Editorial Review

John Grisham tackles nonfiction for the first time with Read more

Reviews (26)

I must apologize
I wrote that the Broker was not the book I should strongly recommend. Well, I'm astonished now, because Mr Grisham knew about ties between Cia and Italian Telecom. How did he manage? Well, back to the Innocent man. I have read some of the recension before me. I think it could be hard to cope for a layman, but it's very interesting for a jurist, expecially for a no American one. The plot is intriguing, and the style is very dry. I read it in a day, and I learnt very much about American system. System is really good, sometimes men aren't, like everywhere. The clue is: American juries care more about what a convicted should do in the future, then about which crime one actually performed, if then. That's the reason why a dropout like Ronnie was a perfect candidate for lethal injection. He was crazy, noisy , arrogant, he slept most of the time and use to chase boozes and skirts. What's the use of let he in life? Grisham is great when at the end calculates to the penny what's the cost of such a court mistake for the american taxpayer. A cynical could rebuke: right, but only because it happened to be eventually corrected. The correction was the really burden, and not the mistake. I hope to read more nonfiction from Mr Grisham, that could even write a postfaction like Victor Hugo in the Miserables: Italy loves my books, but Italian judiciary ssystem isn't any better ( Hugo said Italy loved les Miserables, but Italy was really a worse country then France ).It's a book about justice, not simply a book about american judiciary system or small countries judicial oddities. I recommend it to all law students.

A Poignant and Compelling Story!
What would you do if you were suspected by the police of the rape and murder of a young woman? Whom would you turn to if you were convicted of a crime based on circumstantial evidence and shoddy legal tactics? Whoever believes we are all innocent until proven guilty hasn't truly been put to the test.
His best book yet
His first Nonfiction book was very well written.It was a major page turner and I finished it in 2 days.I liked it better than any of his other books and I"m a big Grisham fan.Please note, if you don't want to have anything given away I'd not read the captions under the photos because some of the story will be given away.It is a very one sided story and is easy to read his contempt for the the bad part of the criminal justice system, but it also made me think.Before I read this I was a strong supporter of capital punishment, and now I still believe in it, but I see why there are so many appeals etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Capital Punishment    2. Infamous Crimes And Criminals    3. Judicial error    4. Legal System    5. Murder - General    6. Oklahoma    7. Penology    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Trials (Murder)    11. True Crime / Espionage    12. Social Science / Penology   

Reviews (25)

Concise, helpful, and interesting
This chapter turned book, provides some nice insights into the intersection of Collins's business practices and the nonprofit sector.A helpful read for those interested in social enterprise.

Five Challenges for Non-Profits to Achieve Greatness
I have direct experience in the social sector with over twenty-five years as an advisor or board member of several, varied non-profits. "Good to Great and the Social Sectors" resonated with me as it fills a very deep void in social sector leadership guidance.
Provides the Missing Link for Nonprofits to Grow from Good to Great
"Good To Great" remains my favorite leadership book, for a variety of reasons. The only shortfall has been in applying some of its tenets to our nonprofit organization. This monograph is very useful in making the book work for an organization that is driven by a different kind of results. The monograph also allows you to get this info without having to buy another copy of Good to Great,so it is well worth the cost for its small size. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business Organization    3. Business/Economics    4. General    5. Management    6. Nonprofit organizations    7. Organizational change    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - Social Theory    10. Strategic planning    11. Business & Economics / Management   

Reviews (8)

A Real Cultural Warrior
Lou Dobbs doesn't pontificate, "bloviate," or make wild accusations and disparaging remarks about people who disagree with him like some inherent spin-meisters on FOX tend to do. Dobbs, of CNN, doesn't have to. In his book, "War on the Middle Class," he simply lays lays out the facts in a fair and honest way - facts that to anyone but the most ardent hermit are self evident as we all watch the strength and independence of the country get exported or "out-sourced" around the world.
America's Precarious Future
Author Lou Dobbs brings up a number of pressing issues in our country that are, for the most part, being ignored by our politicans in Washington.Border security, corporate business outsourcing jobs to other countries, failure in our public schools, and the shrinking middle class while the rich get richer are a few of the subjects that Dobbs tackles.What I find especially frightening is the fact the future of our country is at stake while politicans and corporate America engage in self-interest.Leadership is desperately needed and Dobbs suggests people designate themselves as Independents rather than Republicans or Democrats.Neither party should assume they have our vote.It is something to be earned.Education is woefully neglected while it once was a chance for equalization among students.No one can guarantee success for anyone, but all at least deserve a chance at success.College tuition costs have soared beyond the means of many students.Talented teachers are needed, but teachers are often hired into other higher paying jobs.Discipline in schools has deteriorated due to the breakup of the family.Illegal immigrants are taxing our schools, hospitals, jails, and social services in addition to bringing diseases into our country while the powers that be in Washington fiddle.My bottom line?This is not the time to be a kid in America.

A real wake-up call ...
Corporations no longer influence our laws --now, they write them! As Dobbs chronicles, they are writing the economic laws of the world, unfettered by any one nation. Just consider the iPod, made north of Shanghai, China where young workers are kept in 100-person dorms at night, given a bucket to do their laundry, and paid $50 a month. Think this, and a multitude of stories just like it don't affect wages in America?
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Subjects:  1. Economic Policy    2. Economic conditions    3. Government - General    4. Government policy    5. Middle class    6. Pressure groups    7. Social Classes    8. Social Science    9. Social Stratification    10. Sociology    11. United States    12. Social Science / Social Classes   

Reviews (97)

Pollan is my hero!
I am a pharmacist who is also very interested in how diet and exercise maintain people's health.Michael Pollan's book was an incredible eye-opener.I first heard him interviewed on Science Friday on NPR news (podcast) and decided to read his book.It is an extremely well researched book with an entire source list in the back.It is also very entertaining and easy to read.It is obvious he has a great sense of humor.His book encompasses the economics, politics, biology, ecology, and physiology regarding our current american diet.His book has surely changed the way I think about food and I was fairly well versed before I read his book.Now, I am a member of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and have been spreading the word! This is one of the best and most influential books I have ever read. Everyone should read it.Ignorance is not bliss.Just ask some of my pharmacy customers who have side effects from the medicines they take and have to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on those same medications.

My response to Vegan/Vegetarian horn-tutors
I'm about halfway through this book (I've been kind of skipping around to various parts--which is how I usually read non-fiction books). Modern agriculture, factory farming, and where our food comes from are all subjects near and dear to my heart. These are topics that only people in the industry or professionally trained chefs (which I am) usually know and care about. I don't think veganism/vegetarianism is a good response (and I don't think it will fix anything). Instead, we need to be voicing our displeasure with our dollars.
Must Read for the Health Conscious
The Omnivore's Dilemma is an exploration into the foods that are on our plates and why. The answers he delivers are at times frightening.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Food Science    4. Food habits    5. Food preferences    6. History    7. Manners And Customs    8. Nutrition    9. Popular Culture - General    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Health & Fitness / Nutrition   

Reviews (55)

Disappointing
I was thinking negative thoughts waiting for the book to advise me on positive thoughts.

Encouragement is Like Miracle-Gro for Relationships
I have long been a proponent of encouragement as a means to build healthy, strong relationships and promote growth. This book offers a concrete plan for making that happen. I have observed people moved to tears by a little appreciation. People are starving for love and appreciation. Don't let the people in your life suffer any longer.

Good Service
I ordered this book on Friday August 25th at 4:53 p.m.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Interpersonal relations    3. Motivational    4. Negativism    5. Optimism    6. Personal Growth - Happiness    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Psychology    9. Social Interaction    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - General    13. Advice on careers & achieving success    14. Business & Economics / Management    15. Popular psychology    16. Management    17. Workplace Culture   

Reviews (12)

The Face of North Dakota
If you are seeking the book on the geology of North Dakota, you can purchase new copies of the 3rd edition (2000) from The State Historical Society of North Dakota museum store in Bismarck for ten bucks including shipping.To find it, search for "museum store book" north dakota.
Great Service from Amazon
Hello,I was apprehensive at first about ordering my book from Amazon but I liked the price and after reading the other reviews I decided to take a chance.I did not want to buy a used book because I did not want to chance getting an 'as is' product. I got confirmation that the book was shipped 2 days after I ordered it and lo and behold to my major surprise, I got the book the NEXT day!! I was very happy about this but even happier when I saw that the book was exactly what I had wanted. Thanks Amazon for the great service. Hey I believe we should give credit where credit is due. As for the actual contents of the book, I will get back to you on that since I just started using the book for my first sociology class.It seems ok so far but I will let you know. Thanks again.

Complete Garbage
This book is ridiculous. Its extremly biased and racist. Total garbage. Its being tossed in the bonfire after this class is over. I have taken two sociology classes, one used "A down to earth approach" I hardly had as bad a taste in my mouth after reading that one than I do with this propaganda. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Social Science    2. Sociology    3. Sociology - General    4. Social Science / Sociology / General    5. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (138)

Not buying this xenophobia
Name one civilization that lasted forever. Does anyone sincerely believe that we would be better off today if the mighty Roman empire had not perished? Change is inevitable.
Good Research, Poor Recommendations
I enjoy reading Pat's books for their historical and factual research.But I have found that he fails to make his point when it comes to the conclusions and recommendations to fix the problems he outlines.This book is no exception.Great research, interesting, but it need a hard punch line conclusion at the end with specific, easy to follow recommendations.A specific chapter at the end with numbered recommendations listing exactly what can/should be done to stem the flow of immigration would make this a more powerful book.

What the media & elites don't want you to know
No one argues the immigration problem better than Mr. Buchanan. Through
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Subjects:  1. Discrimination & Racism    2. Emigration & Immigration    3. Emigration And Immigration    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Government policy    6. Illegal aliens    7. International Relations - General    8. Political Ideologies - General    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Public Policy - Cultural Policy    11. Race And Ethnic Relations    12. Social Science    13. Sociology    14. United States    15. Immigration & emigration    16. Political Science / Political Ideologies / General    17. USA   

Editorial Review

Are you just another AFC ("average frustrated chump") trying to meet an HB ("hot babe")? How would you like to "full-close" with a Penthouse Pet of the Year? The answers, my friend, are in Neil Strauss's entertaining book Read more

Reviews (365)

HOW MUCH IS FACT, HOW MUCH IS FICTION? EITHER WAY, A TERRIFIC READ...
... and definitely informative... but just keep in mind that this is written by a member of the media, a Rolling Stone columnist, no less (ie: a professional at distorting the truth if it enhances the story's angle). An entertaining read and highly recommended.

NOT TO SURE~!
This book is not quite what i thought it would be
A beautiful woman's review
As a young, beautiful and smart lady, I had to get my hands on this book at least because of all the buzz around it. Well, I have to say that I am impressed! You see guys, most women like me won't mind at all to meet a guy who knows what to say and how to say it in order to grab our attention and keep it even till bed. Neil Strauss has realized very well that manipulation and sly tactics don't go easily under our inner radars and that's why he stresses the importance of respecting each woman you attract and sleep with. Of course, you may be the #1 pick up artist but if you can last 7-10 minutes in bed you ARE history and you can't blame me or any other self-respecting woman who has high expectations in bed. That's why I strongly advise all serious men to educate themselves with must have bestsellers such as "scientifically guaranteed male multiple orgasms and ultimate sex". Books like The Game help you to score better with more women and thus to have greater choice. Well, we also want and have many to choose from. So consistently hone your skills in and outside of bed, build your confidence and practice the techniques revealed in such bestsellers. Then you will easily and logically score very well with hot women and neither they nor you will have the feeling that there is some manipulation going on. You will simply stand out from the crowd and they will be curious what more you have in store for them. So don't disappoint them and spoil your hard work with your performance in bed, ok?! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dating (Social customs)    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Love & Romance    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Man-woman relationships    7. Men's Studies - General    8. Seduction    9. Sex Roles (Sociological Aspects)    10. Sexuality    11. Sociology Of Men    12. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (2)

criminology book
This book is alright but the reading is kinda boring.The subject is very interesting and I think that there could be a better book to go with it. The author uses words that a lot of people don't hear very often. He uses the word hence alot.

Criminology Today
This book is as good as it gets on Criminology.We are using it for Criminology in college.
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Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. United States    5. Crime & criminology    6. Social Science / Criminology   

Editorial Review

"The best way to understand the dramatic transformation of unknown books into bestsellers, or the rise of teenage smoking, or the phenomena of word of mouth or any number of the other mysterious changes that mark everyday life," writes Malcolm Gladwell, "is to think of them as epidemics. Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread just like viruses do." Although anyone familiar with the theory of memetics will recognize this concept, Gladwell's Read more

Reviews (701)

Excellent book that describes how to create a trend
I was fascinated by the original perspective in this thought provoking book about the evolution of an idea into a trend.Using easy to understand examples, Malcolm Gladwell explains the mechanics of the process, and enlightens us about the the various people involved.I strongly recommend this book.I also recommend Robert Cialdini's book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.These books complement each other and should be read together.

The Tipping Point
Staff writer for The New York Post, Malcolm Gladwell, explains what causes a concept, idea or item to become an epidemic in The Tipping Point.Using case studies the reader will relate to (Sesame Street, Blues Clues, Crime in New York City in the 90's, Hush Puppies, Paul Revere's famous ride North), Gladwell discusses how and why people react the way they do in certain situations and to certain ideas/items.You'll look at your friends, co-workers and family in a different way as you consider who is a Connector, Maven or salesperson, you'll consider the context in which something happens as opposed to just the action, you'll think about everyday happenings in a different way after you read this book.
It had quite an unusual effect
I was looking for an original and valuable present for my boyfriend. I am very pleased with my decision to buy this book. It draws from several areas of knowledge and Malcolm Gladwell is a very skillful writer. He knows how to engage you from the first page till the last one and keeps you wondering what more you will learn from this incredible book. My boyfriend said that the tipping point and scientifically guaranteed male multiple orgasms and ultimate sex are the best, most valuable and eye-opening books he has ever received as a present. Well, I don't hear such compliment every day. It was such a small thing for me to give him a present and yet it turned so important for him. What better proof for Gladwell's thesis. I also agree that we all should start paying more attention to the small, small things and details from our daily lives and the result may astound us. It takes so little to even change someone's life for better. This is one of the books, which I definitely recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advertising & Promotion    2. Causation    3. Contagion (Social psychology)    4. Context effects (Psychology)    5. Marketing - General    6. Psychology    7. Social Psychology    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (119)

If there is only one helpful suggestion, then this book was worth buying.
The first big new idea I learned appeared on page 35:
great book for anybody
Exactly! it does not just teach you how to talk to kids, but to everybody around you. Great book!

This book will be your bible
This is the best book I have ever read on parenting and will help you even if you are not a parent. It is amazing. I return to it over and over again and it has helped me communicate better with my husband as well as my kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Conflict Resolution    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Interpersonal communication    6. Life Stages - Adolescence    7. Parenting    8. Parenting - General    9. United States    10. Child care & upbringing    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (4)

Ideological leanings way too obvious; not a good characteristic for an educational text
I was assigned this textbook for my high school Sociology class that I took as an elective in the last semester of my Senior year.I had gone into the class expecting an intriguing, thought-provoking subject that led students to ask the big questions about why people and society are the way they are, and that the textbook would help guide me along the way.Unfortunately, I was pretty dissapointed, to say the least.
Fun and informative
I have to admit, I hate the soft sciences, but I had to take Sociology 101 for a requirement.Thank goodness this was the textbook assigned to the course!Everything is perfectly clear and it's actually really fun to read.Even if you're not taking a course, I'd recommend this book to anyone who would like to call themselves knowledgable.It is a fun read, and you'll come out so much more informed in the end - painlessly!

great
Excellent service. Book was shipped same day and I received it 2 days later. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Social Science    2. Sociology    3. Sociology (General)    4. Sociology - General    5. Social Science / Sociology / General    6. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (43)

Easy to read, easy to Learn
The set up of this book make it really easy to read.The print is a reasonable size for people with poor eyesight and this makes it quicker to read.To really know and understand, you will need to read several times but this will be worthwhile.

positive thinking
I really loved this book. It made me really look at my life and the way i was attracting negative vibes into my life without really wanting to. It helped me turn things around as far as my way of thinking and my life has been so much better.It has even helped me with my stress. I want all my friends to read it.

Read Abraham-Hicks instead
I can't say this book is all bad. It would be suitable for someone who is not at all familiar with the "Law of Attraction" principal. Perhaps you might present it to someone who has neverheard of these concepts. However...
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Subjects:  1. Social Science    2. Sociology    3. Statistics   

Reviews (33)

You're kidding me, right?
Not insightful, not even humorous. I am willing to admit that maybe I just don't get his writing style, whatever that might be. I hope Mr. Rakoff gets into a new line of work

Well Written, but Non-Productive
This is some brilliant writing.It moves right along, it keeps you interested, and it has a very clear voice and strong point of view.I defintely think it's worth reading, but it's like a bucket of KFC -- delicious, satisfying, but probably bad for you.

ShoppersParadise
If you're like a man like me, you hate to shop. But my wife is a shopaholic, that's why I've found this book to be so delightful, I didn't actually have to leave the house, to go shopping. Too bad it doesn't really count with my wife, I'm going to the mall where I'll sit on anything stationary this afternoon
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Subjects:  1. American - General    2. American Satire And Humor    3. Essays    4. Form - Essays    5. Humor    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Social Science / Essays   

Editorial Review

David J. Pelzer's mother, Catherine Roerva, was, he writes in this ghastly, fascinating memoir, a devoted den mother to the Cub Scouts in her care, and somewhat nurturant to her children--but not to David, whom she referred to as "an It." This book is a brief, horrifying account of the bizarre tortures she inflicted on him, told from the point of view of the author as a young boy being starved, stabbed, smashed face-first into mirrors, forced to eat the contents of his sibling's diapers and a spoonful of ammonia, and burned over a gas stove by a maniacal, alcoholic mom. Sometimes she claimed he had violated some rule--no walking on the grass at school!--but mostly it was pure sadism. Inexplicably, his father didn't protect him; only an alert schoolteacher saved David. One wants to learn more about his ordeal and its aftermath, and now he's written a sequel, Read more

Reviews (1753)

The Best Book Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a story about a young David.His life was practically perfect and then it all changed.His mother beats him from age 4-12!It's horrible, but it is such a great book.You will cry when he cries, and you will hurt when he hurts, but you will feel his angry and hate for his mother when he does!
A story about a Brave child
I read this book in 2 days, less then 24 hours. I was so touched by David's strength that he had from a very young age. It's hard to believe anyone especially someone's mother would do the kind of things she did to David. It's sickening and sad. I am glad David decided to tell his story, as I'm sure it has helped other people. I am currently reading David'd 2nd book the lost boy and hope to get hid 3rd book as well as his brother Richards books
"A Child Called 'it' " is a good read!
"A Child Called 'it' " is a book about a young boy,David, who is severely beaten by horrible, cruel mother.No one knew the purpose of this,(the beatings) but it maybe she was taking out her anger from her constant fights with her husband or maybe she is just very frustrated with having all the respnsobilities of being a normal,kind, and caring mother to all of David's other siblings.Although it was extremely unlikley for David to survive, his hope & faith kept him alive.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abused children    3. Abusive mothers    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. California    9. Children of alcoholics    10. Daly City    11. Family relationships    12. General    13. Pelzer, David J    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Specific Groups - Special Needs    16. Child abuse    17. Self-Help / General   

Editorial Review

Essayist and cultural critic Barbara Ehrenreich has always specialized in turning received wisdom on its head with intelligence, clarity, and verve. With some 12 million women being pushed into the labor market by welfare reform, she decided to do some good old-fashioned journalism and find out just how they were going to survive on the wages of the unskilled--at $6 to $7 an hour, only half of what is considered a living wage. So she did what millions of Americans do, she looked for a job and a place to live, worked that job, and tried to make ends meet. Read more

Reviews (979)

Next week on The Simple Life, Barb joins Paris and Nicole for shift work at the local Wallyworld!