Reviews (11)

London 1740-1770
I stumbled on Liza Picard's books quite by chance. After looking at the publishing date in some of the books it is apparent some of them have been around for several years. I am now recommending them to anyone and everyone and I am so glad I stumbled across the first one I readon a rainy afternoon, lonely and far away from home. I have now read them all.
About the era of Samuel Johnson, not about Johnson himself
Picard covers an era of British social history, the 1700s, that has received relatively little attention. The book is divided into four parts: The first part covers London's infrastructure, and the other three parts cover the three major socioeconomic categories: poor, "middling," and rich, although the rich get rather little page space. There are over 50 illustrations.
Love Johnson? Keep looking
A good source for minute information, this book functions better as a reference book than a comprehensive take on 18th century London. Readers should be advised that the first few chapters are heavy on the development of bridges and neighborhoods and such, yet there are no accompanying maps. If you are good at picturing how one lane leads into another and so on, this will be a delight. I found it extremely frustrating.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Great Britain - General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. History / Great Britain   

Reviews (6)

Simply riveting
I'm on my second read-through of this book.It completely readjusted my perspective on what the definition of true compassion is.
Inspiration and then some!
I love this book.G- Dog And The Homeboys is completely inspiring.The writing is compelling and Celeste Fremon is the consummate storyteller.I never thought that I would find myself experiencing the level of compassion I felt for these so called gang members.Ms. Fremon humanizes the characters like no one else.It is also rare that we meet someone such as Father Greg Boyle who has made these young men and women his adopted family and has created the nations largest gang intervention program helping these kids to turn their lives around.If you need some inspiration and a dose of humanity G-Dog And The Homeboys is it!

We teach what we live....
Celeste Fremon has written an unforgetable first hand account of the journey of the remarkable Greg Boyle and his homeboys--and girls.After years of covering these people and their stories, no reporter knows this scene from the inside out quite like Fremon. It is a deeply moving, maddening and ultimately compassionate account of one man who insists that every life is worth saving. And while you're at it, check out the Homeboy Industries website. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boyle, Greg    2. California    3. Catholic Church    4. Church work with Hispanic Americans    5. Church work with juvenile deli    6. Church work with juvenile delinquents    7. East Los Angeles    8. Ethnic Studies - Hispanic American Studies    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. Sociology, Social Studies   

Editorial Review

"TJ had never killed anyone before, but then who knew forsure? Sticking a pump shotgun out of a moving car and blasting into acrowd--you could never really tell which bodies fell because of you,whose life you were accountable for..." The cover may be gaudy, butthis account of girl gangbangers is down-to-earth and refreshinglyfree of melodrama. In order to write Read more

Reviews (34)

I hate to say it's a FUN read, but it really is.
I agree with Amazon's review of 8 Ball Chicks. I don't think Gini Sikes had anything particularly insightful to say, but I give it the max rating because these women's stories are CRAZY (i.e. really entertaining to read, especially for people who love to read about how messed up the world is). Whoever you are, this book is worth reading.

Girl gangbangers
When I first heard of the book I heard it on TV and said to myself that the title meant the name of a girl gang and the whole book would be about that gang. I was wrong and do wonder why it has this title if it has nothing to do with "8ball Chicks".
Through the eyes of female gangs!
Originally I was reading the book because in a play at my University, (the play was on female gangs), and needed to do a little research, but when I picked up the book and began to read, I found many more reasons not to put it down.What captured me the most about the book was the way Gini Sikes was able to give the most vivid image of gang life through that book, I have ever read.I felt like I was on those L.A. streets and in those San Antonio neighborhoods.Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Female Offenders (Criminology)    3. Female juvenile delinquents    4. Gang members    5. Gangs    6. Juvenile Delinquency    7. Sociology    8. Sociology - Urban    9. United States    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Social Science / General    12. True crime   

Reviews (2)

Easy to follow. Must Read.
Thank you Dr Marshall for writing the story of the Omega Boys Club. I think you have outlined here, very well, how anyone with knowledge, dedication and insight can touch the hearts of our youth!
Can you name the risk factors for youth violence?
Marshall has succeeded where others before him have failed. Street Soldiers offers all the "urban reality" stories to get you out of your comfortable chair, but doesn't simply stop there.Outlining a clear and concise approach for dealing with youth violence, Marshall has put forth the solution for tackling one of our nations hidden epidemics.Whether your a frontline worker with youth or not, you will find this a must read book to find out how you can best help stem this incidious disease impacting all of us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American teenagers    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Black American Sociology    4. Blacks In The U.S.    5. California    6. Gang members    7. Popular Culture    8. Popular Culture - General    9. Rehabilitation    10. San Francisco    11. Societies and clubs    12. Sociologists    13. Sociology    14. Social Science / Popular Culture   

Reviews (7)

funny
If you feel the author of this book was irresponsible, then you have something coming. Go to college and understand how important research like this is. Then you will understand why is was important for him to preserve the culture in order to study it. The whole pretense of research, especially an ethnography, is that people trust you so you can study the truth and show your findings to the rest of the world. He found a lot in this research and this wouldn't have happened if he "told" on them.

Interesting, yet highly disturbing
I write this review merely to respond to allegations that Fleisher is irresponsible.First of all, before you make that claim, enroll in one sociology course.Research like this is vital to understanding how humans operate, and without such research (not just about gangs, but about many aspects of life) policy recommendations would not be accurate, and problems would not be addressed appropriately.Had Fleisher reported all of the crimes that occurred during his time there, his research would have ended.As it is, there is very little research done on girls in gangs.Second, if you had completed the book, you would have seen that Fleisher did have a friend report what he saw with Amy and RoniRo (p 247 -- second full paragraph.)Third, he didn't approve of the gang girls choices to sell drugs -- he said he understood it.Granted that is a choice that most people cannot understand, but after witnessing all that he did, how can you blame him for being disenfranchised?
Perfect
The author handled the situations almost perfectly and I applaud him for that. Being a reformed gang member I was suprised that he even got these kid to trust him enough not to think he was the feds. People complain about how he allowed them to smoke and deal drugs but if he had tried to stop them he would have been dead. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Children's Studies    3. Criminology    4. Female juvenile delinquents    5. Gang members    6. General    7. Juvenile Delinquency    8. Kansas City    9. Missouri    10. Problem youth    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Sociology - Urban    14. Adolescents    15. Causes & prevention of crime    16. Children    17. Organized crime    18. Social history    19. USA    20. Violence in society   

Reviews (6)

street gangs
i want to know who wrote this book and the publisher,copy right company and every information i can find about this book.

criminal justice professor
This is a great book! Al Valdez has done an excellent job of summarizes the existing gang information avaliable. It is an easy to read book, that is valuable to law enforcers, educators, students, or interested citizens This is a very useful resource
This book gives all the information you need to know for a quick and thorough understanding of gangs.I have been fortunate to meet Al Valdez and he knows his stuff!Whether you are a cop, like me, or a parent, like me, this is a book you need. His unique insight and writing ability give you practical information and advice from the real world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Law - Juvenile Offenders    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. Violence in Society   

Reviews (3)

Great book
This is a terrific book on design patterns. Each pattern is well explained with numerous examples, including examples where the patterns are already implemented in the Java language. The style is easy-going, making each pattern easier to understand and more palatable. The formal design pattern books may give you trouble, but this one won't--and all the information in the formal books is packed into this one as well.

Simply Junk
After reading those books that says "That's it..." every ten lines put out by Mr. Holzner during the 90's (c, c++, XMl, advanced c++, java,....) I was not suprised to see he is going at it again. This time, the Design Patterns.
Practical, concrete examples of patterns...
Yes, patterns are important.But if you try and get your first exposure to them via the classic GoF book, you'll likely be more confused than enlightened.Steve Holzner has a practical, understandable treatment of patterns in the book Design Patterns For Dummies.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Languages    2. Computer software    3. Computers    4. Computers - Languages / Programming    5. Development    6. Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Etc.    7. Object-oriented methods (Computer science)    8. Object-oriented programming (Computer science)    9. Programming - Software Development    10. Computer Programming    11. Computers / Programming / Software Development   

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History: American    4. Politics / Current Events    5. United States - General    6. Organized crime    7. Social Science / Sociology / General    8. USA    9. Urban communities    10. Violence in society   

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Gangs    3. General    4. Juvenile delinquency    5. Offenses And Offenders    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. True Crime    9. True Crime / Espionage    10. United States    11. Crime & criminology    12. True Crime / General   

Reviews (3)

it was ok
If my son was older I think he would enjoy the book better but he loves the bath clings.They're pretty small and get stuck in the drain so be careful!I usually have to fish them out after every bath.But overall they were a good buy, especially for the price.I would definately suggest it for any child that loves bathtime.My son says "Nemo!" the minute he hears the bath water running!

Love the bathtime stickers
My 27-month-old daughter LOVES these bathtub stickers.She puts them all over the tub and has me write out each character's name with a bath crayon.I only wish they had even more bathtub stickers.She asks where the whale is or where the turtle is.She really has a lot of fun with these stickers and the coloring book is lots of fun too for this Nemo fan.

Finding nemo "window clings"
This was originally advertised as a coloring book with "window clings" I see that has since changed from when I pre-ordered it.The now "bathtub stickers" are a bit like small window clings but they have very faint colors and don't stick too well.I was disappointed at the time and am happy to see that they changed the description. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Children's 9-12 - Activity Books    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Preschool Recreational Activities / Arts And Crafts    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / Activity Books   

Subjects:  1. Community policing    2. Criminology    3. Gang units    4. Gangs    5. Police    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Police & security services    10. Social Science / Criminology    11. USA    12. Violence in society   

Reviews (2)

Utility depends on need
This book reflects the research interests of the author, who is a genius, and should not be considered introductory, even at the graduate level.I do not find this book useful for learning anything for the first time.However, it provides an interesting perspective on many classic topics in many-body theory.Unlike the previous reviewer, I found the grandious statements a wonderful feature since most textbooks lack any of the author's voice.Reading this book is closer to attending a lecture than any text of it's kind I've read.I get this book from the library and I wouldn't pay $100 for it especially since the author posts his lectures notes on his website and much of the later material can be obtained from PROLA.

mixed
The first half or so of the book is standard many body theory with a twist. While I like the twist I find that Wen omits details that should be relevant in a textbook, so to the beginning student I highly recommend going elsewhere first. To the expert (not me) it's interesting to see wen's touches. The second part of the book is just the work the author has done, which seems self serving. ...on a side note, there are a lot of very grandiose statements which can be kind of obnoxious. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Many-body problem    2. Quantum Theory    3. Quantum field theory    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Solid State Physics    7. Physics | Condensed Matter Physics    8. Quantum physics (quantum mechanics)    9. Science / Solid State Physics   

Reviews (3)

Lots of errors
While at it's core, this book does tell a compelling (and sometimes heartbreaking) story of the Allison clan, it is seriously handicapped by the author's failure to thoroughly research the subjects discussed in order to be accurate. Another shortcoming is the numerous mis-spellings, which should have been corrected during the editing process. An example is the author stating that Bobby Allison test drove the Buick Riata before it's release, when a simple Google search reveals the correct spelling is Reatta. In the end I found this book very frustrating and confusing to read. My advice is to pass it by.

Confusing and inaccurate
Not unlike past Golenbock books MIRACLE is confusing to read and full of inaccuracies and errors.Some portions had to be read a couple of times to try and figure out what exactly the author was trying to get across to the reader. One of the more glaring errors was when it was stated that when Donnie Allison ran the Indy 500 and World 600 in the same weekend he was the only driver to do that until Jeff Gordon did it in 1993.WHAT?Jeff Gordon has NEVER run the Indy 500 and certainly didn't do so his rookie year in Winston Cup racing.In another chapter there is a discussion of Bobby Allison testing at Ontario Speedway in California then the author goes on to describe Bobby's feelings as he pulled on the "historic Indianapolis track".Which was it?Indy or Ontario.The Author claims that Bobby gave his Indy crew chief the nickname "Lugs" (and he called Bobby "Stroker" )because of the movie "Stroker Ace".Cute story, but that movie didn't come out for another 10 years after Bobby's 1973 run at Indy.The book is filled with typos and grammatical errors.I'd save my money on this one.

Miracle : Bobby Allison and the Saga of the Alabama Gang
Peter Golenbock has done it again .This book will open your mind and heart to the joy and tragedy that might come with being a racing family. It won't matter if you were fans of The Alabama Gang or not. You just need to be a fan of Racing to understand the drive that pushed Bobby Allison to continue to love the sport of racing which handed him and his wife Judy such unspeakable tragedy of the loss of two sons and almost cost him his life .This book will touch the heart of every NASCAR fan who has cheered his heart out for the win of a race.It will also touch the heart of every father and mother who has lost a child but continue to go on.This story is for anyone who is a fan of life and isn't that what we all are...A fan of life. A Must read for every fan of NASCAR , no matter who you want to win the race ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allison, Bobby    2. Automobile Racing    3. Automobile racing drivers    4. Biography    5. General    6. Motor Sports    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. United States   

Reviews (1)

Not so much a sequel - its better
This book was compiled a few years after "Gangs of New York". It's a collection of New Yorker magazine articles on the topic, with different subject matter. Much more sophisticated in structure, accessible, fun in that New Yorker kind of tongue-in-cheek way. A great airplane read, you will read it all before you get to either coast. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. General    3. History    4. History - U.S.    5. History: American    6. New York (N.Y.)    7. New York - Local History    8. Sociology - Urban    9. United States - 19th Century    10. United States - State & Local - General    11. Urban Sociology   

Reviews (15)

Get This Book!
This is a fantastic book.A lot of pictures that have never been seen until now.If you don't have it, get it!

The Chicago Outfit
This is a well reasearched and well organized book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It contains many photos which have never been shown in other books. It also contains facts and debunks a lot of the "myths" surrounding The Chicago Outfit. Very good read!

Best Fact Based Book on the Chicago Underworld!
As a fellow mafia historian I found Mr. Binder's book to be one of the best researched and accurate accounts of the Chicago Outfit. This book has assisted me in confirming some of the names of Chicago Heights Mob members. I own an original photo scrapbook with photo's of John Roberts and other mafia members that until this book came out I wasn't able to positively identify many of them. This book should be a must have for anyone who has an interest in the mafia. I'm hoping Mr. Binder will someday come out with a second book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chicago    2. General    3. History    4. History: American    5. Illinois    6. Mafia    7. Organized crime    8. Outfit (Gang)    9. Pictorial works    10. Travel - United States    11. United States - Midwest - Chicago    12. History / General   

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Gangs    3. Juvenile delinquency    4. Offenses And Offenders    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. United States    8. Juvenile offenders    9. Social Science / Criminology   

Reviews (4)

A History
This book gives you a great look inside prison gangs and their roots, most information comes from the west coast.

Good, If Slightly Outdated, Info on Gangs
Although the book is a bit outdated, it's a very good book on all manner of street gangs.And though it doesn't cover the gangs of the area I live in, the information is still valid and pretty well relevant.
Indispensable book for Gang investigators/officers
If you deal with Gangs at all from the patrol to investigative fields, this is your book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Gangs    3. Juvenile Delinquency    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - Urban    8. United States    9. Adolescents    10. Offenders    11. Organized crime    12. Social Science / Criminology    13. USA   

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Medical - General    8. Osteopathic medicine    9. Osteopathic physicians    10. Personal Growth - General    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Spiritual Healing    13. Biography & Autobiography / Medical    14. Biography: general    15. Medicine: General Issues   

Reviews (4)

Great book on the canadian hell's angels
This is an interesting history of the hell's angels across canadas cities and provinces. The angels start out in canada around 1977 setting up the first chapter til now present day or at least the last few years they grown into a major presence across all of canada. The things stated by the author does not portray what you would call the stereotypical biker image along with pictures that are in this book.Alot of members have the look of regular next door neighbor and in some cases even wearing three piece suits.They have ownership in a variety of business many which where a little surprising which along with the drug trade generated huge sums of money and i mean huge.
Great Book
This book is an excellent true-crime novel. It is very well written. It goes into fine detail. I am very impressed.

Fantastic Read
This is a factual account of the recent development and evolution of biker gangs -- specifically, the Hells Angels -- in Canada.Well-written and brilliantly researched, the authors do an excellent job of providing details about the Hells' infiltration of ports in Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver, their domination of the illicit drug and porn industries, and their expanding business empire.Sher and Marsden also examine the war between the Hells Angels and Rock Machine, focusing not only on the exchanges of bombs and bullets, but also on police, government, and public reactions to the war.Although not nearly as cynical as Yves Lavigne (author of a number of books on the Hells Angels), Sher and Marsden are justly critical of the authorities -- specifically as regards the inability of various police forces to get along and work together in the fight against organized crime, as well as the mismanagement of the ports police, who for years had argued in favour of a more pro-active approach against the Hells Angels and their associates in their (successful) efforts to control Canada's major ports.Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Nonfiction - True Crime / Espionage    3. True Crime / General