J Books

I especially appreciate that this book takes into account the whole of the scriptural perspective, tota scriptura. I heartily recommend it.

a thorough approach to mission theology with Biblical explanations for the Author, characters, and setting

This was such an excellent book. I picked it up at Urbana 2006 and read it that summer. I am working on going through my notes to teach a class on the subject of this book. I have recommended it to many people, but it is weighty. It is sad that so few people are familiar with Wright's work. He has done much in taking us back and grounding us in the story of the OT. For those interested, I highly recommend "Old Testament Ethic for the People of God." Again, weighty, but excellent.

This is certainly the most impressive book on Mission to be published since Bosch's 'Transforming Mission' and will surely be Dr Wright's 'Magnum Opus.' This outstanding tome entitled `The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative' contains 581 closely reasoned pages and maintains that equally, the `proper way for disciples of the crucified and risen Jesus to read their Scriptures , is (both) messianically and missionally. ( p.30)

It should be noted that most books on Mission fail to provide an adequate O.T. basis for mission. David Bosch for example in his excellent book `Transforming Mission' gives us little if any. In this book however, Wright ( also a noted OT scholar as well as Missiologist) goes a long way to rectify this imbalance.

'The Mission of God' is not a light read but should be of great interest to all missionaries and Pastors as well as to theology and Bible students. Chris Wright has also designated that the royalties from this book will go to the to worthy charity Langham Literature.

John Goldingay, the author of Old Testament Theology, and professor of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary writes of it:
"This marvelous book is all I hoped and expected, and more. . . .We are so fortunate to have the mature fruit of a lifetime's reflection on the missional nature of the Bible by this outstanding teacher, scholar and missionary theologian."

If you want an outstanding book on Mission which will be around for years to come: This is it!

I wish that I had had this book in hand many years ago. I've been on a journey of learning and discovery regarding the "metanarrative" of the Scriptures, and having reached a tentative understanding, I buy Christopher Wright's The Mission of God, and find that he has it all laid out for me. One of those books that makes you wonder why no one wrote it before and then makes you wish you had written it yourself. I have translated the New Testament into two indigenous languages of Mexico and have been forced to ask the big questions about what on earth God is doing anyway. It's been a great experience, and I think I'm finally coming to an adequate understanding of the good news of the Bible. I have read a lot of books related to the topic of The Mission of God, but none as exciting and stimulating as this one. And I don't consider Wright to be a great writer. What's great is the maturity and comprehensiveness of his thinking. A new perspective on almost every page. Wright has put it together for me. I'm reading it through the second time and have bought two copies to give to friends. All right, you may not be as excited as I am about the Bible's message about the coming of the kingdom of God, but if you are half as interested as I am, read this book.

Robert Schoenberg does a great job of taking on a colossal character like Mr. Capone. He describes in depth - Chicago: the neighborhoods, experiences, up & coming racketeers, and all of the underlying factors that composed the roaring twenties. He goes into detail of the: who, what, when, where, why, and how of Al Capone. Schoenberg provides an admirable breakdown of all the other mobsters, & tough guys that surrounded Chicago, and the Prohibition era. There were plenty of hoodlums looking to make fast money. Prohibition provided the perfect venue to make a dishonest dollar, and they dove in with both feet.

This book makes you imagine how cunning all of these characters were at this particular point in history. These were very dangerous times, and as a result, the players that rose to power were just as precarious. Somehow, Capone always wound up on top. He was always one step ahead of his opponent. He was very crafty, and had everyone on the payroll to deliver information, which served him well against his enemies gunning from all directions. Capone surrounded himself with nothing but trustworthy, dependable hoods, mostly of Italian background (usually originating from the old stomping grounds of Brooklyn).

Capone somehow had the ability to see all the angles. He also had the aptitude to try & solve problems, without violence at 1st, so that all parties involved came out of a deal with a smile on their face. He was very intelligent, had a tough background, and had all of the right connections. This along with a good deal of luck, Al established himself as the loyal #2 man in his early twenties to the man in charge, Johnny Torrio. He learned much from his boss which was a tremendous advantage, all to itself. Being around someone as sharp as Torrio, you learn many habits that keep you witty, and ahead of your game.

I gave the book 4 stars, only because I was hoping for a smoother read. This book is definitely the who's-who of Al Capone. It is a tome of information providing a remarkable wealth of understanding. I was looking for something a little less exhausting, where this hardback goes into tremendous detail: listing names, dates, addresses, etc. In any event - a great bio, and a must read for anyone interested in Big Al. Now it's on to Frank Nitti, Capone's Successor!

This is a very well-written and interesting book. It's not a page turner but is very entertaining. If you like mafia books or movies...you will love this book.

This book is fantastically written. I picked it up in the book store and could not put it down. From Italy to his death, this book tells the entire story in fantastic detail. Without restating what other reviewers have already stated, I just wanted to say that this is one of the best biographies I have ever read. Meticulously researched and written, the details bring the book to life, making you feel like you are living in the 1920's, viewing everything. The book also does a good job of telling the story of the rival gangs and gangleaders in Chicago, like Bugs Moran and the Irish, as well as the contemporary politicians of the day. From the shootouts to the drug running, the bootlegging to the day-to-day of Al Capone, this book nearly reads like an action novel!

Also, having lived in Chicago for two years, I really enjoyed the references to the neighborhoods and streets.

Highly recommended.

this book gives an interesting aspect to the Capone story particularly in regard to Capone's Florida excursion. It seems Al went to Florida to escape the "heat" of Chicago but found the heat and humidity of Florida eventually put him in jail. The IRS investigated his holdings and possesions in Miami and Big Al found that all the rackets were already covered by business developers from Ohio. These snowbirds once they got a handle on Florida's vice industries weren't about to tolerate Capone and the attention he could bring to some of their more dubious business enterprises.In alot of works on Capone the writers make the point solely that there was moral outrage and this was enough for the state of Florida to want Capone out.However from the Schoenberg book read there is alot more involved in the reasons for the riddance of Capone. It seems his high profile was not welcome because it brought to much attention to the fishbowl and no respectable fish wants to be seen devouring the smaller ones.

Before I say much else, let me congratulate the author, Robert Schoenberg, on this work. This study of Al Capone is an elevation of the standards of biographical presentation, and I found it as enjoyable as it was informative. The word "fearless" also comes to mind, and by that I refer to Schoenberg's capacity to advocate his own carefully-formulated views on the real Al Capone, behind the enduring legend, the misunderstandings, and the deliberate misinformation long spread as character assassination.

Exhaustively-researched, Mr. Capone---the book---does everything but bring Mr. Capone---the man---from his time into ours. Capone was comparatively no monster, nor was he a saint. He was no more ruthless than circumstances in his business ever required him to be, and was by degrees shrewd, wise, cautious, generous, fun-loving, tough, pious, forgiving, sadistic, kind, and patriotic. Capone's philanthropy has never received the coverage it deserves, and his philandering has been too focused upon. Capone, let's not forget to mention here, made his name and rose to power on the strength of his talents as a peacemaker among the warring ethnic gangs of the east coast. A deft negotiator who could be trusted to deal fairly with all sides and to keep his word when given, Capone had far more friends than enemies in the underworld, and it was the strength of these alliances that he drew upon in the 1920's when he made his move to become the top power-broker in the city of Chicago: not the most powerful underworld figure, THEE most powerful person in America's second-city.

Capone was a larger than life figure, and a man with as many weaknesses as talents. Foremost among his weak points was his all-possessing vanity. This vanity drove him to revel in the publicity and fame he both intentionally created and magnified via his extensive influence on the Chicago press. (It's said by 1930 there wasn't a Chicago newsman worth his salt who hadn't had dinner with Al Capone.) This desire for the spotlight put Capone into international headlines, and made him the focus of seemingly every legitimate law enforcement agent with any ambition. Schoenberg's emphasis on the role played by members of the Treasury Department, men unknown today in comparison to the self-promoting Elliot Ness, a being every bit as obsessed with his own celebrity as was his foe Al Capone, is especially refreshing.

Schoenberg portrays Capone's pragmatism and realistic attitude about the conviction for tax evasion that eventually sent him to prison, first in Georgia, later in Alcatraz. Beneath his bravado ("I plan to spend a third of my sentence asleep.") Capone made the best of the bitter hand he was dealt. We come in the last chapters to meet the most surprising incarnation of "Scarface Al" Capone, that of Capone the model inmate, a man too learned in hard wisdom to make trouble for himself among either the prison population, or those who governed it. Finally we see the sad final years of the one-time boss of Chicago, as he wastes away on a modest Florida estate, a victim of cardiac troubles and neurosyphilis. One final myth, that Capone's phobic reaction to needles prevented his receiving treatment for syphilis, is exploded, and the truth revealed at last: this being that because of America's involvement in the Second World War the penicillin used in the treatment of syphilis was virtually impossible to attain on the homefront, even for the dying, and even for a legend like Al Capone.

Mr. Capone is among the best examples of biography I've ever read, and should be studied for what it brings to the field of research, as well as for its presentation of an oft-mythologized man. Easily a five-star book that I'd recommend without question. It's not only great, it's good.

The huge statue of Superman in Metropolis, Illinois is not a figment of an author's imagination -- it stands in the only city in the country named Metropolis.
This evening, however, it appears Clark Kent's bosom buddy may have murdered one of the town's citizens, now draped (headless) across his arm.
An original idea, well plotted, with great characters.

I would like to thank Ms.Cruse for a well written suspense piece. Reading the book sent me into a spin about the 'Who Done It' kind of thing. Just when you think you have the killer figured out and nailed....the plot thickens. I also like the way she has created characters that face the very things that many people face in life. This lends solidity to the book... a level in which people can relate which allows for a more fluid flow of feelings and emotions. Hoping to read more from Ms.Cruse in the near future.

Lonnie Cruse looked at the Superman statue and thought, "What a good place to put a body." That's how a mystery writer's mind works.

MURDER IN METROPOLIS is the first in a series featuring Sheriff Joe Dalton, a likeable guy and good country sheriff. Cruse knows the rhythms of small-town life, and her characters ring true. In this traditional mystery we get to know the victim through comments and action of friends and family after his death.

The victim is a popular businessman and the sheriff's longtime friend. Was there a witness to the murder? Maybe, if you count Big Ed, the town drunk, who was sleeping (or not) in a nearby doorway. How about the traveling salesman who may have been the last person to see the victim alive? Too bad the statue can't talk.

As the investigation proceeds, an old crime surfaces and carefully hidden secrets are brought to light. In a small town nothing is ever quite what it seems. There's a bit of a twist at the end. Cruse drops a clue early on, but I only realized it after the fact. No matter. I like surprises.

Sheriff Joe Dalton thinks he's simply going to roust the town drunk one morning, but instead he finds a murder victim at the site of the Superman statue in the (real) town of Metropolis, Illinois. He has to get closer to see what is draped over the arm.

Why would anyone want to murder Jack Hatfield, an old friend of Joe's, and a man everyone in town liked? By the way the body and head were positioned, it seems someone has a real hatred for the victim.

Many interesting suspects keep the sheriff hopping and the reader in suspense. Ms. Cruse handles the police procedural and the cozy part of this novel with ease and skill.

Despite the rather grisly opening, this really could be called a cozy police procedural and should please readers of both. Violence takes place off-scene, but nonetheless the reader gets the full impact of the horror of violent death. Ms. Cruse is a skillful writer who's characters come alive on the pages.

A very enjoyable read!

Sheriff Joe Dalton has a problem, namely finding the murderer of his best friend Jack Hatfield, whose decapitated body was hung neatly over the landmark Superman statue in front of the courthouse.
Things like this don't happen in his town and certainly not to one of his old schoolmates. This case was personal and if it took him his entire life he would find out who did it; the quest beings.

I have read a lot of murder mysteries, some have been grisly, some have kept me sitting on the edge of my seat, some have bored me to tears, but this one was different.
The author weaves the storyline around in a way that you very quickly feel you are a member of Sheriff Dalton's town. He does this by bringing in personal aspects of different town members lives, their hopes, dreams, fears and shortcomings. They no longer are just story characters in your minds eye, but through the author's words they are alive. The murder victim Jack, his sister and brother, the Mayor and even Dalton's wife become your neighbors and friends and you find yourself just as determined as the Sheriff is to find the culprit of this crime.
The only problem is that it is your very friends and neighbors who become the prime suspects as two more bodies turn up, a newborn baby and Big Ed, the town drunk and possible witness, who may have been able to shed some light on the crime.
How does the baby figure in all of this? You have to know.

Murder In Metropolis is not a fast paced read, but one that draws you into the lives of the suspects, allowing you to search them for motives and making you part of the crime investigation. I enjoyed that, it was a lot of fun trying to figure out, "Who done it!" The motives for the murders and the ending I promise will surprise you. Very well done. Who would have ever thought! A delightful reading experience.

Final analysis: A well thought out mystery drawing the reader into the very lives of the townspeople, the suspects and the victims themselves. Written in a way that allows you to participate in the investigation, but let me warn you, no matter how much you think you have it all figured out, the ending to this one will surprise you. Excellent read, highly recommended.

Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review

This is a first hand account of his life in Montana after getting off the boat in Ft. Benton and going into the trading business with a friend. It is a well written account of their life with the Blackfeet Indians, hunting buffalo, daily life, traveling, his marriage to a Blackfoot, the demise of the buffalo, and the arrival of hordes of whites. He also gives us an insight into local politics and business of the times. It held my interest of this period and place of time. I found it to be a delightful book and recommend it for its entertaining and historic value.

This is a terrific story of a young white man's time with the Piegan Blackfeet. James Willard Schultz came west for adventure and joined an Indian trading post 45 miles north of Fort Benton, Montana.

He not only traded furs, gold, liquor, and dressmakers goods to the Indians, but became fluent in the language of the Blackfeet, sharing in their hunts and wars and even taking a young Indian wife.

It's a somewhat self-conscious story from a masculine vantagepoint during a time when warrior bravado was in vogue and the buffalo were still thriving. This book portrays a segment of Native American life and culture just before the buffalo were diminished and the people were forced to reservations.

Given that _Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: an Indian History of the American West_ by Dee Brown contains only 2 or 3 pages in reference to the Blackfeet, a book such as _My Life As an Indian_ is a superb addition to one's bookshelf. Recommended.

I just came online to see if it was in print. I have had a copy of this book from the 1935 paperback that my Grandfather gave me when I was a boy. Not that I was a boy in 1935, it was actually in the early 70s. . .I was captivated by the stories JW Schultz lived! Helping his friend steal his wife from under the nose of the ever watchful father. It still grips me even today. Alas, my old copy is just that, old. That is how I came to write these words. Ordering a fresh paperback.

I cannot recommend this book more highly!

This is an excellent first hand account of the major transformation of Plains Indian culture that occured during the nearly complete extermination of the buffalo which was so central to their life. It starts with the buffalo in plenty and ends with reservation life. This is a bittersweet book. Schultz marries into a band of the Piegan branch of the Blackfoot confederacy. But although he lives among them, and loves them and their lifestyle, he never completes his assimilation. This is evident when he writes with almost distant amusement of some of their religious beliefs. Adding to this is the problem that while he loves the life of the buffalo days and deeply laments their end, his occupation as a trader in buffalo robes is hastening the end of the very thing he loves. His description of the post-buffalo, early reservation life is the most distressing, complete with corrupt reservation Agents, and sometimes rascist newcomers.
His stories are not all downers though. His writing is a very detailed, intimate, and at times amusing description of his life and those around him. I've loaned my book to a number of people and they all have liked it. If you read this and like it too, you'll be glad to know he wrote a whole series of books of his life in early Montana, and of the lives of prominent people he knew. I've read many, but not all of them, and I prize every one.

This is a eye opening I can't put it down book! Seeing how the Blackfeet lived, their culture, social structure, horse raids, war, etc., through the author's eyes is fascinating. As he joins their society, marries into the tribe and lives as the tribe did you will find it informative and insightful. As the old ways pass away you feel his sadness and the end will break your heart. A beautiful, lively, fun book that takes you into another time and place as you ride with Schultz and the tribe. A must have!

I love this book, it has great advice, warnings and cites good references. It is easily readable by anyone and goes into summary lists of warning and possible drug interactions.

At what this book is selling for, it's very cheap insurance for optimum health. While it is a bit out of date, it still has enough good meat to be very worthwhile.

I have owned the Natural Health Bible for several years and find it to be a reliable source for information regarding herbs, vitamins and supplements. Always answers my questions and keeps me informed.

A good reference book and one of the few I recommend to pet owners who want to learn about natural health care for themselves. This is the text I used and adapted for my own award-winning book. Super job!


Shawn Messonnier DVM
Author, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats.

(...)

This book has saved me hundreds of dollars, since I always cross-check claims by commercial companies that sell complementary products--and who usually provide artfully deceptive ways to make it appear as though vitamins, herbs, and other supplements are the "answer" to everything from arthritis to herpes zoster. Clearly presented with an impartial and reasoned conclusion regarding the efficacy of a vast number of natural healing consumables. It provides recommended doses when a product is given the thumbs up, and warns against common assumptions many of take for granted owing to media overexposure. When research is presented that purports to support the medicinal qualities of a product, the authors provide a careful analysis of the strength of the reserach, whether its been replicated, and whether other research has been done that has had less stellar findings. A brief history of natural products is provided whether its an herb used for thousands of years or a current fad that is prevalant in other health care systems, particularly in Europe. I do have ONE MAJOR disappointment, however. Where is the UPDATED edition? This book is now six years old; much has happened in the world of conventional and natural medicine in that time, and without such a reference guide it would require endless searching to learn of newer findings.

I feel it is very important that I have a good source of information aside from that which is available from the company for which I sell natural supplements. I'm often frustrated by the limited acceptance of herbal supplements and remedies in the U.S., especially those which are widely used in Europe, China, and other parts of the world. This book states "principal proposed treatments" (those which have been tested successfully in the U.S.) and "other proposed treatments" (those not tested in the U.S., but are often used in other countries). It gives details about recommended dosages, safety issues, medical interactions, etc. So far, it has provided me with information about almost every ingredient I've searched for, and has made me feel much more confident about recommending the products I sell! There is a section regarding health problems and the recommended products for treating them, then another section of herbal substances and their recommended uses. The information is alphabetized, with shaded tabs on the edges of the pages for quick look-ups. It is so organized and easy to use, it's not only the first book I reach for when I need information, often it is the ONLY book I need!

The information in this book is practical,concise and easy to understand. The book is a can't miss guide, including structured exercises,for anybody that believes personal improvement is the key to mastering change and leading a meaningful life. A welcome addition to any self help library.

I greatly enjoyed the easy-read factor. The writing is clear, straight forward and enjoyable, especially the "gemful" stories along the way. The Near-Life Experience concept is fresh, focused and gives emphasis to the sacred -- the extraordinary in the ordinary.

I appreciated the challenges of gaining insight from self assessment and from feedback from others. The simple, basic and loving approach of acceptance, affirmation and care for every person and circumstance is refreshing and energizing. Near-Life Experiences is insightful and inspirational. Thanks Tom!

"Near-Life Experiences" is a profound statement that caused me to re-think my priorities on a daily basis. Goals and achievements are important, but if you lack balance, there is no victory. Tom McQueen puts this message in an easy read filled with wisdom gained in his own "near-life" experiences. Anyone seeking balance and fulfillment in their spiritual, family or career life will benefit from reading this book and applying the simple recommendations for truly valuing the "near-life" experiences we have each day.

This is a small book in size but a giant in scope. Tom McQueen offers the simplest suggestions on how to get the most out of your personal, professional and spiritual life. He provides examples of how to find new meaning in everyday experiences. He makes you think about everybody you care about and then suggests how to get the most out of these relationships.

There are books that claim to be real helpful and then there are books that really help! Tom McQueen's book is one of those books that really help!

I can't remember in sixty years when I have read something that has had such a meaningful impact on my life.

"Near-Life Experiences: Discovering New Powers for Personal Growth" should be a featured book on Oprah and every other book list in America.

With what our country has been through lately in Washington, capitalizing on our "near-life experiences" would be a blessing for us all.

This book is primarily written for negotiators/mediators but has excellent advice that can be used in day to day negotions in ones personal life.

The author did a great job accompanying each lesson with a story to illustrate the point.

At one point the author gives a sentence where he states that if this sentence is used in negotiation (like sales), it will pay back the price of the book. First time I used the sentence it saved me $250.

The book is well written, entertaining and provides information on how to handle disputes and leaving the ego out of the picture amongst other useful information.

Well done!

Anyone who has ever been engaged in mediation or arbitration will savor this book. Cleary writes in a most engaging and entertaining style -- making his points and then illustrating them with stories about real life mediations he managed. The characters he describes are all too real and instantly recognizable to anyone in the business. A really great book!

I am not sure what the perfect book for negotiating is, but this one does come very close. Cleary does a great job in providing many examples, which are given in enough detail to understand what happen, but too long to detract from the point. Many similar books give a canned hypothetical that feel fake and contrived. These examples are a good glimpse of what happens in negotiation.

The author also differentiates between being a negotiator and being a mediator, as well as points out how skills from one can help the skills of another. If you are wanting to be a mediator, this is still a book you should be familiar with.

I would recommend reading this book. The book is much more than merely stating general maxims that sound correct on their face. This book shows you why those maxims are true. This helps the different points stay with you.

Although it appears pricey at first blush (it's classified as a trade book) Patrick J. Cleary's "Negotiation Handbook" is worth every penny, and then some.

Don't let the price or the trade book classification fool you. This is an indispensable guide for ANYONE on how to successfully negotiate ANYTHING, be it a major trade agreement with American Airlines, the selling off of your so-hot-(or not!)-dot-com company, the purchasing of a car, the securing of the top salary as a new hire or getting a deal on a pair of New Balance jungle mocs.

I deal with people every day. I hate negotiating. I want people to like me. I don't want to be taken advantage of. I either don't want to make waves, or I get so angry at feeling pushed around I can go nuclear -- perhaps inappropriately and/or with zero worthwhile results. Sound familiar?

I always thought successful negotiation was for cigar-chomping guys in shirt sleeves, or for people with a truckload of gall. Cleary's book opened my eyes to a very practical way of getting what you want and need without the cigar, the shirt sleeves or the gall.

Other books on negotiation are so dense with dry theory e.g.: "the psychology of nurturing and succoring" (huh?) or they're so flip with on-the-nose hogwash, such as "Get the most that you can" (duh!) or so ripe with New Age touchy-feely bologna (Zzzz) that you'd be better off taking your chances on your own.

As Cleary points out, EVERYTHING we do in life is some form of negotiation. All human interaction involves a "social contract." Cleary's book is not theory; it's not a pitch on the M.O. of the snakeoil salesman. Cleary's Negotiation Handbook is an exceedingly practical, down to earth, workaday manual on how to successfully negotiate this sea of life, be it while at work, getting to or fro, at home or traveling on vacation. It even operates on an elemental level in dealing with those nearest and dearest to us in our lives.

While the publishers no doubt recognize they have a winner on their hands, I wonder if they realize that what the "One Minute Manager" did for management, this book goes beyond in helping the average (or not so average) person in dealing with the day-to-day rigors of working and playing in our complex contemporary society.

I work in the film business where negotiation rules the day. Cleary's book should be required reading. But, it also should be on the reading lists of every business school, law school, government class, industrial relations course, psychology class ... where should we stop? When are we NOT negotiating?

Buy the book; you'll get back more than you ever bargained for.

Cleary explains: "This book was written for negotiators, but the observations come from the mediator's standpoint." In his Introduction, he goes on to suggest that "As a mediator, one has the ability to peek at both sides' cards, as it were. As a result, it is easier to see from the end result whether each side maximized (or minimized) its gain in the negotiation. In almost every case, one party -- or both parties -- failed to gain everything they could have gained from negotiation because they lost sight of the prize somewhere along the way." The basic assumption of this book is that the terms and conditions of almost any transaction are negotiable. For example, obtaining a lower or higher purchase price of an item (e.g. consumer electronics, clothing, and real estate) or a service (e.g. a fee charged by an attorney, accountant, or -- yes -- management consultant). The same is true of negotiations involving a promotion, salary increase, labor contract, or a proposed budget. Also, renting a car or obtaining a hotel room.

Cleary's objective is to prepare his reader to gain everything possible from each and every negotiation through the effective use of one or more strategies, each of which Cleary explains. He reminds his reader that the parties involved in any negotiation are in it together. "They are your adversary only to the extent that they disagree with you on some details, on the shape of the deal. In the larger sense, the bigger picture, they're your counterpart, your partner. It will take both sides to get the deal. Don't lose sight of that along the way." Nor of the aforementioned "prize": your ultimate objective(s).

Cleary organizes his material within six chapters: "The Dynamics of Negotiation" (i.e. power, leverage, ego, saving face, being right, and "drain the swamp"); "Preparing for the Negotiation" (i.e. facts, principles, and priorities); [NOTE: In The Art of War, Sun Tzu asserts that every battle is won or lost before it is fought.] "The Basics of Conflict Resolution" (i.e. set the tone, find the common ground, repeat back/empathize, and "Don't let your counterpart monopolize the spotlight or the microphone"); "The Negotiation" (Cleary stresses sixteen points such as "Be aware of the signals you project" with body language and tone of voice but also "Be aware of what's going on away from the table"); "Rules" (Cleary suggests 12 such as "Negotiations are 50% psychology and 50% sales"); and "Mediators: Lessons and Observations" (Cleary provides eight guidelines for mediators such as "Project neutrality in all you [say and] do" and "Create the atmosphere for an agreement"). Among all the excellent books on negotiation now available, this is one of the best. I highly recommend it to anyone in need of skills to maximize whatever can be gained from a negotiation (whatever its nature and circumstance may be) without losing sight of the "prize" somewhere along the way.

J.E. Gordon's book should be required reading for all engineering students as well as working engineers. It' s surprising how many have either not learned nor not appreciated the wisdom in this little book. This work has led to the development of composite materials and provided many insights that I rediscover each time that I read it. Philip Ball's new introduction is also very welcome.

I am a scientist, but not an engineer. Equations are not my forté. This book gives a great intuitive understanding of materials science, but goes beyond that to tell us how simple structures work. It's filled with great anecdotes and carries it all off with a sense of humor. I discovered it many years ago, and I'm reading it for the 3rd time just for the pleasure.

Good text for fracture mechanics enthusiasts- material failure, strength of materials.
Good reading, if you are an engineer, scientist, or not. Great examples. Dry british writing, but if you can get through it and the silly jokes, you can learn a lot.

Reading this before embarking on university studies was an inspiration and I still come back to it now, it has a lot to offer all ages and disciplines.

This book is part of the Princeton Science Library, the best collection of books on mathematics and science for the intelligent layman. Like other books in that series, it is succinct and clearly written. I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. All of the positive reader reviews are right on.

Because I liked it so much, I purchased Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down also by Professor Gordon. As it turned out, that book covers the same material, but in greater breadth and depth, and with more illustrations. There's much to be said for reading both books, but if you're only going to read one, "Structures" is the one.

If you already have Goldberg's excellent "Getting Your Boss's Number" you probably don't need this volume. This volume however makes Goldberg's perceptive analysis and effective writing available in paperback (earlier title is out of print).

Goldberg's work is not quite as casual in style as Renee Baron's delightful works ("Enneagram Made Easy" and "Am I Your Type"), but it will appeal much more to the no-nonsense business world. His examples of people at different points on the Enneagram are drawn from his business experience and effectively highlight the types of challenges and opportunities that work presents differently to individuals, depending on their Enneagram dynamics.

I cannot imagine anyone not being fascinated and empowered by looking at themselves, their coworkers, and their family through Goldberg's careful presentation. He is respectful of all and does not approach Enneagram as a "pigeon-holing" or "typing" process. Rather it's an appreciation of strengths and challenges. From a background in psychology, I especially appreciate his discussion of the underlying dynamics and likely sources of how family experience helps us slide into certain Enneagram-number ways of operating.

So much more readable and better-organized that most of the "classics" in Enneagram. If you enjoy processing and sharing insights about how humans function, you may also want to explore Baron's titles. The latter are excellent for a casual chat around the family room - then those who like to really APPLY the principles to their work and life will want to move into Goldberg.

Goldberg's book is written in language that business people can quickly understand, and full of examples they can relate to. It's a superb presentation of the nine leadership styles--accessible and practical. I've used it very effectively in team sessions and in individual coaching ... My business clients especially gravitate to the "Cardinal Rules" at the end of each chapter (how to work with each type and how to work on yourself if it's your type).

This book was my intro to the Enneagram and it is excellent.
It has very good descriptions of the 9 types and how to find out where you fit.
Its real distinguishing feature is a breakdown on how each group relates to the others in practical everyday situations. Like what to do if you work for a 7 or what if you are a 7.
I wasn't sure which type I was ( I'm a nine) and I read all the rest first. I kept trying to fit myself into a 7 or a 5 but, when I read the 9 chapter it sounded like he reached into my heart and pulled out the things no one else knows about me. I can still feel it today.
Then they go on with more, practical info and advise about what to do with your new found knowlege.
I've since read "Wisdom of the Enneagram" and "Personality Types." They are also very good but I wouldn't recommend them as your first Enneagram book.

Certainly this is one of the most practical, real-world approaches ever taken to the Enneagram. It's short on 'spiritual' hooey [which is strictly okay with me] and long on realistic application of the Enneagram to your professional and personal daily life. But that does not mean it is in any way shallow -- it is as specific, insightful and dead-on acurate as any book on the market. His descriptions of the types is thourough, well-organized and articulate. [BE AWARE, however, that it is largely a re-hash - if a superior re-hash -- of his earlier "Boss's Number."] If you are less interested in the new-agey, spiritual aspects of the Enneagram, and looking for a clear articulation of how the principles work in your dialy life, this might be the best of the bunch.

I had studied the Enneagram for several years and knew it was useful in business, so I was pleased to see this book come out as the first I'd seen applying the Enneagram to the business environment. I was not disappointed in what it delivered. While the author has developed some unique Enneagram terminology (i.e. the "ally point") that I don't necessarily agree with, his understanding and descriptions of each Enneagram Type and how they manifests their unconscious agendas in the workplace, as well as how to respond to them in the most productive way, was excellent. For example, his description of what makes a Type 6 tick, and how to best work with a 6, so helped me in understanding better one of my own work colleagues, that single insight alone made the book worthwhile for me. I highly recommend this book, and I also recommend reading "Discovering Your Personality Type", by Don Riso and Russ Hudson, for a good introduction to Enneagram basics.

This is a powerful story written in a powerful way. I've been fortunate enough to have never experimented with drugs. I have, however, always stuggled to understand how and why people could mess with drugs. The brutal honesty portrayed in this story helps me to be empathetic toward people who honestly stuggle with addiction of any sort. It's easier said than done to "just quit." The pain, the deception, the physical addiction, the lies, the guilt, and the justification are all a part of an addict's life. The way Adam's story is told helps us get into the mind of an addict and we understand that they, too, are humans worthy of their family's love and forgiveness. I don't care who you are.

Only Mortals Can Be Hero's: A True Story About Drug Addiction by David J. Weaver

David Weaver had to endure the pain inflicted by his son, Adam for 12 years. Twelve years of Adam stealing, hocking, and doing drugs was enough to make a person insane, but David held on, he wanted the best for his son, he believed in him the whole time but quickly grew tired of Adam's lies and thievery.

Adam Weaver had been incarcerated, beaten, and left on the streets because of his drug addiction. He stole from everyone, his friends, family, and he can never earn their respect back. His Grandmother's wedding rings were pawned for a few rocks of crack, his Dad's TV, Stereo, and insurmountable amounts of cash all ended up in the same place; a drug dealer's hands or in Adam's nose or veins.

He tried to undergo treatment at St. Jude's but found himself back in the same mess. His father has done more than any one person could ever imagine for his son, and then to end up right back at square one all over again is so disheartening. I can honestly say at first I was feeling sorry for Adam, but the further on I read and the more he slipped back into the same old routine, I just continued to get more angry.

I did applaud Adam for seeking out the help, but I just couldn't help not feeling sorry for him anymore after stealing his brother's guitars for the third time, stealing money from his father's hiding place, and hurting his Grandmother in such a way. Adam thought death would be the best thing for him, but there was a reason he was put on this earth... I hope he has found it.

Only Mortals Can Be Hero's is told by Adam Weaver but as his father, David Weaver says in the beginning of the book, " ...he used my pen." This is a very real look at what cocaine and heroine can do. A twelve year struggle, and very few positive results lay within these pages. It is not what I would call a self help book, but more of peek into a drug addicts life. Do I think this would help an addict? No, but someone that has beat the addiction could sympathize with Adam. 4 Hearts

I've read many books on the topic of addiction, but not one can compare to this one! I honestly believe that every family that has been touched by addiction should have a copy of this book to read over and over again. There is an overall message of a young man overcoming his addiction, and the love of a father who would not allow his son to die an addict. As you travel this journey with Adam, you will grow to understand what the words "love", "choices", "forgiveness", and "life" mean. David Weaver is an exceptional writer who knows how to use words and a message of hope to delve deep into the heart and soul of a person. This is a passionate book about caring, daring, and sharing, and overcoming. Nobody will walk away from this book without being touched in some intimate way! Truly a "must read" book for everyone!

This book is full of goodies from street smarts to theology. Yet, it is fast-paced and hard to put down. It's easy to identify with Adam because he is us or someone we know. Get to know him yourself; you'll be glad you did!

David J. Weaver's brutally honest chronicle of his son's horrific descent into heroin addiction is an invaluable literary work, for the protagonist, Adam, and his foray into Dantesque levels of sheer hopelessness ultimately provides readers with a poignant narrative of redemption and salvation, in which the healing properties of love enable hope to survive, to nurture, and, ultimately, to herald a resounding message of solidarity and inspiration in one father's sojourn into the horrors of his son's heroin addiction and his family's refusal to relinquish their fight to save him.
Accordingly, Weaver's narrative could not be more timely nor topical, as drug addiction, particularly the usage of heroin among teenagers from the ages of fourteen to twenty-one is reaching epidemic proportions in contemporary U.S. culture, and, as all addictions, heroin crosses gender, sexual, economic, racial, class, and regional demarcations. Accordingly, studies ivestigating the trauma predicating addicts' lives indicate self-defeating cycles of despair, recklessness, alienation from others, and impending states of hopeleness. Similarly, studies note the prevailing, incremental levels of anxiety and stress the family of a heroin addict experience as they witness, and suffer alongside, their child, caught in the throes of a bio-chemical stranglehold from which only a small percentage ever survive.
Thus, David J. Weaver's narrative bravely invites readers the rare opportunity to explore the tortured mindset of a beloved young man, gripped in the throes of addiction and the father and family who love him; they refuse to relinquish Adam to this horrific disease without a heroic fight.
To be sure, a plethora of complications surrounding heroin addiction dissuade singular therapies or simple solutions. David J. Weaver readily admits that he does not--nor wishes to--lay claim to a sole theraputic methodology for combatting drug addiction; however, the searing reality Weaver conveys to readers in his narrative details a surreal world, a subculture from which many parents generally avert their eyes as they think, or hope, "Not my child." Yet, a textual activist, Weaver refuses to allow readers to avoid this crucial topic, for the nation's children are our children--our link to the future, our connection to the past.
Through Adam, the narrative's protagonist and narrator, Weaver chronicles his son's spiral into addiction and divulges a myriad of devastation thus wreaked upon the entire family. In doing so, Weaver firmly takes readers by the hand--if not by the collar--and escorts them into the spiralling discomfiture of Alice's rabbit hole, where nothing makes sense anymore.
For any readers experiencing the angst of their own child's heroin addiction, Weaver's chronicle provides a great deal of comfort; the occasional levity to lighten the load provides an exquisite balance of reality and the dark humor at times predicating it. Weaver's poignant, searing recollections, relayed through Adam, enable any readers who also combat addiction that they are not alone in their struggle--that there is hope. As the mother of a heroin addict, I found solace in this narrative's profoundly honest recollecion of the realities and dynamics involved between family and child ensnared in addiction. Silimarly, my son recognized much of himself in Weaver's dynamic characterization of Adam, the protagonist and narrator of the work, and his ongoing struggle to find the serenity of self-acceptance, acountability, and love.
Wisely, Weaver's narrative recognizes the plethora of cultural stigmas regarding drug addiction that silences parents and shames their addicted children; this self-destructive cycle, Weaver's work llustrates, creates a debilitating stranglehold upon the entire family in society's relentless refusal to offer appropriate intervention or support.
Perhaps more important, Weaver's narrative not only speaks to parents, but also to so many young women and men in the U.S. Weaver's revealing and forthright descriptions of the plots's unfolding events may alert parents to this cannabilistic culture threatening to abduct our children, but our nation's young men and women are not surprised---nor taken aback---by a familiarity with the popularity of drug usage, from heroin, crystal meth, to crack cocaine, as the majority of young people have had some acquaintance with these drugs. My university students tell me that, even if the majority of them have never experimented with these drugs, the majority of them have encountered peers using them in their proximity on more than one occasion. When asked if they have discussed this with their parents, the overwhelming, resounding response is "No!" Their answer shocks me and would, I suspect, equally surprise their parents. So how, then, do we initiate this crucial dialogue?
Thus, I began utilizing _Only Mortals Can Be Heroes_ in my freshmen and sophomore classes, with great success, for Adam's powerful story grabs the reader's attention and encourages dialogue among the students. Weaver's narrative encourages lively discussion among my students, and, certainly, student evaluations rank it as one of the best works of literature they have read to date in a university classroom.
Although I have been delighted with student reactions to _Only Mortals Can Be Heroes_, I was even more gratified by the startlingly regularity with which students would lend their book to their parents to read after our class had completed its discussion of the work. It is a testament to David J. Weaver that his narrative incites lively, animated, and passionate discussions with university students and their peers in the classroom; more important, these students extend the dialogue past the boundaries of their classrooms to meet in their family's living rooms, speaking with their parents about the profound issues and heart-breaking events surrounding the oft-stigmatized--and, thus, often silenced--subject of heroin addiction. I applaud David J. Weaver for writing a compelling narrative that challenges students to consider the adverse circumstances in which they may find themselves or others and looking for the means with which to alter these circumstances or conditions for positive, productive change. Thus, through the narrative, like protagonist Adam and author Weaver, readers--- parents and students alike---also come to recognition and awareness; Adam's story of suffering and salvation encourages readers to empower themselves and others. Indeed, David J. Weaver's _Only Mortals Can Be Heroes_ exemplifies this textual activism and calls for his readers to enact the same. For all its pathos, the narrative's overwhelming message of the redemptive power of love---love for one's self, family, and neighbor---offers us all redemption and, yes, hope.

Dr. Michele L. Mock, Asst. Professor of English
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown