S Books

This books grabs you from the first page and takes the reader on a globe-trotting adventure into the world of counter-terrorism. The exploits of ex-CIA agent Jordan Sandor will leave you breathless as he races against time to prevent a world-wide terrorist plot.

Can't wait for the next one...this would make a terrific movie.

Jeffrey Stephens takes the reader on a ride with adventure and never lets you go. Great character development makes you want to know more about Jordan Sandor. I promise you'll love this one!

I LOVED this book! I bought it for an easy-read, thinking I would take my time going through it - well, guess what? I got so caught up in the plot I couldn't put it down. It had all the suspense and thrills of The Bourne Identity yet with even more twists and turns. Kudos to Mr. Stephens - I cannot believe this is his first book. This man obviously has a long career as an author ahead of him. Keep the intriguing plots coming Mr. Stephens - you've got me hooked!

Kudos to Jeffrey Stephens for his first published espionage novel! I was given the impression that this novel would be intriguing and similar to works of Follett and Clancy. After completing this book, I found myself wanting more similar to the way I feel after completing a Follett or Clancy story!
The characters were made real. I'm disappointed that Andrioli will no longer be part of Jordan Sandor's crew but was content when Traiman was finished! I found myself putting a face to each of the carefully crafted characters. Jordan wants what is best for his country and is content to be a quiet hero.
I'm looking forward to future Sandor selections. Please hurry up!

Anyone who enjoyed the fast-paced excitement of "The Da Vinci Code" will certainly love "The Portofino Deception" as well. Stephens does an excellent job of partnering the reader with protagonist Jordan Sandor in an adventure that spans the United States and Europe in a heroic effort to stop a terrorist plot that will wreak havoc on the global community. Jordan Sandor is the Jack Bauer of literature - for all "24" fans, this is a must read.

Rarely have American President's set aside a lengthy paper trail of their thoughts on national issues, apart from the day to day strains of office, before they become President. The public is usually left to discern their thoughts and world views from a variety of sources, often indirectly from the candidate himself. Ronald Reagan though, from 1975 to 1979, gave over 1,000 short radio commentaries, usually around three minutes in length on a variety of topics, that give as clear an indication to what he thought and what he valued as could be expected for someone not in office.

This five CD set, of around a representative tenth of Reagan's more than 1,000 radio commentaries, represent a unique window onto what Reagan valued, and the situation, from his conservative point of view, of late 1970's America. Topics such as environmentalism, out of control government spending, onerous government regulation, religious oppression overseas and liberal thought in culture and faith are addressed with at times great seriousness, and even better genuine humor.

These audio commentaries by Reagan are occasionally interrupted by former Reagan aides and scholars who give historical context to the subjects Reagan addresses. Former aide Michael Deaver is clear that these radio commentaries were a principle way that Reagan wanted to stay public and active after his eight years as California Governor ended in 1975.

The overwhelming majority of these commentaries were written, researched and edited by Reagan himself. His previous experience with broadcasting and his ability with plain spoken English, that the American public saw on television throughout the 80's, comes over even more clear here. What is most remarkable is his sense of timing. There are a few commentaries that he obviously rushes through, usually when he is reading a letter; but most of them build up to a point and are succinct, even when he points to supporting material.

Yes, Reagan stood against communism, and that is a frequent topic of these radio spots. What most stands out though is his enthusiastic love and and admiration for America, its ideals and its people, spread over a vast continent, yearning to be independent and creative, were it not for liberalism in government and surrounding culture.

This CD set is a great primary resource to understanding Reagan, the late 1970's and what he wanted to accomplish in the 1980's, a time which was most definitely not inevitable from the years that Reagan speaks here. This CD set makes a great companion for car trips and other listening opportunities; and they would make especially great introductions to the time for those too young to remember today.

If you admire, respect, or just fondly remember Ronald Reagan you'll enjoy these CDs. Through the short radio commentaries you'll feel like you've gotten to know the real Reagan.

This product is simply amazing. Ronald Regan was one of the best Presidents this country has ever had. These recordings are amazing. Many of the issues that he addressed in his radio announcements are still relevant to today! Decades later!!!

This should silence the "nay sayers" about Regan's abilities and opinions. All these announcements were written by Regan himself between his term of Governor of CA and President. He clearly laid out his plan of defeating communism. It is amazing to hear how a "true" conservative thinks.

Each section is set up and reviewed so that you know the actual context in which Regan was speaking.

It was a true pleasure to hear Regan's views on Government, Freedom of Speech, and faith in the American people.

This series is a must for anyone who doesn't understand what it means to be a conservative. I just wish our current President (George W) would listen and practice Regan's example of what it means to be a conservative.

Ronald Regan knew how the world works, and the role the US Government should play in the lives not only US Citizens, but to the entire world.

I doesn't really matter if you're a dem or a rep, this is a voice that can speak to you if you're an american.

He was the greatest president of my lifetime.

First rate audio. First rate documentary. First rate ideas.

No matter what your political affiliation is, there is no denying Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest speakers and leaders of our time. The collection of audio commentaries by the 40th president of the United States is an everlasting testimomy to the personality and opinions which reached out and captivated a nation. After listening to his warm voice and sharp wit,it soon becomes apparent how he could almost effortlessly attract and win most people over with his words. The collection of commentaries contained in this CD, were recorded from his radio days prior to becoming president and provide insight into some of the issues and concerns of the American public during the 1970's. Its such a great collection, that his voice, thoughts and charisma remain with you long after listening to the CD.

This is a great book. I enjoyed reading it as it is easy to read and has numerous transcipts of interviews with patients who are real. The book also containes medical material which will be of interest to surgeons, nephrologist and patients. The books was very well received in a major medical journal. I am pleased that the book is doing well and I strongly recommend it to public and medical libraries.

Book Review
The struggle for life: a psychological perspective of kidney disease and transplantation: Authors: Lyndsay S. Baines and Rahul M. Jindal Publisher: Praeger

Colin Baigent, BM BCh, MA, MSc, Reader in Clinical Epidemiology a [MEDLINE LOOKUP]

In the preface to this book, the authors challenge the reader to approach the subject matter with a fresh perspective. There is, they say, no place for the quantitative tradition when assessing psychological problems among patients with kidney disease. Complex emotional states defy classification by reference to quantitative psychology, and must instead be understood in the context of each particular patient's worldview. That sort of understanding comes only from talking to patients, and not from getting them to fill in questionnaires. It was in order to make this point forcefully that the authors, who run a psychosocial support service for kidney patients in Glasgow, Scotland, decided to write this book describing their own practical experience. They hoped that, by bridging the gap between psychotherapeutic and clinical services, others would try to create similar types of support for their own patients. Will they succeed?

Since the target audience is transplantation team members, the book begins with useful background material, including an outline of psychotherapeutic theory as it relates to chronic illness, and a short section on psychoanalysis. After this, however, the authors hit their stride, and we have chapters on a wide range of "human dilemmas," among them medical noncompliance, grief, abnormal body self-image, substance abuse, debt, depression, anxiety, and sexual problems. In each area, the authors explain why, in relation to these problems, dialysis and transplant patients ought to be considered sui generis and argue that much of the related psychological literature on other chronic illness (eg, cancer) simply misses the point. They explain, for example, that transplant patients frequently see themselves as the recipient of a "gift," and feel pressure from within to do something "special" with their lives. This aspiration is difficult enough if we are healthy, but many such patients have experienced years of poor health, perhaps even reduced cognition, and the inevitable result includes a range of consequences from depression and reduced self esteem, through to relationship difficulties and suicide. Each chapter gives us several vignettes from the authors' own experiences, together with a transcript describing how they tried to help, often with some success. Even as one steeped in the so-called quantitative tradition, I was impressed by the skill involved in trying to realign patients' expectations of their postmorbid lives, or in helping them to come to terms with their limitations, or in helping to ease their feelings of isolation. For me, these accounts were the most worthwhile part of the book: they remind us, above all, that health professionals have first of all to be human beings to connect with patients' experience of illness.

In spite of my enjoyment of much of the book, however, I fear it will be less widely read than it should be. Quite simply, for a book that aims to win over clinicians to the cause of psychotherapy, it seems to be too long. Busy physicians, surgeons, and other health professionals who are chronically short of time may lose patience with much of the supporting quantitative material on psychotherapeutic research and the sections on theory. It is a pity that the authors did not stick to their guns about the value of the oral tradition in this context. For the selective reader, however, reading of the transcripts of the psychotherapist's art will be rewarded by a rare insight into the emotional world of transplant or dialysis patients. In that respect, the authors may prompt others to explore how such a service might be provided in their own practice, and this can only be a good thing for present and future patients.

Publishing and Reprint Information TOP

aUniversity of Oxford, Clinical Trial Service Unit, Harkness Building, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom UK
Copyright © 2004 by National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2004.05.015

As a patient who received a kidney transplant, I found it easy to read and understand. Some of my questions which were not answered by doctors were neatly answered in this book. The transcripts of the patient interviews captured some of my own experiences as a patient. I recommend this book to patients and their carers, in particular, patient support groups and public libraries.

I am pleased that there is a new book dealing with chronic renal failure and transplantation. Psychological issues tend to get ignored; therefore, this book fills a need.

This book may be useful for patients and support groups as well as physicians, surgeons and perhaps nurses.

I found the transcripts interesting as we deal with similar patients in my work as a transplant coordinator. I congratulate the authors for this work.

I found that the book was well researched and it does have some interesting aspects on live kidney transplants and compliance issues in kidney transplant patients. Later editions could have material on liver and heart transplant patients. Patients with chronic diseases tend to be ignored, so this is a good start.

As writers, we are always looking for ways to promote ourselves. This book is a great guide to some of the things you might have never thought of. It gives priceless information from someone that obviously knows their stuff.

As a publicist who has worked on the journalism side like T.S. Peric, I learned that he "gets it". I devoured this book as a refresher for myself and to learn what others are doing to generate publicity for their clients. I found Peric's tips and advice sensible, simple to understand and applicable to any product or service. It's one of the most thorough and user-friendly books about publicity that I've ever read.

"Wacky Days" is a book that leads you through the many steps you can take to obtain huge amounts of free publicity.
Anyone who has a business, product, or book is sure to find this will become their Bible to return to time and again gleaming nuggets of information from it's pages.
The author uses examples from his own experiences to show how it can be done. The information can be easily adapted to fit your need for publicity.
An interesting and entertaining read that is a definite keeper which will sit on my reference shelf to be used whenever I am doing publicity. In my opinion, Tom Peric does for publicity what Dan Poynter does for self-publishing.

Great book on ideas and practical ways to generate PR for any type of business. From straight-forward tasks to some strategic planning like offering reporters story ideas for future reference or how to get seated on a Board, Peric' has something for everyone in Wacky Days.

Highly recommended.

Wacky Days... explains how to get free publicity and to be recognized as an expert in your chosen field. Mr. Peric' shows you how to approach the media through Tip sheets, professional looking Press releases, and of course the names, dates, and e-mail addresses needed to create your very own holiday!( Mine is going to be "Buy a piece of thrift store art day", 3rd Thursday in June!)his book is a must read if you spend money on advertising your business.
If you are an independent publisher, like me, YOU MUST OWN A COPY!
All fans of Dan Poynter should have this book right next to The Self-Publishing Manual.
Everyone else talks about getting publicity, but Tom holds your hand, and takes baby steps until your goals are reached, 37 small chapters.

His journalism background has really given him a true insiders edge.

At the end of the book there is a section that explains how to affordably hire Mr. Peric' himself by drawing up a plan from Wacky Days..., gathering up media list, writing your press release and allowing T. S. to assess the plan.
This book explains what journalists love to write about,(People and Ideas)

He also explains why stories get written (they were relevant, useful, or interesting!)

I fully recomend you buy this book.

If you like to travel and love history then you will greatly appreciate this excellent resource. This book provides information on the best Living History destinations in the United States from prehistory to the early 1840s. Instead of organizing the locations by particular area of the United States the authors have chosen to organize them by significant historical groupings. Examples of these groupings include a section on America's native peoples, one on religious and secular groups, one on the road to independence, and one on opening the West.

Most destinations have between a half page and a full-page description of the location, its historical significance, and interesting facts about the location or a related history. The book is filled with excellent color photographs that give the reader a solid feel for what to expect. This is one of the most invaluable resources I have ever found for planning a trip focused on American history and the historical significance of various areas of the United States. Americans Living History is very highly recommended.

Say the words "road trip" and "history" and I get excited. Suzanne & Craig Sheumaker have written a wonderful guide book for people who love living history sites and museums. I've been to most of the places described in Virginia and I can say that they got their descriptions absolutely correct.

I especially liked the photos. Most guide books have no pictures or annoy me with dinky little artsy drawings. When I'm in a car looking for something I don't want a drawing.

The Sheumakers seem to really love what they do and their enthusiasm comes though in each chapter. I've always scorned the Jamestown Settlement and prefered to head to the real Jamestown down the road but after reading the Sheumakers section on it I think I'll give it a try.

I particularly enjoyed the way that they split the book up. If you are interested in sites from the Spanish colonization years or the French or of course the English you can find chapters that deal just with that particular period. If you want to understand more about Indian life they have an exceptionally good section of sites dedicated to America's earliest settlers. Be sure to check out the Cherokee villiage in North Carolina. The book also talks about the Catholics, the Jews, Amish, Moravian, Shakers, Quakers and Mormons who came to America and the living history sites they left behind.

If the Revolutionary period is what interests you most they have a chapter on sites to visit. If the sites of the new nation are your thing then they have a chapter for you. This is really a delightful book and is such a good travel companion I'd say that the best thing to do is to buy two copies. One for the coffee table and one to keep in the car. I hope this is the begining of a new series.

What can you expect from America's Living History-The Early Years? Definitely not just another "coffee table" book! The stunning photographs may catch your eye, but you'll want to pick up this book and use it.

Have you ever wanted to visit the historic Jamestown site in Virginia? You can view hundreds of artifacts discovered from the first permanent settlement there.

Do you remember the story about Washington crossing an icy river to attack British forces? Been to the place it happened? Did you know that every year on Christmas Day, hundreds of re-enactors cross the river to commemorate this Revolutionary War triumph?

Know where you can find incredible Native American petroglyphs? Sites in New Mexico and Nevada are mentioned in this book.

Readers will find the answers to innumerable questions about early American life in this book. Whether readers are interested in a day trip close to home or going cross-country, this is a great resource.

From the plains to the coast, Alaska to Hawaii, nearly every state is represented in this guide. With three hundred destinations featured, a history buff or interested traveler couldn't ask for more.

The authors have done a great job with tasteful and applicable photographs. They accent pages filled not just with contact information (although it's there for your reference) but with interesting facts, too. The book is separated into categories, including: America's Native Peoples, European Colonization, Road to Independence, and more. It also features destinations lists by region, to help you plan adventures if you are on a trip.

The authors have obviously done their homework and it shows in this wonderful resource.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.

We are history buffs at home--both of us grew up in historic areas. Trips to Gettysburg, Independence Hall, The Old North Church and Washington, DC were in our childhood experiences. You could hardly take a daytrip without seeing some of America's oldest treasures. So we as children enjoyed historical sites and we still stop for historical markers as a habit when we are out touring any area.


For people with similar tastes or who have children to educate, this is a wonderful resource. Some of the well-known and lesser known historical sites all over the US that date from the early years are laid out in a travel guide format.


The book is organized by popular sites, subjects like religious movements, colonization, the Western movement, and the Revolutionary War and the times leading up to this watershed event. Each historical site has photographs, address and phone number and a synopsis of what is available for touring. The geographical maps show towns or cities of interest. The only thing missing would be day trip routes in some of the more densely-historical areas (Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, New Jersey.)



But there are also timelines and write-ups of the history of the times (the Shakers, the Mormons, the battles of the Revolution and War of 1812, and the early contact with Native Americans.) So the book is not just a "what to see" but has important background and a good if brief overview of early American history.

After I read this book, I immediately wanted to go see at least a half a dozen sites I had not visited that are not really very far from my, and added a list of places I want to see next time I'm out West.


This is a very pretty book and one that home schoolers would find absolutely a treasure. My parents took us on endless daytrips on weekends and these are some of my fondest memories of childhood. If you have kids and an automobile, I'd put this book on the "must-have" list because you can build some excellent memories and give your kids a fine sense of where we came from as a nation. Big thumbs-up and I eagerly await more in this series.

Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker have created an incredible resource for people looking to vacation in the United States in places where history lives. They profile 300 living history sites in the United States that cover American history from the time when Native Americans had empires and confederations to the 1840's. The Sheumakers provide excellent cross-references to aid people planning a living history vacation. However, this book is more than just a guide for people looking for an excellent place to vacation; this book is also a wonderful history book with factual tidbits sprinkled throughout.

The beginning of this book provides maps of the profiled locations. These maps also divide the sites into categories described later in the book (more on that in a moment). Thus, if your focus is on European colonization and you are interested in traveling to the mid-Atlantic or the South, you will be able to quickly find the sites that are focused on this aspect of history.

The Sheumakers organized this book into six historical categories; America's Native Peoples, European Colonization, Religious & Secular Groups, Road to Independence, Our New Nation, and Opening the West. Each section is color coded to more easily locate them on the previously described maps. Even better, each section has dozens of photographs, typically one per site, along with location information, fee information, and, perhaps best of all, the best available web site for the location. In addition, the Sheumakers sometimes recommend the best time of year to see special events and they typically provide information regarding the historical significance of the site.

I have checked several of the sites recommended by the Sheumakers to see how accurate their information is. Consider Cahokia Mounds, in Illinois, described on page 38 of this book. There are two photographs. One photograph is of the largest mound on the site. The other is a photograph of a walk-through diorama available at the interpretive center. The Sheumakers include several pieces of information about the history of the site and its significance (a small portion of what you can learn at the site). Their information regarding the location of Cahokia Mounds matches the direction provided on the highways east of St. Louis, Missouri. The fee information is also correct (free), though the interpretive center suggests a $1 donation per person. The only flaw I found in the Sheumaker's description of this site is that they neglected to mention the miles of walking trails on the site.

Other sites contain similar accuracy. I looked at Spring Mill Pioneer Village in Indiana, which is a wonderful place to visit (though sometimes it gets very busy). Historic St. Charles, Missouri is yet another wonderful place to visit, if you can avoid the distraction of the gigantic casino that is nearby. Ft. Osage in Sibley, Missouri, has been a popular destination for the nearby residents of Kansas City, Missouri, for decades.

If there is a flaw in this book, it is that space limited the Sheumakers to only 300 destinations. There are many more living history places in the United States. However, the Sheumakers certainly picked many of the very best places from the era before the 1840's. Perhaps if this book is successful, they can write a follow-up book titled "More of America's Living History."

This book is a phenomenal resource for people planning a vacation or seeking a starting point for a history paper. Teachers and other educators may wish to explore one of the living history sites near your school. You may just want to take a day trip to one of these sites. All of them are worth at least a day trip and some of them require days to fully explore.

Traveler's guides seem to be a dime-a-dozen these days. Everyone is competing for shelf space and your attention. The Sheumakers have a unique approach, eschewing typical tourist attractions for those that focus on our (United States) history. It would be a mistake to call these sites tourist attractions, because many of them contain on-going historical research. For example, excavations continue at Cahokia Mounds. Regardless of your need, this beautiful, full-color book is a wonderful as a resource, a coffee-table book, or even just to read - I started it and could not put it down. Whatever your need or goal, if you appreciate the history of the United States and you are seeking an opportunity to immerse yourself further in that history, you need this book.

This review is based on a copy of the book provided to me by the authors.

Enjoy!

I was a semi-cripple when I started reading her book and listening to (and working with) the tape that accompanies the book. I am not 100%, but I know I'm getting there!

Suesan's book had every argument I used to use against working out and her sense of humor drove me straight to her class. When I miss a class I get depressed!! I am almost 40 and am recovering my 20 year old body!! Totally recommend the book -- but, once read, prepare to get in shape!!

Suesan's workout simply works! Her book and tape provide a clear, practical guide to her program, which I have found to be the most effective and beneficial. My improved level of fitness, health and overall well-being are a direct result of using the Tone-Up method developed by Suesan as she describes it in her book.Her exercices help me with my strength, balance, and coordination and shape my body in a most satisfying way. She is one of the best kept secrets of Santa Barbara, but not for long, that's for sure.I highly recommend her book.

Suesan Pawlitski's book, "Be your best body",is simply the best routine anybody can follow any where you are. I am an avid work out addict and found Suesan's work out to be effective and "core " strengthening as well as allowing me to be more flexible, even without the benefits of Yoga. I'm fortunate to live in Santa Barbara and am able to take her classes three times a week along with my other work outs, and even though I have considered myself to be in great shape, her classes are still a tough work out. You too can follow her classes by simply following along with her book, the routines are all in there and are the absolute best. They are clear and concise and so easy to follow. The benefits are unbeleivable!

The author has an incredible ability to teach and motivate. I highly recommend this book for anyone that thinks it's too difficult to achieve a great looking body... it's awesome!

Behaving as if the God in All Life Mattered is one of those life altering reads. Machelle's recounting of her childhood and her understanding of how we go from "there" to "here" bringing along the gifts and skills we unknowingly craft from an early age, brings awakening to a broader perspective into the hands of every person if they choose it.

Behaving as if the God in all Life Mattered is a marvelous book, which I had heard about through the grapevine over the years, but had no idea how to find. Now, in her 1998 updated version, which I located on Amazon while looking for her new book, The MAP System of Healing, a very useful book as well. I am reading "Behaving" now and enjoy it imensely. It is so true and right in its assertions of Nature Spirit's willingness to work with us in our gardens, that I read a few pages daily as a meditation and to make the book last. Thank you, Machaelle, for this delightful book. Winifred O'Brien

The information in this book is great. I could have done without so much life-history in the first half of the book, but I understand why she included it, and think for many people it will be helpful. The second half is great. I wish her garden was still open to the public sometimes.

This book was delivered within one week and it was in great condition.
Thank you.

ALL OF LIFE IF LIFE. I FIND ANYTHING THIS AUTHOR WRITES IS EASY TO READ. EASY BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT'S PRESENTED. I ENJOY HER SENSE OF HUMOR. THE CONTENT GIVES ONE MUCH TO PONDER. THE BOOK MADE ME AWARE OF HOW LITTLE, STILL, MOST HUMANS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF WHAT THE PLANET HAS TO OFFER. ALL THE POWER, HELP &HEALING THERE IS AVAILABLE IF ONLY WE LISTEN; LOOK.

I was a bit disappointed in this book, I have to admit. I was hoping to learn more about Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who they were, what circumstances led them to life of crime, and so forth... I was expecting maybe some new never-before-seen photographs in this book, but I guess that's a lot to ask for people who lived 80 years ago. I am very interested in the Bonnie and Clyde story, and I have to rate this book good, but not great.

This is a nice condenced overview of Bonnie and Clyde. If you want a crash course or are just interested in the true story- start here.

This book has a lot of interesting information and tons of pictures. If you want to know anything about Bonnie and Clyde, it's all in this book.

I first became aware of Bonnie and Clyde after a frigid night's motorcycle ride to see Arthur Penn's 1967 movie. Except for buying a DVD thirty years later, I seldom thought of them. Then, last November, my wife and I visited Dexter and Stuart, Iowa. In April of 1934, a month before their deaths, Bonnie and Clyde, along with Henry Methvin, robbed the bank in Stuart. Ten months before, the Barrows had shot it out with a posse at Dexfield Park, north of Dexter. The site of an abandoned amusement park, Dexfield offered Bonnie and Clyde, along with the severely wounded Buck Barrow and his wife Blanche, temporary sanctuary following a shootout in Platte City, Missouri. Penn's movie placed the shootout in Platte City, Iowa, which doesn't exist, ignoring the long ride from the Kansas City area to western Iowa. It also ignored the fact that Buck lived several days after his head wound and actually died of pneumonia. Penn's characterization of Blanche as a screaming ninny isn't accurate, either, and it got him sued.

Penn wasn't after history, but sensationalism. James R. Knight is after history. He is one of those wonderful people who recognize that everything is coming together and seizes the moment. Penn's movie was only the latest in a thirty-year sequence of stylized and mostly inaccurate portrayals of the lovers and their companions. It perhaps began with Jan Fortune's Fugitives, published a scant few months after the fatal ambush in Louisiana. It continued through books by several members of the posse who killed Bonnie and Clyde, and by former criminal companions. As many of the principals, including members of the Barrow and Parker families, aged, other writers began to interview them before it was too late. Given the opportunity to pull together their work with original research, James Knight acted.

This book is the result.

Perhaps only a person who doesn't depend on writing for his income could have done it. Knight, after all, is a pilot for Federal Express who just happens to be an excellent historian. His book shows meticulous patience, coupled with a desire to be what Fox news isn't, fair and balanced. For instance, he gives Fortune's oft-maligned piece credit for what it got right. Though he depends heavily (for the first few chapters) on the recollections of Marie Barrow Scoma, a teenager at the time of her brother's death, Knight sometimes argues, appropriately, with her recollections. After all, she could not have known all that her adult brother was up to. Knight understands that the Barrow and Parker families were far more complex, and far more involved in supporting their wayward kin, than has heretofore been obvious. The evidence has always been there, but Knight uses it broadly and well.

The author is so careful to remain balanced, and to avoid the hysterical tone of previous books, that his prose sometimes seems bloodless. Nowhere is this more evident than in chapters 36 and 37. There, he recounts events around the May, 1934, ambush that killed Bonnie and Clyde. He is meticulous in describing the location and sequence of the wounds each received, the damage to their stolen Ford, and the behavior of members of the posse. It's important, though, because the ambush has so often been misinterpreted. I hope that in a future work Knight will greatly expand these chapters, taking a closer look at everything and everyone who contributed to the ambush and at the questions that still remain. Still, Knight corrects several misconceptions and downright errors fostered by the movie and by previous books. You won't know it, though, unless you read the extensive footnotes.

Which brings me to the subject of how most to benefit from reading this 2003 work. I read it twice. The first time, I had a bookmark in the footnotes and flipped back and forth frequently. The second time, the bookmark was located in the first appendix. This allowed me to review a full history of each character as s/he surfaced in the text. As a result, I have a far better idea of "the story of Bonnie and Clyde" (to borrow the popular title of Bonnie's second poem) than I received on that winter night in 1967.

For all of that, Knight neither whitewashes nor condemns Bonnie and Clyde. Rather, he recognizes the essential tragedy of their story. They lived on their own terms, but everyone paid a price. That they paid with their lives does not obscure the suffering inflicted on their families and on families left fatherless. At the same time, Clyde might have remained a relatively small-time crook (or made changes in his life similar to those accomplished by Ralph Fults) were it not for the brutality he experienced in the Texas prison system. The story of Bonnie and Clyde, then, is in some sense the story of human beings interacting with our surroundings--for good and for ill. I am writing this review two days after a confused and angry teenager murdered people in an Omaha mall. He did it with an assault rifle, at a time when gross inequalities again exist between Americans. Clyde used a 1930's version of that rifle, at a similar time. When will the American people demand gun control? And when will we insist on an end to national policies that lead to the creation of millions of poor people?

"Here they come down that dusty road, and muddy bend; Man and woman welded in crime, together they lived and together...they died. Who else could it be?; But good ol' Bonnie and Clyde!"

The book entitled, "Bonnie and Clyde A Twenty-First-Century Update" by James R.Knight (with Jonahtan Davis )is... "A killer of a book!"

This is a superbly written and researched book. James R. Knight is too young to have ridden along with them, at least in this life. However, his knowledge and interest in this gun toting couple makes me wonder, where he may have been in his last life time?

His writing is informative, easy to read and follow, and...extremely descriptive. In addition, the book is a photographic library in itself!

Sometimes, I could almost hear the heavy "barking" of Clyde's "BAR" and watch the black exhaust clouds rise from the tail pipe of his get-away, 1934 Ford sedan.

Frank Hamer does not appear to be as powerful a figure as he was portrayed in the 1967 movie with Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty. Although, a central figure in orchestrating the couple's final demise, the initial credit seems to flow toward a little known figure of the ambush group listed as, Officer Prentis Oakley.

Author, James Knight also gives the reader what Paul Harvey used to say on his radio program: "and now you know ... the rest of the story."
Knight follows through with information on the fate of each actor who ever played any part on the stage of "Bonnie and Clyde."

A great job Mr. Knight(and Mr. Davis)! When can we expect another publication???

Best Read. John Annerino's CANYONS OF THE SOUTHWEST. -Tucson Weekl

CANYONS OF THE SOUTHWEST by John Annerino features the author's photographs of towering red rock and rushing waters. -Travel-Holiday Magazine

CANYONS OF THE SOUTHWEST by John Annerino. A stunning overview of the "inverted mountains." -Summit Magazine

For people who love the West, especially those who seldom leave the concrete road, this book provides unbelievably beautiful pictures and stories about gorgeous places in the wilderness. -Rocky Mountain News

Foremost are the photographs. I would call Annerino's canyon portraits the best of a really good lot, even over big-time large-format photographers. While the large-format works are stunning artistic studies of light and color shot with impossibly huge f-stops, Annerino's canyon photographs give expression to the phrase "wearing one's heart on the sleeve." His photos have an active passion that others lack. Anyone who knows him will say he is among the "hardmen' to tackle the Southwestern mountains and canyons, but that he is definitely the most sincere in his passion for place. Perhaps, because of this he lacks a calculated commercial view of the places he photographs. His images also record his own passion, creating compelling and unique photographs. More than any other contemporary outdoor photographer, Annerino's photos mirror his love of the land's people. In the text, Annerino portrays canyonlands people as part of what makes the places special. He has a deep affection for past and present native peoples, but unlike some Anglo North Americans, Annerino isn't a lost 20th century soul. Rather, he seems to have a straightfoward and genuine admiration for native people, and has learned a great deal about them. His research on each canyon's history is impressive. Annerino writes with an immensity commensurate with his subject. His style is old-fashioned, evoking an older, more grandiose era of writing of explorers like Powell and Pattie. While many modern writers seem bent on infusing themselves into as much of the story as possible, Annerino's style is not so full of himself as full of the intensity of his canyon experiences...Annerino is at his best when he writes about Mexico, especially the Big Bend passage where he talks about the injustices served the Mexican across the river at the hands of our national park there. An optimist who sees great things in the canyons, Annerino neither ignores nor dwells on the obvious problems facing the West like pollution and development. And fortunately, CANYONS OF THE SOUTHWEST is not a treasure map guidebook to these areas. -Desert Skies

I purchased a hardcover copy from the Charleston historical society's downtown office. I was vacationing and looking for local fiction, opted for Colonial period rather than Civil War or present-day. The streets and historical character of downtown are still present and make this book more interesting. The historial accuracy is very good, although overly worshipful of Marion and his role. I understand the cultural differences between present-day readers and Colonial slaveownwers, and we shouldn't demonize Colonists for that, but CG does tend to perpetuate the oxymoron "well-treated slave" (and Charleston's place as the busiest slave trade port in the New World is ignored by the book). As for Celia, "Sassyface" certainly has gumption, and this can get annoying for mature readers. But it's overall pretty good, and for teens (especially girls), this book is a treasure.

CELIA GARTH takes place during the American Revolutionary War in the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Celia, the main character is a "sassy" twenty-year-old woman who worked as a seamstress in a very fashionable clothing shop. The inhabitants of Charleston were divided in their loyalties. Some were Tories and supported the king and England; many others were supporters of the revolution. After two months of conflict and bombardment, British forces occupied the city of Charleston.

The local hero in South Carolina was Francis Marion, called the "Swamp Fox," by the British. His goal was to keep the British army occupied in South Carolina, and away from General George Washington who was fighting another British army in the north. Celia and her friends supported the revolution and acted as spies for Francis Marion during the two years of the British occupation of Charleston.

The book is full of the flavor and feeling of the late 1700's. Luke Ansell, an American soldier sings the following little ditty, as he walks home after his first meeting with Celia Garth.

"Now girls why act so shy
When provoking men come by?
You know you're only wondering
how you strike us--

Oh forget the won'ts and can'ts!
For since half the world wears pants,
You might as well own up to it--
you like us!"

I learned a great deal about Charleston and how the people of that town lived through the very difficult years of the American Revolution. The book gives a lot of little tidbits of interesting information. For instance, it was popular for the colonial women to name their male babies, George. They would then tell if their baby was named after King George of England or General George Washington.

This is a well-written and very enlightening story.

When I was in middle school, I had outgrown the Nancy Drew mysteries. I discovered this book in our school library. It quickly became a favorite. The language and style is easy to read and the descriptions make you feel like you are back in the time of the Revolutionary War. It is the intellectual equivalent of playing "dress-up" -- imagining that you are the beautiful heroine of another time.

I guess I just really liked historical fiction because it was so much more appealing to me than modern day. You didn't have to worry about the cliques at school.

The book is also just good clean story with an engaging story line. Themes are simple and there isn't the moral gnashing of teeth that seems to be much more popular in more recent books (such as the Luxe series that is currently en vogue).

And, being historical fiction, it also gives you a glimpse into history so when you read it -- especially as an adolescent -- you might actually wind up learning some real history... or at least be motivated to explore it some more.

I am the mother of two boys so they will never read these books. But I'm so happy to see them released again so I can go back and revisit another time -- in American life and in my own.

At the prompting of my mother, grandmother, and aunt, I first read Celia Garth before I was old enough to even understand half of what Gwen Bristow writes about. Since then, I have read it many, many times, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. Celia is such a vivid character, and getting to see Charleston and the Revolutionary War through her eyes is like being there yourself! I cried my eyes out at the plantation death scene, marveled at Celia's courage through it all, and could barely contain my glee when she finally realizes her true happiness. I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old; if you haven't read Celia Garth, you're missing out. And if you haven't ever visited Charleston, SC--well, need I say more? You can see the harbor as Celia did, walk the same streets, see the spire of St. Michael's, and much, much more. It's not the same Charleston as it was a hundred years ago, but it's close enough and thoroughly enjoyable.

The first time I read Celia Garth was about eight years ago. I found it sitting on a bookshelf in my house, and I couldn't put it down. It immediately became my favorite book, and to this day still is. I just recently started reading Gwen Bristow's others, and I can't put them down either! Her Historical Fiction is amazing, and her ability to combine her fictional characters with non-fictional people and places is the best I have ever seen.