D Books

Initially picked this one up for my personal use. Was looking for ways to detour myself away from the stressful, negative routines I seemed to be following more and more frequently these days. Then, I brought it into my tobacco cessation program- and it really grabbed the attention of the participants.(I would use one of the exercises as a 'meditation' to end each session). Members soon began to recommend it to friends and relatives. Next, I brought it into another program for patients who have chronic conditions and who are trying to cope with the stress of the diagnosis, and overcome that crippling inner, negative, sabotaging voice.
What a treat this entire series of books is!
I absolutely recommend these to anyone wanting to jumpstart their efforts to de-stress, make major changes in their lives...or even, just get that elusive good night's sleep.

i use this all the time. Hard job so I need a wind down.

I love this book. It offers great ways to stay calm & focused in just five minutes.

I picked up this book thinking, "Ahhh, a small, fluffy, 'try this or try that' collection of tips in a book form. How.... splendid." I am always glad when I find out how wrong I was about a really valuable resource such as this one!

The book is broken into sections - an introduction which explains the premise of the book, the foundation - incredibly valuable section, and then four sections filled with exercises to try. The exercise sections include Leaving Work at Work, Enriching Your Home Life, Reconnecting with Yourself and Others, and Preparing for a Good Night's Rest.

The Foundation includes an explanation (and practice) of the basic Mindful breathing and Mindful listening techniques. This section alone is worth the investment of the book. You could read that over and over (and apply it, over and over) and change your life significantly.

The practices are icing on the cake, a wide menu of ideas to try out and see what works the best for you.

Highly recommended.

What a great resource to have on the bedside table - or keep it in your car and carve out 5 minutes before shifting from work to home.

This book has a thorough introduction for those new to the practice of mindfulness. It is full of brief meditations, visualizations and exercises to help you leave work at work, enrich your home life, reconnect with self and others and preparing for a good night's rest. As a performance coach, I work with many elite competitors and business people who have trouble winding down at night or getting a good night's sleep. There are some gems in this book to help work through these challenges.

I personally found that after using the book for a short while, just seeing the book was enough to create a mental shift back to being truly present at home in the evening and not letting my mind get pulled back to work when I wanted to be giving my family my full attention. I love my family and I love my work. One of the keys to balancing this equation is being fully present wherever I am at the moment.

Highly recommended for all. Special recommendation as tool for working mothers who are under such high demands to switch from super woman at work to super mom upon walking in the front door at night.

Give yourself the gift of this book and 5 minutes each evening to learn how to better unwind and create more for yourself so you can take better care of those you love. You really can create big changes in a short amount of time. Who does not have or is not worth this type of 5 minute daily investment? If you really don't think so and won't do it for yourself, then do it for your family.

Mollie Marti, Ph.D., J.D.
Author, Selling: Powerful New Strategies for Sales Success

I have the Catalog of the British Museum Exhibition: "Forgotten Empire, the world of Ancient Persia" by the same authors. This book's text is essentially the same as the text in the catalog. The exhibition, and this book, mark a turning point in our appreciation of the legacy of the Ancient Persians in 'western' civilization. For too long the Greek texts colored western opinions of the Persians. This consise, clear, well-reasoned study begins to correct that biass. Oh - and the illustrations are exquisite!

The exhibition was absolutely wonderful with material from Louvre,British Museum,National Museum of Iran,my eyes were filled with tears as soon I walked into the exhibition rooms and I remembered my first visit to Persepolis(Parse) as a child.Cyrus the Great laid the foundation for an Empire based on tolerance for other cultures and traditions and the Great king and Persians demonstrated their desire for other nations to maintain their own ethnocultural traditions.I recommend this book specially to readers who wish to get the correct information contray to the repeated Macedonian propaganda and I hope this book will be available in Persian language for that group of my compatriot who have forgotten their glorious past.The name of the book describes my point of view.

This large and attractive book is the work of two scholars from the Department of the Ancient Near East at the British Museum - John Curtis, the Keeper of the Department, and Nigel Tallis, his special assistant. It was created to accompany an exhibition of the museum's holding, and acts as something of a catalogue. But, it is so much more than that.

What this book really is is a history of Ancient Persia, illustrated with many colorful pictures of Persian artifacts. Many subjects are covered herein, ranging from a general history of Ancient Persia, through the royal table, religion, imperial administration, and transport and warfare. And last, but not least, is a chapter on the legacy of Ancient Persia.

Overall, I found this to be a very interesting book. It takes a very interesting look at certain subjects that are not adequately covered in most books - such as burial customs. Plus, I must say that the brightly colored pictures of the artifacts, such as Persian stamp- and cylinder-seals were worth the price of the book alone.

I think that this is an excellent book on Ancient Persia, one that is sure to please any student of ancient history.

I loved the book. There are hundreds of excellent quality photos, lots of descriptions, wonderful articles, and useful maps to help understanding the old Persia. It covers every aspect of life in ancient Persia: the government, the financial system and daily life. I have watched the photos every day and still want to watch them more. Articles are academically sound, easy to read and the book is well structured.

Another good thing about it is that, it reveals the bias introduced to the Ancient history by Greeks.

The book is an excellent introduction to the Persian Empire; the world's first true empire. From developing new forms of political administration, building roads that would inspire Rome, fromulating monotheism and fostering cultural tolerance, the Persians were innovators in every sense of the word. Sadly this world is all too often forgotten or only mentioned in passing. This is an excellent beginning for anyone interested in the history of Iran, whose people trace their roots- both ethnically and culturally- to the world of ancient Persia.

this book is well orgnized and clear stated. It contains many concepts about evo-devo field. Also this version includes many updated information about development and evolution.
Start from very basic phenomena and go further to the molecular level. Easy to read for anyone who is interested in this field.

Excellent book. Had to get it for my Evo-Devo class, and ended up loving it. It's plastered with genetic lingo, so if you've never taken a genetics or developmental biology class, you might struggle a bit, but what do you expect with a book called DNA to Diversity? For all you debaters out there, Sean Carroll heavily sides with the cis-regulatory argument of genetic modification, so beware to all you trans people. Not only was this book a joy to read, but it's handy as well. It's about half the size of a normal textbook, so it's easy to move.

We have about 25,000 genes. Some of these are "tool kit" genes that we share with all other animals. They evolved well before the Cambrian explosion over 540 million years ago from a bilaterally symmetrical common ancestor. Almost exact counterparts are found in apes and mice, and close counterparts in arthropods and worms. Next to most genes is a stretch of so-called "junk DNA" that does not code for genes. These DNA segments contain from three to twenty (or more) switches that collectively turn that gene on or off. The switches are activated or repressed by the differing concentration gradients of the protein products of other genes produced by neighboring cells. By virtue of the servo-feedback loops creating unique combinations of the protein products of tool kit genes, cells of the early embryo create a geographical map of their future body.

An escalating orchestra of domino effects builds complexity, each new development affecting the others. The tool kit genes and the other core genes that control biochemical function from bacteria to man are resistant to mutation. Novelty and speciation comes from the infinite variety of changes that come from the readily mutable genetic switches - allowing for changes in a segment without mortally wounding the rest of the animal. Not a single biologist 40 years ago would have predicted these discoveries.

The exciting developments of evo-devo have sent jolts of electricity through the evolutionary community. Nothing basic has been overturned; much has been enhanced. For example: It used to be thought that eyes had evolved independently many, many times - after all, the lumps of light sensitivity in primitive wormlike creatures, the compound eyes of insects, and the eyes of mammals have more differences than commonalities. As it turns out, the making of each eye-like organ is directed by a PAX6 tool kit gene. Not only that, if the PAX6 gene from the mouse is artificially introduced into the genetic material destined for the leg of the fly, an eye will form on the fly leg...and it's not a mouse eye - it's a fly eye. The mouse PAX6 gene switches - influenced by chemical gradients from adjacent tissue in the fly embryo - cause the gene to produce a fly eye! Astounding!

Tool kit genes (and other genes) are frequently named after the anomaly that doesn't develop when that gene is absent. The TINMAN gene controls development of the heart and circulatory system from butterflies to badgers - named after the Wizard of Oz character who had no heart. The wealth of information presented in this book will surprise, educate, and entertain the reader - and evo-devo researchers have just scratched the surface. New graduates in biology are surging into this explosive and previously neglected science.

There are three other books that I know of that cover these captivating discoveries of the last 30 years:

"Coming to Life," by Christiane Nusslein-Volhard. This fine book, written by a Nobel Prize winner for her meticulous ground-breaking work on fruit flies emphasizes the concentration gradients, which are indeed central to the story.

"The Plausibility of Life," by Kirschner and Gerhart. These authors are so excited about the new findings, they think it deserves a name - facilitated variation - and of course, they thought of the name. It is an excellent book with more basic sciences than the book under review, emphasizing how evo-devo facilitates novelty through an enhanced Baldwin Effect.

"Endless Forms Most Beautiful," also by Sean B. Carroll, written more for the college graduate who has taken a little biology.

I have studied them all. For the general public, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" is the best. For those more familiar with molecular biochemistry and genetics, "DNA to Diversity" contains much more specific information - although anyone who would like one book would like the other.

"From DNA to Diversity" is a superbly written book -essential reading for the advanced reader who wishes to keep up with the stunning advances that have occurred in evolutionary knowledge during the past thirty years.

High School, College, Grad School? This book is at the grad school level. Carroll has also written Endless Forms Most Beautiful at the college level and The Making of the Fittest at the high school level. (You can check on "Read all my reviews" to read more about these.)

My own background is this: My formal education in biology consisted of an introductory course in college 40-odd years ago. Since then I've read a lot and in the last two years I've had a very strong interest in molecular and evolutionary biology. (For more info, click on my name, above. My Profile also has a link to my Listmania list of evolution books. Note that you don't have to be a grad student to read this book.)

I read From DNA to Diversity first and it was too much for me. I then read Endless Forms. That was pretty understandable, so I went back to Diversity and found it reasonable clear. I have since read it a third time and I am very fond of it.

Of the thousands of genes involved in the early development of animals, this book concentrates on a few, along with the proteins with which they interact and the various body parts they affect. Special attention is paid to the Hox genes and their insect homologues. Because these have large-scale effects in development, changes in them and in their regulation have profound effects on evolution. I especially enjoyed the section where Carroll combined many bits of information to show us the basic features that must have been present in the first bilaterally symmetric animal, that tiny but promising ancestor of us all. This is one of the bonuses we get for making the extra effort to read the grad-level book.

I find the text very clear and the overall organization - starting with the workings of the major toolkit genes, proceeding through descriptions of how those genes direct the overall shaping of the animal, and on to general considerations of evolution -- proceeds nicely.

[2 June 2007: This was one of the first reviews I wrote and I have added bits as my skills have improved. It got to be a bit patchy, so I have just finished a mafor revision.]

In a sense, Carroll has written the same book three times. "The making of the Fittest" is a work for the general reader explaining how our knowledge of genetics and embryonic development impacts and expands our knowledge of evolutionary biology (and vice-versa). His most famous book, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful," is aimed at college upperclassmen, and deal in more detail with the science of "Evo-Devo," evolutionary development. "From DNA to Diversity" covers much the same ground, but does so in a more technical and sophisticated manner. It appears aimed at graduate students and upper-division zoology majors. Presumably Carroll's next step it to write a graduate-level textbook. Toward the ent, "From DNA" reads like one.

It is a marvellous book, and like a text, it requires and rewards re-reading. Unlike a text, however, it virtually demands to be read in order; not only do the latter chapters build on the earlier ones, but the degree of difficulty in the presentation increases dramatically as the pages turn. As befits a book which assumes a sophisticated readership, there are fewer "detours" into polemics supporting green politics or mocking creationist theory. The photograpsh and the charts are terrific -- full color, clear, and as easy to read and interpret as the difficult subject matter will allow.

Because of the nature of the book, the discussion is less "thesis-bound" than Carrroll's other writings. Rather, he begins with a history of animal life, brings in detail about how embryonic development and genetic control of that process produces the diversity upon which natural selection can act, and weaves the two themes together to demonstrate how the process of forming animal bodies interacts with the changing environment to produce the multiplicity of animal forms we see today. And, Carroll goes on to show, the process is endless and at once aleatory and highly constrained.

I recall an episode of the old "Twilight Zone" series where a British World War One fighter pilot flies through a time warp and lands on an American Air Force base, circa 1960. He talks to one of the airman, and says, "We had no idea how advanced you are." The reader of Carroll's book is likely to have the same thoughts about the field of evo-devo. In Thirty years, these people have gone from the discovery of the nature of the DNA molecule to the brink of an ability to create life a test-tube. I had no idea they had advanced so far so fast.

A book I pass around alot! If you are concerned about Earth's natural resources and our future, this is a must read. The author explains the coming world production peak in conventional oil and the facts of dealing with finite resources.

Don't be surprised by the problems we face just around the corner in the new century in energy, minerals and water.

A very depressing book but a very important one if the author is correct. It covers resources of all types: water, metals, oil, arable soil, etc. as it relates to the various economies and lifestyles throughout the world. At the rate resources are being used up, in particular oil and gas, the standard of living outside of the Persian Gulf state could be materially affected in the next 50 to 100 years.

Read it at your own risk: it's going to paint a bleak picture of future mineral resources.

There are many good books on peak oil, but none fly as high as Youngquist's "Geodestinies", giving you an eagle-eye view of how the world works from a resource standpoint. Far more than just the mineral of oil is covered. Youngquist also delves into the role of minerals and good health, their use as currencies, the distribution of minerals around the world, and the most precious mineral of all: topsoil.

The range of what is covered is so vast I can't do justice to this book, but among other things, you'll learn the role of minerals and wars, civilizations, politics, and overviews of alternative energy sources. You'll emerge with a better understanding of how the world really works, what to invest in, and a deep appreciation of the amazing lives we're leading at this peak of civilization.

After I read this monumental book, I was sad and angry that history was never taught this way while I was in school. If there is one book you should have on your shelf for those who make it through the bottleneck of the coming ecological crash, this is it.

I have read thousands of non-fiction books as I walk to work and back ten miles a day -- this is the most important and life-changing book of all of them.

This is one of those rare works that has the power to transform society. It is extremely well written, easily readable and cites an extensive list of references.

This book should be required reading for all college freshmen, and should be included in every high school, college and public library.

It is unfortunate that the book is often out of stock and difficult to find.

While the book reads more like a high school textbook, for the inquisitive mind, the information imparted more than makes up for it. Learning the principle of doubling time and it's portent for future populaiton growth and resource depletion, alone is worth the price of the book. The information presented in the book is sobering and thought provoking, and not a little depressing.
Let's all hope that technology can deliver us from most of the doom and gloom presented in the book. As a geologist I was familiar with the limitations on our mineral resources but did not construct the relational scenarios that were presented in the book. The "oil interval" of earth history is overlooked by most people even in the sciences. It's far reaching implications points out the severe case of myopia from which our society suffers. The fact that we comsume 60% of our soon to be precious oil for the luxury of being able to run to the convenience store for a pack of gum is also sobering. Buy the book impart the information to your kids.

Grandpa's Tales is a wonderful book. I could not stop reading it when I started. Grandpa's Tales tells alot about hags, superstitions, and has many good stories. I rated this book 5 because it is an awesome book. Mrs. Greene is a very nice person, knowing her for a year as her student.

I think Grandpa's Tales was a really good book. It explained everything clear to me and it was really cool. All of the chapters were really good.my favriote one was when the girl climbed the tree and her grandma had told her before if she climbed up the tree it will die and she did anyway and later on the tree stared to die.I can't wait till Mrs. Greene come out with some more books because the ones that are already out are really cool and i like them alot. The superstions are really cool in the book to. I think that most of the are true. Hope you Enjoy.

Grandpa's Tales is a very nice book I enjoyed reading it because my grandmother and grandfather use to tell me, it scary and enjoyable I think it's great, but I mostly love the the part about the plat-eye because it the scariest. Grandpa's Tales is the best so far.

I think that that it was a very interesting book. It had very good details and every thing.

I thought that this book was good but i liked her 2nd one better. her superstions in this book were scary and wierd at the same time.this book was pretty good.

As someone who needs a concise, complete reference on a daily basis, I recommend this book as a wonderful 'base' book for hand surgery. No, it is not absolutely complete in every category (syndactyly repair comes to mind...), but it does really touch on the important considerations for the major categories in hand surgery. Much like 'Plastic Surgery,' originally edited by Converse, this book is the standard by which all others must be measured.

I have never had any problems with Amazon's service, deliveries are always on time and the book is exactly what they offered. The book is great, with state-of-the-art management of hand injuries. I definitely recommend it!

The books arrived on time, just a corner of the two books was a little twisted. That's not very important but for the price ...

this is the most complete and useful textbook i use, and so are surgeons around me

As a member of the Danish Society for Surgery of the Hand, I have spent a lot of time browsing this text-book which has become the bible of many hand-surgeon world-over. The book is a complete listing of diseases in the hand, and covers everything about it. This book not only covers the diseases but also includes the most wanted "author`s preferred method". Drawings are good and easy to apply on patients. This bible will always be the backbone of my handsurgery.

"The Growing" starts by an uprising of robots killing most of the people around them. The year is 2012 and robots have been used for quite some time as helpers in society, including recently in the armed forces. The main characters of the story are Koda Rivers a Lakota veterinarian and Dr. Kirsten King a computer genius and apparently the sole survivor of President Hillary Clinton's cabinet. They meet in North Dakota while Kirsten is trying to destroy the main robot factory. The plot is centered on the remaining survivors and their fight against the robots while trying to find why there was an uprising of the robots and why some women are taken prisoners by them.
The sci-fi background theme of "The Growing" is not new, and deals once again with the "dangers" of artificial intelligence. The authors are aware of what has been written on the theme before them, and pay homage to the classic "I Robot" stories by naming Kirsten King's dog Asimov. The main themes of the book are what are you willing to do to survive, how do you survive in a world that has become dependent on technology and is there a possibility to create an alternative world where technology mingles with nature? These themes intertwine with the love story between Kirsten, the rational scientist who has centered all her life around technology and Koda who merges technology and Lakota mysticism.
My main problem with this book is that I'm not a very mystical person. However, I found it interesting learning about the Lakota culture, the characters are well drawn and the plot will probably keep you interested.

I have read several of Susanne's books in the past, and enjoyed them, but not necessarialy enough to long for the next book to come out. Susanne's and Okkasha's writing of this book has changed my mind. The book starts out with just enough information about the story to tease you on to the next page and then the next chapter. Very soon you find your mind in a world of androids and you start to wonder where we have gone wrong. This book is a wonder in combining technology and the spirit world of the past and does it in a way that is believable. Value for money was an extra plus for this book. I am very glad they published this as one book and not broken down into several smaller books. Thanks for sticking to your beliefs, because for me it made the reading experience fulfilling. The book has an ending that suffices, But.... I hope there is a sequel!!

One of the best ubers as well as one of the best SF novels I've read in awhile.

(This review refers to the online version of this novel) The Growing pre-dates the current BSG series on TV. There are similarities: an apocolypse created by the androids who have rebelled against their masters. Couragous, thoroughly drawn characters fighting against overwhelming odds. and there are differences: deep connections to Lakota spirituality/the land, a compelling friendship/romance between our two heroines, and hope (I stopped watching BSG because it was depressing me.)
The plot moves right along, you turn each page with eagerness mixed with dread. The realities, as they unfold, are grim and disturbing, and the heroism is inspiring and hope-filled. The science is solid and the writing is well done and well edited. No extra scenes, typos or missed opportunities. I can still bring scenes vividly to life in my mind's eye, 2 years after reading it.
If you like Asimov. Get this. If you like BSG. Get this. If you like action/adventure. Get this. If you like romance. Get this.
Then join the rest of us waiting eagerly for a sequel!

Veterinarian and Xena look-alike, Dakota Rivers finds herself teamed with robotics expert and Gabby look-alike, Kirsten King in this futuristic tale that delves into our native past.

It is a time when people all over the world use humanoid androids for handling menial tasks and heavy labor. Suddenly, the androids take over the world, killing most of the men and imprisoning the women. The few men left alive are forced to rape the women, from young teens to older women - as long as they're fertile, to ensure babies are born for the androids' long-term plans. Many people have escaped, including Dakota and Kirsten, and have massed together in a formidable military base. Their singular mission is to fight and win back their planet.

Using both futuristic technology and Lakota Indian customs, the authors have delivered a fantastic blend of time periods and have thoroughly impressed this reader. I've always enjoyed Suzanne Beck, but this is by far one of her best. This book includes:

- A budding, undeniable romance between the main protagonists
- Fantastic imagery surrounding androids and possibilities for the future
- Wonderful examples of American Indian customs and religious beliefs
- A great cast of characters, including Dakota's brother, cousin, and father - who make the book extremely dimensional

This is most certainly a "don't miss" and will be a permanent addition to my personal bookshelf.

Dr. Prieskorn offers up a beautiful story about his ongoing conversations with God. The story is told in simple, every-day language with examples that everyone can relate to. A great book for the holiday season!

Helaing Journey was given to me at a time when I needed some guidance and the book did just what I wanted. It helped me to see the simplicity of moving through any tough time in life. John presents in an easy to follow format and he keeps everything simple and easy to understand. John took me by the hand and led me into a beautiful healing journey. He did this gently and with a great caring spirit. I continually use the book as a reference whenever I feel "stuck". I am sure the book will continue to renew my spirit and teach me for many years to come. Thank you for a most beautiful book.

The Healing Journey is wonderful, uplifting and I highly recommend it. The author offers solutions to living life succesfully with the day-to-day realities of our life by introducing simple and powerful tools for transformation, leading you to stop judging (mainly yourself) and to start practicing another way of life. John Prieskorns personal stories and lesson will heal your heart. This inspiring book is a must read.

That wondrous something that dwells within us all, is revealed through John's book. He has captured the essence of discovery of "self" and the path it takes to achieve enlightnment. John has taken his experience and put into a format that frees the reader to obtain a workable principle for mastery. This is a book not only for my students, but for students of life. Thank you John for being a leader among lifes confusion.

If anything in your life could use a little healing, Healing Journey will prove invaluable to you. This is not the usual self-help book that tells you what is wrong with you and how to fix it. No, this is a book written in partnership with the reader, gently opening new doors of understanding and offering many opportunities for the reader to develop new tools to use in healing anything that needs healing, including relationships, business affairs as well as physical and mental health.

The message is clearly and interestingly presented. At the end of each chapter, the reader is offered several provocative questions to reflect upon which can be life transforming. This is a reader-friendly book filled with insights that can change your life.

This is a must-have resource. Gorgeous illustrations, detailed descriptions and referenced by the leaders in the field.

it is amazing that such an authoritative text can actually be written. but there it is!. a masterpiece, which is so encompasing that words fail. braunwald has a tradition and every new edition is a towering giant over the previous.seeing is beleiving, thus i strongly recommend this text to any one wishing to perfect himself in any aspect of cardiology.

Anyone familiar with Dr. Braunwald's superb cardiovascular exploits in the "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" would not be surprised by the richness of this book.
The diligently crafted chapters are comprehensive, authoritative, well-illustrated, and include all the 'ins' and 'outs' of contemporary cardiology. It is one of the most consistent and coherent multi-authored texts in the field.
This single-volume CD-ROM package is a rich blend of evidence based medicine, best practice, and all the user-flexibility an e-book enthusiast would expect.

Dr. James Thogtam: A classic book for those in the field

WITH THE SEVENTH EDITION OF BRAUNwald's Heart Disease, the editors have accomplished an impressive feat: improving on an already classic text. With 36 new chapters and full-color figures and photographs, the new edition is substantially altered in both content and appearance. Compared with the rather limited color-plate photographs in the sixth edition, the color photographs, figures, and tables in each chapter significantly enhance the new text.

Informative chapters on the foundations of cardiovascular medicine remain, including detailed discussions of history taking, physical examination, and electrocardiography, topics often overshadowed in an era of rapidly progressive medical technology.....

The seventh edition of Braunwald's Heart Disease would be a worthy addition to the medical library of any practicing cardiologist, cardiology fellow, or health care practitioner with a special interest in heart disease.

THIS MASTERPIECE IN CARDIOLOGY BRINGS TO SPECIALISTS AND HEALTH PROVIDERS IN GENERAL THE APPROACH TO KNOWLEDGE FOR SUCCEDING IN THEIR TASKS.SINCE THE BASIC AND SIMPLE TO THE MOST COMPLEX UPDATED AWARENESS, THIS ENCYCLOPEDIA CONVEYS THE READER THROUGH THE RIGHT PATH, AS A DIDACTIC AND AMUSING STORY OF CARDIOLOGY.
RAUL M. MARCH MD

Back in 1975, Charles Johnson wrote/published THE HISTORY OF THE HELL HAWKS, a massive, well-illustrated 620+ page chronicle of the 9th AF's 365th Fighter Group in WWII. That book is THE definitive history of the "Hell Hawks" but Bob Dorr and Thomas Jones' new HELL HAWKS book makes a nice complement to Johnson's book. And, since Johnson's book is long out of print with copies selling for $350.00(!), the Dorr/Jones book should fill the bill nicely.

HELL HAWKS is certainly well-written and does a good job of relating the combat activities of the 365th. According to the book, over 80 Hell Hawks personnel or family members were interviewed for the book and it shows in the vivid descriptions of air combat found in the book.

To be honest, I would have given HELL HAWKS 4 1/2 stars if that was possible. It did a marvelous job of relating the Group's combat achievements but didn't have as much information on behind-the-scenes/life-in-the-squadron matters, etc. which I personally enjoy reading about.

The book has an 8-page photo insert and, as others have mentioned, a cover photograph showing an 8th AF 78th FG ace!

HELL HAWKS will do just fine for air combat enthusiasts. It's a well-written, fast-paced account of air combat and equally thrilling ground attack missions 9th AF-style. Recommended.

****
Damn, Am I sorry I sold my copy of Johnson's book years ago...$350.00!?!

365th veteran Charles Johnson wrote his comprehensive "History of the Hell Hawks" in the early '70s but only a limited number were published and if a copy can be found, it is very expensive. This new look at the group reasserts the history of this important outfit into the public eye. More importantly, the authors captured more personal stories of the 365th members that otherwise would soon be lost forever. For those who don't want to read through a long boring group history, this is the book for you! It is very well written and fast paced. I thank the authors for this wonderful work. Jay Jones, author of "The 370th Fighter Group in World War II".

The "Hell Hawks" is an excellently written and accurate presentation depicting the role of the P-47 pilots from D-Day through the end of WW II. The combination of fascinating aerial accomplishments and statistics are woven together to present an extremely accurate and equally fascinating tale of the role these dedicated and daring pilots played in destroying the vaunted Nazi war machine. It is a "must read" for anyone interested in World War II as it puts the American dedication and sacfrice into perspective.

Although I am only halfway through this book I am really enjoying it. I deals with American P-47 fighter bombers in the European theater. I never realized before how much more dangerous air-to-ground combat is compared to air-to-air. Pretty exciting stuff and very well written. (P.S. I do not live in Rock Hill, SC. I live in Denton, TX)

As the owner of many of Bob Dorr's books, I have come to expect that anything he produces will be well-researched, well-presented, and very well-written. "Hell Hawks!" is right up there not only with Dorr's other works but with the best in Be There combat writing. Here's an example: "The German pilot ran flat-out low...threading the needle between a church steeple and tall brick smokestack. Narrow streets raced under the wings of Kraman's P-47 as he engaged the throttle button triggering emergency water injection. His Pratt & Whitney surged as Kraman squeezed off short bursts at his quarry, the enemy banking abruptly left and right to throw off the American's aim. Across the Rhine, farther into Germany, the pair raced east..."

Dorr and co-author Thomas D. Jones (USAF Academy grad, ex-B-52 driver, veteran of four NASA space shuttle flights) also rightly recognize the guys who weren't strapping into the 365th Fighter Group's P-47s: "The men with stripes on their arms didn't pilot Jugs, but they made warfare in the Jug possible." We tend to forget that the aircraft of WW II, after all, were just 15 years removed from Lindbergh's Ryan NYP of 1927 but were very complex machines. The authors salute the men with the stripes well.

The results of close to 200 interviews of 365th FG veteans, other combat vets, family members, and more, plus four years of research, "Hell Hawks!" is loaded with the day-to-day details of fighting a tenaciously fierce enemy, demonstrating throughout the book that ground attack combat was a deadly way to earn your flight pay. The authors bring the personalities of the young pilots alive as well as provide a big picture of Allied strategy and the pace of war from D-Day to victory. This is an excellent book not only for military historians but for anyone who enjoys aviation writers at the top of their game. Splendid!