Convertible Books

I enjoyed this book very much. As other readers have commented, it really captures the WWII era, has beautifully written characters, and has a romanticism that is very reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald. George Virdon is the sort that everyone would like to have as a friend.

My only real criticism of this book is the author's treatment of Chris and Nancy. Frankly, I became a bit nauseated by George's constant gushings about Chris's beauty, charm, etc. I realize that it adds to the books overall romanticism, but it got to be a bit much at times. This is only somewhat relieved at the end where she tells them all to stop putting her on a pedestal and treating her like the group's mascot. I also think the author's treatment of Nancy was a bit harsh. It seems like she does absolutely nothing right and while she and George aren't really right for each other, he could've been a little more even handed in his treatment of both characters. Nancy deserved kinder treatment and Chris needed a few flaws. It would not have robbed the books of its romantic flavor one bit. All of the other characters have a better balance of good and bad.

I also had to chuckle to myself when the younger generation tears into the older ones during the Harvard reunion. Boo-hoo for finding out the world is an imperfect place, kids. That generation, the Baby Boomers, is now running the show and is making a lot of the same mistakes that they used to rip on their elders about.

This is a great read, however, and it captures a generation that is quickly dying out.

I looked up this book because my dearly loved and tattered copy of the book I have read and reread over the years has finally gone missing, and I can treat myself to a crisp new copy to dive into again, read again, live again, love again.

I read "The Last Convertible" for the first time probably 20 years ago and I can still recite quotes, or passages, at any time. This book stuck with me.

Many other reviewers have stated very well what this book is about - 4 friends, Harvard, the War, the times they lived through. What I wanted to add is that this book truly stands out as a novel that you don't just read, you enter. The story shines a light on some remarkable people, but you feel that you know them, you are there. To some extent, like all remarkable works, you rethink your own life in context of the story, and it becomes part of you.

This story is a deep glowing ruby in my memory that still gives light and life to characters I know well. And I believe it always will.

I bought this book in hardcover form when I was 18 or 19. It sat on a bookshelf for a decade or more having never been read by me or anyone. Then it disappeared somehow through movings and such. Recently, some 25 years later, I found a used paperback copy at my local library and purchased it. This time I read it and kicked myself for days for having not read it so many years ago. I must agree with many of the other reviews. This is a wonderful book. Full of nostalgia and humor and so many other things. The characters become part of you and you don't want the book to end. I purposely did not read it quickly because I knew right away I was going to enjoy it. And I did. I love stories about nostalgia. I am nostalgic so I guess I identify with George. But all the characters are wonderfully illuminated by Mr Myrer and you feel like you know them personally. The use of the music of the 40's and 50's is great. A nice touch. Particularly if you love this kind of music. Which I do. A must read. Try it.

This book really encapsulates the experience of the World War II generation, and brings it alive for Boomers and Gen X readers. I would put this in the top twenty of the best novels I have ever read.

I first read this book probably 15 years ago, and I still pick it up and re-read it once in a while. It's so well-written, it makes me nostalgic for a time I didn't even live through! While it's about a group of college friends starting out in the 1940s, I think the story and its emotions are timeless enough to appeal to anyone. I saw parallels to my own experiences in college during the late 1970s, minus the war. The characters are so real, and they stay with you long after you've finished the book.

I just finished reading this wonderfully descriptive book. I loved the way the author described the need for satisfying a parent's wish even if it may go against your own well-being. The Israel/Tel-Aviv portraits were great and I found myself laughing at the very real vignettes. I called my sister to read some parts to her and we both roared.

I had the pleasure of coming across an advance copy some time back and I could not wait until I was able to post a review and spread the word about this collection.

It follows a young and confused Osnat through adolescence and adulthood, and also follows the life of her friends, family and those in proximity in one way or another. Like many immigrants or children of them, Osnat has a hard time fitting in - being Jewish but not Israeli enough, etc but that's not even the biggest issue for me - I loved how well the book was written and how funny it was throughout.

Each story is compassionately told and each story really makes you put the book down and THINK about it before you absolutely HAVE to devour the next one. It's been a minute since I read it but I promise I will be back with a better breakdown of the stories - I just *needed* to say something right now to support Danit Brown cause the book is that [...] good!! I plan on buying a regular copy even though I already own it because the book is THAT [...] good. LOL

As a "young" grandmother of four, I needed this book! Back when I was the mother of two little girls, I envisioned my future as a stay-at-home grandma who baked cookies and clipped coupons while the grandkids played under my feet. It never occured to me that I'd actually have a life! But here I am, eager to be the grandmother I need to be, but finding it hard to do everything I know I need to do.

I was hooked as soon as I read the chapter titles. From "Bathe Them in Prayer" to "Be Remembered as a Fun, Gutsy Grandmom" to "Never Give Up on Your Grandchildren--or Their Parents," each chapter and its stories hit me right where I am.

But the message woven throughout is the one that grabbed me at the heart: "Let the legacy you leave be your life." Sharon asks, "When we look back over our lives, what will we consider the most important of all we did?" I know the answer. I want my life to echo in eternity. This book is helping me do that.

In this wonderful little book, author Sharon Hoffman shares her wisdom on influencing the spiritual lives of your grandchildren. It was a fun read and it also really made me think of the opportunity that I will have to influence the lives of my grandchildren. I need to start planning now! I especially liked the section on how to be a great long-distance grandparent.
Five stars for sure.

Since its introduction in 1974, the VW Golf has become a legend, with the original still being produced in some countreis, including South Africa.
James Ruppert, who is the road test editor of the British Car Magazine, tells its story, but looks at it in a more critical way than many other authors, and that alone makes it worth reading. However, his comments on the new Beetle are uncalled for, and he has since been proved wrong. Nevertheless, it makes for entertaining reading.
The book discusses the first three generations in detail, and covers generations one to three. Each mgeneration's development history is also briefly discussed. However, not only the Golf is featured, but also the closely-related Jetta, Scirocco, Corrado and US-market Rabbit models. Interestingly, Ruppert says that there was no reason why the Golf was given this name in the USA.

The book is heavily biased towards the British market, because that is where the author comes from, but Golfs in other markets are also discussed. However, he makes one small error: the South African-built Golf 1 is known as the Citi Chico, not the Chico Citi.

If you are one of the millions who have owned a Golf, or maybe more than one, this book is a must. However, it's time for an update. How long is it going to take before a new version, which will include the two subsequent generations, will be released?

I bought this book simply because it covered Corrados which are pretty hard to find print material on. I didn't care if it was good or not, just the fact that it had anything to do with Corrados was enough for me. When I went to "read" the book I skipped to the end where the Corrado was finially mentioned. I figured it would be a little factual blurb about the short lived car but I was delighted to find a significant amount of text devoted to it. I was surprised at just how informative the book is-it covers everything you need to know about the Corrado (US and European versions); you even get subtle opinions thrown in which makes it much more interesting to read. After reading and rereading the Corrado section of the book over and over I was impressed enough to start over at the begaining of the book. Its enjoyable reading, especially for such a factual and informative book. I highly suggest it to any VW fan, or car fan in general for that matter.

This book should be on the desk of every serious equity investor. It covers several different types of convertible securities but concentrates on convertible bonds.
Although this is not a light read, it provides an in-depth coverage of the mechanics and math of the major types of convertible bonds - U.S domestic, US and non-US dollar euroconvertible, and non-US convertible bonds. It also touches on the subjects of convertible hedging and convertible bond arbitrage.
The book is filled with examples of both convertible bonds as securities as well as the calculations used by traders and investment managers to evaluate whether a particular convertible bond is a better investment than its underlying stock and why.
Every serious equity investor, from individual investors to investment professionals, can get something from this book.
Indivdiual investors will benefit from the basic explanation of what convertible bonds are, how they work, and many of the calculations they will need to evaluate convertible bonds as an investment.
Professionals will benefit from the thorough coverage of the mechanics of convertible bonds including trading and hedging strategies and calculations (through numerous examples), as well as of international, non-US currency, and multi-currency convertible bonds.
Although convertible bond hedging and arbitage trading are activities for the securities professional, an understanding of the basic principles covered in this book will make a better investor or trader of anyone who reads it.

This is not a coffee table car book, rather it is a romantic history of rag tops from the Amphicar to Jayne Mansfield's pink Cadillac, from Eleanor Roosevelt's Fiat roadster to Clark Gable's Duesenberg, from Richard Petty's '59 Olds NASCAR convertible to James Bond's Aston-Martin and a whole lot more!

I thought I knew a lot about cars and convertible's, but boy did this beautifully written and photographed book open my eyes. I bought it for myself, but my wife really enjoyed reading it.

The author must have spent years doing all the research for this book and boy has he come up with some gems! Just about every page is full of surprises, great pictures, cartoons and anecdotes.

This is a great Christmas or Birthday present for any adventurous guy or gal.

Serge Ivanovitch Taneiev's Convertible Counterpoint In the Strict Style published in 1909 is now available for the first time in English! The English Translation is of the most distinguished treatise ever written on musical composition. G. Ackley Brower translated the work, known to be the greatest ever written in its field. As a textbook on composition, it has been highly recommended by Dr. Serge Koussevitzky, who wrote the Introduction, Serge Rachmaninoff, Leopold Godowsky, Gregor Piatigorsky, and others. Reading the list of those authorities would, in itself, confirm that any individual who is a serious scholar of music education should take advantage of this new opportunity to acquire the text.

I quickly highlight that the book assumes knowledge of simple counterpoint on the part of the reader. "The study of vertical-shifting counterpoint consists of an investigation of those combinations from which derivatives are obtained by means of shifting the voices upward or downward." (p. 25) Taneiev has developed a method by which the study of counterpoint is put on a basis of pure mathematics; i.e., an algebraic basis for a theory of complex counterpoint. Rimsky-Korsakov wrote that it would seem that his method ought to result in a dry and academic composition, devoid of the shadow of inspiration. In reality, however, "his own Oresteia proved quite the reverse--for all its strict premeditation, the opera was striking in its wealth of beauty and expressiveness." (p. 1) Indeed, Igor Stravinsky adds, "Taneiev was a good teacher, and his treatise on counterpoint--one of the best books of its kind--was highly valued by me in my youth.

Taneiev notes that skill in the handling of counterpoint is of such advantage in composition that the beginner should devote part of his time to its study, and indicates that this will be attained with the least expenditure of time and labor by following the methods he provides. The "result will be a greater assurance and freedom in part-writing, skill in improving the musical content of the individual voices, the development--of special value in thematic work--of the ability to extract derivative combinations, the profit to be gained by acquaintance with an infinite variety of contrapuntal forms as means of artistic expression, and the subordination of the whole realm of tonal material to the creative imagination." (p. 300)

The book has two major parts related to vertical and horizontal-counterpoint for two and three voices. The text includes both rules as well as musical scores and includes specific algebraic notations.

Music Education scholars take note: Tschaikowsky, fifteen years senior to Taneiev would submit to criticism from this pupil of his which he would tolerate from no one else. Indeed Rimsky-Korsakow, with all his technical brilliance, felt like a student musician in the presence of Taneiev, and admitted it. Given the major composers supporting this book and the author, need I even say that this is a MUST addition to your library!

This book is a magnificent introduction to warrant investments. Giving specific explanations of what a warrant is, how it works, and what makes it attractive, the author also clearly states the risks associated with the investment tool. This gives a fair picture of the tool, so that everybody can find out whether or not they want to use warrants for their own investment. The writing of the book is clearly understandable, even to non-investment freaks. Difficult terms are explained clearly, and the book leads the reader further into the subject with each chapter. After having read the book, you might not be the world's greatest expert on warrants, but you will definitely be in the position to make some money out of them. A book for anybody who wants to make some money!

Anyone interested in restoring automobiles will enjoy and learn from this book. Also, the price is more than reasonable. It's a hardback!

The book provides a detailed account of the search for and restoration of a '57 Chevy convertible. It is not just technical info, it's also fun reading about the trials and tribulations of the team that restored this classic. You really get to know what it's like to "live" a project like this.

There are hundreds of photos and references to shops and services that can help with your own restoration project. I'm planning on buying some of Cars and Parts other books also. I hope they can be half a good as "Peggy Sue".

Please ignore my previous comments. They were ment for a book of a similar name. My apologies to the author.