beginning

Beginning iPhone 3 Development: Exploring the iPhone SDK
$39.99
As a computer scientist, I have read a plethora of programming books that attempt to teach you a particular framework, language, or programming technique. "Beginning iPhone 3 Development: Exploring the iPhone SDK" far surpasses them all in regards to ease of information consumption. I tried many times to learn iPhone development, but I could never find the right book, tutorial, or site to help me get started. Most of Apple's documentation is great for the advanced iPhone programmer, but they are quite lacking when it comes to users who are just coming to the platform. This book was just what I needed to propel me into iPhone development.

The book explains everything very well, and if there is a concept that they are not yet ready to introduce, or if it is out of the scope of the book, they make sure to inform you of such skips AND provide you resources that will assist you in discovering that particular part of the technology.

All-in-all this has been a wonderful book that is easy to read and easy to follow. They also offer up-to-date source code at their forums in case you are having trouble or if there is an error in the book. You can even submit corrections/errata for the next edition!

If you are considering moving to the iPhone platform, I would highly suggest this book to you.

Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the Search for the American Dream
$13.99
Excerpt from my original review at [...]:

When you think you have it rough, remember someone out there always has it worse. That's the message Scratch Beginnings: Me, 25 Dollars and the Search for the American Dream delivers. While most recent college grads are out starting their careers and partying on the weekends, Adam Shepard chose a dramatically different route.

I really enjoyed this book; I read through it in about 3 nights before bed. Adam glamorized nothing about his journey and it made me think twice when I complain about situations in my life. Some critics have argued that Adam wasn't really homeless and this book was an affront to those that are. They also said that he was taking up a spot from someone that really needed it just for the sake of selling books. Whether he was or wasn't, for the time he was in the shelter, he was indeed homeless. From what I gather, there was still room on the floor for another if needed. Could Adam have quit anytime and went home to his parents? Yes, I suppose he could have. There certainly would've been a lot easier ways to make a buck. But he didn't. And that's the point, he saw the journey through when most would've bailed.

Beginning
$18.95
Anyone that wants to know more about Ken Branagh and his theatre work will love this book. I am totally in love with Ken Branagh after seeing his numerous Shakespeare films (Much Ado about Nothing, Henry V, etc). He has an absolutely wonderful sense of humor and great wit. The writing is incredibly; he is entertaining throughout and he is completely honest and genuine. (I found that very endearing) I especially loved how he reacted to certain aspects of theatre, how he interpreted Shakespeare text, and his reactions to blessings and upsets. It is a real joy to read.

Crayola Beginnings Color Me A Song
$29.99
Just didn't entertain my 2.5 year old. Came with 2 'toddler' markers. I think for kids that can actually hold a crayon or marker, these are frustrating. The round marker seemed too big for her hands. And these markers did not fit in the drawer that came w. the board. We also had trouble keeping the paper on the board. Overall, poor design. I do not recommend.