S Books

While as comprehensive and extraordinarily detailed as a college text, and as fully annotated, this is a great example of a 'popular' history at the top of its game. The enormous amount of (often grueling) material is nicely organized across time, place, and category, the many significant characters are well-delineated, and there is a sense of narrative flow and pretty steady momentum to this highly readable book.

This is a excellent, outstanding and informative book, that every patriotic american should read. These men are real American Heroes, I needn"t say more.

Definitely one of the best books I every read. It's amazing what a man will do for honor, to protect the life and dignity of another, at his own peril. There are scores of examples of this in this book. On the down side, what men bent on tyranny and oppression will do to break the will of another. However, light truly shines through darkness. If you think you have it rough, read this book.

This is a lengthy but well written book. If you are looking for an excellent history of the POW's from the Vietnam war, this is the one to get. If you are interested in history or the human aspects of the Vietnam POW's this would be very valuable. I have read a number of books on POW's and this is by far the best of the lot.

This observer has followed the POW situation since 1972, when he was still on active duty. He is familiar with many POW memoirs, so the men in Messer's. Kiley and Rochester's voluminous work are no strangers. Most of the prominent POWs are well known to many and they are certainly all here: Ernest Brace, Robinson Risner, James Stockdale, Jeremiah Denton, Frank Anton and Everett Alvarez-plus many more. If this reviewer had to choose a favorite memoir, it would be Anton's "Why Didn't You Get Me Out?" Honorable mention certainly goes to "A Code to Keep" by Mr. Brace. HB goes into far deeper detail than do individual stories, yet necessarily lacks the personal touch folks like those two gentlemen provide. Those in the amazon community who have read no POW tales and are satisfied with one big picture have the perfect book in HB. The back cover noted that HB "combines rigorous scholarly analysis with moving narrative". That it certainly does, in fullest detail. All the torture, all the mind games, all the coming and going and transfers, all the gripping boredom and fear, all the gruesome details of prison life are here. It will be clear that the POWs were anything but one big happy family. Disagreements abounded, especially that nebulous subject regarding compliance with the Code of Conduct. Some favored active resistance, some a "cooperate-graduate" approach. The authors also do an excellent choreographing of the release of the Spring of 1973. They were not repatriated on one fleet of C-141s but came home in stages. We learn that a handful of guys were released through Saigon and 2 through Hong Kong (!). There are some caveats attached to this review: HB cannot be skim read. It demands attention and a substantial investment of time upfront. Casual readers are in the wrong place! They won't appreciate the 88 pages of appendices and notes/footnotes. HB also concentrates on prisoners held in the major North Vietnam detention centers. The missing in Cambodia, Laos and even China are outside the scope of HB. But HB is also silent on the fate of the discrepancy cases of those lost in the 4 countries. One hopes that the authors, writing a book that admits to being "an official publication of the Department of Defense", are not attempting a "Case Closed" on the 1,783 still unaccounted for. This observer will give the authors the benefit of the doubt here. Still. FAR more disturbing is a gratuitous remark on Page 589 that those who continue to press for a fullest accounting of the missing are "a swarm of polemicists and opportunists". This reviewer is one of them! He belongs to neither of those species! Since it is most likely that no offense was intended, none is taken but that comment demands an explanation! It certainly merits an unfortunate reduction in rank to 4 stars. That there even is a page 589 is the essence of HB. This one is not for those with a passing fancy on the Indochina War. A final note: There is a new, voluminous publication available on amazon-"An Enormous Crime". That particular 566 page volume-in small type no less-claims to be the "definitive account of American POWs abandoned in Southeast Asia". The different scope of EC should encompass what HB did not. Maybe these 1,000+ combined pages of text will shed a final light on the thorny question of POWs/MIAs in Indochina. Congressman King (R-NY) is also attempting to convene new hearings on the same subject. This painful matter will be with us for a while. The bottom line to "Honor Bound" is the headline above. This is indeed a great work of military scholarship and for that the authors deserve their due.

The second novel from John Gist is like his previous novel examining and existing in a dark universe of depravity, mythological destiny and a strong believe in a true sense of nature. Gist is combining the ancient heritage of evil with the modern myth of Man. The result is a both scarrying and beautiful portrait of Man as the universal Sinner, who has to perform a physical and mental journey in search of the very archaic premises of life. I pronounce Gist to be one of the most important modern, young writers of America today.

Lizard Dreaming... takes the reader on a entertaining and thought provoking journey. Gist's ability to create engaging characters draws you into a story that explores the power of nature. If you enjoy reading a book that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, Lizard Dreaming will not disappoint you.

Very highly recommended reading, Lizard Dreaming Of Birds by John Gist is a profoundly written and engagingly complex novel about the human need to go back to the guidance and rhythms of the earth itself. Following one man on his physical and spiritual trek through the American West and in search of guidance, Lizard Dreaming Of Birds is an impressively transforming narrative of facing severe challenges in search of truth and enlightenment.

For those who were startled and challenged by Gist's first published novel, Crow Heart, his new Lizard Dreaming of Birds will come as a welcome extension of Gist's exploration of the dark. Not so formally tight as some might prefer, this novel is in parts both profoundly disturbing and dazzling: early in the novel, a hunting/initiation sequence carries Jubal and his father into the Wyoming wilderness, a powerful passage reminding us of Hemingway's "Big Two-Hearted River" in purity of style, of Faulkner's "The Bear" in reverential celebration of nature, of Cormac McCarthy's Southwest/Mexico-set novels in violence and darkness.

Perhaps Gist can't decide which is the more beautiful and fearsome, the wild, natural world of the American West or the hidden side of the human psyche.

John Gist's second novel is an intriguing conglomeration of mysticism and violence. Right up to the last page, it's uncertain whether the main character, Jubal Siner, is a saint in the making or a natural-born killer. Reviewers have compared the novel to Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian." In part because of the Alaska connection, I'd add Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild" and T. C. Boyle's recent novel "Drop City." The difference is that Gist has lived through Fairbanks winters. His terse narrative has a kind of authenticity the other books mentioned don't achieve. As Gist follows his characters on their journeys from green Seattle to the bleak winter days of Fairbanks and back through Idaho, the ordered streets of Salt Lake City, the high plains of Gist's native Wyoming, and on to the high desert of Southwestern New Mexico, the sense of place consistently rings true. Characters are intriguingly drawn, as they alternate between extreme self-indulgence and a strange squeamishness about food. Readers will have strong reactions to this book, but it's well worth reading, much more tightly constructed and confidently narrated that Gist's first published novel, "CrowHeart."

Stadner's book is well written and fun. She tells her stories in writing even better than she delivers them in person, and this book is loaded with all kinds of memories, each one tugging at a different heart string. She hits home over and over, and that familiarity makes it even more entertaining. At times, I found myself agreeing with her out loud, or calling my sister to remind her of something I hadn't thought of in years. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Great book! The stories you related, made me laugh and cry with you.It was truly a walk down memory lane. You have successfully memorialized Cote St Luc, forever.Sheila

Hanala Stadner writes an amazing narative of her life, beginning with a childhood of loneliness and need. Her parents, survivors of the Holocaust, do not seem to be able to understand her travails which include normal childhood growing pains. She bitterly leaves home and is able to work as a semi-employed actor. Her pain follows her as she stumbles into drug and alcohol abuse. Just when the reader is totally disgusted with her, she begins a long road to recovery and self discovery. This well written book will make you laugh and make you cry. I would heartily recommend it.

I just finished your book I loved it so much that I just didn't want it to end.
I related to just about everything you went through. My parents also went through the war as Partisans in the woods of Poland and White Russia and then came to Montreal.
Thank you so much for writing this book. I must confess that
I laughed and cried but the last 100 pages of your book brought back so many memories for example singing to my father on his death bed \"OYFIN PRIPITCHEK BRENT A FAYERL, UN IN SHTUB IS HEYS. UN DER REBELY LERNT KLEYNE KINDERLEKH DEM ALDF-BEZ.\"
I saw you at Lynn University when you were in Boca Raton and had the
pleasure of meeting you and Fabrizio,gee I hope I remembered his name, but you know who I mean the cute Italian. You signed my book and I will cherish it forever.
Again, thank you so very much this book really made a difference to me.
Lots of Luck, from one survivor to another Sarah Johnson.

The title grabs you - humor? Holocaust? Then, you begin reading and Hanala grabs you- envelops you, fastens your seat belt for you and takes you on the ride that is her life. And what a ride.

For the general public, it is a story, written with wit, humor, turns of phrase, expressions which you know you have heard before and are comfortable with but which are neither trite nor cliche, in a style that holds your attention. It is the history of a little girl clamoring for something which is impossible to receive due to no fault of her own, a "normal" childhood, filled with love, affection, nurturing, complements, structure, safety, sibling support, reliable friends, - just like in the 50s and 60s TV families into which she delves for comfort; who, not surprisingly grows into a young adult with physical addictions and emotional insecurities - making bad choices, entering into troubled relationships and behaving in a self-destructive manner bringing her near death; and finally, just as you have almost had it with her and want to read her the riot act, but knowing that nothing you say could bring her out of her messed-up life, she surprises you and takes a small step which becomes a deep reach into herself and pulls herself out of the spiral - building inner strength and finally maturing into the positive, healthy person you would be thrilled to have in your life. Hanala lays open her soul to the core, describes behaviors and experiences that most would be embarrassed and ashamed to admit, and demonstrates that we have the ability to heal ourselves, with the help of others, if we only give ourselves the chance. You laugh, you laugh a lot, and you cry, you find yourself repeating statements out loud that you have just read which may well hit deep in your own soul. Frankly, you don't want the book to end and when it does, you are OK, because you know that Hanala's story is continuing and because it is a real life that you feel connected to.

And, for the readership which is made up of the children of Holocaust survivors/escapees, it is an even more special story. Hanala, through her experiences, and her insights gained through therapy, A.A. and Al-Anon programs, gives us answers as to why her parents, and so many other such parents just could not do a better parenting job - whether due to their guilt for not being able to save family or friends or for the simple fact that they survived, magnified by the relative comfort in which they are living; why they too were and are leading lives that are not filled with what many would consider "normal" actions and reactions - which behaviors many have unintentionally passed on to their children. "It is not because she won't, it is because she just can't." For Holocaust survivor/escapees' children, Hanala provides answers to questions we might not even know how to ask.

This is a fantastic resource and basically the bible of trigger point study. It is the fisrt emerically backed study that scientifically shows the benefits of massage therapy and specifically trigger point therapy. It is a valuable two volume set to have to reference.

I am a PT student and this book has been very useful in my studies... I also expect that it will be a great reference in my future career.

Posiedo gia la prima edizione(eccezionale)In Italiano.Gli autori sono semplicemente dei geni.Una guida irrinunciabile per la mia formazione professionale.

The book is very usefull in the everyday-practice for acupuncturists/physical therapists who work with dryneedling!!
Each part of the body is in a different chapter and therefore it's very easy to find the information you need!

When I received this book as a present for passing my medical masseuse exams, I thought I received a "how to fix it" book.
These books are much more for they cover anatomy, innervation, function, testing, reasons behind the pain, differential diagnosis, corrective actions all in addition to Triggerpoint Treatment.
The 2 volumes are a must have in your library for daily reference and/or study. The illustrations are a welcome aid to oneself or for explanatory purposes to clients.

While reading "Our Uncle Sam" I cried, I laughed and I knew that the Sam Cooke that was in these pages was the real Sam Cooke. Even though the authur did not know his uncle he was able to bring out the real Sam. The book was beautifully written and you can see the love in every page. I am glad I bought "Our Uncle Sam" because it gave me the opportunity to know or feel like I know him. I always knew there was more to the story and now I know for sure. Thank you to the authur, Erik Greene, for writing this wonderfully uplifting and eye-opening book about the greatest song writer/singer/performer there ever was or ever will be.

I have read them all. Erik Greene's book is from the source and from the heart, by the people who knew Sam best: his family; not the people who just wanted a part of Sam or to control Sam.

Great read. Well done. If you love Sam Cooke's music you need to read this. If you're new to Sam's music--this will give you a deeper understanding of the man and his music.

This book exposed the contradictions of the autopsy report vs events that were publicized after Sam Cooke's death. Also intriguing sides of his personality were revealed; such as the trailblazer he was on the business side of the music industry and other popular entertainers he groomed.

Both these aspects of Cooke's life have been grossly
'under reported'...perspectives that are way overdue!

As I'm writing this review, I've got my favorite Sam Cooke tunes playing in the background. These are some of the most timeless pieces of music ever recorded. Every so often, I take them out, dust them off, and take a listen. My mood changes and somehow my day gets better.

There are plenty of biographies about Sam Cooke. His life makes an interesting story. Born into a large family, son of a minister, Sam started in gospel music and eventually became an R&B and pop superstar. Sam was also well known as a lady's man, a business man, and a human rights advocate. To this day, people still wonder about the real story behind his suspicious death.

Our Uncle Sam is unique among Sam Cooke biographies. This book is written by Sam's great nephew and includes stories from various relatives. I absolutely loved this concept. Family knows, and still loves you nonetheless, throughout both the good and bad. Therefore, I felt that this biography presented a really balanced story about Sam, where he came from, what drove him to succeed, and what was really important to him. Moreover, I was touched at this family's everlasting love and devotion to Sam's memory and to the loving foundations set out by Annie Mae and Charles Cook Sr.

The casual observer really believes that sensationally sexy singer known as Sam Cooke was killed doing the usual shady celebrity ho-down in a seedy hotel deep in a neighborhood that no sensible person would roam about after dark. Sam Cooke's musical brilliance has been almost completely buried in the scandal of his demise.

Erik Greene brought up many facts about Sam's murder that no one else has talked about. I've read Peter Guralnick that pitches Allen Klein as an angel and I've read David Ritz (w/ SR Crain and Cliff White) that pitches Klein as the devil in very flimsy disguise. Looking at Klein's track record with The Beatles, Rolling Stones and more recently (1997) The Verve, Klein is not to be trifled with or trusted. The spin in the "Legends" DVD on how he helped Sam develop Sam's second Copa show was comedy, even to someone on the outside looking in. It's easy to take credit for the success of a man who has been in the grave for 4 decades.

The details about 55 year old Bertha Franklin's composed neat appearance, immediately following her supposed tussle with 33 year old Sam that resulted in his demise is interesting. The dispappearance of all the police and morgue files and the sham of a interrogation directly following Sam's murder all point to people in high places wanting Mr. Cooke dead. After all, Sam was a black man who owned his own publishing and record companies in the 1960's. Not only that, he was encouraging other artists to do the same. Black people had been killed for much less in Sam's day, like sitting at a lunch countr and asking to be served. Sam posed a huge threat to the record company, much of which was and is controlled by the mob. Mr. Green brought all these factors to the forefront, including Sam's penchant for the finer things in life, from clothes to cars to homes and gadgets. If he was to indulge in dealing with call girls, I truly suspect that he would go to an expensive hotel where he was known and the staff would turn a blind eye. Lastly, a Ferrari idling in the ghetto, complete with keys and nobody steals it? Sam was set up, beat up and murdered.

Now Sam was far from a saint, but he did not deserve to be killed, most especially in such a horrific and humiliating manner. In 1964, only white people could pull off such a complete shut down of proper police and medical follow-up. What about Bob Keane owing the mob and having life insurance policies on some of his artists? Who owned the nightclub PJ's where Sam was last seen alive? What really happened to Bobby Fuller?

This book opens up a wound that has festered and remained a sore spot all these long years. Sam Cooke was an incredibly handsome, amazingly talented man; so much so that to watch tapes of him today still display what a sexy dynamic man he was. His appeal is not dated and he is still relevant with "A Change Is Gonna Come" and his many pop hits continue to play on radio stations that cater to the tastes of a wide spectrum of people.

The book reminds us that Sam, though flawed, loved and was loved by his family. He would be 76 today had he not been murdered. Sam's great nephew reminds us of Sam's great talent, forward thinking and charisma. But most importantly, it brings to the forefront the humanity of Sam Cooke, which makes his loss even sadder.

I literally breathed in every word of this book! It is absolutely the most informative, up to date, thorough and readable book I have read thus far on postpartum mood disorders. As an RN who has worked with postpartum moms for 15 years, and as a mom who suffered from severe ppd, I am always eager to research new literature on this subject. This book reached my soul deeply on both levels - the clinical RN and the vulnerable mom. Thank you, Dr. Shoshana.

Ginger Law
Registered Nurse, Speaker

I just finished reading "Postpartum Depression For Dummies". It is an absolute "must read" for mothers suffering from any aspect or degree of postpartum depression. Their partners and families must read it as well. It is clear, it flows, it's well written and easy to understand. It leaves no question unanswered, every aspect and element of this condition is covered thoroughly. I would not hesitate to call this book a "life saver". The author, Dr. Shoshana Bennett proves herself to be a well versed leading authority on this topic, and a compassionate, kind and caring person who is available for telephone consultations. A huge thumbs up!!

This book is a must have if you are suffering from postpartum depression. I am in recovery from this illness and believe me I read a lot of books on this subject as soon as I was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. But Postpartum Depression for Dummies gave me more detail on the subject than the others. It helped me to understand the illness, what my options were, and how to deal with my feelings. It also helped my family know how to help me. It guided me step by step and encouraged me not to give up and that these awful roller-coaster of feelings I had were going to pass. And they did.

Gaby

I have read every word of this book and feel so strongly about it that I have wrapped it in a receiving blanket to give to New Mom's at their Baby Showers!! This is a must to have in a household where there are kids. The humor, the tips, the resources, the written...easy to read quality are exceptional! Shoshanna does not preach, she tells it like it is. Where was this book when I gave birth to our first. Congratulations, Shoshonna on spreading the news that woman can take their life back during postpartum. Sallie Felton, Life Coach and International Talk Radio Host, www.salliefeltonlifecoach.com

I suffered PPD after the birth of my second son. As a stay-at-home mom caring for two small children, I felt overwhelmed and lost. I was suffering, as were those around me. After reading Dr. Shoshanna's book, I was able to make positive changes to bring balance to my life and overcome my PPD. I stopped beating myself up for not being able to "do-it-all." I started caring for myself by putting good nutrition in my body, taking breaks to have "me" time, and asking for help with housework and childcare. By doing these things, I saw changes immediately and I feel better than I have in a long time. And this book helped my family understand how I was feeling and how to support me. I wish I would have read Dr. Shoshanna's book before I had my first child. Now that I am pregnant with my third child, I plan to continue with the changes I've made and have a much happier experience with my newborn and my family. Thank you Dr. Shoshanna for writing this book and for helping so many women. All mothers (whether first time or not) should read this book.

Rebels and Redcoats is not the first book to read about the American Revolution.

I know this book has glowing reviews by others. But those readers already know the basic story. If you think you fit in that category, go for it. Fascinating as the first person accounts may be, the context of the war is sometimes lost.

The men who fought the War are not the most literate. Spelling and grammatical conventions of the late 18th century may be confusing to the modern reader.

A teacher or another reader to help with the story line would be good. Or read 1776: America and Britain at War, by David G. McCullough first. You'll get much more out of your reading.

The editor/authors do a good job weaving the tales told by various participants. The reader may find the differing styles confusing. An interesting alternative would be Joseph Plumb Martin's classic account as a teenage recruit during the Revolution.

What else can be said that has not already been posted? Scheer and Rankin nail this book! A must for anyone interested in our amazing revolution and the men / women involved in it. With actual written accounts from people who were there you could not get a more fact based account of what it must have been like. It is very rare that this book gets "dull" as some fear history must be. Written how all history should be - so that it touches you and makes you think of what it must have been like to live through such time, If you want to learn and enjoy history (esp. such an important part of history) get this book and "Angel in the Whirlwind" by Benson Bobrick = both are fantastic! A plus!

"Rebels and Redcoats" is a tremendously good read recommended for anyone interested in a history of the American Revolutionary War written by those that fought and lived it.

Authors George Scheer and Hugh F. Rankin have compiled, organized and edited a comprehensive collection of letters and papers that provide unparalleled insights into the war as it unfolds. Some of the participants, such as Paul Revere, are well known. Most, however, are not, including rank and file American and British soldiers.

The result is an extremely well written and compelling chronological history of the American war for independence through the eyes of those that won - and lost - it.

Lasting eight years, the Revolutionary War was both America's first long war and civil war. By it ends, four times more American had died (percentage wise) than in World War II. The war showed how hard it is for any nation, no matter how powerful and technologically advanced its military and economy, to defeat a people numerous, armed and far away, possessing strong allies, and fighting for their independence on ground of their own choosing.

Anyone interested in a first-hand account of a war that gave birth to the United States of America and changed the world should read this book.

Reads like a good novel. The first hand accounts woven into the narrative are well selected and perfectly integrated. A variety of perspectives was chosen and this is quite even-handed. There is enough detail to make it lively and interesting but not so much that it overpowers. Anyone wishing to pursue further personal study has broad cross section of topics, biographies and events to choose from. This is an excellent book and should be required reading for all high school and college students instead of the the race-gender-class dribble that is probably used today. 1000% better than Langguth's "Patriots".

This is a very good, readable history of the American Revolution. The book does a very good job of giving you the British side of the Revolution. I enjoyed the book, and so did my 13 year old son.

The only thing the book doesn't have is much material about the war at sea, but this is a minor shortcoming.

I enjoyed this cookbook. The stories that accompany the recipes are enjoyable and familiar. I am a Georgia girl and love to find new southern recipes. These are great!!

I first saw a book review and article about the author in a local newspaper. The book was a gift to an outstanding cook who commented on the recipes; some old standards and some with a new twist. The storytelling throughout the book made it an enjoyable read! I would select this cookbook as a gift for anyone who is a foodie or has a selective taste for wonderful Southern food. It was a hit all around and brought many favorable comments from Mothers, Sisters, Aunts, and a few good neighbors!

From Lady Pea Salad and Sweet Tea Pie to Mustard-Rubbed Ribs and Blue Cheese Pecan Bread, SCREEN DOORS AND SWEET TEA: RECIPES AND TALES FROM A SOUTHERN COOK packs in stores and down-home cooking from the author's Southern background, includes a generous dose of color photos of completed dishes, and also represents the author's expertise as an Executive Chef of a cooking school teaching home cooks yearly. Any library strong in regional American cooking in general and Southern dishes in particular will find this a popular patron pick.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is a wonderful book. It has great stories and really good recipes. I am not a good cook, but could be if I followed Martha's recipes. I bought this book because Martha is a distant cousin of mine. I am from Yazoo City, Mississippi too. I am her mother's third or fourth cousin and knew the whole family when growing up. I would have bought it anyway because I love cookbooks from the South. It is the best cooking in the world along with Cajun cooking!! We are all proud of Martha. I would recommend this book to anyone especially people from the North to see how Southern cooks really do it. Bettye Vaughan Johnson

As a native Mississippian, I can attest that this is one of the most authentic and beautifully written/photographed Southern cookbooks to hit shelves in years. I so appreciate all the effort that went into it so that, selfishly, it could become part of my "go-to" collection of the very best recipes out there. The beauty and simplicity of the recipes remind me very much of the Scott Peacock/Edna Lewis classic, "The Gift of Southern Cooking." This book, and chef, is also truly gifted. BUY THIS BOOK and you'll be delighted. Now....on to those tamales....and greens....and grits.....and fine stories to match.....

I am deeply moved and impressed with this captivating work. THE SLASH BROKERS carries a powerful and troubling message and a wake-up call to Americans everywhere. It should be made into a movie, but unfortunately, its substance does not fall within the scope of things that excites Hollywood. Someone like a Steven Spielburg, however, just might see it as an exciting, highly-profitable, worthy, and even a noble undertaking. In my view, it would make a great movie that would draw gigantic numbers of church-going America -- and even many of those who seek to remove God from the fabric of our land. Jeff Barganier has put forth a timely effort to correct an awful moral wrong, and its message needs to find its way to the hearts and minds of us all.

I am deeply moved and impressed with this captivating work. THE SLASH BROKERS carries a powerful and troubling message and a wake-up call to Americans everywhere. It should be made into a movie, but unfortunately, its substance does not fall within the scope of things that excites Hollywood. Someone like a Steven Spielburg, however, just might see it as an exciting, highly-profitable, worthy, and even a noble undertaking. In my view, it would make a great movie that would draw gigantic numbers of church-going America -- and even many of those who seek to remove God from the fabric of our land. Jeff Barganier has put forth a timely effort to correct an awful moral wrong, and its message needs to find its way to the hearts and minds of us all.

The story grabbed me on the first page and kept me deeply involved through the final paragraph. I found it very easy to put myself in the main character's shoes as he began to understand the personal, then the global threat of the "Slash Brokers". It is terrifying to imagine that there are now or ever may be Slash Brokers dealing in human trade. This book is truly an alarming wake up call.

Jeff Barganier has written a fantastic book! The characters are believable and likeable. The story could be fact, which makes it more compelling. I could not put it down! I hope he writes another one soon!

I am amazed and in awe of the gift displayed by this author. What a way to expose the truth, through the light of rich storytelling!

Unfortunately, our blessed, free populous have dug ourselves so deep into a self-absorbed stupor, that we have allowed the enemy to blindfold our very existence.

I remember around the time I was in college (mid-50's to early 60's)that Russia proclaimed they would destroy us from within. I think it was Krueschev who stated that they would take over our media to feed us our own poison. Well today, I don't believe the media has any regard for truth, if such truth is in any way in conflict with it's programed agenda. (The Big Question - who created it's program?)

And our infamous Judiciary! How many years has it taken for our Federal Judiciary to become stocked with a sufficient number enemy-planted judges to do the amount of damage that we are now almost ready to give up our own Constitution. And how was this accomplished - with a few big lies, in the name of social justice, that out sleepy citizens appetites' have been pre-conditioned to follow. .

The fiction portrayed in The Slash Brokers is so real-like that the author's keen eye must have been exposed to many facets of "what goes on in our sleepy existence". What a gift to get it out this way.

Note the January 8, 1998 letter at the end of the book, which must be fact. It's crazy - if such a letter existed naming President Bush, instead of former President Clinton, the media would be all over it like flies on honey. But with Clinton's name in such a letter, it just doesn't fit into their agenda.

Rich in detail and rich in great storytelling, this book gives a compelling picture of where our great country is headed if we let the Slash Brokers to work their games, aided by fake politicians and other power brokers interested only in their personal power.

This book has helped call me to action. While I had some causes that would call me to action, from The Slash Brokers, I now know there are related causes (and perhaps non-related causes) that cry out for action to save our great country. I pray that whomever reads this book would be stirred to wake-up and help clean-up the mess we have allowed in our country.

Tony Di Guglielmo
tonyd@xicom.com

I speak around the world on lead generation and marketing strategy. Neil did an outstanding job crafting "The SPIN Selling Fieldbook" to give you a roadmap on how to master complex sales strategy.

There is no other resource I can think of where you can "easily perfect" your approach and positioning sales strategy.

Neil gives you step-by-step plan that anyone can follow in their quest to excel at marketing their products or services.

The SPIN Selling Fieldbook gives you valuable "hands on" tools. I recommend the "SPIN Selling Fieldbook."

It is an invaluable resource that any salesperson or sales executive should have in their personal library.

Joe Heller, Trust Cycle Selling

This field book is better than the original book was. If you are going to buy just one of the two you should probably just buy the field book. It allows you to apply the ideas very quickly.

Usually is not enough to read a book to have the knowledge, you need to practice, and that is what this book helps to, giving you ideas on how to put SPIN method into practice.

I bought this book together with SPIN Selling. I read the Fieldbook after reading SPIN Selling. If you've already read SPIN Selling, this book is not going to tell you much new things.

If you would read the Fieldbook instead of SPIN Selling, then I think the Fieldbook is not thorough enough, at least if you compare it to SPIN Selling.

In general I think the audience of this book is perhaps college students, or clever highschool students, but not really experienced salespeople. Maybe that's also because of the cartoons every now and then which make the book look like it's meant for younger people.

What I expected when I bought both books was that the Fieldbook offerd some transcriptions of salescalls, and an explanation of why certain aspects are wrong and how this could be improved using SPIN Selling. This was not really the case, it was more like a simple summary of SPIN Selling. So not really the Fieldbook I expected.

Anyway, the book is not bad, but I would not recommend to buy both SPIN Selling and the Fieldbook together. Also, if you're a serious and experienced salesperson I would recommend SPIN Selling. If you're new to sales or if you're still in college, I would recommend the Fieldbook.

This book is a 206 page powerhouse, but I want to direct you to pages 50 and 51:

"The Good News"...

"The good news is that the Spin model has proved to be a versatile sales tool, works across cultures, applies across industries, is equally applicable to selling services or products."

"The Bad News"...

"Our one million users would tell you in one voice: It's a lot harder than it seems. SPIN isn't a magic pill that you can take and turn yourself into an instant sales success. It's hard work. One of the immutable laws of business is that there's always a link between risk and reward. The more rewarding the outcome, the tougher it is to obtain. If SPIN questions were simple and automatic, then everyone would be using them already, and there would be no competitive advantage from the model. "

So there you have it. You will not only have to learn the basic principles of SPIN (Situation - Problem - Implication - Need Payoff), you will also have to personalize these principles into a game plan for each prospect, current customer, former customer...

...and in doing so you will be ahead of the curve. You'll be far down the road from the people who are still fumbling around for a "simple and automatic" approach. You will find few books on sales that are as honest as this one. Author Neil Rackham hands you a powerful set of tools, but make no mistake about it: your success will come entirely from what you choose to do with them. VERY highly recommended.