Richard Balls

Advantages: Well-rounded, objective picture of the man and his times
Disadvantages: Lacks index

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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: good plot, good characters
Disadvantages: bad style

...she'll only sneer, after all My Best Friend's Girl is No 9 (nine!) on amazon's sales rank, what more can an author wish? How could she get there? The answer is R&J; I found a sticker glued onto the cover "Richard&Judy's summer read" but didn't know what that meant, I had to ask around to learn about these people's recommendations and consequent sales power. Now it's up to you, you can believe me that the book has a good plot, interesting characters but is badly written and is therefore hard to enjoy or Richard who 'had a ball with it'. TIME WARNER BOOKS 437 pages Published in 2006 Cover price 6.99 GBP... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Fascinating
Disadvantages: None

...OVERVIEW This is a fantastic introduction to science for any child. It is written by Richard Hammond, the well-known presenter off 'Top Gear- he breathes great life and humour into this fabulous book. He presented the science programme 'Brainiac', which gave him a great background to write this book. I used this book in school with primary aged children, but it is also perfect for inquisitive children at home. I love the way that the different sections start with a posed question, such as 'Can you lie on a bed of nails?' The book is filled with colourful pictures and photographs- it is laid out in a really imaginative way, including timelines and speech bubbles. Reading this book is as fun as reading a magazine. Older children will love flicking through its pages and telling you all about the fascinating facts. CONTENTS NB I have... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Exciting
Disadvantages: Nothing special

...One Raniy Night is an average Richard Laymon horror book. The story is about “black rain” that falls on a town and makes everyone it touches evil. The book is well written but it lacks whatever it is in other Richard Laymon books which makes them so exceptional. The full potential of the storyline was not reached but overall it was still a very entertaining book. I would recommend it to any Laymon fans but if you are looking to read Richard Laymon books for the first time you would be better to go for one of his others (preferably a more recent one) such as Island, Body Rides or Quake before reading this one.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Makes you think, well written
Disadvantages: none

...The Beach is one of those books that will really make you think. You read it, and you want to read it again, and again! The basic plot of the story is a young, idealistic man named Richard, who spends a night on the Khao San Road, in Thailand. When there he encounters a strange man who speaks of a Beach somewhere. Richard is naturally confused. Then the man, named Daffy Duck, again confusing kill;s himself and leaves Richard a map - to the beach. Richard, aided by two friends, Ettiene and Francoise find the beach and realise that life may not be all backpacking. It is a good book for all readers. It encompasses everyone.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful