Artificial Intelligence - Rob Callan

Advantages: funny, couldn't put it down
Disadvantages: finishing it

...more complex, but nothing you couldn't handle! One of the biggest highlights of the book was the sheer volume of comedy, The jokes in there are never over done or strung out and are definitely not in short supply. There is also something for everyone, ranging from comedy in its most blunt form, to a political satire in other places. The characters integeral to the plot are few, and at times can seem underdeveloped, but i can assure you they are not. Rob Grant is direct and to the point without getting bogged down with the past and it does not really detract from the characters at all. All in all Incompetence is a great book and i would highly recommend reading it. It is a laugh a minute, whilst providing a satisfactory plot and at times can be scarily insightful as to what Europe is heading towards!... Read review

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Advantages: Witty, well-conceived, well-constructed collection
Disadvantages: None

...Harold Rabinowitz and Rob Kaplan have compiled a wonderful collection of stories, essays and poems that anyone with a passion for books will find wonderful. Ray Bradbury, in his foreword, helps to explain this passion: 'The women in my life have all been librarians, English teachers, or booksellers. If they couldn't speak pidgin Tolstoy, articulate Henry James, or give me directions to Usher and ox, it was no go. I have always longed for education, and pillow talk's the best.' Including contributions from current and previous writers who have explained their passions for books, this collection is witty and intelligent, and perhaps a bit over-the-top for those who do not share a similar passion. Umberto Eco explains both how to organise a public library, and how to justify a private one. On the former, suggestions... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: effective, easy to follow, relatively quick
Disadvantages: takes a while to learn the exercises

...Callanetics I had tried quite a few exercise regimes, but they had little short-term effect and I soon got bored of them. I have little time to spend on that. Then I discovered an old Callanetics exercise book by Callan Pinckney. You learn about her life story and how she came to develop the exercises and you actually see photos of her and she does look great. Once you are motivated you go through the exercises with photo instructions to guide you. They really do take a lot of effort you can feel them working unlike most other exercises. They get to the muscles deep down. It takes 10 hours to get your body in shape, but then you only have to do 15 minutes a few times a week. It is well worth it as I have really seen my body become more toned and sculpted. I wanted to share it with you, as everyone seems to have forgotten about it. I... Read review

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