Reviews (113)

History is fun!
A look at the history of U.S. presidential assassinations.Part history, part comic commentary, Ms. Vowell extensively documents her visits to sites (official or not) associated with these events.The history of the assassinations alone is interesting and details are often overlooked (or not looked at at all - e.g., Garfield, McKinley) when these events are presented / captured in popular forums.It is a quick read that will shed light on and insight into these assassinations that you never considered before.

I will buy this book from you if you don't like it
I read this book aloud to 5 pre- and teenagers on a grueling road trip down south over Easter. Not only did it hold their attention the entire time it was an incredible coincidence to pass an important site in the book at the EXACT time we were reading about the capture of John Wilkes Boothe. Because of the author's exacting description we were able to arrive at the exact site she describes in such detail and VOILA, nearly living history. (Of course, being uncouth Northerners we allowed our dog to pee on the shrine in question and one child left eggs from his Easter basket on the marker).This book compelled me to read three or four more books about Lincoln, Booth and assorted others Vowell writes about. She captures history in such a remarkably approachable manner, I've since bought copies for every history teacher in our school district. Every American should read this book and even if you think you know about our first assassinations, you will learn something, and laugh while learning it. Spectacular.

Move over Bill Bryson, there's stiff competition
Assassination Vacation is one of the best books I've read this Summer. Ms Vowell should take up teaching American history. Her brilliant and expert knowledge of her subjects (normally written about in stententious and serious tones given the subject matter) is quite impressive. But, it is the wit and humor and unusual angle of expression and personal observations that is the most captivating. I was amazed to learn so much more about the Lincoln assassination and conspirators (despite more than 35 years of reading and research on the subject) and view it from a different and less reverent angle. But even more, I was entranced by the Garfield and McKinley coverage - which added huge amounts of information to my very limited knowledge of either of these presidents or their assassins and the events surrounding them. Garfield came off so much better than I ever knew - which was very little. And his hilarious "disappointed office seeker" far more ambitious (Ambassador to France?) and political (Stalwart for Grant) than I ever knew. Don't know how one can make an account of assassinations hilariously funny? Read this book - and don't assume that it isn't historically accurate, because it is. This one is a real keeper and I am thinking of buying it on tape - just so I can listen to it while stuck in traffic, so that fellow travellers can see someone who is having fun while in the midst of DC rush hours.Have fun with this book and share it with everyone you know who loves history and has a good sense of humor. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assassination    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Homes and haunts    7. Murder - General    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. Special Interest - General    11. Topic - Political    12. Travel - General    13. U.S. President    14. United States    15. United States - General    16. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents    17. Crime & criminology    18. Travel writing    19. USA   

Editorial Review

In the bold and heartbreaking Read more

Reviews (343)

I know, I know, it's not all true .....
We all are more than aware that James Frey's books are not all based on his experiences but that doesn't change the fact that both "A Million Little Pieces" and "My Friend Leonard" are powerful stories. The characters are riveting, the story line is completely engrossing, and Frey's writing style adds so much to the story. "My Friend Leonard" was intense, funny, painful, and inspiring.I just finished it last night and would recommend it to anyone.I think that people/the media need to stop judging James Frey for taking creative license in his writing and just accept both books for what they are: very strong, readable stories that draw you in from page 1 and move you.

A wonderful book, even if it is fiction...
I remember vaguely hearing about James Frey and the whole Oprah thing, which seemed a little ridiculous. But I was still curious about his book "A Million Little Pieces". So I bought the book and read it, I loved it. For me it was eye opening, everyday I work with criminals and drug addicts but I have never been one myself. As much as I want to help them, I don't understand what they have experienced. Mr.Frey's books have laid out a story of addiction and recovery that is butural, yet honest and accurate. "My Friend Leonard" is a touching story that nicely finshes off the saga that "A Million Little Pieces" begins. I would recommend them both to anyone, they are captivating and honest about the horrors of drug addiction. Even though parts of what Mr.Frey wrote are not true, you cannot deny good writing and a good story.

that man can write...
regarless of the controversy over the fact that portions of this book, along with "a million little pieces" is fictional... there is one undeniable fact... james frey can write. i loved this book... i cried though over half of it... he easily sucks you into his life... you root an cheer for his relationships, mourn for his loss' an feel a sense of pride with every good decison he makes. this is a must read for everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Crime And Criminals    6. Criminals & Outlaws    7. Criminology    8. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    10. Ex-convicts    11. Male friendship    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Recovering addicts    14. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    15. United States    16. Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Reviews (2)

Criminology: The Core (w CD-ROM & InfoTrac) by Larry J. Siegel
Criminology and criminal justice have been the subject of a lot of research. Critical criminology has evolved over the past two decades and a number of new sub-branches have developed. Most popular research would be improved by greater emphasis on the branch of criminology known as "Minarchist Realism" or "Libertarian Realism."
Criminology: The Core
This book is easy to read and understand. The exercises at the end of each chapter are very helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Procedure    2. Criminology    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Crime & criminology    6. Law / Criminal Procedure   

Reviews (3)

Great undergraduate book
This particular book by Britz, is but one more example of her commitment to detail in all of her works.Like her previous books, this book is both readable and comprehensive.It is one that I myself have adopted in my computer crime course, and I am anxiously awaiting the second edition.The chapters on the legal issues and the history of computer crime are unparalleled in the extant literature.More succinctly, the greatest strength of the book is its' sheer readibility. Designed for undergraduates, this particular text is a must read for any beginner interested in computer crime and computer investigations.Unlike other books in the field which prove to be far too advanced for novices, Britz's book allows even the most unsophisticated reader to appreciate and understand the problems associated with the investigation of computer crime, as well as recognize emerging trends in this area.Please, please, provide a second edition as soon as possible!!

Well Done
"Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime," written by Marjie T. Britz and, publish by Pearson Education Inc., seems to be a very well balance book, why? It just took me few minutes, between reading the introductory notes and "browsing" to its chapters, to understand that this book is well sequenced and organized.
Sadly Dated
This would have been a superb book if it had been published in 2001 or so.Coverage is wide and quite detailed -- unfortunately, it appears the research for the book was done in 2000 (that's the publication date of the msot recent references in the bibliography)and a lot of things have changed since then.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Crime    3. Computer crimes    4. Computer security    5. Computers    6. Criminology    7. Forensic Science    8. Legal Reference / Law Profession    9. Security - General    10. Crime & criminology    11. Social Science / Criminology   

Reviews (46)

liberal blather from a hippie lawyer
Mr. Feige has written a book with some amusing stories but the overall liberal bias renders it more a polemic. Every story is distorted by omission of facts and his unrelenting bitterness. For example Mr. Feige writes how cars with tinted windows are given 5 tickets, one for each window. He doesn't say that tinted cars are the prefered hit vehicles for drive by shootings and drug deals. If the police can get a tinted vehicle off the streets by amplifying the violation by 5, more power to them. He also writes about dog violations as though the police were using them to harass helpless pet owners. He doesn't say that these are not the cute poodles you might find on 72nd St. These are vicious 150 lb pit bulls that are used to terrorise neighbors and clear a path on the sidewalk. Finally, there are the ad hominem attacks naming specific jurists without any attempt to provide a balanced view. At one point, Mr. Feige names a judge and states, "He got the job by handing $38,000 in cash to a politician". Where are the facts to back up this accusation? More than anything else, the emptyness and bitterness of Mr. Feige's life shines through. He never mentions a wife, children, or any outside of work activities other than drinking.

Blow-by-blow account of one hectic day is eye-opening and revealing.
INDEFENSIBLE: ONE LAWYER'S JOURNEY INTO THE INFERNO OF AMERICAN JUSTICE provides a description of an ordinary day in the life of a South Bronx public defender: a day which encounters murders, annoying fellow lawyers, and vindictive judges. Feige has been a public defender for nearly fifteen years: his blow-by-blow account of one hectic day is eye-opening and revealing.
A glimpse into an impossible system
Mr. Feige's journey into the day in the life of a Public Defender in the Bronx is funny and infuriating.Little gets done (aside from injury).His world is one where the compassionate are blocked from those in need by a pretty brutal, heartless, and racist beurocracy clothed in a robe.He fights a lot.Sometimes he wins.Mostly, it is a study of a system in need.Mr. Feige does a great job of showing a system in great need of repair.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Bronx County    3. Courts    4. Courts - General    5. Criminal Justice Administration    6. Criminal justice, administration of    7. Criminology    8. Feige, David    9. Law    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Legal Profession    12. New York    13. New York (State)    14. New York State    15. Public defenders    16. Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges   

Subjects:  1. Corrections    2. Criminology    3. Penology    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Crime & criminology    8. Social Science / Criminology   

Editorial Review

Anyone can summarize a collection of cases, but not everyone can make themread well.With a flair for compressed narrative worthy of a good short story writer,Colin Evans entertains and instructs the reader with 100 cases that exemplify the use of 15 different forensic techniques (ballistics, fingerprinting).Some (like the Lindberghcase) arefamous, others are barely known, yet each has some unique twist that sets itapart.Many "firsts" are included,such as the first murder convictionwithout a body, the firstuse of psychological profiling, and the first use of DNA typing.Evans also brings out the distinct (often flamboyant) personalities of the pioneeringexperts of forensics and some of their more notable courtroom theatrics.Each case islabeled by name of criminal, forensic technique, date, location, and significant feature(s),making this a useful reference as well as a fun book to read. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

informative
I found this book very informative. It covers all the bases with the range of forensic technique discussed. The only draw back ,to me, was it seemed that some areas could have been elaborated on more. Overall this was an excellent book.

Fascinating read
Recommended for anyone with more than a slight interest in forensics. The author nicely divides the book into different categories of forensic science and looks at various cases. Fast read.

A Compelling Read.
I originally choose this book because I was looking for a book to supplement the textbook for my high school forensics class this year.After reading the book I decided to ask my principal to order enough books for my entire class.I think this book is on a very high interest subject and it also contains a lot of factual information.I'm confidant that my students will be as interested in reading the book as I was.
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Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Criminal investigation    3. Forensic Medicine    4. Forensic Science    5. Medical jurisprudence    6. Murder - General    7. Reference    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. True Crime / Espionage    11. Criminal investigation & detection    12. Science / Reference   

Editorial Review

Since the 1993 publication of her memoir Read more

Reviews (19)

A Topic always worth thinking about, but not a convincing book
The facts of Prejean's first book have been disputed by victims and others. The truth isn't always obvious, but putting together Prejean's remarks in her book about Robert Lee Willie; the interviews that they both gave; Debbie Morris's account of what Prejean told her; the testimony of other witnesses, I'd have to say that she was lying when she described him as remorseful, and her credibility is compromised.Prejean is also willfully gullible when it comes to her advisees; she isn't so trusting with everyone. The first part of this book deals with the cases of two executed men whom Prejean claims were innocent. I don't know whether to believe her or not.
Three Florida cases: Jerry Rogers, Roy Swafford, Peter Ventura
Jerry Layne Rogers, Sr. -- wrongfully convicted and innocent. From 1989 - 1992, I was his investigator at CCR [The Office of Capital Collateral Representative, a state agency representing death-sentenced persons].
A Devastating Read
For those of us who like to think that the justice system of the USA is the best in the world, the contents of this book will be nothing less than devastating.Sr. Helen details how two men, both probably innocent, were executed in spite of the purported "safeguards" in the death penalty process.Revealed for all to see is a "justice" system that has become corrupt, populated with judges and prosecutors whose passion for justice has been expropriated by a passion for the law, with The Law the end, instead of merely a servant of justice.As an example, an appeal submitted by one of these two men's attorneys was titled "Notice of Appeal" instead of "Petition for Appeal" and so the Virginia Supreme Court refused to review the case--then and forever, in spite of strong new DNA evidence that showed this man was probably innocent.This was a very powerful argument against the death penalty, and against the legalism that has almost entirely taken over our courts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Capital Punishment    2. Criminal Law    3. Criminology    4. Criminology (Specific Aspects)    5. Penology    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Social Science / Penology   

Editorial Review

When this true-crime story first appeared in 1980, it made the Read more

Reviews (270)

The life I've always secretly wanted.
"Catch Me If You Can" follows the life of Frank W. Abignale - one of the greatest con men of all time who single handedly lived his life on fradulant checks and scams that just leave you thinking how amazing he was. This book is the autobiographical account of Abignale's teenage years from when he first created a scam on his father's Mobil credit card. There are so many times in this book that I had to step back and think about the air of confidence that Abignale displayed, yet curiously inside he was often paranoid and worried about the authorities catching up to him.
A great read!
This book was very well written and so much fun to read.
Frank Abagnale Jr.
We all know of Frank Abagnale's personality; arrogant, yet kind with class. Among all the different characters that he chooses to play, whether he's a pilot, doctor, lawyer, or a college professor, i believe that Frank is somewhat confused of who he is. Frank "ran away" from home at 16; the age of teenager who is only halfway through high school. At 16, most people don't know where they are in life or what to pursue in the future. One thing was for sure; Frank wanted money and women.
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Subjects:  1. 1948-    2. Abagnale, Frank W.,    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Criminals & Outlaws    6. General    7. Impostors and imposture    8. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    9. Swindlers and swindling    10. True Crime    11. United States    12. Abagnale, Frank W    13. True Crime / General   

Reviews (1)

Excerpt of review from Book Reviews
"The first edition of this book was a classic, widely cited both for its analysis of forensic assessment instruments and for Grisso's integrative theory of forensic evaluation.With the second edition, Evaluating Competencies remains a classic.I expect that whenever a forensic psychologist of psychiatrist prepares for an advanced examination in this specialty, this book will-or should-be one of the first books reviewed."Read more

Subjects:  1. Administration    2. Assessment, Testing & Measurement    3. Clinical Psychology    4. Competency to stand trial    5. Criminal Law - General    6. Forensic Science    7. Forensic psychiatry    8. Insanity    9. Jurisprudence    10. Law    11. Legal Reference / Law Profession    12. United States    13. Courts & procedure    14. Crime & criminology    15. Criminal or forensic psychology    16. Law / Criminal Law    17. Medical-Administration    18. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    19. Psychology-Clinical Psychology    20. USA   

Reviews (4)

Criminal justice student
My book was recieved on time and in perfect condition. I saved alot of money buying my book from amazon.com.I will defintely be ordering here next semester.

Great!!!!
Thank you so much for the book in the time that I needed it.

nice introduction to the criminal justice field
i just bought this book at my campus the other day. I can't put it down.This book is very interesting and laid out nicely, definitions are madeclear. i feel as if i am there when i look at the pictures in this book andwhen i am reading about a particular incident.another thing i like aboutthis book is it combines traditional learning with the author wanting thereader to use the internet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Law - General    2. Criminal justice, Administrati    3. Criminal justice, Administration of    4. Criminology    5. Jurisprudence    6. Law    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Crime & criminology    10. Law / Jurisprudence   

Reviews (3)

Detecting Lies & Deceipt
I found this book to the most informative and useful reference of all those I have read regarding the subject and techniques relating to detecting deception by means of statement analysis in it's various forms. Easy to read. Easy to understand. It will remain a guide to forensic investigators, polygraphists and the like for many years to come.

Excellent survey of psychological literature on deception
This is an extraordinary book, a well-written and clear survey of the psychological literature on deception written by one of the leaders in the field.Extremely thorough, and although sophisticated enough for professionals it is nevertheless useful for students and non-psychologists.As a lawyer and academic who writes on psychology and the law, I found it enormously helpful in preparing an article on the admissibility of expert testimony on lie-detection techniques.Having written on the subject before, and being more adept at legal rather than psychological research, I was thrilled to find such a clear and thorough collection of sources and commentary on the myriad social science research on lie-detection, and have already used the book's index to locate and look up numerous studies with which I was previously unfamiliar.

EXCELLENT BOOK ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LIE DETECTION
This book was very helpful on the psycholgy and tell tale signs of lies.One of the most informative and straight forward books that I have read on the subject.I would definitely recomend this to anyone intested inthe psycholgy aspect of lies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavioral assessment    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Lie detectors and detection    4. Medical Law & Legislation    5. Psychology    6. Truthfulness and falsehood    7. Behavioural theory (Behaviourism)    8. Cognition & cognitive psychology    9. Criminal investigation & detection    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (2)

Way More Than Informative...
Some books are informative.And some books are eye-opening.This book is eye-opening.Read it and you will learn many fascinating things you never dreamed were going on....
Wise and compassionate
Venkatesh is that rare academic whose writing appeals both to the specialist and the layman.He has constructed a wise and compassionate portrait that never loses sight of the humanity of his subjects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chicago    2. Criminology    3. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    4. Illinois    5. Informal sector (Economics)    6. Minority Studies - General    7. Poor    8. Poverty    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - Urban    12. Social Science / Sociology / Urban    13. Urban communities   

Reviews (22)

MUST READ!
This book weaves so many heartfelt things together beautifully...scenery, family, community, horses, and of coruse the kids. The Meeders are not wealthy, it shows what determination can do. It's an honest look at the world in all of the good and bad. I own my own horse and being a horse lover made it all the more poignant. However, I feel everyone could really appreciate this work wether or not they are involved in horses.
hope IS rising
This book is wonderful in the sense that it conveys a inspiring story of circumstances that could have only been handled by a caring God.I also, on the other hand, find it a little dull if you crave fiction.It is completely based on real events and to younger children and even some teens it may seem boring.But it is, nevertheless, a very awesome and touching story that almost every reader will enjoy, but you may not find it completely captivating.I do think that it should be on your "to read" list.Even if it isn't your favorite book, it is nice to read for the experience.It you love fiction, I still recommend it for something new.

Beauty from ashes
Our daughter loves horses so we bought this book for her.To my surprise the whole family loved it as we read a chapter at a time out loud.If you want to develop your compassion and your vision for real beauty, read this book.It shows the potential and value in seemingly worthless things.Or more specifically in horses that some see as worthless.Or in a child that has no hope.Kim Meeder has experienced the worst and the best in life, and describes the transition between the two incredibly well.
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Subjects:  1. Animal rescue    2. Children's Studies    3. Criminology    4. Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch (Ben    5. Horses    6. Inspirational - General    7. Oregon    8. Problem youth    9. Religion    10. Services for    11. Sociology    12. Therapeutic use    13. INSPIRATION / MOTIVATION/ GENERAL    14. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (14)

Profiling Violent Crimes is a Great Tool
This has been a great help for my wife. She is gone back to school and this book has greatly helped her in her classes. Amazon's prices was much less about 40% cheaper than the book store and other websites.

Interesting but poorly written
I was assigned this book for a criminial justice course on profiling, and while I find the content interesting, the book itself is hard to read because the writing is bad.I *think* the authors are trying to state veiled opinions about the 'hotshots' of the FBI and what they would call 'proper' use of criminal profiling, but the language is stilted and I just end up confused as to their intent.That coupled with the misuse of the word 'affect' (instead of 'effect') within the first ten pages!Therefore, if you're looking for a well-written, thought-provoking text, this isn't it, but it can provide some interesting commentary on the state of profiling today.

Ugh
I agree completely with Dr. Chorbajian.I purchased this book in preparation for a graduate level criminal profiling class and have been thoroughly disappointed with both the quality of the writing and the depth (or lack thereof) of discussion.The authors may be experts in their field, but you wouldn't know it from this book.Unless you're forced to buy this book for school, opt for something else. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Criminal Law - General    3. Criminal behavior    4. Criminal investigation    5. Criminal methods    6. Criminology    7. Methodology    8. Psychological aspects    9. Research    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Criminal investigation & detection    13. Psychology    14. Social Science / Criminology   

Reviews (1)

This textbook stinks...
This book is unorganized, out-of-date, too focused on New York City, and on every other page promotes the authors and their careers...On page 7 they are telling you how much has changed with the computer age, and the internet, and one of the authors tells you he went to grade school and they used quill pens and fountain jars...okay, I didn't need to know that.It was so annoying that by page 14, I was going to submit to them a list of improvements, but it would have been EXTENSIVE!From there on just gritted my teeth and got through it...Good luck!You'll be really tired of the references to the Trade City Bombing, and NYC in general, by the end of it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Procedure    2. Criminology    3. Law    4. Law enforcement    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Police    7. United States    8. Courts & procedure    9. Criminal law    10. Law / Criminal Procedure   

Editorial Review

This startling look at desperate, drug-addled inner-city lives ranks as one of the grittiest--and best--examinations of underclass America available. Like Alex Kotlowitz's Read more

Reviews (56)

excellent
I had to read this book for my criminology class, and finished it early. This book is hard to put down, it draws you in. I read 200 pages in one night. The book is hard to read, not tounderstand butbecause it is heart-breaking. the book is a real-eye opener to the harsh realties of the inner-city. This book is excellent , highly recommend.
not for everybody
this is one book where the movie was better.however, i always like to read the book to get the actual details. this book is over 500 pages .it is very detailed , but not a page turner.

A Treasure
One of the outstanding books of our times.A powerful and compelling read.Will appeal to people from across the political spectrum.The Corner is a gem of a book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baltimore    2. Drug Crimes    3. Drug abuse    4. Drug addicts    5. Drug dealers    6. General    7. Maryland    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Poverty    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - Urban    13. Urban Sociology    14. Alcoholism    15. Crime & criminology    16. Current Events / Poverty    17. Drug addiction & substance abuse    18. Urban communities