Adam Garcia Books

This is an excellent textbook. The language is clear, the ideas well exposed, and the subject covered in a most satisfactory manner. The sixth edition I have read contains an extensive and very useful bibliography. I'd recommend it whoheartedly for undergraduate courses on the topic. Some minor criticisms: first, I would have liked the section on theoretical perspectives to be more extensive, while the chapter on methods seems to me to be superflous, at least for undergraduates. Second, at the bottom of page 232, the information give is confusing. It talks about tons, without specifying whether metric or not. Further, it uses ounces, pounds and kilos, all very unclear. Thirdly, the sections on the socialist system are obsolete, insofar as those systems have practically disappeared. And, yes, although the author claims, at the bottom of p.1 that he has followed an eclectic apporach, "without embracing or advocating a particular position, ideology, or theoretical stance", the truth is that I feel I detect a very subtle but, nonetheless recognizable, "leftish" leaning. But those are minor shortcomings, whcih shrink to nothing in comparison with the very positive achievements of the textbook. Kudos!

One of my favorites heroes, besides Jack Ryan, in Tom Clancy's books is John Clark. He is a dark figure with a mysterious past. He's a man admired for his action and his word. He works in black ops but has his own moral code. Clark is a man of action. This book essentially covers Clark's past. His girlfriend was murdered by Baltimore drug dealers who raped her while slowly asphyxiating her with a plastic bag. A horrific death that profoundly affects Clark. But he doesn't mope nor sit idly by. This ex-SEAL sets out upon a course of justice. He dispenses justice in the only way these murderous scum understand - by executing the drug dealers who peddle their death and addiction to adults and children. Clancy uses the story to give us greater backstory on Jack Ryan. His father, Emmet Ryan, is a detective trying to track down the killer of these drug dealers. But Clark keeps moving forward `Without Remorse'.

For this review let me first start off by thanking the positive reviewers of Without Remorse here on Amazon! This was quite a find. I am usually more prone to enjoy science fiction and some of the classics in my reading habits, but decided to branch out and try some of the more popular mainstream authors I've seen on the bestseller lists over the years. Knowing what a force Clancy is through movies and video games, plus seeing all the positive accolades here on Amazon, led me to find this book and it really hit the mark. Very engaging and entertaining read from start to finish. This one is personal and will put you into the shoes of someone facing some of the most horrific scenarios a human could ever imagine on multiple levels. From the tragic deaths of loved ones to Vietnam P.O.W.s and Cold War espionage, this book has a lot to offer. I liked that it showed how a good man confronts the harsh realities of the seedier, dare I say evil, elements of society and world events that most average people won't ever have to (or want to) face head-on. Clancy creates a sympathetic hero in John Kelly that I think most people would like to be like if faced with the same situations where corrupt, crime-infiltrated law enforcement won't cut it. It is truly sad that the situations presented in this book exist but it is good to know there are people like John Kelly out there willing to do something about them, if not as individuals then as the organizations and other institutions that protect our country and communities. Thomas Harris' book Hannibal Rising is quite similar in many ways. In real life justifying murder out of revenge isn't something I want to attempt, but it makes for great entertainment and catharsis. It's just like watching or reading about the good Jedis chopping the enemy down with lightsabers; symbolic of what most people would want to do to the evil or injustice in themselves or the outside world. Can't wait for the movie and won't forget reading the compression chamber scene in my tent while camping on a rainy surf trip to Baja last winter. My book is still bloated from soaking up the rain!

One star for a Clancy book?? Yes, but I'll get to that later.

I've been reading Clancy for 20 years and read all his first half dozen or so novels as they were published. He is an amazingly talented writer. I think he is at times a genius in characterization. I've used him as an example of good writing in some of my classes; how he can completely round out a character on one side of a single page of paper. Clancy deserves the success he has achieved.

But with this book I began a personal boycott of his books; guiltily I'd still check them out from the local library, but I wouldn't pay real money for them any more.

It's the morality of the thing. Being a vigilante, being judge, jury and executioner . . . is not only a good thing, but an honorable and laudable thing; a thing to be strived for; a heroic thing . . . and wouldn't it be great if America was filled top-full of Clarks killing their way through our days and nights? Certainly there are real predatory criminals out there, and Clancy has made sure that the bad guys in this book have that character. But when it comes to making us root for a murderer (albeit a good and just murderer), I'm sorry but I just can't get on that boat with you.

And a major illustration of this is one of the climactic points of the book; using decompression equipment to torture and kill. Here's how it reads: first the omniscient voice of the author describes the equipment and its effect on the human body; then Clark captures the bad buy and explains to him in detail (once again) the equipment and its effects; then Clark actually does the deed and the equipment and its effects are laid before us (in detail) for a third time. I'm sorry but here's what I saw in my mind's eye: a naked sweaty man sitting at a keyboard typing out this description of gruesome torture over and over, breathing hard. Breathing very hard. I thought it was one of the most disgusting pieces of fiction, really pornographic, ever published.

All that said, it's still a skillfull and wonderfully crafted book. Although Clark's escape at the end is borderline supernatural, or at least invests him with the powers of Superman . . . a bit of jumping-the-shark there.

MS

If you have never read any of Clancy's books before, this is not a bad place to start. I have not read many of his works myself, but it appears to me that this is chronologically the first to take place in the series on John Clark and Jack Ryan. This book for me was one of those rare effortless reads where the pages turned on their own and I did not want to put it down. I found the story to be completely plausible - if you have ever wondered what would have to happen in the life of a normal, non-psychopathic person that would turn them into a highly-skilled, cold-blooded killer, this is the answer. I won't give away too many details of the plot, but it is basically a revenge motif - a decent guy seeking justice against some pretty bad people and the inner struggles he endures while doing this and trying to remain one of the "good guys." It kind of reminded me of Batman (without the cape and mask, and with Batman being an executioner). This is definitely a guys book, and if that's what you are in the mood for, you will not waste any time or money with this one. Truly satisfying.

This was the fifth Clancy book I have read but my first in many years. Without giving much away it is mainly a story of revenge. In this book you get to see how some of the regular characters in other Clancy novels come to be. I thought the book was fine & if you are just starting out the book does pick up the pace once you get one or two hundred pages in. I didn't rate this book higher because I feel the story could have been done with less than 750 pages, that's two pretty good sized books. Also much of the book takes place in Vietnam & details some Navy Seal / SOG action. I have recently read the book "SOG" by John Plaster & I have to say the action in that book is hard to beat - & it was hard for me not to compare the two. Without Remorse does finish with a bang just for me it took a little long to get there.

This is an anecdotal style book that uses many personal stories to illustrate examples of lovingly interacting with your children and giving them appropriate responsibilities. It is not a practical, how-to manual, and because they are not professional writers, it is a bit slow in parts. I nodded my head in agreement with many of the ideas. I would like to have read a few more practical strategies vs. general ideas. I would recommend it to readers who hope to integrate faith and parenting.

Now that I've seen all the rave reviews of this book, I feel a bit bad about saying anything negative about it :-). I can certainly understand what people see in this book- the authors do indeed give some very important principles for raising kids, and they back up their words with some definite success stories!

However, I really think this book might be more powerful if it weren't so careful to avoid controversy. In other words, most of the principles found in the book can be found in other books on child rearing- be an example yourself, respect the child, be positive, read to the kid... the bulk of the book is taken up with this sort of advice which, while certainly true and valid, has been abundantly covered in other sources.

To be frank, when I picked up the book I was hoping it would discuss at length how to keep kids protected (but not overprotected!) from the popular culture. While television and "appropriate" movie choices are covered very briefly, the serious but touchy problems of influencing book and music choices aren't. What do the Garcia-Prats do? How do they/will they handle problems with computers, including internet and video games? Another vitally important issue that is not adequately covered is sexuality- with ten boys, it's an issue they must grapple with at some length. How???

This book takes a remarkably sunny view of the outside culture, considering it was published in '97. Problems with bad schools (e.g. condom pushing and other sex ed woes) are not discussed, though cooperation with the schools and teachers is. The Garcia-Prats seem to have access to a couple of good schools; any advice for those who do not? What about problems with bad or unsuitable friends? Similarly, books and reading are presented as universal goods, without addressing the obvious problem that many books for adults, and even some for teens, are pornographic, easily available at the library, and innocuous in appearance.

So as a conclusion, I'll say that while this book is a fairly solid contribution for the general populace, it will not be a complete resource for the parent who wants Christian guidance about some of the worst trends going on in our country today.

I first read this book a few years ago after seeing the authors and their sons on a local talk show. I found the book to be very inspiring and several of Mrs. Garcia-Prats' suggestions have stayed with me. This book reinforces the belief that expecting your children to help with siblings or around the house and be responsible for their own behaviour does not make you a bad parent. In fact, it makes you a good one. If the Garci-Prats can do it with 10 kids, I think my husband and I can handle our 4.

The market is full of parenting how-to books. As a father of nine children, I've read a lot of them. Few pack the powerful credibility this book. Here is golden advice from the crucible of real life - dross all gone. Just the right mix of humor and seriousness. A great book!

What a wonderful book! So many good, useful ideas for would-be parents that I would recommend this book as a prerequisite reading to anyone who intends to become a responsible and loving parent. This book really gives you a detailed account of this family's life. But they do not stop there. By showing you how they live, they clearly show you what are the values behind the way they live. For instance, they show you that they prefer to spend their time in their children's lives than watch TV. Hence, the reading time with each of their children that is something valued and important in the Garcia-Prats family.

This book is fabulous to me because I really believe that, with the application of most of the good ideas of this book, any willing couple can create a successful, loving and happy family, no matter the number of children they decide to have. So many good ideas that I decided, after having read this book once, to read a chapter regularly to inspire myself on applying the really good ideas for my future family. A small regret. There is no picture of the parents. I know, it is not the most important but they are the ones who created this happy family.

Thanks, Catherine and Joseph Garcia-Prats for your wonderful book.

If you are looking for a resource to help you understand the nuts and bolts of small business accounting, this is an excellent start. The book covers the important issues that business owners need to be aware of without adding a lot of fluff.

**** Recommended for all small business owners looking to understand their finances ****

Business Basics Bestseller 1: The Easy, Interesting, Open-book Look at the Game of Business Numbers! 2nd Edition


Sometimes you want the details of how to do accounting, sometimes you want just a general intro to business. If you never had this accounting stuff explained to you before, you will like "Business Basics Bestseller 1" as a starting point. It provides a general business perspective that puts accounting in its place. This is not a suggestion that you substitute it for this book, just that you check it out as well. The BBB #1 book was written by a guy who is not an accountant -- an asset to the reader who isn't either.

BBB #1 will introduce you to the basics of business including the terms behind the numbers and where all the statements and formulas come from before you plow into a true "finance and accounting" text. Search for "Business Basics Bestseller 1" and add it to your consideration. It can be one of your best investments. At less than 150 pages, you can zip through it enjoyably -- then the specifics of keeping books will take on a whole new and important dimension for your business.

don't buy this book, no substance only good for sales

I felt "streetwise" after reading this book. I think I learned a lot about what financial statements mean, but this book is POORLY copyedited. Mistakes abound.

I have been in business for the past ten years and have never truly understood or cared about keeping good records. The book breaks down accounting into real life experiences, finally something that I can understand.
It's a must read for all small business people and would recommend it to anyone considering going into business for themselves

This novel both condemned and redeemed itself in the main characters, namely Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza. Although extremely sad, the story as a whole truly makes one think: Does love like this exist? How many people have wasted away their lives with the wrong person in order to be "safe"?

Although more dialogue would have made it an easier read, the author's beautiful and flowing descriptions kept me interested. I feel that this book is both a wake-up call/reality check and a wonderful concept for the hopeless romantic.

Oh what a fabulouos book! The imagery in this book will go with me forever. It took me back to a place and time that I'll never be physically, but I feel like I was there and lived through it. The story is very, very sad. So if you are looking for happy endings, this book is not for you. I can't wait to read more of this writers works.

This is the worst book I've ever read. I put it down half way through and read something else. Then I went back to it. Still awful. I shared it with two friends and they couldn't finish it either. It was boring, the writing is terrible and the story is preposterous. Save your money (and time) read anything by Jodi Picoult and enjoy!

After much fanfare by Oprah Winfrey and several weeks on various bestseller lists, I had high expectations for Gabriel García Márquez's Love in the Time of Cholera. However, I found this story to move as slowly as a snail stuck to a glue board. Dense descriptions interfered with the plot.

García Márquez's fifth novel is set in a 19th-century fictional South American port city. A young telegraph operator, Florentino Ariza, carries on a romance--through an exchange of love letters only--with the beautiful but rebellious Fermina Daza. When Fermina's father finds out about the relationship, he sends his teen-aged daughter away.

Upon her later return, Fermina no longer has feelings for Florentino Ariza and marries the respectable Dr. Juvenal Urbino, a man who the reader is twice told likes to eat asparagus and smell the odor of it in his urine.

Despite being spurned by Fermina, Florentino Ariza continues to pine for her for over 50 years, on occasion almost stalking her. He claims to be saving himself for Fermina but has affairs with hundreds of women. During this period, the reader is often treated to Florentino's intestinal ailments and his need for enemas.

At one time, Florentino considers pursuing his secretary, Leona Cassiani, and she him, but when she is raped on the beach by an unknown assailant who, we are told, provided her with the best sex she ever had, she no longer has any desire to bed Florentino Ariza. Instead, she walks the beach at night hoping her rapist will ravish her again. As a woman, I was insulted by this passage in the novel, a passage only a man could write. And I was shocked that Oprah Winfrey, a woman who has been so open about her own sexual abuse, could recommend a story in which a character felt this way.

Quill says: Don't bother taking Love in the Time of Cholera to the seashore this summer; it's one book you can leave on the shelf.

Several people have indicated that this is a difficult read. It is. Perhaps it's the translation, perhaps it's the abundance of imagery. But whatever it is, it's worth the effort.

Having read One Thousand Years and The Handsomest Drowned Man, I'm familiar with his use of prose and magical realism tendencies. If you can get past the linguistic hurdles, you're in for a wonderful story of the commitment of one man's heart.

THE NEW SANDRA BROWN ,THE SUSPENSE AND ROMANCE TOGETHER I DO NOT LIKE. FOR STARTERS SHE TENDS TO MAKE CHARACTERS NOW WHO ARE LESS INTERESTING THAN HER SET UP OF TWISTS AND TURNS. SHE NEEDS TO REMEMBER FANS KNOW HER FOR HER ROMANCE. I JUST DONT LIKE HER NEW WRITING HER OLDER BOOKS WERE BETTER. CHECK OUT SLOW HEAT IN HEAVEN. THATS HER AT HER FINEST. THIS CHILL FACTOR BOOK I COULD NOT EVEN FINISH, THAT'S HOW BAD IT WAS.

Starts off a little slow, but then it grabs you and keeps you on edge until the end. Great read.

This chilling murder mystery involves characters fighting against the elements during a massive snow storm. It is also about the characters fighting amongst each other while searching for the truth. Sub plots abound as characters struggle to find the serial killer who has plagued their New Hampshire town. Scandalous secrets are revealed one by one. The romantic tension in the story is balanced by the powerful element of mystery. Chills run down the reader's spine each time one character is suspected to be the murderer. There are as many twists and turns in the plot as there are hairpin turns on the icy, impassable mountain that the rescuers try to mount. The ending is filled with surprises. Wonderfully fun book!

This story kept me reading page after page. Sandra Brown created a cast of characters, i.e., Lilly Martin. Dutch Burton, Ben Tierney, etc., that they come alive in the small town of Cleary, NC. This mystery was written is such a way that it kept my attention clear to the very end. It was an easy read with some tense moments and some great plots that have lots of twist and turns.

For many years, I've enjoyed Sandra Brown's books. None of them disappointed. Until this one. This was the first book I'd read of hers that had blasphemies in it, with one on nearly every second page. Did an angry atheist start editing her copy at this point in her otherwise classy writing career? I proofread for a magazine and believe good writers and truly creative editors don't need this nasty trick to be gripping and "profound." I'm assuming that this deviation wasn't the author's idea--why would she ruin a great thing? I hope this added touch will be removed in the refining process next time around!

I give this four stars instead of five only because there is information in the later weeks that I wish had been in the beginning weeks. That said, I loved reading about where my baby was in her development each week. Also, this book taught me about pre-eclampsia - I was able to self-diagnose myself, keep my Nurse Practitioner from giving me a "stress test" eight months into the pregnancy (which would have most likely induced seizures), and get into triage right away. I did, in fact, have very severe pre-eclampsia and had to be induced right away with medication to stave off seizures. Five doctors and three nurses later (all in the same room at once) I gave birth to a healthy beautiful baby girl a month early. I'm not sure I would have known about pre-eclampsia and the warning signs had I not read this book. My daughter is now nearly nine years old - I'm very thankful for this book.

Not only are there much better books out there that are informative and inspiring, but aside from style issues, this book does a disservice because of it's haphazard presentation of information. The organization is terrible!! For example, they don't mention cord blood preservation till the 39th week, when it's way too late to order the kit. There are many such examples where they bring up a topic weeks and even months after a pregnant woman should know about that issue.

I feel fortunate that I had access to other books but if this is the only book you're planning on reading during your pregnancy, you will find you are learning about things after the fact, almost useless. There are so many better books out there. Don't waste your time or money on this. I can't imagine how it's in its 6th edition???!

I think this book is very good. A lot of people are saying that it is very negative and gives you something to always worry about, however, I don't feel it's negative. This book has made mention of everything my doctor and I have discussed. I wouldn't want a book to sugar coat everything or hide anything. I want to know the possibilities that are out there and how to deal with them. Why would anyone want to buy a book that hides the possibilities of what could happen. At least by making mention of these "negative" ideas, it gives you the option of discussing these things with your physician. Pregnancy is a wonderful time, however, there are things that every woman needs to be aware of weather they want to hear them or not. That's the reality.

Pretty much everything has been covered already. This book is horrible and does nothing to help encourage a woman to understand, educate herself, and feel any sense of empowerment in pregnancy or childbirth. It basically reduces the mother to a medical victim and pregnancy into nothing but constant, potential illness.

This is one of the few books I've ever tossed straight into the recycle bin. No passing this book on. It's that awful, really.

This book was a waste. First of all, they delay important information till the end of the book (weeks after 30 talk about nutrition). Then (and this is bad) they would say that your baby's eyes are developing this week and here are things that could go wrong.
How bad is that?!?!?!?

This book is useless! Buy Mayo clinic instead - there if you want to look up complications you can search them at the end of the book, plus it contains much more information - precise to point and usefull.