S Books

i've read almost all of simon's plays - excluding the musicals, as i feel they won't translate well without the music - and rumors is by far the funniest, snappiest of them all. if i were at a performance, i know i would forget that i was in a theater at the time, just as i got so wrapped up in the play sometimes that i couldn't remember i was reading! a must-read for any simon fan, and a good entry into his work for those who've never read anything he's written.

I acted in this play last year. it was the first time my school did a student produced play and it was the best play any group in our whole city has put on. all my friends wanted to buy the video and my "play husband" and i still joke about it. i played claire which was quite hard for me considering i had to be really mean. but it was the funniest play i've even acted in.

Rumors is a play that is perfect for the stage. It is filled with quick-wit humor, lively action, entertaining real-life dialogue and the plot construction is brilliant. Most of Simon's plays would make a fun movie with colorful characters, and I don't know if a movie version has ever been done.

Neil Simon is truly one of the funniest playwrights ever. I have not read anyone else who can match his comedic talent for playwriting. It is a style that his clearly his own.

Rumors moves very fast, never a dull moment and is what sticks out for me is the humorous dialogue. It's not one-liners, it's real.

The play takes place in New York in a Victorian house in Sneden's Landing. All characters appear to be financially comfortable. The play consists of about 4-5 couples who enter at different stages.

The story focuses on a couple, Chris and Ken, in their mid-thirties, who arrive at the home of Charley, deputy mayor of New York, and Myra for their 10th anniversary party. Myra is gone, the Chinese maid is gone, the dinner is thawing out on the table, pasta is in the pot with no water and they discover that Charley shot himself in the head but he has only managed to nick his earlobe.

To prevent a scandal, Chris and Ken plot to keep the truth out, rumors of why the attempted suicide begin and the fun starts when the guests start arriving and everyone schemes to cover up the attempted suicide.

This is brilliant comedy.....MzRizz

RUMORS was first performed in the early days of the 1990s. So much has changed since then. Yet, one of the tests of a classic is it's staying power. Though I wouldn't say that RUMORS is a classical comedy, it is a modern gem that has staying power.

RUMORS was written by Neil Simon. It takes place in upper Manahattan at the home of Charley and Myra Brock. The Brock's are holding a party to celebrate their 10th Wedding Anniversary. However, the first guests to arrive at the home, Ken and Chris Gorman, hear a gun shot. They find Charley upstairs bleeding from the head, Myra and the servants missing, and a bunch of frozen and half-thawed food in the kitchen. Soon after the other couples for the parties begin arriving and the Gormans do everything they can to keep the truth from leaking out until they figure out exactly what has happened.

I've acted in RUMORS twice and have thorougly enjoyed it both times. Performing in a Neil Simon play is always fun. However, the play does have one drawback. In his early days, Simon kept his plays from being too vulgar. However, since the mid 1980s, Simon's plays have become increasingly filled with foul language, making many of his unaltered shows unfit for family audiences. RUMORS was written near the beginning of this pattern, so though it's no ODD COUPLE, it's not as bad as some of his later shows either.

As an actor, I've been in many plays (comedies especially), and I can honestly say that this is one of the funniest plays I have ever seen (or performed...). The great thing about this one is it NEVER gets old. You can watch it four nights in a row, listen to the jokes over and over again (both of which were done), and it stays funny, and entertaining! An incredible masterpiece by Neil Simon. Filled with one-liners, insanity, funny personalities and character traits, sarcastic comments, visual gags, and all other types of comedy you can think of, this one does not stop entertaining!

I simply couldn't put this book down! I found myself laughing out loud, tearing up, and refusing to turn the page until I re-read a passage that simply gripped my heart. I loved getting to know each of those children at the Hogar, and then hearing how their lives unfolded after 25 years. I also found the first hand perspective on Chile's political oppression in the 80s fascinating. This is a book I will read again.

After studying about Chile's dictatorship, one learns about the history and the ensuing events, but from afar. Through writing Santiago`s Children, Steve Reifenberg has done a masterful job of bringing Chile`s complicated history to the reader in an accessible and extremely thoughtful way.

As a US citizen living in Chile, I am grateful he was willing to share his insights and experiences with all of us as he not only gives a much fuller context to today`s Chile, but he also reminds us that we can get as much out of any experience as we give!

Reifenberg does a fantastic job with this memoir. The stories of the orphans he works with are engrossing, and his own story is quite interesting to follow as well. He also writes about the brutal dictatorship in Chile which is very much tied to why his orphanage is so important. I would highly recommend this book, especially for people who are interested in international service.

I read Santiago's Children after returning from a long-term volunteer placement in Latin America, and was thoroughly impressed. This book provides an unusually realistic account of volunteer work in a developing country. Although Steve Reifenberg occasionally sees dramatic results, he also learns to appreciate slow changes and small-scale victories in the lives of the children with whom he works. He depicts Chileans responding to political oppression not with heroic displays, but with quiet acts of kindness, courage, and generosity.

Fortunately, you don't have to be an international traveler to enjoy this well written and engaging story. Its protagonist, the young Steve Reifenberg, is a complex, down-to-earth, and entirely likeable character. Steve offers honest, self-deprecating accounts of his successes and failures, enthusiasm and frustration. His love for the people and places he discovers, and especially for the children of Hogar Domingo Savio, is apparent in every anecdote. He comes away from his experience in Santiago with a universally useful lesson: "I learned to believe that maybe it was not a bad thing to have big dreams, even if sometimes they fell short."

I read Santiago's children coming from two places :

First as an avid reader of autobiographies. This one will remain a gem in my memories. It is seldom that one finds a life story so well written, funny, terribly moving, sad, authentic and yet so humble. Reifenberg takes you from the first chapter to the very last page through numerous simple - yet incredible - everyday life stories in Chile. This book combines epics from the childhood of Chilean orphans, their wonderful "mama", Chilean history and includes Reifenberg's own story in the background. I roared with laughter, was moved to tears, even sobbed and did not want this unforgettable book to finish. A must read for anyone !

Secondly relating to the book as a career counselor. I wish that the choices my clients made could often take this path of self-reflection, as long, thorough and difficult as it may be. But where in the end one senses that the person has found his or her core values, the ones that will enable them a fulfilling career and life. Reifenberg seems to have set the ground for a lifelong self-understanding and calling during those two years in Chile.

First published by Cassell & Co. in 1949, Winston Churchill goes to the meat of the subject of World War II. It starts with Winston taking the helm in 1940 with a National Coalition government. The fall of France, the deliverance of Dunkirk all melds into an English National nightmare for Mr. Churchill.
The agony of an eminent invasion of Hitler's Teutonic forces leads Winston to declare "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." Next came the Battle of Britain in which Churchill utters the classic statement of this great struggle, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." Winston was in charge during this extraordinary historical event.
Winston describes his Naval relationship with FDR and with continued prodding convinces him into the remarkable program of Lend-Lease. It is here that Winston is both an excellent Salesman and a proper Statesman. He neither comes hat in hand nor does he come as a demanding potentate. He merely states the facts of the situation as they are. In the long run Roosevelt agreed.
Germany finally violates Russia. England is joined at the hip to the Russian Bear. What choice did England have? The long wait of fighting Germany alone was over. Pray tell what of a Grand Alliance with the giant of North America.
I found this book to be the highlight of Winston's writing of the Second World War. If you don't read it, shame on you!!

As a late boomer (47) one of my earliest memories was watching Churchill's funeral on TV. I remember feeling it was such a solemn occasion, I wasn't sure exactly why at three years old, but I felt it. Many years later I live on the other side of the planet. I met Winston's grandson, who was my local MP before I left England.
This is a fascinating insight into the situation, of decisions made and my first, first hand read from his own hand, there are many very important decisions made, on the hoof, with lives at stake, national identities at stake.
I intend to read more, from his WW1 books, to hopefully gain a clearer idea of what happened in the Dardinelles, an event which is used to create a pivot for the national identity here.

In the first half of Vol. 2, 'Their Finest Hour', Churchill covers the Battle of France. As new Prime Minister he sets up his Coalition Government to fight the 'common cause' and prepare for the War. Germany was already in France and the Western Front was under attack. The Belgian Government was striving to remain neutral and soon all was being lost in the 'deluge of disaster'. The Germans broke the Maginot line and soon the Battle of France was lost. There was the successful deliverance of the British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk and the preparations to defend the home front.

The second half deals with the Battle of Britain with Hitler preparing for 'Operation Sea Lion'. In order for the invasion of England to be successful, Germany first had to control the air. London and various areas were shaken but neither the spirit nor the Country destroyed. Italy was on the move, in the Mediterranean, and invading the African coast. The Battle of Britain was won and the RAF had 'Their finest Hour', but the War was far from over. This volume covers the timeline of May 10, 1940 to Jan. 5, 1941.

It should be noted and remembered that England stands in a different position militarily than France. England is a small, ancient, insular island that has withstood many centuries of assaults and attempted invasions. So when Hitler and his forces sought to make the same attempt, not only the RAF and the Royal Navy but history was standing against them. Also it wasn't just England alone that was fighting. It was also their devoted Commonwealth, Dominions and Empirical Attachments that were involved in the war. England was pulling resources from all over their Empire. For instance, Australia and New Zealand were fighting on the African coast and in Greece.

America, under FDR, was moving closer to the war with the Lend-Lease Act and Japan was watching in the wings. Hilter was changing his war direction and moving into the Eastern Front. Stalin was changing his alliance with Hitler and moving closer to Britian and the United States. The impact and weight of the World's destiny was in the balance and starting to slowly shift. Nothing was yet certain and U-Boat packs still prowled the ocean.

This is another of those 'deserves to be read' books. Churchill fills in the volume with his correspondence and hindsight. It is good to read and become acquainted with Churchill's thoughts and this fateful time, in history, so that hopefully there will be no repeating of these terrible events. Well worth adding to the Library.

Americans have a warped view of history, and little understanding of the role of aristocracy and class in history--our own or Britain's. Churchill was a card carrying member of the aristocracy; one of the small group of men who ran England up to, and through, World War II. Their Finest Hour is an amazing documentation of the very height, and at the same time, end, of the all powerful aristocracy in England.

Churchill's second volume of his Six Volume history of the Second World War begins with May, 1940, as the German army is rolling through Luxembourg and Belgium (both clinging to their neutrality right up to the minute the German tanks crossed the border), toward a woefully unprepared France (still reliant upon the Maginot Line, which in turn depended on Luxembourg and Belgium neutrality.

Churchill has just assumed the post of Prime Minister, after having spent the prior year (and several before that) as an outsider bemoaning the refusal of Britain (and France) to prepare to meet the rising German threat. Those years of exile are the subject of volume one.

The present volume focuses on the extraordinary difficulties Churchill and others in the British government faced once the war actually began. Once France was forced to surrender, Germany was left in what most of us think of as continental Europe without any enemies. It had allied itself with fascist Italy, made peace with Stalin, conquered Poland and France, neutralized Spain, and occupied Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands.

In this sense, Britain stood alone. There was a very real risk that Germany could invade and conquer Britain in the Summer and early Fall of 1940. The German bombing of London was increasingly effective, and the British army was in total disarray, having just been forced to abandon France, leaving most of its equipment behind. Just how worried Churchill was comes through clearly and terrifyingly in this volume. Had Germany succeeded, the world might look very different today--the Second World War would have been transformed into a truly intercontinental war, with Asia and Europe allied against North America.

Of course, Britain was not really "Alone." Greece and Turkey were firm allies; Bulgaria and Yugoslavia stood against Hitler and Italy; and Britain controlled most of what we today think of as the third world--from Gibraltar at the southern tip of Europe, to Egypt, to South Africa, India, Malaysia and Burma, and Australia. Only by adopting a firmly eurocentric view of the world (which Churchill clearly had) can he title this volume "Alone."

Churchill and the rest of his government were able to move seamlessly into power, and immediately take control of this world wide empire precisely because of the peculiarly insular class system that ruled Britain. Even as an outsider, Churchill clearly had full access to all of the centers of power. He could not bend and shape them, but he was fully in the loop. Personal relationships and lifelong associations meant that he regularly met with leaders at all levels of the power structure--including most importantly (but by no means exclusively) top politicians and naval personnel. This sort of access by "losing" politicians in the United States today is unimaginable. Can anyone seriously envision Bush allowing the head of the CIA to meet regularly with Howard Dean to review the intelligence about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq?

The only weakness in this volume is Churchill's over reliance on his own contemporaneous telegrams and memos. he was absolutely prolific, apparently having dictated dozens of multi-page memos daily--yet still finding time to run the government. While fascinating historically, they really are bureaucratic memos. The first volume, by relying more on narration and less on historical documents, allowed Churchill greater reign to his incredible skill with the English language. Here, long sections read like just what they are--official documents written in haste, for the historical record.

That said, his brilliant use of words shines through. The most stirring passage is toward the end--his eulogy in November, 1940, for Neville Chamberlain, who more than anyone was responsible for "appeasing" Hitler. Rather than lapse into "I told you so", he marshals some of the most stirring words ever written to praise Chamberlain; urging history to judge him on the strength of his character rather than the results of his actions, which are subject to the fickleness of history.

In sum, this is a remarkable book, chronicling a remarkable time in history, written by a remarkable man who played a central roll in events. I can think of no other book by anyone at anytime which brings together all three of these elements--and is well written!

After reading this book, you truly begin to see how narrow minded the average American perception of World War II really is. Not to discount the magnificant American battles such as the landing at Normandy or the Battle for Midway, but the Battle for Britain was absolutely the finest display of honor and courage throughout the entire war. This tiny island and it's courageous people stood alone and stood tall against not only the behemoth Nazi-German menace, but at the same time fought the Mussolini in northern Africa and awaited the Japanese onslaught in their Australasian colonies. It's an absolutely inspiring work, and it's an absolute sin that American schools don't teach the story of how the British people shined so brightly during their darkest hour.

I bought two for two of my grandsons - they were absolutely delighted with the book! They both felt it was full of information they had never learned.

I ordered this book for my boyfriend, a former Marine. Reviews claimed it was the best of its kind, but I was not prepared for something as beautiful as this. It's taking a lot of self-control on my part to not break gift-giving etiquette by flipping through and reading every page. I'm very excited and can't wait to give it to him for his Marine Corps birthday.

No real surpises or shocks to anyone who knows the history of the corps; but if you aren't familiar then it is a great overview. The pictures, MOH commendations, and other sidebars are also excellent. A copy of this should be on every coffee table in America.

This book was placed in our local library in memory of Staff Sergeant William J. Daniels, United States Marine Corps.(Ret.). It is the best book I have ever seen on the Marine Corps and proud to have placed it there in his honor.
Signed: Robert Morgan

My husband enjoyed this book so much. It is well written, the research well done and the photos awesome. He appreciated the chapter on the war in Iraq as well. It made a great gift on Valentines day including a Globe & Anker cake *grin*

I recently started reading Forgotten Realms books again, after taking a break for several years and I must say that thanks to Paul Kemp, I am hooked again. The two trilogies featuring Erevis Cale and friends are some of the best FR material I've ever read. I'm also very impressed with the way Paul interacts with his fans via his blog. You can almost see the creative process at work. I've already pre-ordered Shadowrealm: The Twilight War Book III.

Another great Forbidden Realms trilogy.

Hard to believe that all this can occur though without the attention of Mystra's Chosen One's. I would have thought Elminster would have been all over these Shadovar like a rash.

And at the same time the Spider Queen Lady Penitent trilogy is happening simultaneously.

Can't wait for the final installment!

Shadowstorm reveals why Paul S. Kemp's name is synonymous with the Forgotten Realms. His characters have motivations that any reader can relate to and have shown that shared world fiction is just as poignant and valuable as the latest New York Times Bestseller. His exploration of the anti-hero is something our culture is deeply fascinated with, and Kemp does it well. Erevis Cale is the dark knight of our dreams, powerful and mysterious. Each character's suffering humanizes the sword and sorcery of the setting, and makes the Forgotten Realms a very real place. I highly recommend you read Shadowbred and Shadowstorm, as well as the final book in the series, Shadowrealm.

Its just an awesome book.
You can't put it down, the pace and the action drag you along. And if your a DnD fan its even better.
Order it now!
If you havn't read the other Ervis Cale books. I'd go and read the previous ones first.

Mr. Kemp has done another terrific job of providing a read that draws one in immediately and doesn't let go till the book ends. The characterization, as always with Kemp's books, is top notch and the action doesn't allow you to put the book down. It is easy to see why Mr. Kemp is being heralded as one of the best writers in the business.

Each of Mr. Kemp's books is better than the last, and this is no exception. Shadowstorm is a must read for people who know the characters from Paul's other books from Midnight's Mask through Shadowbred. Even if Shadowstorm is the first book you've pick up in the story arc, it is written so that previous knowledge is not necessary and you will be pleased and entertained. One and all will be left waiting anxiously for the next book in the series. Bravo on another work well done.

This is possibly one of the best derm book for student/resident. It's clear, concise, & well organize. Enjoy this book much better than Fitzpatrick. I especially love the appendix that include differential diagnoses per body region.

Excellent book, good pictures. I like the grouping by body part and specific classifications of dermatologic disorders.

Fantastic book, I absolutely love it. Lots of nice pictures,the book was much better than I had expected - a great buy!

The pictures were excellent, each disease also had a differential and there were small bonuses regarding pediatric patients. Book is well organized and easy to read. Perfect for a med student, and even for residents

This is an excellent book! I'm using it in NP school. It provides a 1-2 page explanation of the skin disorder along with pictures.
thanks

A friend gave me this book because I haven't been sleeping well lately. Since all that has happened in the world, it is so nice to find a book that can discuss tragedy and fear in such helpful and comforting manner. I highly recommend it.

This book has comforted me on nights when I just can't fall asleep. Although I still struggle somewhat with sleepless nights, it's nice to know there are others out there like me, and that it doesn't always have to be this way. It was comforting without lecturing me about my lifestyle or decisions, and was a good choice as an initial purchase to get me on the road to a full night's sleep.

"The Sleep Book, a bedside companion" is aptly named. From the cover and inside design, to the gentle color choice of the first page, to the easy flow of topics, this book is a comfort to have next to my bedside. The author is honest, humorous and compassionate, and peppers her own writing with a spectrum of quotes from all kinds of sources. Arranged in alphabetical order by topic (...imagination, pain, passion, ritual, try, yawn, zzzzz...), I haven't read it straight through. I open it up to a page and start reading, one thing leads to another and I find myself more relaxed. This book is easier than a cup of chamomile tea. Treat yourself or someone you love.

Aunt Laya author of the self help book for young adults, "You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way"

Unlike other 'self-help' or 'how to' books, THE SLEEP BOOK isn't preachy or patronizing. It just has practical information to teach me about, and help me to find, a good night's sleep. A refreshing take on an often frustrating task. I recommend it.

I came across this book in a bookstore right when I was complaining about my sleepless nights to my husband. The other books about sleep contained dated photos, charts and figures. We found "The Sleep Book" by Jody Grant-Gray, to be filled with entertaining information, and highly useful tips for sleep. The author seemed to understand why I wasn't sleeping! And then she told me how to get there. Useful, comforting, and entertaining. This book is a delight! My husband is happy I bought it, and that doesn't usually happen...

I attended an educational session at Milwaukee Area Technical College where Michael was one of the guest speakers. His presentation about his military service in Vietnam, and his healing process in Africa were very vivid. At the end of the session I obtained an autographed copy of his book. Once I started reading it I just could not stop. Each day I completed several chapters. I like his descriptiveness of the settings and the events. It's just amazing how much one person is able to take during military service.

Having served in the army, and completed infantry training at Ft. Polk as Michael, I could easily identify with the events he discussed and followed his presentation which was quite gripping. The book really highlights his presentation in many ways. It is appealing to the senses, and presents a compelling case on the issue of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and its devastating impact on the lives of veterans.

My heart goes out to all of our veterans. Military service is not as glamorous a profession as the recruiters and the news media have portrayed. Many are still suffering from the trauma of war. Hopefully, they will receive the right type of medical treatment. Michael has certainly pulled the covers from over what is not being told to soldiers entering the military. If only they knew, some would probably have taken a different career route. This book is truly educational. It highlights the agony of living with PTSD, and the clash of cultures veterans' battle with on a daily basis while crying out for help. This is a great job Michael. All The Way!!!

Other books to read for relaxation are: Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul; Everyday Miracles; and The Language of Poetry Forms.

Michael Orban, like so many other veterans, came home from war a damaged soul. His story is gripping........he takes you down to the ugly bottom of despair, through drugs and alcohol and the misery of life on the street. Part of that despair comes from returning to a world that doesn't understand his mental anguish. Then he goes to Africa where he devotes his life to helping and observing and learning from others as he heals himself. He skillfully drew me into his hell with details I'll never forget...and as he shared his growing insight, my empathy for the current crop of returning troops deepened (Mike's war was in Vietnam, but today's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are no different in the tragic and traumatic effect they are having on our soldiers.) It's a must-read for anyone who wants to understand what so many of our returning troops are experiencing. And a therapeutic read for veterans who don't know what has happened to them

Michael Orban served as a 20-year-old infantry soldier in Vietnam and in his superbly written autobiography "Souled Out: A Memoir Of War And Inner Peace" takes the reader along on his journey through a disastrous war and into his experiences of loneliness, emptiness, spiritual scarring and psychological destruction. Michael writes candidly of his time in the remote jungles of Africa and a world where humanity is mired in superstitions, omens, black magic, witchcraft, sickness, disease, and every present death. Yet it is also a story of the simplistic beauty in people who are intimately connected to all of life and reverently dependent for purpose on their spirit world and their ancestor worship. Here presented are the oral historians reciting the history of their people, their suffering at the hands of the European colonists. "Souled Out" is also the story of Michael's recovering of spirit and peach through using native resources to build schools, reading the works of Albert Schweitzer while being hospitalized in Gabon, and laughing at Mark Twain's observations and stories. The underlying message of "Souled Out" is that the psychological wounds of war are as serious as the physical ones and can be remedied and recovered from, and that there is relief for and from them. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Souled Out" is highly recommended reading and an especially appropriate addition to community library American Biography collections.

I have know Mike for over 20 years. I married into the Orban fammily in 1985. He mentions in his book about living with us in Florida and how it never occured to him that it wasn't a normal situation. I remember it as being a wonderful time getting to know a very special person that just didn't have the same direction as some of us. He was always interesting to talk to and our boys were blessed to have Uncle Mike around them in their early youth.

Despite his inner struggles, Mike was always a positive person in all of our lives. After reading his book, I am able to better understand what he was trying to deal with in those years that he was with us.

I am so proud o him to have put it in writing to share with the thousands of vets that struggle with this syndrome. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Michael Orban creates a compelling read with his book "Souled Out." Open and honest, he takes us back to Vietnam and helps us understand what happens to the soul when one is faced with such traumatic experiences. His journey through recovery and his experiences are an inspiration to anyone who reads it. Difficult to put down, the messages are invaluable to anyone who has suffered a dramatic loss or event. I was able to apply many of his ideas to my own life.

My husband introduced me to this cookbook over 30 years ago and it has been a favorite ever since. The recipes are flavorful and easy to make. The section on spices is very informative and helpful. The only thing I do differently than spelled out in the recipes is to use fresh onions instead of dried.

This book is favorite of my mother's and was given to me. I am now sending a copy to my daughter. The recipies are outstanding.

I have had to replace this cookbook, because I have used it so much...I enjoy the artwork.
I am reminded of how at one time, food might have been very bland without spices.
I cherish this book and hope I will not have to replace it again...
If you find one, buy it...at ANY PRICE!

This cookbook was a gift from my mother. I have always used it for over 34 years to find unusual or special recipes. After I made several recipes that caused my mother (a wonderful cook) to rave, she said that she wished she had kept it for herself, instead of giving it to me. Recently, I found 5 used copies of the book that I bought for my two daughters, my daughter-in-law, two nieces, and my sister-in-law. It is the best cookbook. Too bad it is out-of-print! I wish the binding were made of steel, because I have had to mend mine several times--it is loved and cooked to pieces.

My mother and her two sisters each received this cookbook in the sixties for a Christmas present, and I was lucky enough to end up with one. This has been my "flagship" cookbook...the one I turn to again and again. The stories about spices are interesting, and every recipe I have tried I have used over and over for company as well as everyday meals. There is enough basic cookery information for even very new cooks. I want to give a copy to my daughter so this can be a legacy cookbook.

This thin volume provides an excellent introduction to many of the most important supreme court cases that shape this country, and could be used as a guide for further readings on them. Each chapter review a specific topic (separation of church and state, discrimination, etc.), with important cases looking at different aspects of it. Highly recommended!

After seeing a 60 MINUTES interview with Judge Scalia recently I wanted to know more about the Supreme Court. This was one of the most interesting books I have read in years. I read it in just a few days and would highly recommend it to anyone. It talks about the evolution of the Supreme court and their most important decisons, decisions that effect us everyday. Also it is written in plain english so you do not need to be a lawyer to understand and enjoy it. Great book!

From Marbury v. Madison to Gore v. Bush, this book covers the most important cases in Supreme Court history. It's very clear and concise, an absolute delight to read.

Sure, you've heard of many of the cases in this book. But do you know what the legal underpinnings of "Roe vs. Wade" actually are? Do you know how the court derives its power?

I've been talking to everyone I know about this little gem, because it is so darn readable, and so relevant. Yesterday my local paper ran a story about filtering software the local library may soon install. And this morning I finished the book after reading about the cases that are directly tied to this course of action. So I can speak more intelligently about this issue, and I can read the paper with a more informed perspective.

Many of the cases are introduced by discussing a logical framework that parallels the facts of the case. The case is then introduced, and the arguments and reasoning that drove the court are discussed. Wow, that makes it sound really boring. But on the contrary, its a fun read and each chapter is short and encapsulated. Highly recommended.

I bought this as a gift, decided I'd better preview it first, and now I don't want to give it up. I'm ordering another one. Believe what the other 5-star reviewers have written.