is not high: Everyone seems to be so intent on blowing his or her own horn. Bond is a refreshing exception.

First of all, I think the Little Rascals walk on water. Hundreds of years from now, some extraterrestial on the Moons of Jupiter with all z's and x's in his (its?) name will enjoy these short films as much as I did when I was growing up. They are universal in their appeal. We still haven't got to the point in our society that a Stymie, a Farina, or a Buckwheat can live next door to a Spanky, an Alfalfa, or a Butch. Hal Roach's Little Rascals were way ahead of their time.

Of course, we all know what happened. MGM bought Our Gang from Roach and trashed the whole concept. It was time to move on and -- like so many child stars -- turn to booze, drugs, or crime. But wait a minute! Butch escapes the cliche and turns to radio, film, and even TV. And he marries the Texas beauty queen and lives happily ever after. Bond has this talent for reinventing himself and going from one positive experience to the other.

Now who would have thought that the one member of the Little Rascals you should have grown up emulating was Butch the bully?

This is a book that is not only well written: It will make you feel good about life.

Tommy does an excellent job of telling the adventures of his life! Recommended reading for every fan of this fine man!

The book of Tommy Bond has great insight into the Little Rascals and old Hollywood. It gives you the sense of being there, and gives info that you could get nowhere else for a inside account.

the book is a journey to the past of the author. it is difficult to sieve out where the reminiscences end and fiction begins. feast for a reader who loves to know about india and its people. it's the connossieur working at his best. the english man wrote about india better than most of indian authors. his macabre tales are also very interesting.

Read the "Night Train at Deoli". And see if you don't remember an airport, a railway station, a dock ... and a loved one waving goodbye.

Ruskin Bond is the first author I've read who doesn't try to show off his command over the language[english] by using the most difficult words he can find and flaunting his excellent vocabulary.In other words he uses very simple english. When I first read this book the thing that most impressed me was the depth in his writing and his characters despite the simple language. A collection of some touching stories and essays,"Delhi is not far" can be described in just one word - beautiful.

His style of writing and his stories clearly show the Indian in him. On the whole, reading this book was a very satisfying experience.

A must-have desktop reference! Well written, incredibly informative and easy to follow. If you work in the industry, you MUST purchase this book! If you don't work in the industry, but want to learn about it, you MUST purchase this book!

This comprehensive guide offers unparalleled insight into some of the hottest topics in modern finance: from asset allocation to online trading, from broker-dealer operations to advanced portfolio management. It is a "must-read" for anyone who wants to get answers to the many questions concerning investments and modern securities markets. The book makes an excellent reference guide for everyone from a novice investor to a seasoned investment banker.

This book provided a clear overview on the world's leading financial instruments. It is a must read for anyone working in the financial services industry.

Anticipating the arrival of a baby is perhaps one of life's most treasured experiences -- for the young and old alike. Rebecca Bond captures the essence of the experience with captivating illustrations and a precious story of the whole extended family pitching in to make the baby's arrival a special one. I have taken to buying this book for the preschoolers in my life who are expecting a little brother or sister. This is the book my daughter, age 5, asks me to read to her more than any other. She and I are also enchanted with Ms. Bond's other two children's books. She is a relatively new author (with this being her first book), but I have a feeling (and I sure hope) we will be seeing much more of her writing in the years to come.

For any family who's ever experienced the joyful expectation of a newborn baby.... with all the hope and promise for the child's life.... there are 2 titles by Rebecca Bond that are SURE to please! The warm illustrations.... rooms full of books (and no TVs!).... and the tender multi-generational love for new life --- it doesn't get any better than this! JUST LIKE A BABY and BRAVO MAURICE by Rebecca Bond are the perfect "snuggle up and read-to-me" books. A word of advice: Your budding artists will want to duplicate the bright colors, textures and patterns.... Bond's art is contagious, so have the crayons, paper & paints ready!

I'm buying a second copy as a gift. Lively illustrations, fun story. This will be read to our grand daughter over and over.

I love this book because it presents a powerful message in a simple, unsentimental way. The illustrations are amazing -- I'm partial because my daughter and ex-husband were models for several of the illustrations that appear in the book! So thank you, Don Tate. You did a wonderful job, as did the author. A beautiful story about something most of us have a hard time doing: loving our enemies.

simply beautiful, both visually and linguistically...powerful meaning as well...I recommend it highly.

Katherine Grace Bond's talent shines through the deceptively simple prose of this heartfelt, authentic-feeling story. Other reviewers have already posted the general story line. I just want to add that many books in the Christian kids' market drip with saccharine and go for a forced sunny ending; this book is a refreshing exception that will help you open a healthy, substantive, character-building discussion with a pre-teen you love. The combined efforts of a white author and a black illustrator speak convincingly not merely to the issue of race, but also to the core issue of what happens when you love your enemies. A small gem of a book.

Over the past five decades, James Bond films have established themselves as the most popular film series in history. Some estimates have it that a quarter of the world's population has seen a 007 film, and this worldwide fascination with the Bond character has manifested itself in the thousands of fan clubs, fan conventions, web sites, and movie guides in existence today. But while there exists an abundance of literature about Ian Fleming's fictional spy, no book has actually considered the 007 phenomenon in the context of cultural and film history until now. James Chapman's Licence to Thrill attempts to examine the Bond series in a scholarly manner, and succeeds marvelously at doing so.

From the start, Chapman's meticulous, comprehensive study of these films is presented in an objective and refreshing manner. Chapman immediately sets the tone for the book, arguing that the viewer needs to look beyond the fantastic scenarios and hedonistic nature of Bond's life in order to grasp the real meanings of these films -- that is, that they nostalgically represent Great Britain's global strength during an actual period of decline. Chapman goes on to discuss the various film genres (spy thrillers, cliffhangers, action movies) that have been hybridized into the "Bondian" formula, and goes on to show that the Bond films themselves, despite borrowing upon other formulas, have actually developed their own ideology.

The most impressive aspect of Licence to Thrill is its comprehensiveness. Chapman places the Bond films in the context of film history, and by doing so, provides a larger framework by which to assess their cultural impact. He also examines the influence of other film genres on the Bond series; for example, the influence of the "blaxploitation" movement of the early 70's on 1972's Live and Let Die, which features an unusually high proportion of black characters for a Bond film. The rest of the book concentrates on the Bond films themselves, grouping them according to theme and charting the development and evolution of the franchise.

Although Chapman clearly illustrates that the generic formula of these films is virtually designed to change with the British political climate, he also maintains that Bond's adventures are representative works of nostalgia for British imperialism and nationalism. For example, in discussing 1983's Octopussy, which is set largely in India, Chapman notes the numerous television series in Britain during the 1980's devoted to the former British colony and the abundance of works at the time analyzing Anglo-Indian relations. Other films are set against the contemporary British political mindset, such as 1981's For Your Eyes Only, which strongly references Thatcherism, and the end result is that we see the films in an entirely new light.

Enlightening, entertaining and thought provoking, this book is highly recommended for anyone who is serious about film. For the rabid Bond fan, it is simply indispensable.

If you're like I am, you probably cannot get enough of the world of James Bond, Agent 007. The male (and female) fascination with Ian Fleming's fictional creation is now clearly ubiquitous since 007 conventions, fan clubs, web sites, and 'official' and 'unofficial' James Bond movie guides can be found all over the world. The recent re-release of special edition James Bond films on VHS and DVD provides a clearer indication of the success that the Bondian industry enjoys. While there exists an abundance of literature about Ian Fleming's fictional spy, few works actually consider the 007 phenomenon in a serious manner. In fact, the only title that comes to mind is Kingsley Amis' 1965 work, The James Bond Dossier, an extended essay analyzing Ian Fleming's secret agent as he appears in print. There has yet to be a thorough discussion of the Bond novels and their adaptation into film ' until now.
Released this past spring by Columbia University Press, Licence to Thrill by James Chapman breaks new ground as an in-depth study of James Bond and lends credibility to addressing the 007 phenomenon in a scholarly manner. Chapman's introduction, 'Taking James Bond Seriously,' sets the tone for the work: this is not another fan guide to the behind-the-scene insights from the movies. As Chapman writes, the 'numerous books on the Bond films'all emanated from what might be termed the Bond fan culture rather than academia.' Arguing that one must look beyond 007's hedonistic male fantasy life in order to observe how his imaginary world nostalgically represents Great Britain's global strength as Empire and Cold Warrior during an actual period of decline, Chapman's meticulously researched and comprehensive critical study of James Bond is presented in an objective and refreshing manner.
Chapman's early discussion of various genres of film (British imperialist spy thriller, cliffhanger adventure serial, Hollywood action movie, etc.) and the nature of British cinema adequately provides the reader with the requisite knowledge necessary to understand the role of cinematography. Chapman allows proper transition so as to introduce his concept of the 'Bondian' genre ' that is, that the Bond films themselves, despite borrowing upon other formulas, have actually developed their own ideology. The most impressive aspect of Licence to Thrill is its comprehensive narrative. Despite an overabundance of facts (citing, for example, that Kingsley Amis himself argues that Bond is not a spy but is rather presented as a secret agent), quotes, and analyses, the book flows smoothly. That Chapman does not limit his analysis merely to Bond films but rather incorporates British and American films preceding them ' Bulldog Drummond (1929), Dick Barton ' Special Agent (1948), North by Northwest (1959) ' allows the reader to place Bond films within a larger framework. In doing so, Chapman's argument that the James Bond film series exemplifies the progression of spy thrillers films from B-movie to big-budget motion picture stature is soundly supported. Chapman also explores other film movements' impact upon the Bond series, particularly the 'blaxploitation' movement of the early 1970's (Live and Let Die, 1972) and the rise in popularity of kung-fu movies (The Man With the Golden Gun, 1974). Chapman illustrates that Stephen Spielberg's 1975 blockbuster, Jaws, inspired the creation of Bond's infamous seven feet two inch steel-toothed nemesis bearing the same name.
Having provided background in the broader subject of cinema, Chapman devotes the rest of his work to the actual Bond films themselves and groups them according to theme, the development and implementation of what he terms the 'Bond formula,' and, in some cases, the actor who portrays Agent 007. Although he clearly illustrates that the generic formula of the Bond films is quite malleable depending upon numerous political and cultural developments of the period, Chapman nonetheless maintains that the James Bond films serve as representative works of nostalgia for empire and British nationalism. In his discussion of Octopussy (1983) in which much of the action is set in India, for example, Chapman notes the numerous television series in Britain during the 1980's devoted to the former British colony and the abundance of works analyzing Anglo-Indian relations while other films, such as For Your Eyes Only (1981), reference Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's 'Iron Lady' reputation.
Surveying all the Bond films from Dr. No (1962) to Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) ' including the comical Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again, the 1983 remake of Thunderball (1965) ' Chapman's Licence to Thrill is a definite must-read for any James Bond enthusiast. Enlightening and thought provoking, the book maintains the reader's interest throughout and documents the chronological progression of the longest and most successful film series to date. And while it will certainly not leave you 'shaken,' Licence to Thrill definitely 'stirs' interest.

Licence to Thrill is a cultural review of the James Bond movies and provides an excellent survey of the changing Bond image in movies; from its start with the 1962 Dr. No to its progression beyond Fleming's spy novels to classic films. Bond became a symbol of a Cold War world where Britain was no longer the ruler: this examines how movies reflect and affect social change through images of politics and culture.

Jack Bilello's "Bonds of War" is an unforgettable war novel. The author has clearly done his homework, weaving his story around the historical events of World War II and Vietnam. The ordeal of the protagonsist (Jessie VonTwelves) is told in a gripping narrative that had me mesmorized. The unfortunate events of the U.S.S. Juneau, which lost all but ten of the 700 men aboard during a conflict in the Guadalcanal, is one of the most moving accounts of war you'll ever read. Sadly, like much of World War II, too many of us have forgotten or (dare I say it) never heard of the events that our brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for. Mr. Bilello ensures you will never forget in this extraordinary book. Alternatively sad, moving, and even laugh-out-loud funny, the book moves back and forth in time with great ease. Not an easy feat in fiction-writing, but done with great plotting and wonderful attention to detail in this book. The ending is both satisfying and carefully planned as we see how father and son come to grips with their special bond, their separate but similar circumstances of two of America's wars. The characters stayed with me long after the book was placed back on my shelf. I applaude Mr. Bilello's impressive, moving, and wonderful book and hope others will find, and read, this important story of war, love, and family.

Bonds of War is a top-shelf novel, full of intensity and emotional upheaval. The author's knowledge of military history shines through effortlessly, making for a completely credible and gripping story.

A GREAT,EASY READING STORY OF A FATHER AND SON WITH THEIR OWN GRIPPING TALES OF THEIR WAR EXPERIENCES.THE FATHER, FROM THE PACIFIC FLEET AND THE SON FROM NAM. EACH HAVE A STORY TO TELL,EACH CAN NOT GRIP THE OTHERS HURT. A MUST READ STORY,WELL WRITTEN AND WONDERFULLY TOLD. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ALL THAT SERVE THEIR COUNTRY.

It is a shame this work is out of print. I really enjoyed it. It is deeper than most of Bond's work, with more thought-provoking material, but not so thick that it is tiresome

I randomly picked this book off a library shelf as something to help a boring afternoon pass by, and was surprised at how enthralling it was. I was surprised to learn this title was out of print, because the colorful palette of characters and their problems are so thought provoking that I wished to own the book myself. Nancy Bond introduces the two families of the Ibbetsons and the Prines who are forced together when the divorced Prine mother Valerie maries the widowed Ibbetson father Edward. Their children must accept eachother and they all must learn how to get along as a family, parents included. But that is not the point of the book, that is merely one of the layers that this book takes you to. Valerie is an archaeologist who is excavating the ruins of a Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall in the Northumbria region of England, and that is why all of the family must move to Wintergap, a gloomy house built in the harsh climate of northern Britain. Penelope, the only Ibbetson daughter is the main character, and she is the first to sense the dark history of the house. I could go into deep details through the multiple layered plot leading to a horrible accident but that would ruin the story. The suspense makes you keep reading to find out how everything turns out. The most interesting part of the story in my opinion is the friendship that forms between Penelope and a local farmer boy whose family has been feuding with the previous residents of Wintergap, where Penelope lives, and despite her families warnings to stay away from the troublesome Robsons, Penelope must learn how to bring back together the divided land, and somehow make amends. This is a must read for children ages thirteen through adult as it is thought provoking, suspenseful and full of historical accuracy and astonishing details, but because of some minor language issues I wouldn't reccomend it for children under thirteen.

One of the best books I have ever read--about a feud in Northumbira ending in disaster, and Penelope (the main character) learning a valuable lesson about good and evil.

I was Hospitalized last year for Lymphoma.Iwas so ill chances of survival were slim.The Doctors had to remove my spleen,for they could of not saved it from the disease.I heared about essiac Tea.I had nothing to loose at this point.I had a friend bring it in to the Hospital were I was at.The remarkable difference the tea made, made me a true believer in it.It has been 6 months since I first took my first drink from it and to this day I am still drinking it daily.I have not missed a day.Now 6 months have passed and the Doctors say they got 99% of the disease.There is still 1% left,but from the day I was diagnosed,I could not be any happier.They say it is uncurrable,but If I can get it in remission that is good enough for me.Thank you essiac Tea and to all my friends that stood by me in the Hospital and are still with me today fighting this disease.And to a very special friend Kenny,that helped me efford the tea during a very hard time of money.And also a very special thanks to my ex-Husband and my children that gave me hope and comfort again.This is not a easy disease to swallow but stick in there.There is hope.Thank you for the time to have let me share my feelings.Thank you Essiac Tea.

This book is a no frills, frank discussion of the use of essiac to build up the immune system so the body can fight cancer and many other immune related diseases. The history of the discovery of native use of essiac by Rene Caisse and how she was able to use it successfully to help a large number of people is very encouraging to potential users of essiac today. I have purchased several copies of this book and given them away to cancer sufferers who have immediately began using the tea with great trust and hope. The odds of being helped by essiac presented in this book are so much better than most cancer patients could imagine that they are eager to try it. Every cancer patient should read this book and then make up their mind about how they wish to combat their disease!

This unique book by Cynthia Olsen, a veteran and respected researcher and author of natural health, and a pioneer in the field, details a remarkable natural remedy with a history of use concerning cancer; this book also details essential health concerns for those facing cancer in themselves or loved ones in a compassionate, caring, and useful way that makes this, in my opinion, a classic in natural health publishing and an essential reference for all interested in vital health. Excellent resources, detailed history, correct and respectful attribution to native amerian sources, and direct and personal style of writing also make this a highly readable, useful, and interesting work.Of all the existing works on this subject, articles and books, I rate this the highest on the topic, after years of my own research and publishing work in the area of health and natural healing.Members of my own family have succumbed to cancer and I believe this book would have helped them maintain a higher quality of life if they had had it then.

THIS BOOK WAAS VERY GOOD. IT GAVE THE EXPEIRNCES OF PARENTS MWHO HAD KIDS THAT WHERE AUTISTIC. I BOUGHT AND READ IN ONLYA FEW DAYS.

Living With Autism is a collection of candid, informative and revealing parental stories of what it is like to live with autistic children on a day to day basis. Author Kathleen Dillon provides a review of the professional literature defining and diagnosing autism, securing adequate treatment, family stress, social stigma, and all of the aspects and elements of life with an autistic charge. Highly recommended reading for parents and caretakers of autistic children, Living With Autism is enhanced with a "Parent's Questionnaire" and "Suggestions For Parents", references, glossary, and an index.

i have read many books dealing with the subject of autism and i feel this book has the most accurate information. from the author's prospective & researched information you get a step by step introduction to the effects of autism on the families. honest & straightforward... w/o hyping miracle cures (i.e. vitamins, drug therapy) or understating the massive effect an autistic child has on the family. for anyone who is close to a family with an autistic child this is a must read..... the 6 children whose parents were interviewed give an honest, clear account of what day-to-day life is like with an autistic child. funny, heartwarming, sad and informative if you buy any book about autism, buy this one! i've read 24 plus books on autism, this one is by far the best