Book Description

Thirty years ago, Alfred Crosby published a small work that illuminated a simple point, that the most important changes brought on by the voyages of Columbus were not social or political, but biological in nature. The book told the story of how 1492 sparked the movement of organisms, both large and small, in both directions across the Atlantic. This "Columbian exchange," between the Old World and the New, changed the history of our planet drastically and forever. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The 30th anniversary edition of a classic treatise
The Columbian Exchange: Biological And Cultural Consequences Of 1942 by Alfred W. Crosby Jr. (Professor Emeritus of American Studies, History, and Geography, University of Texas - Austin) is the 30th anniversary edition of a classic treatise that shows how the voyages of Columbus caused a sweeping biological change as organisms large and small spread to both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. From the deadly toll of smallpox among the Indians of Mexico, to the introduction of Old World plants and animals to the New World, and so much more, The Columbian Exchange is a seminal, educational, and uniquely insightful contribution to Native American, Medical History, and World History Studies reference collections and reading lists. ... Read more

Book Description

This highly acclaimed and uniquely comprehensive book offers readers over 2500 years of Italian and Italian-American accomplishments. The book’s 22 chapters cover every subject: art, architecture, music, fashion, science, law, culinary arts, economics, medicine, automobiles, the entertainment industry, sports, and much more. The author's ability to blend facts, with some humor and personal anecdotes makes this book a joy to read. The book covers the wonders of ancient Rome, Renaissance Italy, as well as modern contributions and Nobel Prize winners. The book is illustrated and contains an astonishing collection of inventions and accomplishments. For example, Italians invented the piano, violin, opera, ballet, battery, telescope, radio, and telephone in NYC years before Alexander Bell. Discover how Enrico Fermi ushered in the atomic age, and how Italian sculptors carved the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C. Explore the chapter on Literature to uncover the origins of many famous fairy tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio, etc.). In the chapter on American Government, the author quotes John F. Kennedy who wrote in his book, "A Nation of Immigrants" that the great American principle, "all men are created equal," originated with an Italian physician, Philip Maezzi, who was a personal friend and neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. Also, learn about many other distinguished personalities: NYC Mayors, the Chairman & CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, the President of the European Union, and the Director of the European Space Agency. The Golden Milestone has thousands of notable entries and fascinating facts. Critics agree. It is a must for anyone's library.

This book also includes a unique ‘Italy Travel Guide’ supplement that combines history and attractions for over twenty cities and locations in Italy. A great virtual tour! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Fantastic Book !
I decided to buy this book after reading the many great editorial reviews, for example, Anthony Parente (author and columnist) calls The Golden Milestone the "bible of Italian culture and heritage." I have to say that he is right !... But the books offer much more than facts about Italian achievements. Mr. Esposito's writing style borders on creative non-fiction. His introduction is well written, but by the time I got to the end of his first chapter I found humor in his writing style, as well. The book is gently peppered with some humorous points and short personal comments that pleasantly surprise the reader periodically. I can't say enough good things about the book, you have to read it to discover the lost heritage of Italians. Italians and Italian-Americans can re-discover their heritage in Mr. Esposito's book. Read and enjoy !...

The Golden Milestone
BIBLE OF ITALIAN HERITAGE. This book offers a very complete record of Italian and Italian-American achievements. I am Italian, born and educated in Rome, and still I find that I am surprised by something in every chapter of this fantastic book. Very well written, the book's Introduction is a beautiful summary of so many accomplishments the world has benefited from. The author also injects some witty commentary that makes this book even more pleasant to read. This book is long overdue - and educates us about the true heritage the world received from Rome and Italy and our Italian "cousins" in America. READ THIS BOOK - it is a "bible of Italian heritage."

An Encyclopedia of Accomplishments....through 21st century
This thoroughly researched, masterfully written, and fascinating book is truly an encyclopedia of accomplishments from Roman times right up to the 21st century. The book lists countless fascinating facts from Roman, Renaissance, modern Italy, and Italian Americans. It also lists 19 Nobel Prize winners. A great review of somewhat forgotten information about Italian heritage, that is assembled and at your finger tips for reference. A refreshing change from the negative stereotypes offered by shows like "The Sopranos."
Read this book and give it as a gift.

Very Intersesting and Well Written !!
This book really does have a vast amount of fascinating information. The research is so intensive. It's worth many multiples in terms of price. Buying this is a real value for the massive amount of research that went into this book. I even found that the author has a sense of humor, which is tucked into a few chapters of this amazing book. A must read -- very, very interesting. In just a few hours, I learned so much about so many different subjects from this amazing book!!

Proprio eccellente!
This book is truly amazing! It's a great book to read, filled with fascinating facts and information about Italians and their numerous achievements in this world. Refreshing to read since all you hear about the Italians these days, are negative stereotypes---i.e, Sopranos, etc. The writting could be better, I found numerous typos in it, however, the book's content is great! A must have for any Italian-American or anyone who is interested in Italians! Un libro stupendo, e proprio bravissimo!! ... Read more

Book Description

Rachel Simon"s sister Beth is a spirited woman who lives intensely and often joyfully. Beth, who has mental retardation, spends her days riding the buses in her Pennsylvania city. The drivers, a lively group, are her mentors; her fellow passengers are her community. One day, Beth asked Rachel to accompany her on the buses for an entire year. This wise, funny, deeply affecting book is the chronicle of that remarkable time. Rachel, a writer and college teacher whose hyperbusy life camouflaged her emotional isolation, had much to learn in her sister"s extraordinary world. These are life lessons from which every reader can profit: how to live in the moment, how to pay attention to what really matters, how to change, how to love—and how to slow down and enjoy the ride. Elegantly woven throughout the odyssey are riveting memories of terrifying maternal abandonment, fierce sisterly loyalty, and astonishing forgiveness. Rachel Simon brings to light the almost invisible world of mental retardation, finds unlikely heroes in everyday life, and, without sentimentality, portrays Beth as the endearing, feisty, independent person she is. This heartwarming book about the unbreakable bond between two very different sisters takes the reader on an inspirational journey at once unique and universal. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A Special Journey
Many things in this book amazed me, not the least of which was the support system of bus drivers who were such an integral part of Beth Simon's life as she rode the city buses, day after da,y in an unnamed Pennsylvania city.

Rachel, spending part of the year accompanying her mildly retarded sister on her daily rounds of bus rides, intricately depicts these drivers and their(mostly) caring attitudes toward Beth. It was amazing to her that Beth actually had a better support system than she did in her so-called "normal" life.

Interspered in the monthly entries are vignettes about the past shared by these two sisters and their siblings. Their total abandonment by their mother when she decided to marry an abusive convict was heart-wrenching. But this book was never whiny- rather, it showed the resilience of this family.

I learned a lot about the social services, within a community, that are provided to disabled people like Beth. Her "team" seemed very caring and involved with her life.

I felt Rachel's frustration as she tried to convince Beth to eat better, take better medical and dental care of herself, and to get some kind of a job. Beth's stubbornmess and willfulness were also a challenge to her sister, as was her demanding attitude.

This book is perceptive, enlightening, painfully honest....and memorable. I am so glad that I read it and that Rachel Simon allowed me into her world.

This book will appeal to anyone!
Do you know someone with a disability? Chances are, you do, and regardless of the disability, mental retardation, autism, blindness....there is much to learn and relate to in Rachel Simon's true life story entitled "Riding the Bus With My Sister". I have two sisters with mental retardation, similar to Rachel's sister, Beth. Reading this book gave me new insight into my relationship with my own sisters, and I see them and their lives with new understanding. In addition, the book was very informative of the systems in place to support the disabled within a community. This book has had a profound effect on me and I find Rachel Simon quite courageous and brave to share such a personal story. Anyone will enjoy reading this book, the messages of acceptance, enjoying life as it is and connecting with others are universal.

Finding Myself
Rachel Simon is a woman in her late 30's to early 40's, living alone. She is unhappy with herself and lifestyle, which consists of writing and teaching all day long in Philadelphia. Beth, her sister with mental retardation, invites Rachel to attend her "Plan of Care" meeting, just after Rachel writes an article about riding the bus with sister, Beth. Just after this scheduled meeting, Beth challenges Rachel to ride the bus with her for a year, but they agree to two times a week for a year. This also meant sleeping over at Beth's apartment on sofa cushions that were set up on the floor. On these bus rides, Rachel learns little "facts of life" lessons from each of the bus drivers that Beth shares her rides with. Rachel is soon to realize and accepts just who her sister and herself truly is. She understands and learns to be content, to work at her faults to make them better, and not to be afraid of what leads her to happiness.
A few things I didn't like about this book was that it was slow at times. The book's progress in dialog could have been hindered by my lack of understanding at the beginning of the book and because it was confusing. Another possibility could be because I was confused by one of the extra books changing of tense from present to past childhood memories. I didn't like the fact that Rachel was shallow at times. Rachel also had a hard time accepting her sister for who she was and was too afraid of everyone else's thoughts.
There are much more positives, than I had dislikes about. This book ends with a happy note and Rachel changes. Rachel learns how to be happy, and camas's to find out that she wasn't the only one with siblings that have mental disabilities. Beth Also changes, she learns that she words can hurt more than she thinks they will. Beth sees how being difficult and stubborn pushes her family away. In conclusion, I liked this book a lot and would recommend it to family with a disabled person.

Of a Boy
Of a Boy by Sonya Hartnett (A Penguin Book; $24.95)
ISBN 0-14-014622-9
Set in 1997 Australia after the disappearance of the Metford children (based on the true story of the Beaumont children). Adrian a boy of nine, lives with his Grandmother and depressed uncle Rory. Adrian feels lonely and disconnected, this feeling is increased as adults fail him. Adrian's life is full of fear he is scared of self-combustion, quicksand and shopping centers. His greatest fear is to become an outcast like the crazy children from the shelter at his school. Adrian is intrigued by the Metford's disappearance and imagines what may have happened to them. Adrian just longs for love and acceptance, he thinks by finding the Metford children he will achieve the attention he desires. Adrian along with his mixed matched out of control, friend, Nicole, pursue the Metford's case to receive acknowledgment. The gentleness and twisted perceptions of childhood are partly responsible for the rash decisions made.

The novel is written in a clear lucid style. It is not a light or humorous read, but a compelling one. Themes throughout the novel are dark, sad and heavy. This style in third person is suited to its purpose, expressing the thoughts inside a sad young boy's head. Towards the end of the novel the style becomes mysterious and suggestive as the disappearance of the Metford children unfolds. However, the dark themes within the mystery are still continued.

The reader of this novel was forced to like the sad, lost and confused boy Adrian. Adrian is so mixed up that the reader cannot help feeling sympathetic towards him. Nicole is portrayed as un-likable, she is misunderstood and totally out of control; her tone is rude and sharp. However, at the end of the novel the reader feels more sympathetic through the extremes she went to, to have people pay attention. Adrian's Grandmother was also portrayed as an un-likable character; the reader believes that she could have made more of an effort with Adrian. Through her thoughts you can see her reomorse and the self-confliction she expiriences. Uncle Rory tries to give help to Adrian but cannot give advice with the sate he is in himself.

The novel is slow going and the ending was disappointingly predictable, the reader just does not know how this ending would eventuate. The emotion in the novel was conveyed through to the reader successfully. Being from a childs' point of view powerlessness and loss loom larger from their perspective. The characters were all very individual allowing the reader to visualise them. The themes throughout the novel were contemporary and the issues explored relevant. This novel is suitable for young adults.

not a Polyanna, not a cynic
I was sickened that someone who "knows" a real-life character in a book would come on line to publically slam her. That alone should make her review worthless in everyones' eyes. As for the educator who was in special education but changed majors - thank goodness for students with special needs! These two reviews showed the polar opposite of the kind of grace and kindness this world needs, and that this wonderful book illustrates! ... Read more

Book Description

"I’M STAYING WITH MY BOYS…" is a first-hand look inside the life of one of the greatest heroes of the Greatest Generation.

Sgt. John Basilone was lauded by General Douglas MacArthur as "…a one man Army", awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on Guadalcanal and celebrated by the nation.

It was the turning point of the war and Basilone’s foxhole was the site of the turning point in that battle.That was just the beginning of his legend.

Distinctive among military biographies, the story is narrated by Sgt. Basilone himself allowing readers to experience the development of Johnny Basilone, the aimless youth, into Gunnery Sergeant "Manila John" Basilone, the clear-eyed warrior, undefeated light-heavyweight boxer and nationally revered war hero.

This publication is the only family-authorized biography and features many never before published family photographs. Basilone, along with his first commanding officer in actual combat, Chesty Puller, are arguably the two greatest icons in Marine Corps history.The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine’s boot camp education.

The story is woven with surprising personal details.He clearly foresaw his future three separate times.Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death.But his place was with "…my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle at Iwo Jima.Manila John was killed on the beach defending his boys and earned the Navy Cross for his bravery - an emotional true story. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It sounds so prophetic
He knew he was going to die, and he just kept on fighting.He never abandoned his marines and thats just what he should have done.Its how the writer makes this so real that is so inspiring, not that his deeds werent great, but there have probably been thousands who have done just what he did, they just werent famous.But overall this is a good book.I like how it takes us to a time when being "patriotic" didnt get us arrested or sued.

A must read
Wonderfully moving and well written insight into a true American hero.It is a must read for all patriotic Americans and almost a responsiblity for us all to be aware of one of the US Marine's best.

Excellent
If you are interested in a personal story of WWII, then this is an excellent book.Rather than getting into the details of the conflicts this book focuses on the personal story of John Basilone - one of the handful of true American Heroes from WWII.

Written in the first person with an ample dose of personal details from his family, this book truly brings Manilla John back to life for many.I've been studying WWII for only 10 years and have read my share of the technical assessments of the important battles in WWII.This book stands out in my mind because it puts the reader in touch with the qualities of America's best young men and women of the 1940's; selflessness, courage, a supreme sense of duty, and in Basilon's case, a supreme sense of destiny.

Highly recommended for anyone with a passing interest in WWII, or for anyone who wants to learn about what made America's young people "tick" 60 years ago.

An Extraordinary Biographyand Full Frontal View of War
Author and Film Producer Jim Prosser has created a richly detailed, raptly written, devastatingly powerful book about the life of American War hero John Basilone.This book is especially pungent at this time in history because it revives a lost tradition of the country's view of maritime heroism.Since the atrocities of the Vietnam mistake to the present harrowing details of a similar (or worse) war in Iraq the concept of war is now very much in a negative light.Even the words 'war hero' seem an oxymoron, so strident are the feelings about America's latest aggressions.But to appreciate this fine book requires a return to the mindset of the US during World War II when not only was Europe under the vile threat of Hitler and Mussolini, but the Japanesewarriors were annihilating China, Korea, and ultimately the Philippines in the mission to own the Pacific Ocean.And even in those early years the threat seemed frightening but distant until the Japanese successfully decimate the US Pacific Fleet on December 7, 1941.That incident unified the country, creating a fighting force and support system at home that eventually resulted in the defeat of the massive evil outside the borders of the USA.

Given that atmosphere of over a half century ago, author Proser has created one of the most convincing portraits of a military hero in literature.And the intensively researched and detailed approach results in a biography that fully restores the ambience of WW II.John Basilone was a nice Italian boy form Raritan, New Jersey, a lad who quit school to follow his recurring visions.He caddied for Japanese businessmen at a country club, seeing in his prophetic mind that at some day he would be at war with Japan. After trying multiple jobs he finally enlists in the Army, makes the best of boot camp by gambling and boxing, and is shipped to the Philippines where he spent time waiting, boxing (becoming a champion nicknamed Manila John), running a little bar with his Island sweetheart, and finally returning home.Frustrated once again with the boredom of work and the embarrassment of not having finished his education, Basilone finally returns to the military by signing on with the USMC, trains hard at Quantico, Cuba, and other US training camp swamps, and finally is shipped to Guadalcanal where his brilliance and dedication to his commanding officer ("Chesty" Puller) through one of the most devastating battles in the Pacific arena earned him not only the respect of his men, but also the Medal of Honor - the highest commendation offered by his country.Returning home form this mission he ride the waves of adulation form the American people, hobnobs with movies stars, sells War Bonds, and falls in love, only to be shipped out once again to the Pacific where he is killed in action in the battle for Iwo Jima.

The amazing (that is, ONE of the amazing) aspect of this book is that Proser has elected to write it in the first person of John Basilone.Everything is told as Basilone perceives it, lives, feels, and survives it.Rarely has a story been written with such clarity and perception:we truly feel that Basilone has written his memoirs.The language of the period is exactly right, the descriptions of the various battles and conditions of being a soldier under tremendously adverse conditions are vivid, and the soldiers' mentality of being in the thick of war are written with such bulls-eye focus that no matter what the reader's opinion of War might be, this book makes it all understandable form the point of view of the soldiers who fought.Some of the battle passages are tough to read: "On October 23, a light tank and infantry attack across the mouth of the Matanikau ran right into the teeth of Vandegrift's defenses. It was chewed up in short order with over 600 Japs killed, many of them trapped in a jungle clearing where US tanks just drove over them instead of wasting ammunition.They ground the poor bastards up like sausage under the tank treads until the entire clearing was covered in gore and left to rot in the sun."And a soldier's impressions: "We all heard a lot about the bravery of the Japanese soldier before we got on the island.They were supposed to be the most fearless warriors ever to fight.But I kept thinking what kind of bravery it was that sent them, one after the other, right into the same guns that mowed down dozens before them.I don't know if that was bravery.I don't know what it was.Either they were crazy or they just didn't care.So I didn't care either.They weren't even men anymore.They were dumb animals who wanted me dead and had killed all my friends."

Proser very cleverly weaves snippets of Iwo Jima from the opening of the book to its finish, which in an act of brilliance makes the whole story more pungent in retrospect.There is little doubt the Sgt. John Basilone was an extraordinary soldier and military hero along with the thousands of others who lost their lives in the incomprehensibly vast WW II.I think this is a very important book that everyone should read, and I say that as a pacifist, as a Vietnam Veteran convinced that war on any level is simply not an option.This book is vastly important, well written, and contains a story and moment of history we all should face and incorporate.And perhaps then we can all better empathize with soldiers form throughout history to the very present.Recommended without reservation! ... Read more

Book Description

Prior to his religious conversion, St. Francis of Assisi was a liar, thief, and virtual madman known for running naked in the streets. Teresa of Avila healed herself on her deathbed by praying to her patron saint. St. Augustine converted after a terrifying dream in which God beat him black and blue for his pagan beliefs.

These are just some of the colorful and riveting details that can be found in the Encyclopedia of Saints. This single-volume guide includes more than 400 entries that offer detailed biographical accounts of principal saints of the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Drawing on extensive research, the book explores their lives and religious journeys, mystical experiences, philosophies, and important influences. Appendixes include information on patron saints by topic, a calendar of feast days, beatified and canonized popes, an explanation of the canonization process, a glossary of terms, and a glossary of heresies.

Saints profiled include:
Blessed Andre Bessette, Anselm. Barnabas, Catherine of Sweden, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Fabian, Pope Gregory I, Hildegard of Bingen, John of the Cross, Lucy of Syracuse, Mark the Evangelist, Nicodemus,Rose of Lima, Simon Stylites, Thomas Aquinas, William of Norwich, Zita. ... Read more

Book Description

Some fathers and sons go fishing together. Some play ball. David Hays and Daniel Hays sailed 17,000 miles through the world's most feared and fabled waters in a little boat they built together. This is their story.

Alone with nothing but the mammoth waves of the Southern Ocean, the unceasing wind, a compass, a sextant and a pet cat, they voyage down the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, past the Galapagos Islands, beyond Easter Island and around their destination--Cape Horn. Father and son narrate in alternating fashion, their voices weaving together an engrossing story of travel, exploration and difficult, dangerous sailing.

But more than a tale of adventure, this is a touching account of a father and son's rite of passage as they assess their complex and evolving relationship. Daniel, out of college and unsure of what he wants in his life, sees his father getting older, more forgetful. David deals with unresolved issues he had with his own father, fearful that he'll make the same mistakes with his son, yet frustrated that Daniel treats him like an old man.

Moving, often hilarious, often poignant, My Old Man and the Sea is a rich and profound chronicle of their voyage of discovery. Every reader will identify with this uplifting story of a father and son who go down to the sea and find each other. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A fascinating account of a physical and emotional voyage.
Cape Horn looms in sailing lore as the ultimate challenge; a graveyard of ships whose rocks and capricious weather should be feared by even the most seasoned old salt. Yet, the temptation to be one of the few who have met this challenge (Cape Horners are even allowed to put their feet up on the tablein the officers' wardroom in an English warship) is as great as the danger, and the father and son team of David and Daniel Hays are not immune to this temptation . On one level, this is the day by day account of two men who became the first Americans to sail around Cape Horn in a sailboat under 30 ft long. The details of living and surviving in such a small efficient space are fascinating, not only to sailors, but to casual readers, who will marvel at spending that much time closely confined with a family member and no form of entertainment other than books or (gasp) conversation. On a deeper, and perhaps even more interesting level, this is an account of the mental and emotional journey taken by a father and son. Alternating between the voices of the romantic, dramatic David, and his cynical, directionless son Daniel, it is a vivid picture of a troubled but enduring relationship. The two play off of eachother in the narrative much as they must have played off of each other during that year-long solitary voyage. As you read, you feel sometimes the cramped environment of two such different men forced to live in such a small space, and sometimes admiration, for the almost wordless emotional partnership of two men who share love for each other and for the sea; a partnership whose strength is attested by their accomplishment. Finally, it is subtly mythical tale of a father who learns to acknowledge his son's adulthood, and a son who learns to accept a leadership role in the family. Generations of seafaring fathers weave in and out of the narrative and become part of the heroic quest. Sometimes jokey, sometimes over-sentimental, the narrative tone varies wildly (and sometimes annoyingly) but the book itself is easy to read and interesting, as the simple details of the voyage open up the interior lives of the voyagers.

A Special Father and Son Relationship Set on the Ocean
This book is based upon journals kept by a father and son during their sailing voyage around Cape Horn. They really do a great job of integrating each person's observations as they sail down from New England to Panama, through the canal, then South and eventually around the Cape. Both writers share a great sense of humor including letters, the daily ship's log, and games they played to pass the many hours of sailing such a small craft that far. There are some esoteric points that are made that wouldn't make a lot of sense to anyone but a sailing enthusiast but overall the book does a nice job of providing laymen's definitions of such things as how to do celestial navigation. I really enjoyed their description of places they visited like Galapagos Easter Island, and the Horn. Maps are provided at the beginning of each portion of their journey so the reader gets a good idea of where and what to expect. If you enjoy sailing you'll especially enjoy this father and son accomplishment.

My old Man and the Sea
I listened to the audio version during a cross country drive with a friend. Along the way, we found ourselves laughing at times, crying at others. Our trip had a lot of ups and downs, much like their travels- of course the amenities of driving a car cross country cannot compare to sailing a boat around the horn!Anyway, my friend identified a little more with the older character, while I identified with his son- it made us think a little more about each others perspective. Definitely the best book on tape I've ever heard.

Inspiring!
David and Daniel Hays are the first Americans to sail around Cape Horn in a boat under 30 feet in length. "My Old Man and the Sea" is the inspiring true story of a father and son's 17,000-mile voyage in a 25-foot yacht named Sparrow to the bottom of the world and back.
Although David and Dan sailed the easier route from the Pacific into the Atlantic with the prevailing westerly winds and currents they endured horrific storms that included Dan being tossed overboard during Sparrows dangerous sideways roll.
The tale is even more impressive when you learn that they chose to sail simply, without an engine and used a sextant and compass instead of a navigational system. David explains, "Our sport is to tune our senses not our instruments."
David and Dan's eloquent descriptions of the magnificence of the ocean and the magic of sailing brought back fond memories of my own six-month adventure hitchhiking on sailboats in the Bahamas. Like them, I was inspired to write a book titled "Earth, the Forgotten Temple." Tales concerning profound encounters with Mother Ocean and her other wilderness places need to be shared.
Most moving of all, despite conflicts, the deep love between the father and the son shine through to warm us all.

A Good Sailing Yarn
I liked this book and found it to be a good sea story. It is well written and interesting. I especially enjoyed the father's recounting of his memories of boating with his own father before WWII and other random tales. And while I admire the courage of David and Dan's low-tech approach, I do not think this is something for us sailors to emulate; and indeed much has changed in the few years since the book was written due to GPS and improved communications.

The book has its faults. There is a bit too much patronizing half-baked philosophy and sentimental cogitating about personal relationships for my tastes, and the father/son-love-discovery bit gets to be cloying. The title is an indication of much of the off-the-wall, Woody Allen type humor that characterizes their writing. Sometimes their recounting of the jokes they play on each other, and the witty observations they make seem to be aimed at impressing the reader with how clever the authors are. I know they are wittier than I am, but instead of being entertaining, their superior wit left me brooding about my own inadequecies. (Note: Although Bill Bryson is very witty he never leaves the reader feeling inferior or inadequate.)

The actual voyage that the father and son made is not that remarkable and has been done by dozens of yachties. Nevertheless there are details, such as managing with a small motorless yacht, that make the story interesting. Dan and David are expert sailors and boatbuilders and there is much for the weekend sailor to learn from this book about boat handling and managing. Also I found the descriptions of the off-the-beaten-track places that they visited to be perceptive and engaging.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in books about voyaging in small boats (and who has a tolerance for BS). ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Very informative but not an easy read.
The book is well written and informative but I found it diffucult to read. I don't think it was written for the layman. Too much technical jargon. I wanted to know more about how the mongols actually lived and fought. Where did they get their weapons, how did they survive the cold winters and what made them so tough. Still looking for this type of book on Genghis Khan and the mongols.

Fine biography
Westerners are often shocked to hear that in Mongolia today, Genghis is revered as a national hero and the father of the country. Indeed, even in China - a victim of the Mongols - Genghis is regarded as a great man. Not China's great man, of course, but a great man nevertheless. I know, speaking as an ethnic Chinese myself. By contrast, Europeans know Genghis as something like a cross between a medieval Hitler and Anti-Christ.

This book is indeed a little confusing, given all those proper names. Despite its conciseness, it is not written for the casual reader. I confess I have trouble understanding it. I advise those of us who are not experts in Asian history to read the relevant chapters in Frederick Mote's "Imperial China," which I think is very instructive on the Mongol period, and has a good deal to say about Timujin (Genghis) himself, from his ancestry and birth on.

Superb Reference
Those who want an exciting and romantically embelished account of Temujin's (Genghis Khan) life should stick with Harold Lamb. His account is certainly more fun, but also laced with poetic license that at times becomes outright misleading. Lamb is an introduction to the story of the emperor of all men.

But Ratchnevsky is the top of the line reference to Temujin and his amzing life. He weighs the evidence and directs the reader to the lesser known aspects of Temujin's life.

Nowhere else will you find mentioned that Temujin probably had disappeared for ten years to China before his comeback in the late 1190ies.

Few point out that Temujin was not the most daring of men, more of a planner than a fighter and not above saving himself first.

Rachnevskies book paints a less glorious, but much more realistic and human picture of the man who changed the world forever. Temujin's actions have been accounted for in many sources, but few allow us to understand his motives.

Instead of inventing awe inspiring moments, as Lamb does, and putting words into the mouth of the man, Rachnevsky presents the different sources and versions diligently; and strangely, this allows a better understanding who this great Mongol was than all the literary fancy of Lamb or the sycophantic impropabilities of Malik Juvayni.

Lamb and Malik Juvayni have their own merits, and are a must have for all who want to explore this amazing part of history, but without Rachnevskies scholarly integrity, true understanding would elude most.

Not for the casual reader, but Temujin deserves on less than full attention.

Disappointing...........
There isn't a plethora of books devoted to Genghis Khan out there and this may stem from a lack of historical information. No doubt, a large part of accepted knowledge is lore or estimation. Having an avid interest in asian history as a whole, I eagerly started this book. I was soon keenly looking forward to the kernels of interesting narrative that dot the book throughout. However, the uninspiring space between those kernels is daunting and requires determination. It may also require a tally board as one attempts to keep up with the family, allies, liaisons, enemies, followers, and friends of this Mongol warlord. Read it for the knowledge gained, but don't waste a rainy day, La-Z-Boy, fireside opportunity on the effort.

Confusing and Disappointing
I find this book extremely confusing. Many names were utilize throughout the book which makes it hard to follow. As an individual who is not familiar with the Mongolian history, the author fails to elaborate or explain the details of why a character does something. In this sense, I find the book disappointing. It is also disappointing that it does not go in depth of Gengis Kahn's warefare strategy. TWO THUMBS DOWN! ... Read more

Book Description

"A STORY THAT NO OTHER AUTHOR COULD HAVE PUT

TOGETHER . . . Roemer [is] America's most decorated FBI agent."

--Chicago Tribune

For forty years Tony Accardo was America's most dangerous criminal.He cut his teeth on the Chicago mob wars of Capone and Elliot Ness. He got his nickname "Joe Batters" for killing two men with a baseball bat. As the bodies piled up, Capone's youngest capo murdered and schemed his way to the top.

William Roemer was the first FBI agent to face Tony "The Big Tuna" Accardo. Now, Roemer tells the story that only he could tell: the deals, the hits, the double-crosses, and the power plays that reached from the Windy City to Hollywood and to New York. Drawing on secret wiretaps and inside information, ACCARDO chronicles bloodshed and mayhem for more than six decades--as Roemer duels against the most powerful don of them all. . . .

"Roemer brings the reality of organized crime home to us."

--Boston Herald

"A big, sprawled out account that serves as anecdotal history of organized crime."

--Kirkus Reviews

... Read more

Reviews (21)

Almost there, but not quite.
When I saw there was a book about Accardo I rushed right out and got it. Accardo was a man I had great interest in, yet knew little about. I must give Roemer credit once again for another well researched mafia book. But sorry, on this one he falls a little short of the mark. Despite the fact he repeats alot of what he's said in his other books it's still an enlightening book about a very intelligent, very powerful and very cunning mobster. But because Tony Accardo was so damn good at keeping out of the lime light (the FBI's that is) in the end we don't know much about him at all. It is a shame and I don't blame Roemer for it, but rather give credit to Accardo for being one of the few mobsters we will never know much about. e.g. Gambino, Frankie La Porte, Funzi Tieri. But still it's a good read, as are Roemers other books and if you need a break from all the New York stories read about the Chicago Outfit. Which I belive will last longer under pressure from the law than any other Family in the US. GOOD STUFF

Tony Accardo was the real "Godfather"
I grew up in the Chicago area, and I would hear Tony Accardo's name in the news from time to time, so when I found this book I was interested in knowing about the man that I heard about. Roemer a former FBI agent in Chicago , dealt with Accardo and the whole Outfit in Chicago. Roemer has given us a novel that gives us some insight in the the life of Accardo from being a bodyguard for Al Capone to his rise of the boss of the Outfit. It is a good read, but Accardo was a mobster who never spent a night in jail, and avoided the limelight, so how much is really known about him? Accardo wasn't a fool that is why he stayed at the top for so long and watched the others who came after him such as Sam Giancanna, be more flamboyant and go down the tubes. The book shows him to be a fair person, but it also shows us how he could resort to violence and order killings when he thought they were necessary. I feel if you are a fan of organized crime books, this is a must for you to read, and it will be a welcome change of pace than reading another book about some New York family

this guy was the godfather
Tony Accardo was the most successful mob boss of all time.At the top for 48 years!To put that in perspective Al Capone was boss for 5 years(1925-30)and John Gotti from 1985 to his death in 2002,but more than half of that he was in jail.Accardo did it all,from young apprentice of Capone favorite "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn to shooter in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre(according to Accardo's and Murray Humphrey's secretly recorded conversations in the 1950's and 60's)to Las Vegas kingpin to running the infamous Teamster's union(bet Accardo could tell you what happened to Jimmy Hoffa).This guy was responsible for literally hundreds of deaths,many of them very brutal,but reigned almost completely free from police interference save a few nuisance i.r.s. cases and congressional hearings.As others write,Roemer has a rather scattershot way of writing(it's even worse if you've read his other books as he likes to repeat his stories)but almost all info(except his Notre Dame mentions and his extreme love of God)is mob related and ain't that what you're here for?Some people find that there wasn't enough Accardo personal info but so what.What's there to wonder about?Did Accardo love his wife and kids?Did he kick his dog?Who cares.The guy was the mobster of mobsters and his criminal life is well documented and that's all that matters to me.I guess there is one story in the book that gives you a look into Tony Accardo' soul.His close friend of 40 years(the guy wasn't a mobster,he was the Accardo house caretaker)gave testimony in front of a grand jury and disappeared off the face of the earth days later.How's that for knowing Tony personally?

A few errors
I think the main problem I had with this book was the numerous factual errors in it. I could forgive his overstating Accardo's importance to Chicago organized crime (Its a well known fact among most real crime historians that Accardo spent most of his time as the Waiters front boss) because all biographers tend to do that. But when he states things like Joe Profaci and Joe Columbo being bosses on the commission and showing up at a 1961 wedding when Columbo was an eventual herir to Profaci's family can't be forgiven. Things like that make you wonder if the author knew anything at all.

The Information is There, I Guess . . .
As a Chicagoland native and budding fan of "Outfit" stories, I was anxious to learn all I could about "Joe Batters". This book does deliver information I didn't already have, but don't let the page count fool you. Roemer pads this book with all kinds of extraneous stuff, and wanders in his narrative. He has no idea how to organize information, and this book seems to be no more than a rough draft. Roemer claims to be impartial, but opinion drips from every sentence. He can never let the evidence speak for itself. He always has to comment on it. If you're expecting nothing more than one man's war stories of his time in the FBI, then this book will not disappoint, but this is not the omnibus of Accardo information that I was hoping for. ... Read more

Book Description

A magnet for controversy, the media, and followers, the Rev. William Sloane Coffin Jr. was the premier voice of northern religious liberalism for more than a quarter-century, and a worthy heir to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. From his pulpits at Yale University and, later, New York City's Riverside Church, Coffin focused national attention on civil rights, the anti-Vietnam War movement, disarmament, and gay rights. This revealing biography--based on unparalleled access to family papers and candid interviews with Coffin, his colleagues, family, friends, lovers and wives--tells for the first time the remarkable story of Coffin's life. An army and CIA veteran before assuming the post of Yale University chaplain at the youthful age of 33, Coffin gained notoriety as leader of a dangerous Freedom Ride in 1961, as a defendant in the "Boston Five" trial of draft resisters in 1969, and as the preeminent voice of liberal religious dissent into the 1980s. This book encompasses Coffin's turbulent private life as well as his flamboyant, joyful public career, while dramatically illuminating the larger social movements that consumed his days and defined his times. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

For God, For Country and For Yale (in the right order)
In one of Paul's letters (I think it's Timothy), Paul speaks of "fighting the good fight"-- and Coffin has fought the good fight his entire life. Coffin's passion, courage, empathy and ability to inspire are cherished by all who have had the privilege of knowing him (as I have). For those old enough to remember the 1960s, this book will rekindle the embers of your idealism; for those too young, it will provide a primer in how to speak truth to power and translate faith into action. This is essential reading for all who seek to keep alive the tradition of dissent that holds our government accountable to the principles it was founded on, and deliver a thunderous "No" to both injustice at home and the ongoing horror in Iraq. ... Read more

Book Description

The art of intuitively accessing information in ways that expand the boundaries of ordinary reality has been called the world’s “second oldest profession.” In some cultures, power and authority are bestowed on those with such special abilities.

Recent polls estimate that over 50 percent of the population believes or has an interest in psychic ability and related phenomena.Another 25 percent feel that they have directly experienced psychic phenomena. Now you, too, can learn more about this fascinating subject by exploring:

• How to select the right psychic for you
• How psychic healing works
• How the concepts of free will and the future fit into the prophetic world
• What the skeptics say

Reviews (5)

A Well Researched Book with Fascinating Interviews!
For anyone that has ever consulted or is considering consulting a psychic, Akashic Who's Who by Victoria Lynn Weston reads like a handy travel guide through the paranormal terrain of psychics, mediums and healers.The "Introduction" and "The Brief History of The Prophetic Arts," that precedes interviews with thirty-one established professional psychics, is a fascinating primer for the uninitiated and sets the tone for a thoroughly engaging and well-researched book. Each interview is prefaced withbiographical details and ends listing the psychic's credentials and area of specialty, such as: medical intuitive, psychic detective, spirit medium, faith healer, psychic channeler, intuitive consultant, clairvoyant, and even pet psychic.

The interviews are quite revealing; a real "insider's guide" to finding a psychic that you are compatible with.Questions vary in each interview, from: "What do you think makes your work different from other psychics?" to, "How much time do you spend with a client?" to, "How did you discover your psychic abilities?", to "Do you sense past lives when you are working with clients?", to even "What do you think of Ouiji boards?"While many of those interviewed say they were aware of their psychic gifts from an early age others awakened later in life.Medical intuitive, Sarah Meredith, was dramatically jolted into her intuitive insights as a result of head injuries from a nearly fatal car crash some thirty years ago.Whereas, the author, Weston, first became aware her psychic side around the age of eight.

Following the interviews, there are some seventy pages of informative excerpts that cover such topics as: "Psychic and Spiritual Healing," "Selecting Your Healer," "Psychic Specialties," and an excellent piece on "Free Will and Your Future."There is even an article by Dr. Judith Orloff on how to protect yourself from "energy vampires!" and a section on "The Principles of Reincarnation."The "Resources" listed at the back of the book provide more useful information for the reader.Altogether, author, interviewer, and psychic, Victoria Weston, has succeeded in putting together the most comprehensive guide to selecting a psychic on the market today.

David R. Railey

Best Book about the Psychics and their World!
A well written and thought provoking book about some of the world's best psychics. I was intrigued to read interviews from the psychic in Spain. Equally interesting is to discover how these psychics discovered their abilities and how they employ their gifts in the business world.I also enjoyed reading about their unique views of how World Peace will come about - all with vastly different insights.

Now, if reading about these incredible psychics weren't enough, the "how to" sections of preparing for a psychic reading, something I have never learned before. All in all, a good book for those just exploring the psychic world or for us old timers who need a fresh look at the world's oldest profession.

In closing, I found the book excerpts from Judith Orloff wonderfully inspiring - so much so, I book her book, too!

Finding the truly GREAT psychics has always been a challenge
As an old psychology major in college, I've always been interested in the leading edge in psychic research, and I have done quite a bit of my own.I've had readings with all the famous ones and some of the best of the unknowns.This book does such a great job of explaining all to people who want to go and have their own psychic adventure, and it is a much needed book.It will pay for itself by saving you this much twice over, as you zero in on the right match for you.Enjoy it!

Exciting look at some of the best Psychics!
This is an outstanding and interesting collection of psychic information and how it exists.The look at several of the best Psychic's alive today is a real eye opener.Wish this had been out a few years ago, it is truly amazing.This book would make a unique gift for anyone with an interest in psychic information or on a spiritual path.

A Great Resource of Psychics
If you have ever wanted a clearer defination of how psychics do what they do, this is a terrific guide. It gives new meaning to FREE WILL and the FUTURE. Plus, the book excerpts (my favorite from Dr. Judith Orloff on Positive Thinking) was a real treat. And...all those wonderful psychics listed. The interviews personal and educational. The bios informative. A must for every "psychic" book collector!

Blessings,
Mitzi ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Authentic and haunting
If you love the old west, this book is a "must read."It is very well-written, with poignancy, wry observations and reflections on a life full of unforgettable horses, people, and places.Hauntingly beautiful and a reminder of how much we have lost, it was impossible to put down.Dayton Hyde has captured a part of our country's history that is too quickly slipping away. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Snowball Oranges
I bought this book at LA Airport just before flying to the UK, and I have to say that reading it made short of the long journey.  I read it in one go, and my outbursts of snickering and laughing must have had my fellow travellers wondering if I was a few oranges short of the pound.
 
This book is unique in the travel genre in that the writer has a wonderful ability to tell his story as though it were a novel instead of just a travelogue.  His sharply-observed portrayal of rural Majorcan characters and his vivid descriptions of the island's scenery and cuisine are so realistic that you can almost feel the sunshine, taste the food and smell the orange blossom.
 
I enjoyed the book so much that I bought the sequel, 'Manana, Manana', as soon as I arrived in the UK, and it lived up to my expectations and more.  Next day I booked my first vacation to Majorca, and I can't wait to visit the places so graphically depicted in these books.  You can bet I'll be first in line to buy the third in the series whenever it's published.  Estupendo, Don Pedro! ... Read more

Book Description

Osama bin Laden's formersister-in-law provides a penetrating, unusually inti- mate look into Saudi soci-ety and the bin Laden family's role within it, aswell as the treatment of Saudi women.On September 11th, 2001,Carmen bin Ladin heard the news that the Twin Towers had been struck. She instinctively knew that her ex-brother-in-law was involved in these hor-rifying acts of terrorism, and her heart went out to America. She also knew that her life and the lives of her family would never be the same again.Carmen bin Ladin, half Swiss and half Persian, married into-and later divorced from-the bin Laden family and found herself inside a complex and vast clan, part of a society that she neither knew nor understood. Her story takes us inside the bin Laden family and one of the most powerful, secretive, and repressed kingdoms in the world. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Learned some things
I learned a few things from reading this book. I liked reading about the beginning of the couples relationship before things went sour for them but the thing that suprised me most of about them, was that i didn't know muslim couples or people that follow islam, lived together without being married. I think this book will teach people about romance and what goes on in other cultures- the good and the bad. The book was kind of boring for me in parts but it was still pretty good.

Single woman who lived in Saudi Arabia
I enjoyed this book very much as I worked as a nurse in Saudi Arabia for two years and interacted with Saudi's of all social levels, whether they be bedouin shepherds or shepherdess's,members of the royal family or very wealthy Saudi men and women. I also chronicled my experiences in the book I have written-"Single in Saudi" by Genia. It is a totally different perspective on life in Saudi as I challenged and managed to break most of the rules in this formidable country. I was a young, single blue-eyed blonde American, and a ravingfeminist. I wore the obaya out of convenience, not necessity, but found it was a very humiliating experience as I felt like I lost my identity and became a non-entity. Somehow I survived and look back on the experience as one of great adventure as I flaunted my American feminity, broke most of the taboos and- got away with it. Something the poor women born or married into that society cannot do. If you are interested in the culture of this country, my book will give you a totally different look at this secretive society, one seen from the eyes of a liberated Western female. Genia

could have been better, but still good
I enjoyed Carmen Bin Laden's memoir, although it doesn't have the staying power some other memoirs may have.Still, because of the subject matter, I think it's an important read and one that can shed some light on how women are treated in this backward misogynistic Saudi culture.

Wahhabism is unforgiving-- a strict and literal Koranic interpretation, and what is practiced in the country of the Bin Ladens.Carmen Bin Laden was fortunate enough to only have to spend part of her time here; she also lived in the United States and Europe.

She shares with us what it is like to be a woman in such a repressive culture.The women she knew there who were raised that way didn't even question the status quo. That, in itself, would be blasphemous to do, since women are taught to believe that the way they are living is the way Allah wishes them to live.They are literally second class citizens.And, imagine what happens to men who live among themselves being taught to believe that they are superior to women in such a grand way? Well, they believe it.And, they treat "their women" more like pets than as partners.Marriage isn't considered a partnership there.How can it be when men are permitted 4 wives and the women often are not able to choose their mates or the three other women who may share their lives.In Bin Laden's book, the women accept their lives and are unquestioning regarding their state.In other memoirs I've read regarding Islamic life, some of the women do indeed question their status but they just do not have the power to try and change it.

Although this book may have included detail of day to day life in Saudi Arabia, it seemed to lack some emotion regarding its horrors.The author didn't share as much how she felt so, at times, it seemed to be more of the sharing of facts rather than the sharing of her feelings regarding these facts-- which is what makes great memoirs great.

Still, it's worthwhile reading and another indicator of why Islam is so incompatible with Western Civilization.We all may know by now that Islam is the fastest growing religion, but I'm not sure all of us are aware that Wahhabism is the fastest growing type of Islam in the United States and Europe.As a matter of fact, the spreading of Wahhabism in prisons is a formal agenda that is funded by the Saudis. More information regarding this can be found on the web. . . just enter wahhabism prisons and see what you come up with.

Ultimately A Dissapointment
After reading Azar Nafisi's "Reading Lolita in Tehran" and Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" I opened Carmen Bin Ladin's book with great anticipation. I was disappointed and yet I would recommend it. It was a quick easy read, eliciting no strong emotional or intellectual response. It is however the first glimpse of this life of a woman in "the Kingdom". It was interesting in the sense a tabloid can be interesting but at it's heart does not have the power to transform or enlighten the reader.I found her depiction of her life in Saudi much less tragic than I suspect it actually was. There is no depth of character in her main players. I would have loved to have more detail about her mohter and her grandmother in Iran. I wanted to know more about her own inner life and less about shopping and being wealthy.
I believe there is a rich life of emotions and loss and gain in all of her characters that we never really are allowed to see. I do not know why this book is so shallow. She seems an interesting and intelligent woman. I also ask what is the purpose of a memoir of this type. Kahaled Hosseini's life with his father in Afghanistan and later in America is deep with character struggle and growth. It is a social history as well as a personal one. The same is true of Azar Nafisi who manages to write literary criticism as well as social and political history that brought me closer to understanding what I believe Carmen Bin Laden tried to portray.
I hope Carmen Bin Laden turns her hand again to a relevent social and political discussion about the life of women in fundamentalist muslim communities in Saudi, or even the experience of her life in Europe. And I hope she finds more meat and less bone to offer.

Not as fascinated as other reviewers here
I got this book primarily to see how Carmen bin Ladin would view the society of Saudi Arabia, since she was of a more "westernized" background. And of course, I wanted to see how she felt about being part of the bin Ladin clan, particularly after 9/11/01.

While the book wasn't poorly written, it was in places tough going for me because it seemed like she focused so much on her wealth and spending habits, her house, etc. I think this flaw was picked up by national reviewers of the book.

I'm not that ignorant of Islamic culture, but would have liked to learn more about it. The book was an "ok read" but maybe my expectations were a bit higher than what the book delivered. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Douglas E. Winter, author of Stephen King: The Art of Darkness and editor of two major dark-fiction anthologies (Prime Evil and Revelations), may be the reigning expert on modern horror. If his book Clive Barker: The Dark Fantastic is not the definitive biography of that polymathic author-playwright-auteur, it is only because the volume appeared when its subject was still in his late forties.

At 501 pages, plus 50 pages of endnotes and nearly 100 pages of Primary and Secondary Bibliography, The Dark Fantastic is an impressively thorough document. It covers Clive Barker's life from before birth (giving background on his parents, grandparents, and the hometown he shares with the Beatles) through the early years of struggle to his successes as an internationally bestselling author, Hollywood screenwriter-producer-director, and family man. The biography makes it clear that Barker has always had exceptional talent. (The Dark Fantastic includes, as an appendix, a previously unpublished story, written in Barker's early teens, "The Wood on the Hill." This uneven but fully developed fable of hubris is a tale authors twice as old would be proud to have written.)

Readers expecting a tell-all biography will be disappointed. A good portion of The Dark Fantastic is devoted to summaries and assessments of Barker's creations in many media. However, Winter's critical examinations are interesting, sympathetic, and honest. The Dark Fantastic is a must for all Barker fans and all serious scholars of horror and the fantastic.--Cynthia Ward ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A fascinating read.
Reading about Clive Barker's polymathic inclinations, one recalls a scene from his book, The Great and Secret Show. In that tale, postal worker Randolph Jaffe, assigned to the dead letter room, unwittingly finds himself at a spiritual crossroads of America. Uncovering hidden truths by exploring the ramblings of the lost, the lonely, and the mad, Jaffe gets a glimpse of other worlds just under the surface of the "real" one.

Clive Barker has also glimpsed other worlds, but rather than driving him mad, these visions have compelled him to communicate what he has seen to others. This compulsion has led him to express himself in a multiplicity of media, including the sketches he drew as a child (and indeed, throughout his life), the plays he wrote in his twenties, the short stories he penned as he matured, the movies he directed, or even now, in the portraits he paints. It is this impulse that Douglas Winter, a polymath in his own right (lawyer, journalist, editor, author, book critic, public speaker), attempts to chronicle and explicate in The Dark Fantastic.

The book is arranged chronologically, following Barker from his early life in Liverpool, to his years on the London theatre scene, culminating in the present day, where we find him in Hollywood at work on his latest undertaking, the multimedia project known as The Abarat Quartet. Winter seems to have had unrestricted access to his subject and to those around him, as he cites knowledge gained from interviews with Barker and a plethora of Barker's family, friends, lovers, ex-lovers and business partners. Although Winter makes no claim of objectivity, he maintains a respectable distance from his subject, providing valuable insights into both the man and his work. Doing so, he makes a convincing case for Barker's inclusion in the pantheon of the leading creators of fantastic literature.

Perhaps the most important revelations are found near the end of the book, where Barker becomes more comfortable with his sexuality, finding true love with photographer David Armstrong. There also, he deals with the death of his father and his subsequent descent into depression. Barker's latest epiphany is the most fascinating, as he comes to realize that hundreds of paintings, seemingly created at random to combat his depression, all contained common themes, themes that eventually coalesced to form the basis of his Abarat Quartet project. The fact that he unconsciously worked his way towards mental health, even while breaking new barriers, is both inspirational and awe inspiring.

The book's upbeat 'ending" (Barker's only fifty as of the publication date) bodes well for the future. Barker, it seems, will continue to receive messages from other realities, filtering them through his artistic sensibilities to make them more palatable to us lesser mortals. We, the audience, merely have to open our minds, experience his work, and learn. By allowing Barker to take us to other worlds, we can more easily absorb the lessons he has to teach us about our own.

the man and his art
I do not often read biographies, but since Clive Barker is one of my favorite authors and I enjoy his writing so much, I figured I would give this book a shot. First off, if this book were just about the life of Clive, it would be at probably only half as long. Winter uses much of the book as an in-depth critical analysis of Barker's fiction. At first I didn't like this method, and if you are not familiar with all of the works he discusses, the respective sections may not be as informative. However, as I read more and more of the book, it became clear that Winter was not only analyzing Barker's fiction, but Barker himself as well. At times this works wonderfully, shedding light not only on Barker as a writer and person, but on the process of creating art and literature. I learned a lot about writing and many times discovered things in his fiction that I had not seen before. Thus, if one was rereading Barker's works, Winter's book could be an insightful commentary. The only problem that I had with the book was that at some points if felt not like a biography but only a critical interpretation of certain pieces. The in-depth analysis of most pieces of Barker's work seemed a little overboard for a biography. Otherwise, this is a very well-written, insightful, and overall entertaining book. A must for any fan of Barker, fantastic fiction, or an interest in creativity in general, since Barker seems to leave very few creative endeavors unexplored. ... Read more

Book Description

Souad was a 17-year-old woman living in a small village in Jordan when she made the mistake of falling in love--an event that would lead to unspeakable acts of violence and a lifetime of exile from her homeland. Desperate to leave her abusive childhood behind, Souad begins a relationship with a neighbor--one that would leave her pregnant, and her family shamed. Now, Souad faces the only punishment her society deems acceptable: death. Her survival of her family’s attempt to kill her, leaving her with burns over 70% of her body, her dramatic escape, and her resolve to build a new life is a tale of heartbreaking drama and remarkable courage. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

This report is authentic!
This is the first hand report of a woman from palestine called Souad, who, when being a young adolescent girl more than 20 years ago living in a small palestinian village, almost fell victim to a so called 'honor killing', because she became pregnant before being married.
As usual in oriental cultures, this brought disgrace on her "family's honor", so her brother was given the task to restore that honor by killing her, which he tried to do by pouring gasoline on her and setting her on fire. However, although being heavily burnt, she survived and was brought to a hospital. There Souad encountered a European lady working for the Red Cross who managed to bring her to Switzerland, where Souad started a completely new life.

Now, it is true, that there also has been published a book called "Honor Lost" by a certain Norma Khouri, which also was supposed to be a