Events Books

I think it is a great book for children to read because it shows them that people their age can make a difference in the world. The stories are inspiring.

Freedom's Children was a very good book because it involved different interveiws by thirty people so every person's story was different. It is probably one of the best African-American books for children. I really recommend it to people who like true stories and the 50's and 60's. At some points it was depressing, and at some points it was happy.

Freedom's Children is filled with inspiring real life stories of children who lived in the 1950's. It tells about their separate lives and how they fought for Civil Rights. This book describes many aspects of the movement. One part is about the Little Rock Nine. I admire them for having enough courage to attend an all white school. They were made fun of and even physically threatened by fellow students. The book also tells about the bus boycott, Freedom Riders, and all the laws passed to make a better life for African Americans. I enjoyed this book mostly because of how much it taught me and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn

Many figures and groups of people are marginalized in the study of the Civil Rights Movement. This book is an excellent forum to give voice to the children of the movement. Especially powerful are the stories of students who were among the first to integrate. One student recounts the time when he asked a white friend to sign his senior year book. the white friend wrote "there was a time when I was a bigot and a racist... but knowing you changed me. I now know that people are people, black or white." He ended the entry by saying, "We shall overcome." Annecdotes like these illustrate the profound effect young people had on the movement. This book is a rich resource, and I recommend it to anyone. Though some parts are quite depressing, enough to make you cry, in the end you will feel a respect and appreciation for what "everyday" young people did to contribute to the movement. Essentially, a priceless collection.

Touching and powerfully honest personal accounts of the daily lives of children / youth in the Civil Rights Movement. Children surviving domestic terrorism in a culture of violence, ever hopeful of realizing " all men are created equal". Though it documents 'traumatic' incidents the focus is on courage , hope, and our personal responsibility for making the world a better world. For the children each day, each choice, each action made a profound vote for justice and equality. They are truly activists, and advocates for 'humanity'. Our elementary class uses this book to learn about and portray each person. They often seek to emulate them.The children respectfully honor these young heroes, and find their own 'voice'.

This book applies communitarian thinking, and Etzioni's widely recognized insight into organizational behavior and political science to pressing modern international problems.

For those who may not have had exposure to the word "communitarian", it refers to a line of thinking that embraces both rights and personal responsibilities simultaneously, not just one or the other. It seeks to address the question of how to create a better and more moral society, yet while resorting to neither big government nor to libertarian disregard for order and fairness. Societal problems should be solved by individuals and communities whenever possible (thus the word 'communitarian') and yet society should also not shrink from intervening through government when necessary.

As such, communitarian thinking has been indentifed with the 'moderate' or 'centrist' policies of Bill Clinton and Tony Blair, and has compared to the writing of "third way" thinkers such as Anthony Giddens. Communitarian thinkers have publicly praised communitarian initiatives of both Democratic and Republican administrations. This communitarian orientation integrally grounds the author's substantial contributions in international relations

Professor Amitai Etzioni's most recent book, "From Empire to Community", offers a thought-provoking commentary on global socio-political trends. The wholistic analytical prism through which Professor Etzioni assesses today's realities and extrapolates to a world in closer harmony breaks through traditional academic silos. Will our world ultimately realize a "legitimate global architecture", as Professor Eztioni suggests? Who knows? But that may not be the point. Rather, the value of this book resides more with its challenge to the reader to consider potentially logical implications of a world in which east-west cultures and values may be coming closer together more than we have understood.
Professor Etzioni conjectures that the world is migrating toward a security-driven global authority, and submits a rather convincing body of evidence in support of this hypothesis. The trend toward political unification in Europe, and the longstanding "sphere of influence" geographical driver of national foreign policy renders it difficult to dismiss this argument out of hand.
Certainly our global connectivity includes communications, capital markets, health, environment, and safety. Professor Etzioni submits that a higher and enduring global political order may emerge from such centripetal forces.
Professor Etzioni's extensive global life experiences, substantive underpinnings and keen mind are consistently in evidence throughout "From Empire to Community". Although one may cite countervailing trends, empirical data and opposing arguments to those submitted by the author, this reader finds high levels of satisfaction resulting from joining Professor Etzioni on his analytical journey. In short, "From Empire to Community" is a must read for those who appreciate a 360 degree commentary on our highly complex socio, political, cultural and
economic enviroment from one of our foremost global thinkers.

Stewart E. Sutin, Ph.D.
President
Community College of Allegheny County

Mr. Etzioni contends that the world is too rough of a place for nation states. That we need world government to contend with this evil entity called the internet. This treasonous book is a must read for every concerned citizen (probably about thirty total). Mr Etzioni comes from the infamous Council on Foreign Relations. This organization houses most of our political elite. It is responsible for a lot of our foreign policy. This isn't just some nut that wrote a book. This is the direction we are heading. Are you ready to give up your freedom for the New World Order? I'm not. Read this book and learn their strategies. Like how they substitute communitarianism for communism.

Etzioni's new book is in effect two books that contradict one another, each with a challenging and novel thesis. The first part argues that Western ideas about rights, autonomy and free markets are merely half of the moral narrative that ought to guide the development of a core of globally shared values. The other half, which the East brings to the table, are concerns for the common good, responsibility and community. He recognizes that these are far from alien concepts to the West, but especially when the USA "exports" values it neglects these "Eastern" values, as well, in recent history, at home. The thesis of an East West value synthesis is worth exploring in face of the arrogance of the West, claiming to have The Truth and treating others as heathens (Bush talks about crusades) and-- the East sense that the common good should guide all. A systensis of East West values does seem to have promise.
In contrast in part 2 From Empire to COMMUNITY , Etzioni makes a case for Western, at least U.S.A. domination. He points out that the U.S.A. has established, after 9/11, a global anti- terrorists police agency, supported by most nations of the world either out of self interest, or a sense that such a agency is needed, is legtimate, or because of American pressure. Etzioni key point is that although born out of might, such an agency make lay the foundation for a global state that can provide for more goods than fighting terrorists (E.g. humanitarian interventions) and a state it may gradually become more democratic. He points out that historical nations born out of force, such as Germany and the UK, became more democratic over time. An even more challenging thesis than the first one.
Thus while the first half deals with moral values, the second is much more grounded in real politics. While the first half plays down the role of the West, the second part is playing it up. One may wish that the true Etzioni stand up but one cannot deny the novelty and possible merit of both abutments.

You could buy Mr. Lackey's ridiculous harangue of Professor Etzioni's "From Empire to Community" or you could consider the glowing assessments by the likes of former National Security advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, Harvard Kennedy School ex-Dean Joseph Nye, Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, Dean Anne-Marie Slaughter of Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and vice-chair of the 9/11 Commission Lee Hamilton. Best bet would be to read Etzioni's book yourself. If you do, you'll find a reasonable and perceptive yet accessible account of the foremost international problem facing the United States and how best to deal with it by one of the world's leading scholars, public figures and commentators. Professor Etzioni applies his powerful communitarian thinking to the emerging threat of terrorism and presents thoughtful alternatives to the "bring 'em on" approach that has alienated the U.S. from most of the world and won countless converts to extremist causes. Etzioni's book does not answer all the difficult questions before us. It does open the door for dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations, and this is an infinitely saner and safer course than that offered by Samuel P. Huntington and others.

All I can say is that this is by far one of the best books that I have ever read on gun rights.

I've had the opportunity to meet Sheriff Mack. His genuine character is reflected clearly in this book. "From My Cold Dead Fingers" is a clear and concise explanation of precisely why Americans need to preserve the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Sheriff Mack tackles the various issues surrounding gun control in an format that is both easy to read and easy to reference. While the book is probably somewhat elementary for those already involved in the struggle to maintain 2nd Amendment freedoms, it is still a good quick reference piece. For those not sure about the issue or even on the other side, the book is wonderfully written so that anyone can understand the pro-gun argument without devoting hours trying to dig through masses of numbers and statistics. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who doesn't already have a copy!

This book is well-written and well-documented. I would recommend that every American (or anyone else that cares about freedom) get this book and read it through. Though the title is provocative, the facts are laid out clearly inside.

Richard Mack's book, in very literate style, exposes some of the disguised movements the liberal left is promoting to disarm lawabiding citizens of their Constitutional Right of self defense. Mr. Mack illustrates several examples of the propaganda being put before the American Public,by the anti-gun crowd, with misleading titles to lure the unsuspecting into a "this must be a good thing" attitude. A must-read book for any American concerned about the slow erosion of our constitutional rights and in particular The 2nd Amendment. ...the right to keep and bear arms...

Sheriff Richard Mack is a legend. He refused to enforce the Brady Bill in his county in Arizona, and filed a lawsuit, claiming that the Feds may not require a local magistrate to enforce a federal law. The Supreme Court upheld his point of view, and struck down the enforcement part of the Brady Bill, which no local law enforcement personnel are required to carry out. Good book, showing his basic understanding of the right to keep and bear arms. It is not a "right conferred by the Bill of Rights," but a pre-existing right that the Bill of Rights simply recognized as being more fundamental to freedom than the creation of a national government. Worth the read.

From Outrage to Courage: Women Taking Action for Health and Justice

Anne Firth Murray's lastest book, From Outrage to Courage, is a comprehensively researched work that examines critical issues of global health and justice concerning woman. The book reflects a lifetime of action and research by one of the world's leading activists in the area of health and women's rights, and is a clarion and inspriring call for action with its probative analysis and compelling presentation. I recommend this book highly.

"From Outrage to Courage" is a remarkable book that should be a must-read for all of us. Beautifully written and extremely well-researched, Anne Firth Murray takes you on a journey into the challenges and inequalities faced by women throughout our world. This book is filled with many important facts and figures, providing a specific context within which we can better understand the enormity of this situation. One of my favorite aspects of the book is the way in which Anne is able to weave in personal stories of women with whom she has met and spoken. These examples provide an identity and a face for the millions of women and girls living in oppressive, violent, and unequal situations.

It is impossible to read this book and not become emotionally invested. However, though much of the information is horrifying, the overall feel of "From Outrage to Courage" is that of hope and perseverance. Every chapter contains information about specific groups throughout the world that are working to combat the challenges discussed. You finish this book with the understanding that we can all do something to help, no matter how small or how large our gestures may seem.

I truly loved "From Outrage to Courage", and I will be sharing it with as many people as possible!

Anne Firth Murray is a former Professor of mine. I took her course, "Critical Issues in International Women's Health" which is one of the most subscribed and popular courses at Stanford. Years on, this book continues my education. It can only be written by someone who has spent her life fighting for social change, whose education in women's issues derived in part from listening to women in their homes, villages and cities around the world, and who has spent years perfecting her teaching to educate and inspire. This book is a panoramic sweep of all of the problems of gender inequality that affect women's lives, insightful, embodying hope--"Turning the World Rightside Up" as she titles her last chapter--that is written in the everyday way Anne speaks: gentle, articulate, but firm and sometimes fierce when she talks of inequities and fighting them.

From Outrage to Courage documents the impact of inequality and other issues on women's health through the progression of their lives from the very beginning of birth, through childhood, adolescence, maternity and finally, aging. Also included are discussions of pressing problems such as pervasive violence against women, women's health in numerous conflict and refugee situations, and women's labor in our increasingly globalized world. The book is based upon solid research, studies, figures and examples, but also intersperses short anecdotes and the voices of women who have had to live through and endure many of the problems in the book, whose personal experiences provoke thought and often, dismay.

But this book is ultimately about hope. In every chapter are examples of "Women's Courage", specific groups around the world working to combat the challenges described, many of which we hear for the first time as the result of Anne's campaign to support and seed numerous small women's organizations in founding the Global Fund for Women. Anne also includes her personal stories and recollections of meeting women from all walks of life and through her, we are briefly introduced to Janet in Kenya, Dona Eulogia in Bolivia, and others. In the end, this book can be read as a comprehensive reference of women's global health issues, an introduction to women's organizations around the world, a call to action, and indirectly as the story of a very inspiring woman. I hope it ends up in every high school and college introductory feminist studies and global health class as required text. I can't imagine NOT having a resource like it. A book like this needed to be written, and I'm thankful that she did.

"From Outrage to Courage" is a book not to be placed on the shelf, but rather one to be read and discussed by citizens of all ages and backgrounds. Anne Firth Murray's writing inspires both women and men, teachers and students to confront the outrageous reality of the inequalities some women face all over the world today. Her tone is honest and wise, appropriately critical yet endlessly compassionate.

Each chapter starts with a carefully selected poem presenting the often timeless struggle that women have faced demanding gender equality, human rights representation, appropriate health care, and education. In the text, each issue is presented both inspiring the outrage that injustices demand as well as showing the courage some women have found to stand up and face these injustices through specific activism and the development of wonderful organizations all over the world.

Reading Ann Firth Murray's testament to "women taking action for health and justice" inspires us all to stand up from the everyday-ness of our lives and be willing to work towards change. "From Outrage to Courage" is full of hope that, although staggering inequalities for women continue to be present everyday, though the courage of individual women to act on the small scale, systemic change can be made.

This is a beautifully written account of the issues and challenges women throughout the world face to redress inadequate health care, educational deficiencies, cultural biases, poverty, underemployment, domestic violence, victimization during war, and age discrimination. Most important, with determined compassion, it makes the often invisibility of these issues visible and specific. The very first chapter gracefully introduces the reader to the notion that health care is a human right; and that we cannot separate human rights from women's rights.

"From Outrage to Courage" is not a weighty, dreary polemical tome. It is a warmly written, feisty, sensitive and insightful page turner, replete with heart stopping case studies and stories supported by clear documentation. Each chapter opens with a moving poem. The book also describes the innovative activities women, from youth to old age, are employing with optimism, courage, strength and effective networking (often on a global level) to improve their own lives.

This book is a must read for everyone, men and women, interested in humanitarian issues, global health care, multi-disciplinary approaches to resolving world problems, and women's studies.

It also makes a great book club book, and Oprah, among others, should promote it. Author Anne Murray is founder of the Global Fund for Women and teaches at Stanford. She has the credentials and demonstrated vision to write a remarkable book and call for action.

I loved this book and would welcome the thoughts of others.

I picked up this book not really knowing what it was about and discovered a gem. It interviews great activists and thinkers in an informal, intelligent style that brings out the best in them. Katha Politt's interview was one of my favorites. I recommend this book to any serious students of the world. It deals with the idea of a global morality that passes over religious, ethnic, or racial lines - something crucial in these times of globalization.

GLOBAL VALUES 101 isn't just the title of a book; it's a course which proved one of the most popular ever offered at Harvard University, in which original thinkers sat down with students and explored how knowledge and ideas contribute to better world citizens. From ideas of success and achievement to issues of war, religion and social change, GLOBAL VALUES 101 surveys all kinds of issues and connects social change to global values systems. Perfect for classroom discussion - even at the high school level.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

This book summarizes the conversations held between Harvard students and some of our most innovative thinkers. The students were asked to read and analyze works by these guest speakers and pose thoughtful questions to them. This relatively small book contains astute insights into politics, the economy, environmental issues, and human rights. It is written in precise, accessible language without over simplifying the concepts which are explained.

"Democracy is what the people do; it's not what the government does" - H. Zinn.

I was amazed that three pages into this book Zinn touched right on the point my Anthropology teacher was making in class the night before.

Any chance to read thoughts by Zinn, Goodman, Chomsky is definately worth every penny.

As a college student interested in the state of the world, this book caught my eye. It is full of interviews with the superstars of current debates about globalization, war and peace, work and family and religion. People like Paul Farmer, Naomi Klein, Noam Chomsky, Juliet Schor, Robert Reich, and Howard Zinn. I had read many of these guys before, but what struck me is that they are even more interesting in interview format than in their own books. More spontaneous and funny, and you get to see them struggling with some difficult questions. And they were interviewed by young people (in a super-popular course at Harvard), which means that you get some really wild questions; I found myself thinking at times, 'Who would have been so stupid and rude as to ask THAT?!' This makes for lively reading. My main complaint is that the book only includes 16 of these interviews (plus an introduction), when many more were done in the course and would have been welcome in the book. But it makes for good reading on a long plane flight, when you want to think about the troubles and joys of the planet you are flying over, rather than about the screaming infant in the seat behind you.

This is the fascinating true story of a little boy who through no fault of his own is incarcerated in one of the appalling Irish industrial schools in existence in Ireland until 1970. He suffered physical, emotional and sexual abuse and as if this were not enough, he was then taken by the nuns of the industrial school and left to spend years of his precious life in different hospitals where he appears to have been no more than a guinea pig and was left with a permanent disability. Up to this day, no-one within the system has accounted for the brain operations, his eventual disability or any reason why he was in the different hospitals.
The book is very well written and although it describes the horrors inflicted on a small child, the sadistic treatment he received in the hands of the nuns, one can sense a healthy resignation which comes across every page thus making the unbearably sad story a little easier to read.
I found the book an inspiration, an ode to life, for after the total deprivation of affection, protection, a simple toy even, and having had his life taken away from him and practicaly destroyed, he not only survives with sanity but he wins in a superhuman way as he tells with such dignity about the perverse system under which he and so many other children were detained.
It must have been very difficult to relive the horrors whilst writing this very informative book. And for such an effort, I am indebted.

When The God Squad was first published in Ireland in 1988, the Irish public were confronted with the reality of life behind the walls of religious-run orphanages and industrial schools. However, perhaps because it was seen as just one unfortunate boy's story, there was no general sense of outrage directed at the perpetrators or at the system which allowed supposedly 'religious' men and women to ill-treat children entrusted to their care. That had to wait until another expose by the journalist Mary Raftery eight years later.

But Paddy Doyle broke the silence and for that we must all be grateful. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the real Ireland of the recent past. Paddy tells his story eloquently and without self-pity. The God Squad will break your heart. Read it.

I know this book is not out of print because I ordered it and read it in one day. Any intelligent reader knows that the mark of a good writer is the ability to write masterful, engaging narrative, and Paddy Doyle tells the story of his young life honestly and directly. It is this straightforward essential truthfulness which will keep your attention from page 1 through the epilogue. Of particular import in this literary journey is the challenge to see that the beauty of life is not there because of or in spite of what one survives, but because the human spirit, so brilliantly demonstrated in the Irish spirit of Paddy Doyle, is a fire that cannot be damped down. It's also a fine example of what happens when the church and state relationship gets too cozy; something we Yanks take for granted won't happen. Point and click your way to owning this book, it *is* available!

Excellent and a very good read. I have read a few books about Ireland's Industrial Schools and saw the movie "The Magdeline (sp?)Sisters." All are helpful in understanding what the children Of Ireland's Industrial Schools went thru. Although Paddy only wrote about his experiences in "The God Squad," I feel great love and compassion and sadness for these children as well as a sense of great strength coming from them as adults to have the courage to tell their tales. God Bless every one of them and hope that they can find a sense of release and closure from the pain by letting the rest of the world know their stories.

"The God Squad" by: Paddy Doyle is an extremely well written book that took me through the whole range of human emotion. I laughed, cryed, was angry and happy as the author led me through his life from 4 1/2 years old through the epilogue. It is a book that I could not cast aside to finish later.....the 236 pages were rapidly devoured in a few hours. I recommend it very highly to everyone. The education, alone, is very well worth the price that one would pay for ANY book!....No wonder that it was a best seller in the United Kingdom. It will hit the USA in a big storm too!

The first thing that strikes you about "Growing the Distance" is its unique format and layout. Unlike many books written strictly for business, this publication is alive with style, relevant quotations, humorous quips and interesting fonts. Whereas beauty is only skin deep, this book has helpful and attractive information from cover to cover. Author Jim Clemmer is the founder and president of The CLEMMER Group, a strategic consulting firm. Jim is a best selling author, workshop/retreat leader, and keynote speaker on organization improvement, leadership development, and personal effectiveness. Clemmer presents the values and philosophy he models to others in this fine book.

One of the main messages that clearly jumps out at the reader is this powerful theme...leadership and change is a living philosophy that must permeate every aspect of life including family, career, personal responsibility and self-fulfillment. Many business books on leadership put the various life roles of a leader in separate boxes. Business is one box, family life is another box, personal goals and self-actualization in yet another box. It is often assumed that these various roles have little to do with each other and for this reason family life and spirituality are typically ignored. "Growing the Distance" is not afraid to challenge this misconception by boldly discussing a leader's various interconnected roles!

"Growing the Distance" is a book about creating positive change within yourself rather than being the victim of change. Its powerful premise is that we can begin from where we are today, and choose where we want to be tomorrow. By making these choices we can grow the distance. Clemmer believes that each of us can develop the qualities of leadership that reside inside us no matter what our position in life. This publication discusses what leadership is, why change is essential, and the importance of vision, values and purpose. Clemmer encourages personal accountability for our choices and writes how we can learn and grow from disappointments. He encourages us to find commitment and passion in our workplace, as well as in spirit, and meaning within our lives. He proceeds to discuss growth and personal development while reminding us that great leaders are able to energize others to motivate themselves.

If you want to read a book and be enthusiastic about your leadership potential, "Growing the Distance" is a must. It will inspire you and help to mesh together the various roles and activities of your life. This book is truly different and will find a happy home on your bookshelf!

Jim starts the book with the point that too many development books are "like a pair of steer horns--a point here and a point there, with a whole lot of bull in between." When you are finished with this book, you won't be asking "Where's the beef?" I liked his philosophy of using quotes throughout the text, "If I couldn't have said it better myself, I won't make you wade through pages of text to prove it." And he didn't!

I picked up this book as I was thinking of my professional growth, but found the principles even more applicable at home in my role as father. I learned along side my children how to keep our rate of internal growth faster than external change so we won't be victims. Now my kids use Jim's comments of not getting "The Victimitis Virus" and staying out of "Pity City".

If this were a novel, reviewers would be saying things like "fast-paced," "exciting," and "inspirational."

This book connects leadership, personal growth and success in life in a format designed for easy reading and high impact. Although I actually read the books I'm asked to review, not just scan for content, I've found some books can't be read straight through because they aren't designed for it. "Growing The Distance" is one of those. It is in digest format, a collection of short, short articles that follow a common theme, each building on the prior articles to form a coherent book. Each article also is able to stand alone without reference to the others. Thus, you can explore the ideas in the book at random, sampling here and there according to your attraction to a title.

And, it is preferable to read this book by scanning and sampling. Each "article" has so much condensed meaning that you need to stop and think about the ideas, anecdotes and quotations within. Like eating peanuts, you keep going back and nibbling some more.

I've grown tired of business books that have good lessons but don't inspire me.

Jim's book IS NOT one of those.
It is fresh and inspiring. I really like the writing style.

I can truely say this is my favourite book!I have read it at least 3 times already and I'll probably read again and again!

This book captures - visually and through the written word - the untold story of so many of our nation's workers without whom our greatest institutions would exist on much weaker foundations. Greg Halpern - through the lens of his camera and the words of the workers he met and befriended - poignantly illustrates the unfortunate plight of so many workers who give so much to their jobs but whose jobs and employers give so little to them. This is a must-read, must-view book for anyone who cares about the state of our nation's workforce. This book is a wonderful way to pay homage to the amazing people who are the true, yet tragically invisible, backbone of Ivy League institutions like Harvard.

This is a poignant look at the people who are invisible (up until now), who are the backbone of the infrastructure of Harvard. The picture on the cover tells it all: proud, yet ignored by those who she serves. This is an important work of art and protest.

For those of you who thought that documentary photography was boring, think again. Greg Halpern brings stunning inner life to the portraits in this book. The early rave reviews in the New York Times and the Boston Globe are dead on -- this kid has serious talent and it translates into one of the most memorable photo books that I have seen in years. I bought several copies of this first edition for friends and family and I have no doubt that these books will one day be collectors' items. For those of you who are photo buffs, and even for those of you who are not, this book is a must have!

This book is long overdue. Listening to the NPR show "The Connection" I became aware that the forces that resulted in this book have actually brought about some change at Harvard...why did it take a public humiliation of Harvard to do what they should have done all along...In any case the book has beautiful and sensitive photographs coupled with startling interviews that everyone should read....

I've been waiting for this book to come out ever since I read a review in the New York Times book review. It was worth the wait. I found it to be thought provoking, informative as well as a glimpse into the lives of service workers. Regardless of your political persuasion, this book deserves to be read. I thought that the author did a remarkable job presenting the facts behind the Living Wage Campaign. I could not put the book down once I started reading it and the people profiled in the book stayed with me. Read this book!

What a wonderful book! I actually finished this in one sitting, because I didn't want to stop reading once I had started.

What's great about HEROES is that it profiles all sorts of people who were impacted by 9/11, not just those who were at the World Trade Center. There are also interviews with those who were at the Pentagon, and with the surviving family members of those who perished on United Flight 93.

Overall, the tone of the book is hopeful and uplifting, and proves that anyone can be a hero, anytime.

Definitely recommended for those who are interested in the subject of 9/11.

A great read. Very moving and inspirational. I highly recommend.

this is an inspiration book....a collection of heroes--big and small...stories that we need in our daily lives to show that people do care...

Heroes is a wonderful collection of stories of very real people (and in some cases animals) who did their level best to help others during an unprecedented tragedy. The stories range from ones about those who gave their lives to save others to those who did all they could and wish they could've done more. The author describes unlikely heroes - like those who help a wheelchair bound officemate out of the Twin Towers - as well as professionals who did their jobs with total selflessness - like the group of nurses who happened to be in DC for a conference and ended up working the triage unit at the Pentagon. If you only read one book about the events of September 11, it should be Heroes. It is a wonderful testimony to the human spirit.

Execellent!! This book is truly a gem full of the stuff that courage under fire brings out of the human spirit. I could not put it down; each story brought me to the scene, living the amazing journeys that this courages everyday people went throught. As a witness of Sept 11 from my office window reading this book brought me a healing and an awareness that 911 can happen to anyone at any time and that the human spirit is truly undefeatable even if the body moves on.
It's a must read book for anyone who is alive!*****

This was a little slow going for me at first, but as I went on I found it quite compelling. Takeyh does a great job of enumerating the several policy issues effecting both the United States and Iran with historical and cultural perspective, and void of the vitriolic rhetoric that is common on both sides of this discussion.

Takeyh presents a sophisticated picture of how Iran sees the world and how the world sees Iran. There is useful history here, but most interesting here is discussion of Iran's regional ambitions and game plan for getting what it wants.

Thank you Ray Takeyh for writing this informative, insightful book, written in laymen's prose, explaining the history and background that has created the Iran we face today. While not reassuring, Iran becomes not this phasmagorical evil state, but rather a nation state acting out of what it believes to be its own self interest. The final chapter dealing with Iran's entrenched hatred of a Jewish state is the most disturbing and I suspect that is why Takeyh saves it for the end. Yet it is a strange world indeed where the U.S. supplied Iraq with weapons during its decade long war with Iran, and never uttered a peep in protest to Saddam's use of nerve gas on Iraqui soldiers, even to this day, and Iran got a secret supply of weapons from -- and this will shock you -- Israel, which Takeyh infers was with U.S. knowledge and acquiescence. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand this complex and independent country.

Like many Americans, my view of Iran has been frozen at the time of the 1979 Iranian Revolution with its searing images of vitriolic anti-Americanism. Given the emerging situation in the Middle East, an updated perspective of Iran is sorely needed. Ray Takeyh does a splended job giving a very readable overview of Iran's development from the '79 revolution to the present. He is also very even-handed in addressing missed opportunities by both the U.S. and Iran in forging less antagonistic relations. Iran is a very complex country which requires others to use a nuanced approach in dealing with its tangled web of mixed tendencies. With Iranian influence currently in ascent, "Hidden Iran" is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand this country in greater depth beyond just being a member of Bush's "axis of evil."

In this book, the author attempts to recommend a new diplomatic, economic and political approach in the United States' dealings with Iran.

Before making his recommendations, the author does a fabulous job of reviewing the ideology of the Khomeini era - and the baggage that both Americans and Iranians have dealt with since the Iranian Revolution.

He then discusses the conservatives, pragmatists, and reformists that have evolved in Iranian politics since Khomeini's death, telling us of their differing views on how the Iranian government should operate and as well as how Iran should interact with the international community.

Next he discusses how Iran interacts differently with various countries in the Middle East depending on their strategic importance and geographical location.

Additionally, the author discusses the history of Iranian-US relations and how each side has missed opportunities to better relations because of the animosity built during this history.

Finally, the author goes into detail on the three major issues that need to be resolved between the US and Iran - the Iranian nuclear program, Iraq, and Iran's support to terrorists.

In the end, I think the author does a great job of bringing all of this information and analysis together to provide excellent recommendations for future US-Iran relations and negotiations. These recommendations need to be understood and debated by all concerned citizens and politicians.

Overall - a must read for anyone interested in U.S. Middle Eastern policy.