Madam Secretary: A Memoir
by Madeleine Albright
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Hardcover (16 September, 2003)
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Reviews (48)

You don't need to read more than the title
Sometimes a title says it all, and Madam Secretary is essentially the sum and substance of Albright's claim to fame. She was the first woman Secretary of State and probably one of the worst Secretaries of any department in any era. Admittedly she worked for a morally bankrupt man who governed based upon what the polling data showed, but this book reveals that the ship of State was rudderless and without a compass.
If the titles "Clueless" and "Sleepwalking through History" weren't already taken, they would have been much more apt descriptions of Albright's tenure in such serious posts as Secretary of State or Ambassador to the UN.
The initial chapters were interesting in her personal history as her family moved from Czechoslovakia and to the USA, but it was all downhill after that.
I kept turning hundreds of pages looking for some substance or recognition of her true impact on world events but couldn't find any. Her refusal to be "baited" at the UN and defending the USA by rabid haters of the USA and instead making jokes about how it made her feel "young again" was telling. She glosses over the North Korean violation of the "framework" negotiated between the new Clinton Administration in 1993 and 1994 by the peanut farmer and never acknowledges that this "framework" was violated by the North Koreans from day one, but somehow blames the Bush Administration for calling an end to this charade by revealing the fact that the North Koreans never lived up to their commitments. The bombings by al Qaeda of the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania the year that Osama declared war on Western Civilization? No connection that she had anything to do with it or the impact of the US tepid response. What about Clinton hiding behind her skirt and sending her out to defend him when he lied to her and the nation about Monica? It was all Ken Starr's fault. Arafat lying through his teeth about Palestinian terrorism and using the White House as his platform? Not a problem. Rwanda and the greatest genocide in modern history since Pol Pot as hundreds of thousands of Tutsi's were hacked to death? Boys will be boys, and besides, the UN didn't want to get involved. Any thought about how Saddam built billions of dollars of palaces under the Oil for Food program that she supported? An audit program? What and upset the French who were collecting the billions involved in the program thru Paris banks?. Mon Dieu!!
This book is much more spin than substance, but I actually think that she doesn't recognize the difference. If you want to know why we were so highly thought of by the enemies of freedom, you can read all about it here. We were very, very nice when we should have been very, very determined. If you want to know just how the world became such a dangerous place on her watch, you might be better off saving the dollar I paid for this book and asking some wino on a park bench. Most have them have a better understanding of the real world. The Freudian analysis of this book's title is that she may have been the biggest Madam in Foggy Bottom while she was in charge of the house located there called the State Department. The problem is that she is probably unaware of the fact that it may not necessarily be a compliment.

I didn't want this book to end...
After thinking about buying this book for several months, I finally did and I can not tell you how much I enjoyed it.I picked it up on my way of town on my vacation to Rome thinking the large size would be easier to tackle over a vacation than in my normally hectic life.It is a page-turner and was hard to put down even with the sights of the day in Rome waiting.I laughed at her witty insights and funny anecdotes, I cried tears of hope and joy reflecting on what a breakthrough her achievements were for all women, and cried tears of sorrow as she relayed the events surrounding her discovery that she was of Jewish heritage and had several family members killed by the Nazis.Madeline Albright is a witty, dignified, lovely, intelligent, interesting woman who is an inspiration to all.I hated when I finished the book as it was wonderful to have Madeline in my life for a time.It is more chit-chatty than I expected, but I would compare this book to Kay Graham's autobiography.(I actually enjoyed this one more).

from a leisure reader
I wish I hadn't put off reading this book. I never imagined I would enjoy it so much.

I would have never thought a political novel would keep me anxious for every page, but hers did. I enjoyed the mix of serious commentary and humor. Although it seems that she could have written more in some places it does seem candid overall.

Albright's writing style is very comfortable. She sticks to the point and presents her thoughts clearly. I felt as if I was being told stories by my own grandmother. I have a newfound respect for Albright as a role-model for todays young women.

I especially enjoyed her personal accounts of the "non-public" side of several world leaders.

I see some reviewers complain that this book didn't have enough hard hitting politics, but it does say it is a "memoir."I wasn't looking for policy choices or political analysis, I was looking for history from the point of view of one woman on the inside, and I found just that. ... Read more

Isbn: 0786868430
Sales Rank: 24110
Subjects:  1. Albright, Madeleine Korbel    2. Ambassadors    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Cabinet officers    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Political    10. United States    11. Women    12. Women cabinet officers    13. Biography & Autobiography / Women   

Who's Looking Out for You?
by BILL O'REILLY
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (23 September, 2003)
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Editorial Review

As he did in his bestselling books The O'Reilly Factor and The No Spin Zone, TV and radio host Bill O'Reilly again blasts a host of selfish and corrupt individuals and institutions for threatening the nation's well-being--no surprise there. What is surprising is the personal tone of Who's Looking Out For You, which is as much self-help as social or political commentary. Is O'Reilly getting soft? Hardly. He still packs a punch, but this time he mixes tales of outrage with practical advice gleaned from his own experiences and mistakes.The underlying theme of the book is trust. If you can identify and associate with those that deserve your trust, he argues, you will get along well in both your personal and professional life. Among those external forces undeserving of trust, according to O'Reilly, are the media (particularly harmful to children, he warns), the legal system, and the government: "Our federal government is not good at helping real people who have real problems, and it doesn't care about the money you give it as long as that revenue train keeps chugging along," he writes. He also hammers the INS for their lax stance on illegal immigrants and the damage it has caused the country, irresponsible parents, secularists, network news executives, ideologues, and minority leaders who foster hatred in order to serve their own interests, to name just a few offenders. Though some of his advice tends toward the obvious, it is hard to argue with his emphasis on self-reliance, especially at a time when the answer to the question posed in his title seems to be "just me." It's a good bet that many readers will also add Bill O'Reilly to this list. --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Reviews (532)

Recommended reading, but not spectacular
Bill O'Reilly loves to talk about 'the folks'. He loves to be loved by 'the folks'. Anyone who watches his show knows how frequently he addresses 'the folks' and how frequently he references 'the folks'. I think it's safe to say that Bill has aimed this book at his 'the folks'.

Don't get me wrong, he makes good points, legitimate points. It's just that, perhaps in an effort at accessibility, he has come off a little light on the analysis here, and a little short of engrossing in his style. The chapters are quick and to the point. The personal anecdotes are almost too on the nose. But he's not wrong. Bill, as usual, gets the basic points correct. He does, in fact, know who is and who is not looking out for you.

The bottom line for Who's Looking Out for You is that it is no great political or sociological treatise. It is a book with simple points, delivered in straightforward, simple language, in a simple, short and, ultimately, not overly impressive book.

Nevertheless, I recommend it. If you read a lot of political books, essays and blogs, there is one thing that is certain. You absolutely MUST know what Bill O'Reilly has to say. You can't consider yourself hip to the modern political punditry scene if you aren't hip to Bill. That's true whether you agree with him (as I do) or not.

Quite simply, he's required reading.

Review from a moderate
Great book for a plane ride as you can easily read the whole book in a couple hours. Its interesting to read the reviews. Almost immediately, you can tell who voted for Kerry and who voted for Bush based upon their disdain or love of O'Reilly. This book is good, its not 5 stars, but it deserves more than three stars (average). If you know of, and dislike, O'Reilly, you will hate this book. Simple. There's too much of his personlity in there. If you like or don't know O'Reilly, I recommend this book. It's a fast read; He gets to his points...too many books feel the need to be 300+ pages and just end up being boring. O'Reilly porvides perspectives on our legal system, Iraq, religion, journalism, our leaders and offers some sound advice for personal development. He really does. He provides anectdotes about how he grew up and was able to overcome adversity and become succesful in one of the most cut-throat industries in America: journalism. I never knew what "bigfooting" was until I read this book...I can't believe that networks allow that behavior (actually,I can).

New Year's-like resolutions on what to avoid to live better
Do you get angst just thinking abut your upbringing? Do you get intoxicated regularly? Are any of your friends bad seeds? If you're a parent---do you think of yourself as your child's friend?If you can answer yes to such statements then this is a book for you.Who's looking out for you, thus, is not necessarily for everyone.It's thesis is basically that if you want to live in a nanny state & be coddled, then move to Europe.But, if you live in the USA & like the idea of doing so, then don't expect for many others to be looking out for you.The justice system---O'Reilly states---won't be looking out for you.Neither will lawyers in the USA; nor the Catholic Church; nor the likes of Jesse Jackson types---who only look out for themselves; nor the media; nor schools.Who SHOULD be looking out for you include your parents, as well as--hopefully---some close friends.And as a parent, one should be a Parent, NOT a friend to one's child, because a child has nobody to look after him/her except a parent---and it's not possible to accomplish both in Mr. O'Reilly's opinion.In short, this is a book about disapline: that one must proactively seek one's own motivation; that one ought to seek knowledge/read/and engage one's mind; that one ought to respect one's body (ie., to exercise, control one's weight & forgo smoking); that one ought not to associate with destructive people; that one ought provide a safe & secure refuge for one's children at home (with no abuse, drunkeness, foul language, etc.).If you have children or are contemplating such, Mr. O'Reilly sternly advises that you take the responsibility involved therein extremely seriously---and that you ought be successfully looking out for yourself first before taking this step.His book is a primer on individual self-responsibilty; common sensical at its heart, but also food for thought & worth 6 hours of your time if you are open to---and think you could benefit from---at least a dash of self-improvement.If so, do get the (unabridged) audio version instead, read by Mr. O'Reilly himself; as his words of advice are more pertinent in his own voice. (05Jan) Cheers! ... Read more

Isbn: 0767913795
Subjects:  1. 1980-    2. 2001-    3. General    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Mass media    6. Political Science    7. Politics - Current Events    8. Politics and government    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Responsibility    11. Social History    12. Social aspects    13. Social conditions    14. Social values    15. United States    16. United States - 21st Century    17. Current Events / Political   

Dereliction of Duty: The Eyewitness Account of How Bill Clinton Endangered America's Long-Term National Security
by Robert Patterson
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (25 March, 2003)
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Editorial Review

Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert "Buzz" Patterson was a military aide to President Clinton from May 1996 to May 1998 and one of five individuals entrusted with carrying the "nuclear football"—the bag containing the codes for launching nuclear weapons. This responsibility meant that he spent a considerable amount of time next to the president, giving him a unique perspective on the Clinton administration. Though he arrived at the job "filled with professional devotion and commitment to serve," he left believing that Clinton had "sown a whirlwind of destruction upon the integrity of our government, endangered our national security, and done enormous harm to the American military in which I served."

Dereliction of Duty is not a personal attack on President Clinton or a commentary on his various scandals; rather, it is a "frank indictment of his obvious—to an eyewitness—failure to lead our country with responsibility and honor." Lt. Col. Patterson offers a damning list of anecdotes and charges against the President, including how Clinton lost the nuclear codes and shrugged it off; how he stalled and lost the opportunity to launch a direct strike on Osama bin Laden at a confirmed location; how the President and the First Lady, and much of their staff, consistently treated members of the military with disrespect and disdain; and how Clinton groped a female Air Force enlisted member while aboard Air Force One, among other incidents large and small. A considerable portion of this slim book is devoted to the myriad ways in which President Clinton undermined the military, and hence the security, of the nation. He seriously questions Clinton's decisions to send troops to Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, and Bosnia to accomplish non-military tasks without clear objectives. Having participated in each of these engagements, Lt. Col. Patterson personally "experienced the frustration of needlessly wasted lives, effort, and national prestige"as well as the alarmingly low morale that Clinton inspired.

This is certainly not the first anti-Clinton book, but it is different in that Patterson does not seem to have a political ax to grind. In fact, at times, he appears apologetic about having to write about his ex-commander in chief. Yet, in the end, this retired soldier felt his last act of service should be to share his experience with his country. --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Reviews (460)

A Must Read for Any Poli-nut
If you're interested in politics and world news, this is a book that you should read. An interesting chapter of how we've ended up in the foreign policy struggles of today.

My only real beef with the book is the voice it is written in. To understand, you'll have to read...

Outstanding!Relevant Now and in 2008!
This is one of those books you pick up and read very quickly.It held my attention from page one to page last. I knew (or thought I did) about the many transgressions of the Clinton era but this book shook me to my knees.Its one thing to hear speculation, its a whole different matter to hear them from a military officer, sworn to protect and defend, who has no political agenda (and in fact seems pained in the process of writing this book).Author Patterson lays it all out in a very objective, sequenced, well-written argument.Clinton was the worst commander-in-chief in our country's history.

More importantaly and timely, Mrs Clinton is poising for a run for the White House in 2008.Any open-minded citizen considering a vote for her potentially should read this book!Her husband was a nightmare for the US.If you can believe Patterson (and I do, a man with impeccable credentials), Hillary is a train wreck waiting to happen.

America can't afford another throw back to Clinton and Carter.The stakes are simply too high.Read this compelling work and reflect on what was...and, pray God, what will not be.

Buzz Patterson sets the table.You just must pull up a chair and dine.

A First-Hand Account of Corruption at the Top.
When I found this book at the library surplus sale, I was skeptical about its intent, and felt I could offset the title.This account is told by the son of a two-star general and his own military career is spectatular in itself.He was brought up to be honest in his assessments with a strict ethical background.He was the last person they should have hired to be one of the military aides to the 'wild man' Bill Clinton.His mentor who had written for Parade magazine before taking government assignments, Al Santoli, in the Foreword praised Patterson who would "never intentionally malign any person."

It took a lot of reading and time to convince me otherwise.He should have writtten of his concerns in 1998 when he was no longer an aide and stand up for his beliefs.In 1996, he tried to undermine the president because, first and foremost, he was military and Clinton had other "more important" interests.He accuses him of saying false things about our peril, what he called "an obvious, whopping lie."

He gives details of the scandals involving his boss, information to which he was privy.He found Hillary to be nasty and rude, ruling the White House with an iron hand.He stated matter-of-factly that the president feared his wife.She was the "power behind the throne."He was upset with their abuse of the airplane and the high office, and their disdain toward the military.Sometimes, they used the aides as luggage carriers or golf caddies.

He went from fascination to disgust.He made fun of the president's golf game and saw him cheat at golf; the photo on the cover has Clinton with a golf tee in his mouth.It shows the real Clinton.

As with so many scandals of Clinton's terms in the White House, it was the nation who paid the price.And Mrs. Clinton is being touted as the first female president.She already has been, and it was corrupt and expensive.

Clinton's forcing of "coed" mixed-sex integration in the miltary caused serious problems, and lawsuits concerning rape.The administration covered up the shortcoming of that policy instead of dealing with it legally.Many women had to drop out of the military because they became pregnant.

Pictures tell the truth.He was young, idealistic when he was chosen as the Air Force aide; two years later, you can see his disillusionment and bewilderment about what he had seen first hand and been forced to live through.It was a harrowing experience for an ethical citizen who loves his country.I hope that this book has been theraputic for him.Thanks to him, we now know how bad things were and how they had the 'time of their lives.' ... Read more

Isbn: 0895261405
Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Clinton, Bill,    5. Government - Executive Branch    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. History    8. Military leadership    9. Military policy    10. National security    11. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    12. Political Science    13. Politics - Current Events    14. Politics/International Relations    15. Presidents    16. Public Policy - Social Policy    17. United States    18. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents   

I Am What I Ate...and I'm Frightened!!! And Other Digressions from the Doctor of Comedy
by Bill Cosby
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (21 October, 2003)
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Reviews (18)

Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby the doctor of comedy has written a book about a healthy life stile. If you dodge diets, you should read it. If you're creative you should read it. If you like imagining people making a fool of themselves in the act of not following their diets you should read it. In my opinion this is a funny book. He eats a cookie and gets caught because he said he was going to the bathroom. If you like funny books you'll like it.

Not What I Expected
In this book, Bill Cosby discusses, in a humorous way, various changes he has experienced at age 65 and his struggles to give up his excessive, unhealthy eating habits after learning from his doctor that he has very high cholesterol and a thirty percent blockage in the carotid artery.

While it is neither the roaringly humorous book I expected nor a preachy diet book, it is a quick and pleasant read that had me chuckling quite a bit and identifying with many of his observations.His casual writing style, delivered as though he were sitting next to you and talking, accurately captures many of the rationalizations people often use to justify behavior they know is not in their best interest, be it smoking, drinking or eating fat and cholesterol-laden foods.I thought one of the funniest sections was his discussion of hair and skin, where he observes that "as you get older, you don't have oil.The skin is drier." And, regarding hair, he wants to know why he lost hair from the top of his head and it came out on his back and in his nose and ears.Gray hair at that!"What am I turning into?", he asks.I suspect there are a few of us in our fifties and sixties who have had similar thoughts.He also cites his father as having compared the human body to a machine, which, at age 65, has "old parts" -- a simplistic but plausible explanation for many of the aches, pains and limitations one experiences in the later years.

In all, the book is funny and enjoyable.And, possibly, it may be helpful to those struggling with changing their eating habits and other aspects of getting older, as they step back and see it through Bill Cosby's eyes.

Hysterical Commentary About Health & Diet
I Am What I Ate by Bill Cosby is hysterically funny. When his doctor tells him his cholesterol is high, and he needs to change his diet, Bill Cosby does what he does best and laughs about it !
I loved the story about his Aunt hiding the pork chops in her bedroom. And the chapter about eating everything in "moderation".
What a hoot ! Anyone whose gone on any kind of a diet will love this book. And if you are a person getting up there in age, and dealing with cholesterol and blood pressure .... this book will make you feel alot better and make you laugh !

... Read more

Isbn: 0060545739
Sales Rank: 176744
Subjects:  1. 1937-    2. Biography    3. Comedians    4. Cosby, Bill,    5. Food    6. Form - Essays    7. Humor    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. United States    10. Humor / General   

Visits from the Afterlife: The Truth About Hauntings, Spirits, and Reunions With Lost Loved Ones
by Sylvia Browne, Lindsay Harrison
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (13 October, 2003)
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Reviews (34)

This book is frightening.
This book is entirely halloween.It has some occult elements.It outlines some elements of spirituality that every scholar should be familiar with and capable of dealing with.One should be comfortable with dealing with some of the elements included within these pages to be truly able with spirituality.

Something in this book disturbed me.
And it wasn't any of Sylvia Brown's accounts of hauntings.

In fact, I was reading along, very absorbed in this book - most of it was new to me - when I was brought up short by a statement made by Sylvia Brown that made me question her entire persona.

Sylvia Brown claims that Madelyn Murray O'Hair, the world's most famous atheist, made an immediate "U-turn" back to earth upon her death, and Sylvia - after making many disparaging comments about O'Hair - wished her new parents "good luck with it."

This begs the question of O'Hair's murderers, whom Brown lets completely off the hook - did they also make an immediate U-turn?AND, the parents in question.In my view, it's startling enough that Brown - who affects a serene, loving, accepting persona - apparently feels that atheists automatically come back to earth, don't pass go.What literally made me do a double take was her statement "good luck with it" directed to the parents of O'Hairs latest incarnation.What did THEY do to deserve Sylvia's wrath?

As a non-Christian (non-anything) myself, I had no idea that Sylvia had it in for anybody who didn't toe the Christian line.

Now that I know it, I will never read one of her books again.

Hope you get more open-minded in your next round, Sylvia!

fascinating
I found the sections on bela lugosi and alfred hitchcock fascinating.

I read and reread the part on tulpas.

... Read more

Isbn: 0525947566
Sales Rank: 11947
Subjects:  1. Ghosts    2. New Age    3. New Age / Parapsychology    4. Parapsychology    5. Parapsychology - General    6. Spiritualism - General    7. Supernatural   

Conquering the Mysteries and Lies of Grief
by Sherry Russell
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (23 September, 2002)
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Reviews (49)

Short and excellent
I am a physician dealing with many diabetics. I have used this book, given it to my patients and recommended it to others. This book benefits my patients understanding of their emotions and offers solutions and direction. Don't mistake this book to be only about loss caused by death.

Packed with information
This short book is packed with tons of information and it speaks directly to your heart. It has really helped me and I wanted to pass the word.

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING BOOK ON GRIEF !!!!!
CONQUERING THE MYSTERIES AND LIES OF GRIEF was recently named #1 BESTSELLING BOOK ON GRIEF and for a very good reason!Ms. Russell has a unique talent for comforting those who mourn the loss of a loved one.Her words are magical (if you will) and soothe the heartbreak that goes along with losing someone you love.Anyone who is suffering should read this wonderful book.You'll be glad you did!!!!! ... Read more

Isbn: 1591297249
Sales Rank: 79487
Subjects:  1. Death / Grief / Consolation    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Self-Help   

Healing and Hope: Six Women from the Betty Ford Center Share Their Powerful Journeys of Addiction and Recovery
by Betty Ford
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (06 November, 2003)
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Reviews (5)

Healing and Hope
Betty Ford narrates the stories of six women who have battled alcohol and/or drug addiciton. Each person shares her pain and rebirth into sobriety.This book is a 'must read' for any woman who has or is suffered from addiction.It is very benifical to those who know and love these women.These women, including Mrs. Ford herself, are very open about the pain that addiction has brought to them and all members of their family.They share with us that healing takes place in all members of the family - not just the addicted member.

Truly inspiring
This book made me appreciate for the first time how very difficult it is for an alcoholic/addict to get clean and stay that way. I have a friend who is a recovering alcoholic and this book made me understand at least some of what she went through--and still goes through. All of the women in the book are so impressive--An inspiring read!

Promising collection of inspiring stories of recovery
The name Betty Ford is synonymous with addiction-recovery. The six stories in "Healing and Hope" do not disappoint. Millions of readers will connect with the hope, promise and power that spills from these pages. Each story gives a thorough look into the lives of six shattered women who came to Betty Ford's doorstep, looking for recovery from the various addictions that plagued them. In an unusual look into the unique psyche of female addictions, "Healing and Hope" is a must-read for any woman who has struggled with addiction. This is a truly powerful compilation of inspiring and encouraging stories of recovery unlike any I've encountered before. ... Read more

Isbn: 0399151389
Sales Rank: 352003
Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Betty Ford Center    3. Case studies    4. Drug addicts    5. General    6. Patients    7. Recovery    8. Rehabilitation    9. Self-Help    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    11. Substance abuse    12. Women   

Love
by Toni Morrison
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (28 October, 2003)
list price: $23.95 -- our price: $16.29
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Editorial Review

The first page of Toni Morrison's novel Love is a soft introduction to a narrator who pulls you in with her version of a tale of the ocean-side community of Up Beach, a once popular ocean resort. Morrison introduces an enclave of people who react to one man--Bill Cosey--and to each other as they tell of his affect on generations of characters living in the seaside community. One clear truth here, told time and again, is how folks love and hate each other and the myriad ways it's manifested; these versions of humanity are seen in almost every line. Monsters and ghosts creep into young girls' dreams and around corners and then return to staid ladies' lives as they age and remember friendships and cold battles. Men and women--Heed, Romen, Junior, Christine, Celestial, and the rest of Morrison's cast--cry and sing out their weaknesses and strengths in rotating perspectives. Sandler, a Cosey employee, is a brilliant agent of Morrison's descriptions of human behavior, "Then, in a sudden shift of subject that children and heavy drinkers enjoy, 'My son, Billy was about your age. When he died, I mean.'"And Romen is allowed to play hero by saving a young girl from a brutal gang rape, while at the same time, he battles disgust like no superhuman would be caught dead feeling.

Though slim in pages, Morrison constructs Love with a precision and elegance that shows her characters' flaws and fears with brutal accuracy. Love may be less complex than others in the grand Morrison oeuvre, but not because Morrison performs literary hand-holding. Readers will experience in this smooth, sharp-eyed gem another instance of the Toni Morrison craftsmanship: she enters your mind, hangs a tale or two there, and leaves just as quietly as she came. --E. Brooke Gilbert ... Read more

Reviews (83)

The Best Book I've Read In 10 Years...Or More
Love is a book that explores several unexpected facets of one of the strongest emotions human beings experience. It is also, like all Toni Morrison books, incredibly well written and exceedingly rich in character development and descriptions. Some of the analogies and comparisons she makes to describe certain events in the book simply blew me away.

In a word this book and Ms. Morrison are incredible. I would highly recommend both to anyone that hasn't experienced them. Yes, she can be a difficult author to read. However anything worth having is worth putting a bit of effort into. Furthermore, this book is a bit of an easier read than others she's written and would be a good introduction to her work.

Love
This was my first time reading a Toni Morrison book. I heard exceptional things about some of her previous writings and saw her interviewed on the Oprah show.At the onset I found her style of writing quite difficult to enjoy and understand. I decided to continue and there were moments where I was completely lost and brief moments where I enjoyed it. However, the majority of the book was most disappointing to me.

Love- Another Morrison Saga
I'm almost at the end of the book, but felt compelled to seek out what other people think of this latest Morrison novel.While I admire Ms. Morrison tremendously and I know that she is gifted, why do all of her novels have to be so difficult to read?

Love is a tale of Bill Cosey (local resort owner/community pillar/womanizer) and the various women he impacted in his life.The book centers on 2 main characters - Heed and Christine.Once childhood friends until Christine's grandfather (Cosey) marries Heed (who is age 11 at the time).From that point, Christine is basically sent away from the family home/business and comes back at the age of 16.The bitterness between Christine and Heed starts there and continues over the next 20-30 yrs. (I can't remember the exact timeframe because there is a lot of jumping back/forth in the timeline.)Other characters are L (narrator and resort cook and apparent confidante of Cosey); Vida (resort employee) and her husband, Sandler who are raising their grandson, Romen (age 14, works at the home of Christine and Heed) and Junior (19 or 20 yr. old slum rat who answers the ad Heed has placed for a secy. and begins torrid sexual affair with Romen).

I consider myself to be literate and have a reasonable command of the English language, but sometimes I just want to READ a book.Ms. Morrison's writing style does not always make this possible.Love does make you think - you wonder what the heck is going on half the time.I'd also like to see Ms. Morrison go in a more positive direction with the sexual aspect of the young women that are often her main characters.Why are the women in her novels always being either molested, ridiculed or raped?Yes, this is very real aspect of Black America, both present day and in the past, but enough already.

It's a short story and I would suggest it to someone who would like to become familiar with this talented author's writing.Reading other novels by Ms. Morrison first, might turn off potential new fans. ... Read more

Isbn: 0375409440
Subjects:  1. African American women    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Hotelkeepers    5. Literary    6. Literature: Classics    7. Morrison, Toni - Prose & Criticism    8. Rich people    9. Seaside resorts    10. Fiction / Literary    11. Reading Group Guide   

I Burn For You
by Susan Sizemore
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 2003)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
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Reviews (32)

Grade A Prime
This is the 1st book in Susan Sizemore's new Prime Vampire series.And it is a wonderfully witty read.I am not a reviewer who likes to give away major plot points, so hope you don't mind.

Heroine Domini Lancer is a bodyguard, she's a protector.When her childhood best-friend is receiving threatening letters while on her music tour her management company hires Domini's grandfathers company to set up security and keep an eye on her.Domini has a gift of being able to see the future, but it doesn't always work to her benefit.

Enter Hero Alexander Reynard, Prime of the Fox Clan, he comes to work for Domini's grandfather because he needs to work.He's a former Delta Force Op from the Army and he has skills.

This book was different and similar then other vampire romances that I have read.Different because it deals with Vampire politics, different class levels of the Vampires etc.Also, these Vamps aren't "out of the closet", they are still hidden from the world, but are capable of day walking if they take the right cocktail of medicines, but they aren't ashamed of being Vampires, they are proud, but Alec feels he can do more good as a day walker, instead of a night stalker.

If you enjoy reading Feehan, you will enjoy this new Vamp Romance.

A first for me
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.Loved the moments of witty dialogue.. all in all a steamy vampire novel thats worth not missing regardless of some of the earlier reviews... and as one reviewer said... He doesn't hate being a vampire.

Interesting take on vampire romance
There is definately something very facinating about a bond, a connection with another person. Fantastical and romantic, but I think deep down it's something that so many people wish for.

I Burn For You centers around Alex and Domini, two people connected by dark blood ties. Alex is a vampire who takes drugs to allow him to conquor his allergies to sun, garlic, ect. He is bound by ancient vampire honor and codes to act in a certain way and when he finds his mate, it's an unfortunate period in his life when the drugs are not working quite well. Domini is no ordinary damsel, but a bodyguard with skills of her own.


There is a lot of obsessive imagry in this story, but I don't think that it really detracted from my enjoyment. Basically Alex battles with his baser nature while the drugs are being fine-tuned, but discovering his mate in the midst of all of this throws him for a loop.

While some reviewers were taken aback from the tone of the writing, I did not think it was a bad read. I enjoyed her second vampire clan novel better than this. Reading this one does enhance the enjoyment of I Thirst for You.

I suggest reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series, if you want to bite into a good set of vampire tales. Authors are offering so many new twists to the age old vamp story that I'm sure that you can find something to your liking.... ... Read more

Isbn: 0743467426
Sales Rank: 25718
Subjects:  1. Fantasy - Dark/Horror    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Romance    4. Romance - Fantasy    5. Romance - General    6. Romance: Modern    7. Fiction / Romance / General   

The Fortress of Solitude : A Novel
by JONATHAN LETHEM
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (16 September, 2003)
list price: $26.00 -- our price: $16.38
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Reviews (88)

promising, but inconsistant
I want to like this book, I truly do. There are moments so real, sometimes gleefull and sometimes heartbreaking, that it's such a disappointment when ingredients of pure make believe are winded into the same story. I won't go into detail on this to avoid ruining the story, but suffice it to say that what turns out to be a large part of this otherwise truthful and emotionally gripping story of two friends makes a mockery of the whole story. The writing style also shifts throughout the book, and there are some parts (Liner Notes) which are dragged on entirely too long to allow the story to flow. All in all I think it was worth the read for a few moments which nearly brought a tear to my eye, but it won't be on my "must read" recommendations to others.

Filled With Great Meaning
Set in the Bronx amid a period of integration and spanning decades, "FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE" is not only a fascinating book but an impacting and meaning-filled one at that. The title of the book is a reference to comic hero Superman's secret layer in which he may try to escape for the briefest of moments the pains and pressures of the world's reliance on him. It is a deliberate reference and one of multiple meanings. Most obvious is the use of comic heroes as figures of authority for a character who lacks such role models in his real life. On a more figurative level, the reference is to everyone's need to escape the feeling of being alone in a crowded world by seeking out a place to literally be alone away. Judged on impact and merit, "FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE" is in the same league as "MY FRACTURED LIFE" and "ATONEMENT."

Wow
This book changed my life. Really a fabulous blend of social history, memoir, popular culture (music, movies, comics), and sweetness. ... Read more

Isbn: 0385500696
Sales Rank: 15485
Subjects:  1. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Literary    6. Male friendship    7. Popular American Fiction    8. Race relations    9. Teenage boys    10. Fiction / Literary   

Dude, Where's My Country?
by Michael Moore
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (07 October, 2003)
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Editorial Review

The people of the United States, according to author and filmmaker Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine, Stupid White Men), have been hoodwinked. Tricked, he says, by Republican lawmakers and their wealthy corporate pals who use a combination of concocted bogeymen and lies to stay rich and in control. But while plenty of liberal scholars, entertainers, and pundits have made similar arguments in book form, Moore's Dude, Where's My Country? stands out for its thoroughly positive perspective. Granted, Moore is angry and has harsh words for George W. Bush and his fellow conservatives concerning the reasoning behind going to war in Iraq, the collapse of Enron and other companies, and the relationship between the Bushes, the Saudi Arabian government, and Osama bin Laden. But his book is intended to serve as a handbook for how people with liberal opinions (which is most of America, Moore contends, whether they call themselves "liberals" or not) can take back their country from the conservative forces in power. Moore uses his trademark brand of confrontational, exasperated humor skillfully as he offers a primer on how to change the worldview of one's annoying conservative blowhard brother-in-law, and he crafts a surprisingly thorough "Draft Oprah for President" movement. Refreshingly, Dude, Where's My Country? avoids being completely one-sided, offering up areas where Moore believes Republicans get it right as well as some cutting criticisms of his fellow lefties. Such allowances, brief though they may be, make one long for a political climate where the shouting polemicists on both sides would see a few more shades of gray. Dude, Where's My Country? is a little bit scattered, as Moore tries to cram opinions on Iraq, tax cuts, corporate welfare, Wesley Clark, and the Patriot Act into one slim volume--and the penchant to go for a laugh sometimes gets in the way of clear arguments. But such variety also gives the reader more Moore, providing a broader range of his bewildered, enraged, yet stalwartly upbeat point of view. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (931)

Garbage in Garbage out
I checked this book out of the campus library because so many of my friends were talking about it.I have always had on open mind, but this book is full of inaccuracies and blatant lies.I outlined several of the lies in a word document and sent them, with sources, to my friends who were so excited about this book.Many of them had NO IDEA that Moore had such inaccuracies.Honestly, I can't believe his publisher allowed such lies to be printed.It seems that they would be open to lawsuits from some of the people involved. Isn't that the editor's job?

Dude,where's the Democrats?
I read this book for one reason.I wanted to see why the Democrats have this guy for a poster boy and why his movie was so popular and to see why he was supposed to be so great at taking on the Republicans.In the months leading up to the Election the liberal elitist media were falling all over themselves with a continual tearing down of everything the Republicans had done in the last 4 years that it never occurred to them that the people already knew what they had done.What they were looking for from the Democrats was what they would have done or would do differently.Look as they may,it never came,and they re-elected President Bush,and in no uncertain terms.
I was very disappointed in what Moore had to say.there is nothing new brought up or proposed ,just a continuing diatribeof hate and anger.This is the same old,tired,mouldy anti-everything that has been preached by the left-wing liberal socialists for years.This is not the hope and promise and positive message that came from the Democrat Party of John F Kennedy.The Democrat Party has moved so far left ,wrong is a more appropriate description of it these days.
The should have paid attention to President Reagan when asked why he left the Democratic Party.He replied;"I didn't leave the Democratic Party,it left me." Can you imagine JFK readng the hate and anger that prevails throughout this book and wanting any part of it?
Recently,a Democrat Senator stood before a group of students and called their President a loser.That displayed the lack of respect the Democrats have for the office of The President of the United States;and they wonder why with all the media support,campaign funds,Move On.org,etc;the voters said,No Thanks.
Listening to James Carville recently it seems even he feels the Democrats have got to change if they ever hope to climb out of the abyss they have fallen into.
There is an old saying,"Misery likes company." Well I don't know about that .In Canada we once had a proud Liberal Party that got along well with the US,Republican or Democrat governments,but it has been hyjacked by a bunch of left-Wing Socialists,just like the Democrats.Sean Hannity was right on the mark when Moore quoted him as saying,
"Canada is a left-wing socialist basket case.What kind of friends are they?"

What a moron.
Whoever wrote this book is a moron, how dumb do you have to be to not be able to find your country on a map? Did you not have basic geography classes in middle school?
I not only know where my country is (The USA, Above Mexico, Below Canada with the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on each side), but I can even name a few European countries! Yeah! I know where Spain and the UK are even. I can't find Iraq on a map though, they talk about that place a lot on the TV, especially 24 Hour Cable News channels. But, I just can't seem to find it on my globe. Maybe that should be this idiot's next book. "Dude, I found my country on the globe, and I can teach you to locate Iraq as well." That would be a better book than this. ... Read more

Isbn: 0446532231
Subjects:  1. 1989-    2. 2001-    3. American Satire And Humor    4. American wit and humor    5. General    6. Humor    7. Political Science    8. Politics and government    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Topic - Political    11. U.S. Practical Politics    12. United States    13. War on Terrorism, 2001-    14. Political Science / General   

The Real America: Messages From The Heart and Heartland
by Glenn Beck
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 September, 2003)
list price: $25.00
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Reviews (171)

Great insights, an honest approach!
Finally someone is honest enough to deal with the underpinnings of American culture, shedding political shackles with ease.Great book!

The Real Republicans? Socialist messages from the Heart
The book "The Real America: Messages From The Heart and Heartland" by Glenn Beck is a very revealing book and worth the read.Beck, in addition to being an author, is also a talk-radio host.

People sometimes mistakenly say that Beck and his Clear Channel radio firm are "Conservative" and this book shows otherwise.Sure, Beck and Clear Channel hate big-spending democrat-socialists like Clinton, and that is why they support republican-socialists who are twice as socialistic as Clinton (in social spending alone).Beck wasted his last vote on republican-socialists, a.k.a. the loserpublicans because they cannot win any election unless they campaign and govern as big-spending socialists who outspend democrat-socialists. Beck is an example of why the republican party is a lost cause for liberty.The only way Beck and Clear Channel can be called biased is that they only cover the one-party system of the socialist candidates (republicans and democrats) and they ignore anyone who supports less government (Libertarians). Beck and Clear Channel are examples of why the FCC is unconstitutional and has destroyed the press and why the FCC must end.

Beck is stuck in silly left-right political analysis, as taught in government schools. He seems to be totally ignorant of the Nolan chart or Diamond chart.Beck also uses the word "liberal" unprofessionally to mean "left."Beck's habit forgets the etymology of "liberal" for "liberty" (against government and for laissez-faire capitalism).That bad habit explains why republicans and democrats are the same: socialists.Beck is an example of why government schools are unconstitutional and must end.

It explains why Beck, Clear Channel and other republican-socialists support Congress in over-stepping its authority with unconstitutional laws of every socialist type, including the Terry Schiavo case.

Beck has another bad habit: overuse of the hackneyed "Nazi" so much that it might cause one to wonder if he knows the origin of the term.Many people forget that "Nazi" means "National Socialist German Workers' Party," and one reason people forget is because the word "Nazi" is overused by media mouthpieces (e.g. Beck and Clear Channel) who never say the actual name of the horrid party.A good mnemonic device is that the sick socialist swastika resembles two overlapping "S" letters for "socialism."

Of course, a common journalistic practice is that whenever an abbreviation or shorthand is desired, the full phrase should be spelled out first with the shorthand given in parentheses and then repeated thereafter. Here is an example: "The National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party) was horrid." Or "Nazis (National Socialist German Workers Party members) are horrid." Thereafter the shorthand can be used alone within the article. Beck and Clear Channel do not follow that practice and no explanation is apparent as to why.

That type of bias inspired the "Not say Nazi" movement via people who pledge to never say or write the abbreviation and to always use the full phrase, in an effort to counter-act the rampant ignorance of journalists, and the ignorance they spread to the general public.

Beck and Clear Channel love the pledge of allegiance. Big problem: Neither Beck nor anyone at Clear Channel arises each morning to gather with neighbors and robotically chant, as they only "love" the pledge when government's schools lead children in robotic chanting every morning for twelve years of their lives upon the ring of a bell, like Pavlov's lapdogs of the state.Did I mention that Beck and Clear Channel are examples of why government schools are unconstitutional and have destroyed a "free press" and why government schools must end?

The book suggests that Beck is ignorant of the fact that the pledge was written by a socialist (Francis Bellamy) in the USA and that the original salute was a straight-arm salute (as shown in web image searches for "original socialist salute").The book suggests that when it was written Beck was an ignoramus about the news-breaking discovery by the historian Rex Curry that the straight-arm salute of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazis) came from the military saluteand from the original pledge of allegiance in the USA, and not from ancient Rome. Beck doesn't realize that Bellamy put flags in every school to promote a government takeover of education for nationalization and socialism.

Francis Bellamy and his cousin and cohort Edward Bellamy were national socialists who idolized the military and wanted to nationalize the entire US economy, including all schools.It was a philosophy that led to the socialist Wholecaust (of which the Holocaust was a part) where millions were murdered (62 million by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, 35 million by the Peoples' Republic of China, 21 million by the National Socialist German Workers' Party) in the worst slaughter in history.That is why the Bellamys are known as America's Nazis.

Beck is an example of why some educated socialists (socialists who know the origin of the pledge) laugh at so-called conservatives who support robotic pledging in government schools, because socialists presume that Beck has been duped into supporting socialism and is ignorant of the pledge's socialist origin.

To measure their intellectual honesty, you should consider that Beck and Clear Channel have apparently never displayed a historic photograph of the original pledge of allegiance ever to viewers nor discussed its ominous parallels and their origins.

Beck is not libertarian and Beck uses the misnomer "public schools" to mean "government schools" because Beck is a dupe and doesn't understand freedom.Beck and Clear Channel have reported on social security reforms -and some reforms would invest social security taxes in private businesses and provide an avenue for the government to nationalize all private businesses in addition to schools.It is a scheme that would impress the Bellamys.Beck and Clear Channel report on the schemes because they doesn't have the ethics, objectivity, nor intellectual honesty to report the other side of the story (the proper side): ending government involvement in education, and ending the social security scam, its taxes and its Nazi numbering.

Beck is a reminder that republican-socialists and the media are government mouthpieces: overrun with socialists and a lost cause for liberty.

Beck and Clear Channel should be asked to answer the following issues:

* Your audience does not know and never will know (because you will never tell them) that the pledge of allegiance to the Flag was written by a self-proclaimed National Socialist in the U.S. who wanted government schools to create an "industrial army" and that the original pledge used a straight-arm salute like that later used by the National Socialist German Workers' Party, and that a recent historic discovery indicates that the U.S. pledge of allegiance in fact was the origin of the salute of the National Socialist German Workers' Party.

* Your audience has never seen and will never see (because you will never show them) even one actual photo of the historic original U.S. flag salute (the straight-arm salute).

* Your audience does not know and never will know (because you will never tell them) that "Nazi" means "National Socialist German Workers' Party."

* Your audience does not know (and you will not tell them) about the socialist Wholecaust (of which the Holocaust was a part) the worst loss of life in history, in which the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics slaughtered 62 million, the People's Republic of China slaughtered 35 million and the National Socialist German Workers' Party slaughtered 21 million, and that socialists in the U.S. (including the author of the pledge of allegiance) helped inspire them.

* Your audience does not know (and you will not tell them) that D-Day is also a day to remember that the U.S. helped end a war that began when the National Socialist German Workers' Party and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics invaded Poland in a pact to divide up Europe.

Overall, the book was very educational and worth the time to review.

The fusion of entertainment and enlightenment... in text.
I bought Glenn Beck's book several days before Christmas. See, I'm a rookie listener to the "Glenn Beck Program"... I was told to download "GloatFest 2004"... I was HOOKED! Now, I don't agree with Glenn's Mormon belief. I am a Baptist and am deeply saddened by the fact that he's a Mormon, yet I hold Beck in high regard because he reminds me a lot of myself. He's funny, dead-on, sarcastic, genuine and sincere. I listen to Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck only. BUT, back to the book... he's right. What has happened to common sense in America? If the snowblower says "Do not use on roof" then DON'T USE IT ON THE ROOF! Or, don't eat the packing peanuts in a box! Loved the chapter on partisan politics. "Blah blah blah blah..." The Real America is where I want to live. Actually, I want to bring The Real America to DC or HollyWorld. One thing about the HollyWorld liberals is that many of them dropped out of college. Also, I have to mention how I enjoy the fact that he didn't bash the liberal belief as a whole... BUT, simply pointing out why certain liberals (Susan Sarandon, Michael Moore, George Clooney, etc.) are just nuts!

Liberals, conservatives, moderate of all ages: READ THIS BOOK! You will either laugh at his jokes, love his views... or you'll hate him. Did I mention that everybody should READ THIS BOOK? ... Read more

Isbn: 0743486331
Sales Rank: 84035
Subjects:  1. 1970-    2. Civilization    3. General    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: American    7. National characteristics, Amer    8. National characteristics, American    9. Popular culture    10. Social values    11. United States    12. United States - 20th Century    13. United States - General    14. Current Events / General   

Your Mother Has Suffered a Slight Stroke
by Kathleen Bosworth
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 September, 2001)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $19.95
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Reviews (19)

What you should know
A friend gave me this book when my mother suffered a stroke. This book helped me understand and know what to ask, when to ask and how to ask questions.I have read several books recently and this one outlined more about what I needed to know. I would recommend it highly.It certainly helped me.

A Necessary Handbook for Every Home Library!
Talented author, Kathy Bosworth, has written a timely and informative book for all who have aging parents or know of other with aging family members or friends. In a step by step discussion of the effects of a stroke on the loved one and on others who are "standing by," we are taken along on a daily, weekly, and monthly review of a family's coping and a "first-hand" account as understanding and adjustment becomes a primary focus in caring for the individual, in this case, Kathy's mother.
It is a sensitive, touching, and informative account that can serve as a guide-book for many of us who do not understand the full impact of a stroke and its implications.
It is written in a language we can all understand and the reader is drawn into the daily experiences until the conclusion of the book. I recommend this book for every home library as a source of referral and information. Your Mother has Suffered a Slight Stroke is a necessary and helpful read for everyone and the reader is sure to relate to Kathy and her family and their touching and poignant, true-life experiences.
Evelyn Horan - Author
Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl, Books One-Four

A necessary book
I'm a bereavement counselor and I coucil with people who are experiencing many different types of losses.A mentor of mine told me about this book months ago.She called me the other day to ask if I had put this book to work by using the information in it to help others.It reminded me of all the great information and love in this well written book about getting a family through medical trauma. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with any kind of a disease.A stroke can come into any of our lives any minute on any given day. This book is about so much more than strokes. ... Read more

Isbn: 1588512886
Sales Rank: 496938
Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Medical - General    5. Personal Memoirs   

The Making of Dr. Phil : The Straight-Talking True Story of Everyone's Favorite Therapist
by Sophia Dembling, Lisa Gutierrez
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (17 October, 2003)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $16.47
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Reviews (32)

90% Tabloid Journalism
I found this book to be predominately Tabloid Journalism.The majority of the book has the exact same tone & phrasing & spin as the rag mags.Just like the rag mags do, the authors took a few facts, a lot of gossip & rumor then added their version of armchair psychology & spin to create a sensationalistic waste of money.When you're done reading, it feels more like you've read a fiction novel than legitimate non-fiction.As any good journalist knows, if you can't get enough corroborating sources, you don't run the story.So why did they bother?Money?

Dr. Phil Basher!
If you are a fan of Dr. Phil's, I recommend that you not read this book.I felt it did nothing but tear apart, not only Dr. Phil, but his wife, kids, parents, etc.I'm not so naive to believe that the man is a saint, but it was annoying and obnoxious to read -- numerous times on every single page! -- that this man is a horror!

The jacket describes this book as a sweet story -- however, I liken it to those tabloid rags that only want to find the negativity in someone and go on and on about it.

For example, when Dr. Phil's father graduated college as a 21-year old, he barely passed with C's.When he went back years later, he had done much better.However, the book stated several times, "Well, he might have done better this time, but remember he almost flunked out before."

The book also constantly used derogatory words in describing Dr. Phil and his work.For example, instead of writing "Dr. Phil consistently tells his audience his therapy isn't for everyone," the book writes, "Dr. Phil 'admits'. . . ."

Every thing Dr. Phil did was torn apart.If I wasn't so interested in Dr. Phil's life, I would have tossed the book after the first chapter.

Not for nothing, but if this man is as much a terror as the book tries to convince you he is, I don't think he would be as successful in his business, in his (long) marriage or as a wonderful, loving, devoted father.

Read the book before you review it!
I would rate this book as only four stars but I gave it five to make up for some of the ridiculous negative reviews that have been posted about it!
If you can't believe that Dr Phil is human and can make mistakes, then DON'T read this book!
If you are truly interested in all aspects of his life and can handle reading the truth, then by all means go ahead and buy it.
Some reviewers must have been reading a different book to me because I didn't get an anti Dr Phil bias from this book at all.
When talking to past patients, only one patient claimed disatisfaction with their therapy, compared to several who claimed that he made a huge difference to their lives.How can that be seen as anti Dr Phil?
After finishing this book I still couldn't tell you whether the authors liked or disliked Dr Phil - and that is how a biography should be.
I haven't read tabloid reports about Dr Phil so I couldn't tell you how much of this information is new, but overall this is a really readable book and very enjoyable.
The criticism that McGraws' previous marriage shouldn't have been included is just pathetic!His first wife was part of his life, part of his past, so why shouldn't she be mentioned?
This is a story of Dr Phil from childhood to present day and if you have an interest in Dr Phil or in psychotherapy then I would definitely recommend it.
... Read more

Isbn: 047146726X
Sales Rank: 344038
Subjects:  1. 1950-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    7. General    8. McGraw, Phillip C.,    9. Psychotherapist    10. Psychotherapists    11. Psychotherapy    12. Social Scientists & Psychologists    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / General    15. Biography: general    16. Popular psychology   

Scam : How the Black Leadership Exploits Black America
by Jesse LeePeterson
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (21 October, 2003)
list price: $22.99 -- our price: $9.20
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Reviews (48)

Brilliant and sad
Brilliant for the good information.

Sad because the black community is being disserved by short sided so-called leaders.

Absolutely Brilliant
( I am an Indian ( Asian ) immigrant who chose USA to be my country. I do not consider myself to be an American-Indian/Indian/Indian-American etc. )
What is surprising me is the fact that a lot of the mentalities Peterson mentions are also prevalentin the Indian communities - victim of racism mentality, Indocentric views, hatred towards whites etc.
Most of them will openly say in an Indian gathering that "Im here just for the money. Otherwise I hate this place". ( Like Peterson notices they say another thing when Americans are present - "I am a liberal" )
What is hypocritical about the Indian community is the fact that though most of them will give you enough testimonies to prove themselves to be the victims of racism. On the other hand they will never say anything good about blacks. Their complaint about racism is only limited to them being treated as equals by whites. Very few of them will allow their children to date a Black kid.
This is a book every Indian should read.
Not only is this a brilliantly written book, but also a very well researched one.
Obviously Peterson and his efforts with his BOND organization are very laudable.
I am also writing a check today to BOND.
I can only wish that there will be at least one leader with half the courage of Peterson, in the Indian community who will have the guts to call a spade a spade.

Courageously articulated and accurate penetrating views
Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson believes that "blacks are not suffering due to racism," but rather, "the lack of moral character is the number one problem in the black community today."Peterson contends that the poverty, crime, drug use, and STD's characterizing many black communities are not due to white racism, but can be attributed primarily to a lack of values, character, morality, and fathers.

As if these courageously articulated and accurate penetrating views aren't provocative enough, Peterson further writes, "Blacks see racism everywhere they look, even though by most accounts there is really very little racism left among whites- certainly not among those with much power and influence. The sad truth is that black racism is far more pervasive today than is white racism."Unfortunately, if a white person made these very same observations in our fanatically politically correct society in which truth is subverted lest anyone be offended, he'd be deemed an outright racist.

While there is certainly room for improvement in abolishing remnants of racism still lingering in our great nation, America is not the racist country college professors and others on the Left make it out to be. As Rev. Peterson makes abundantly clear, if blacks want to truly better themselves, it is absolutely imperative they remove their "victim mentality" and address the actual causes- a lack of character, values and morality, not white racism- to many of their problems.

The book also lays out a damning case against the so called "black leaders" of today, including Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan 'American Hitler,' and Al Sharpton 'riot king.' That Sharpton, whose deplorable resume is replete with bigotry and anti-Semitism, chronicled by Peterson, was welcomed into the tent of the Democratic Party as a legitimate candidate for president, is telling. Peterson also indicts the NAACP for "becom(ing) little more than a tool of the racist, elitist Democratic party" with a sensible list of ten reasons to boycott this organization.

Peterson is not only a man of immense courage, boldness, reason, common sense, and wit, but, most importantly, he is a devout Christian, a man of faith whose spiritual insights are essential to his recipe in Chapter 15 for "How Black America Shall Overcome: A Blueprint For True Freedom." To quote one paragraph from this chapter, and a fitting excerpt for concluding this review: "I was ready for change. It was thirteen years ago, and I heard a Jewish minister on the radio say that if you want to overcome your problems, shut up, be still, and let G-d direct your life."

G-d bless you Rev. Peterson for all that you do.
... Read more

Isbn: 0785263314
Sales Rank: 107028
Subjects:  1. 1975-    2. African American leadership    3. African Americans    4. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    5. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    6. Political Science    7. Politics and government    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Poverty    10. Social conditions    11. Sociology    12. Current Events    13. Social Science / African-American Studies   

Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)
by Christopher Paolini
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (10 August, 2004)
list price: $18.95 -- our price: $12.89
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords.

Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape.

In spite of the engrossing action, this is not a book for the casual fantasy reader. There are 65 names of people, horses, and dragons to be remembered and lots of pseudo-Celtic places, magic words, and phrases in the Ancient Language as well as the speech of the dwarfs and the Urgalls. But the maps and glossaries help, and by the end, readers will be utterly dedicated and eager for the next book, Eldest. (Ages 10 to 14) --Patty Campbell ... Read more

Reviews (1379)

Loved It
When I read a book... or listen to it on tape or CD (as I did with Eragon)... I'm looking for something that captures my attention and holds it. Perhaps the fact that I listened to this rather than read it made it more enjoyable, but I absolutely LOVED it. I thought it was wonderful and there were places in the story that gave me goosebumps. It kept me on the edge of my seat so to speak.

I don't care if the story is similar to another. If the names are the same or the fights aren't as good. What matters to me is if I find it interesting. And this book... I found interesting. I LOVE fantasy. I love elves and dragons and dwarves. So it was a wonderful read for me.

Well worth the read!
If you are considering buying Eragon right now but are not sure if it's quite what you are looking for, I am writing this review
to tell you it is definitely well worth the read (and purchase)! I'm a very picky reader, as I truly enjoy fantasy novels but have a clear idea in my head of what one entails. Paolini truly captured the essence of this in his first book by including maps, languages, and plenty of adventure in what's sure to be an unforgettable trilogy!

Eragon
This was one of the best books that I have ever read!You would be crazy to buy this book and not like it!If you aren`t going to read this book, then don`t buy it.This is a great book and diserves to be read, not laying around your home collecting dust! ... Read more

Isbn: 0375826688
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Dragons    5. Fantasy    6. Fantasy fiction    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Science Fiction / Fantasy (Young Adult)    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Youths' writings    12. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic    13. Reading Group Guide   

The Five People You Meet in Heaven
by Mitch Albom
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (23 September, 2003)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $13.59
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Editorial Review

Part melodrama and part parable, Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven weaves together three stories, all told about the same man: 83-year-old Eddie, the head maintenance person at Ruby Point Amusement Park. As the novel opens, readers are told that Eddie, unsuspecting, is only minutes away from death as he goes about his typical business at the park. Albom then traces Eddie's world through his tragic final moments, his funeral, and the ensuing days as friends clean out his apartment and adjust to life without him. In alternating sections, Albom flashes back to Eddie's birthdays, telling his life story as a kind of progress report over candles and cake each year. And in the third and last thread of the novel, Albom follows Eddie into heaven where the maintenance man sequentially encounters five pivotal figures from his life (a la A Christmas Carol). Each person has been waiting for him in heaven, and, as Albom reveals, each life (and death) was woven into Eddie's own in ways he never suspected. Each soul has a story to tell, a secret to reveal, and a lesson to share. Through them Eddie understands the meaning of his own life even as his arrival brings closure to theirs.

Albom takes a big risk with the novel; such a story can easily veer into the saccharine and preachy, and this one does in moments. But, for the most part, Albom's telling remains poignant and is occasionally profound. Even with its flaws, The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a small, pure, and simple book that will find good company on a shelf next to It's A Wonderful Life. --Patrick O'Kelley ... Read more

Reviews (1334)

Tuesdays was better
I liked this book but enjoyed Mitch Albom's first best seller, Tuesdays with Maurie, a lot better.When I bought this book I was expecting to be blown away like I was with the first book but I was only mildly entertained.

I enjoyed this book greatly
The story of Eddie, an aging machinist at a seaside amusement park, his life, his loves, and his frustrations, "The Five People you Meet in Heaven" reminds us once again that it is not always what we do consciously that affects people the most, but that merely by living we affect the lives of more people than we could ever be aware of. In Mitch Albom's follow-up to his bestselling "Tuesdays with Morrie", Albom uses the fable form to drive this message home, with mixed results.

I think that more so than any of his previous work, "The Five People you Meet in Heaven" is probably going to prove to be Mitch Albom's most divisive book. Almost everyone I have spoken to was favorably impressed by "Tuesdays with Morrie" - some loved it, some felt it was "good for a first attempt", and others felt it was "a bit overrated, but not bad." Those same people have a much broader set of reactions to "The Five People...". One felt that it was opportunistic garbage, designed solely to make money. Another was "disappointed" and expected more. And so it goes. From like to hate, and everything in-between is represented in peoples' reaction to this book.

As for myself, I thought it was a better book than "Morrie"; I read it in one sitting (admittedly not a difficult feat) and I did indeed cry when I reached the end. Eddie is by far one of the most believable fictional characters I have met in recent years, and his reactions to the events chronicled in the book are very human. If the basic messages that Albom is trying to get across seem preachy or simplistic, ask yourself when was the last time you took time to consider any of them personally? Coming up with grand new truths to share is a wonderful thing, but the ability to focus our attention on things which are simple, yet forgotten can at times be even more meaningful.

If I had one critique to make about this book it would be that I think Albom erred in placing the first person before the fifth person. It seems that a great deal of the first person's message was lost (or its impact lessened, in any event) once we meet the fifth and reconsider what has been revealed in that new light. As a shock ending the fifth person works well (I know I was expecting something completely different) but it brings up all sorts of questions which remain unanswered.

Which, I guess, is part of the point. Whether you have five people or fifty, there are always going to be questions unanswered. That's life. I enjoyed this book greatly, but try it for yourself. Pick up a copy! Another book I need to recommend -- completely unrelated to Mitch Albom, but very much on my mind since I purchased a "used" copy off Amazon is "The Losers' Club: Complete Restored Edition" by Richard Perez, an exceptional, highly entertaining little novel I can't stop thinking about.

THe Five People You Meet in Heaven
Eddie, a maintance worker at Ruby Pier, has a tragic death. After his death, he arrives in heaven where he is told by the first person he meets, that in total he will meet five people. Some of these people he may not know, and others were around for a big portion of his life. ONe thing is for certain though each person had a signifcance in his life and they will teach or tell Eddie something new. THat is Eddie's journey in heaven in the book THe FIve People You Meet in Heaven. This book gives people who are looking for a meaning in their live an idea of where to find it. ... Read more

Isbn: 0786868716
Subjects:  1. Accident victims    2. Amusement parks    3. Amusement rides    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - General    6. Fiction / General    7. Future life    8. General    9. Popular American Fiction    10. Psychological    11. Reading Group Guide