Your Chinese Horoscope 2004: What the Year of the Monkey Holds in Store for You [Paperback]

Neil Somerville (Author)

Book Description

Series: Your Chinese Horoscope | Publication Date: August 25, 2003

With an introduction to the Chinese Zodiac and an explanation of the five elements and which one governs your sign, this bestselling yearly guide is both fascinating and comprehensive.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Neil Somerville is one of the West's leading writers on the subject of Chinese Astrology. He is the author of several books on the subject, including Chinese Love Signs and Chinese Success Signs, also published by Thorsons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd. (August 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007143974
• ISBN-13: 978-0007143979
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,437,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good overall Entertaining as well, February 14, 2004

By 

C. Wallis Davenport "joyous2" (New York State) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Your Chinese Horoscope 2004: What the Year of the Monkey Holds in Store for You (Paperback)

This book starts out with a basic overview of the Chinese calendar, including the story of how the 12 animals came to represent the Chinese zodiac. There is then a calendar over the last 100 years, (to 1900), showing the lunar calendar, and when the Chinese New Years began, so you can determine what signs you and others belong to. After that, follows a basic description of each of the twelve animals.

What I was concerned about when I bought this book was that, as a horse, I knew there would be a description of what would be in store for those born in the year of the horse, etc., but what about those born in the year of the fire horse, water horse, etc? Well, as it turns out, Somerville has also added the elements to his book, and you will not be disappointed. Following the basic overview of each animals' upcoming year, is a further detailed description of what the element of the animal will affect that person. I was really pleased to discover that. If you know anything about Chinese astrology, you know that the fire disposition is quite different from the earth disposition or water disposition.

One thing I was disappointed with, is that there is no information on lucky directions or colors or charms, (such as stones or elements) to wear or display. For that, perhaps one should look in a combination Chinese astrology/ feng-shui book. I'm not sure, but I include it in this review for your information.

One thing I especially enjoyed was the description of other monkey years and how the trickster behaved during them. This is not only entertaining, but it is also of great interest to note how the stock market and world events played out during previous Monkey years. It can help you decide for yourself if you think Chinese astrology is valid or not. You can also look back on your own life and reflect on where you were during that time and see how your own Monkey year was.