Events Books

I very rarely review more than one book by the same author, but in this case it is absolutely justified.

In the 1960s the Club of Rome was one of the first organizations to declare that there were "limits to growth." Today that seems so obvious, but then the very idea stirred up a hornet's nest of opposition.

There are still plenty of people who are convinced that either there is no problem, or that we are going to innovate our way out of any potential difficulties.

Many other experts are now of the opinion that we have left everything too late, and that we are on an inevitable downward path toward oblivion.

In Ervin Laszlo's new book, he acknowledges the seriousness of our situation, but is one of the hardy band of pioneers who see the problems as a "decision window" where we face not only the danger of total global collapse, but also the opportunity for renewal of the world.

We all of us need to change the way in which we see the world and then to take action.

Or else we shall probably not be here that much longer.

This message is indeed very positive.

According to the author, we just need to wake up. And this book outlines a precise map for doing exactly that.

Highly recommended.

Laszlo claims we are just now moving beyond the Iron Age and what comes next is not clear. The worse things get, however, the more people will work for improvement. What we need is general agreement that all should live "in a way that allows all other people to live as well." Unbridled consumption is the way to global destruction. Like David Korten (The Great Turning), Laszlo optimistically looks to all those who meditate, eat wisely, recycle, etc. as the vanguard of the new age.

THE CHAOS POINT: THE WORLD AT THE CROSSROADS predicts we have seven years to avoid global collapse and promote strategies for renewal - and tells how the modern world will change in that period of time. Chapters maintain we're at a critical junction in history and comes from the founder of systems philosophy and general evolution theory: THE CHAOS POINT builds upon his principles and surveys trends, how to head them off, and how to build a more sustainable world.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I found this book to be profoundly important for all to read at this time in history. It is a true wake-up call to everyone, certainly in the U.S., but also for the whole planet. A must read.

This is a well written book by an author with an outstanding international reputation. The condition of the earth and human culture today is at a critical crossroad. Conditions may either get better for most of the people on the planet or they may become so bad that human life here may be destroyed.

This book should receive world wide publicity with encouragement for as many people as possible to read it. Then we need to insist that our leaders begin immediately to take steps to choose the best action for the welfare of all humans and our planet.

Mark Sophir's terrific debut book is one I'd wish I'd written. His musings on life are both witty and insightful. It's great fun. At the end of the day, he wants everyone to take a break, relax and stop looking for ill will and start being reasonable.

The book is a series of short commentaries on various topics, sort of Thomas Freedman meets Jerry Seinfeld. Mr. Sophir wants his book to be taken seriously, but you can tell he doesn't take himself too seriously.

While it is not a sports book, my favorite chapter was the one on Curt Flood, who must've been the author's favorite player growing up. He reminds us of Flood's valuable contribution to the player's movement (although at an average salary of over 2 million I think even Flood might agree things have gone too far) as well as what a terrific ballplayer he was.

And then he's off again, ruminating on why women are the better sex and how TV ads are overrated.

It's a fun read and I guarantee you that you'll find several chapters that will be the basis of tomorrow's lunch conversation.

What a hoot! I laughed out loud! He put into words, the things that I have often thought about. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

This book proves you are not alone if you find yourself questioning some of the ways in which our civilization has evolved. Writing with an ascerbic wit and a keen eye for the ridiculous, Sophir manages to find humor in some of the more frustrating aspects of the human condition while providing a more enlightened way of thinking about a multitude of issues facing us. I found myself nodding in agreement with a lot of the opinions expressed in this book (e.g., Sophir's descriptions of "our most annoying citizens" and his views on some of the issues dear to social conservatives), and enjoyed his razor-sharp sense of humor. I particularly liked the chapters on baseball, which are full of amusing anecdotes that make great cocktail conversation. A fun, quick read!

This is a humorous look at the many irrational aspects of contemporary
American life. The author, Mark Sophir, explores the themes of politics,
human and animal behavior, baseball, money, as well as gender issues,
with satire and jocularity. It is a fast read, and one that stays around,
as I play with his ideas, many that I agree with and some that are new
to me, in my brain.

Sophir's "A Common Sense Enema" is a quick read that will have you laughing/hooting out loud over his irreverent and quite funny observations on current life in the USA. The book is a must for anyone who enjoys discussing the state of our country, sports and the often bizarre way the public's attitudes are formed. Well articulated and researched, Sophir presents his unique views on familiar topics in a balanced way that should bring "aha" moments to many readers. Sophir's observations reminded me of Dave Barry or Al Franken, in terms of his wit and dry sense of humor.

As we prepared for our oldest daughter's amputaion, I searched for something to help guide us along as a family. This work book is wonderful. Although my daughter was emotionally ready for her loss, Rick Ritter was able to better address some of what we may have missed prior to her surgery. I strongly recomend this book for anyone dealing with physical loss them selves or that of a loved one. Joi Warburton, Las Vegas, NV

After reading the other reviews I purchased this book. I have a degenerative muscle disease for which there is no treatment. Although I have coped fairly well up to this point, I was finding myself more and more isolated. As I answered the questions, I felt it would be better if I were going through this process with a professional. I answered as fully as I was able, but there doesn't seem to be any suggestions as to what to do with this information. The book suggests that you share your answers with three people. In my case that wasn't possible.I can see that it would be useful in conjunction with therapy. Without that professional input, the book left me hanging.

Reviewed by Christina Gonzalez, LMHC for Reader Views (5/06)

The author starts this very unique workbook with a compelling quote from Christopher Reeve, "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable". This book is a way to help those who have found their dreams become impossible, find new ways to restructure their life, their ways of thinking and their ways of being in order to find ways to help their dreams become inevitable.

This book is oriented towards those who have experienced some type of a physical loss, whether from a disability, accident or including serious, chronic illnesses and pain. His examples range from people who have suffered knee injuries to quadriplegics, to individuals who have undergone a mastectomy from breast cancer to debilitating illnesses like muscular dystrophy. I would see value for individuals with ANY chronic health condition benefiting enormously from this book.

The author suggests that individuals who use this book consult with at least three people in their lives with whom they can share the results of the exercises which is very wise. The author takes the reader through a series of written exercises and anecdotes through six main chapters: Past and Future, Self Care and Support, Dealing with Loss: Feelings and Beliefs, Understanding Disability, Transforming Circumstance, and The Ongoing Process of Loss and Recovery. Each of these remain only questions and words on paper until the reader takes these questions and looks into their lives and then shares them with another.

As a therapist I will be recommending this book to my clients who are struggling with any chronic health issues. I would love to use this workbook with my clients in their therapy as well as suggest they share the information obtained about themselves with others in their lives. The author includes some excellent exercises to help the reader determine what people in their lives might be supportive to this process of recovery from physical loss and/or any chronic health condition.

The appendices include some excellent resources regarding therapeutic techniques and alternatives, suggested reading for coping with loss and disability, films on issues related to physical loss and disability, guidelines for watching films, and a listing of organizations and other resources that can help individuals coping with loss and disability.

As the mother of a child with Cerebral Palsy and as a psychotherapist myself, I found this book to be highly valuable for people dealing with any type of physical loss. As I mentioned above, just buying the book will not do anything. Filling out the exercises will help, but will not make a huge change. Filling out the exercise, following the author on the journey that he is leading the reader on and sharing with those close to the reader will make a great deal of difference. Some of the exercises I found helpful for those suffering from debilitating mental or emotional illnesses and even less acute health conditions such as asthma or others. This book is highly recommended to any individual who has suffered a physical loss and is still struggling to find their dreams. It would make a great gift from a supportive loved one who is also willing to make a stand to be there with the reader as they go through these exercises, and it would make an excellent aid to an individual who is currently seeing a therapist. I would not recommend this to someone who just wants to do the exercises randomly, haphazardly or in order to just keep their answers to themselves and not share them with another.

Rick Ritter, MSW, has created an easy-to-use resource to help people confront a life-changing illness or disability. He could simply give good advice, relying upon his experiences as a disabled veteran, a social worker, and a competitor in events for disabled athletes. Instead, he engages the reader in answering questions, gathering support, finding resources, and taking a completely positive approach to difficult situations.

I love the workbook format, because it forces the reader to begin thinking about and acting upon ways to continue with a life that has become altered. Of course, altered doesn't mean over. It just means different. Ritter avoids sugar-coating those differences or the emotional, social, and physical problems that accompany them. However, he ultimately provokes the reader into finding ways to deal with those obstacles.

Ritter ends with a brief but inspiring look at his life, followed by a variety of resources. I suggest his workbook as a great beginning for anyone facing physical loss or disability.

Rick Ritter has written a superb self-help workbook that will benefit readers who have suffered a physical loss or disability. Ritter has included 50 questions to be answered by the reader. He recommends these answers be shared with at least three other people. In responding to these questions, the reader is able to reflect on his or her disability or physical loss. The book engages the reader in discovering ways to deal with their physical loss. To those readers who have experienced such a loss, the workbook will provide a sense of empowerment to those still in grief or depression.

Ritter himself has experienced his own disability. As a social worker(MSW), he has had the opportunity to work with 100 people who have suffered a physical loss or disability. His workbook provides a roadmap for readers to follow to reach attainable goals.

Also included are interesting short stories of people he has worked with ranging from amputation, breast cancer, muscular dystrophy, AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, and quadriplegia. He recounts how these people were able to cope with their loss.

Having a disability or having suffered a physical loss doesn't necessarily lead to unhappiness. How one responds to that loss is what really matters. Rick also uses spirituality, support systems, and holistic methods as an approach to coping with the loss. Resiliency is crucial in facing any loss or disability.

As a mother of a son with cerebral palsy, I can see how this workbook could be very useful. He is now a happy young man working as an attorney. His disability didn't stop him from being productive. Also, having battled my own muscle disease along with rheumatoid arthritis, I found it helpful. As the daughter of a mother transfused with HIV contaminated blood, I can see how this workbook could have benefited her.

The resources included at the end of his book are certainly a bonus. He has listed helpful organizations, suggested reading, and films relating to physical loss and disability.

Rick Ritter has given his readers a wonderful gift. "Coping with Physical Loss and Disability" is an empowering book that will benefit many readers. I highly recommend this workbook. Thank you, Rick for caring. Your workbook will be appreciated by many people.

Nancy A. Draper (Author) A Burden of Silence: My Mother's Battle with AIDS

Don't Buy Another Vote....is a wonderful, easy to read, eye-opening book. I think everyone including college students, West Virginians, people that follow politics very closely, and people that just vote should read. It is a very honest look at political corruption with a little humor along the way. Very well written! Go get a copy!!!!

I just finished "Don't Buy Another Vote, I Won't Pay For A Landslide" and find it to be one of the most amazing books I have ever read! I started reading and surprisingly, I couldn't put it down. Being a political junkie I thought I knew just about everything about politics, but this book breaks it down to a much more detailed level in a very comprehensive, yet readable way. The detail is mindboggling, but the conversational style of the author is refreshing.
In all of my years of reading political books and following politics, this is the first time I have ever read a book written in such a non partisan manner. I was skeptical at first because individuals often proclaim to be non partisan and write without bias, but that rarely is ever the case. The author is an equal opportunity offender, but it is clear that he doesn't pick on anybody. Instead, he tells the story of incredible corruption broken down at a state level. It includes amazing information about Mother Jones, the Hatfields and McCoys, the Coal Mine Wars, governors going to jail, a state attorney general hiring hit man to kill one of his deputies, another governor having his wife bribe a juror, a judge who bit the end off of a defendant's nose, and countless other stories. What makes this book different, however, is the that author provides a step-by-step way to fix the system that can be applied to all fifty states. This guy should run for Governor or U.S. Senator because we lack these types of visionaries in state and federal government these days.
This book should be read by everyone with any interest in politics, history, psychology, elections, etc.... I was overwhelmed and have told everyone I know. Every single high school student in America should be given a copy of this book as they graduate. This book changed my life! READ THIS BOOK!!!!

Dr. Allen Loughry's "Don't Buy Another Vote, I Won't Pay for a Landslide" is truly a breath of fresh air in a genre that sorely needed it. Most books written these days about the political arena and the corrupt nature attendant to it are riddled with shortcomings and philosophical pitfalls and, in the end, simply don't deliver. More often than not they serve to advance the agenda of their own writer, and the most painful part of the whole experience is how patently transparent that writer's intentions are. They provide little more than a laundry list of rants by an author perched high atop his/her soap box driven by a far greater concern for hijacking the pages of his/her own publication to simply rail against the establishment. The greater problem with this is how rarely they provide anything substantive in the way of suggested remedies for a very broken and morally bankrupt system that rules the day in American politics.

With "Don't Buy Another Vote" Loughry breaks that mold. His writing is not only to the complete contrary of such a dissatisfying style, but it downright hits home. This is the political narrative that we've all been waiting to read, and it was well worth the wait. Unlike may authors who complain about the proverbial weather without doing anything to change it, Loughry does plenty, or at least he inspires us to do so. Not only does he call nearly 150 years worth of corrupt West Virginia officials out on the carpet for their egregious misdeeds, but he also provides suggestions for the type of reform he feels is necessary to correct this longstanding crisis.

Loughry's "Contract With the Voter" is as innovative and well thought out as it is groundbreaking. Before the smoke settles, don't be surprised if this model for change might very well be adopted as the accepted norm for those seeking office not just in the Mountain State, but in any state. It's prolific in its simplicity and after reading it you'll find yourself saying..."Yes, why can't we implement something like THAT!?" From cover to cover Loughry's message resonates and his voice is true to the mark. A crisp writing style that goes a long way toward walking us through a murky history in which nothing sacred holds. A must read for all of us, irrespective of our own political affiliations. Loughry points out that corruption is not confined to party lines. Neither, for that matter, is the book now chronicling its long and ugly history in West Virginia.

Dr. Loughry has accomplished what very few individuals in the world of politics have ever been able to. He has written a book about politics from a no-bias point of view. Dr. Loughry pulls no punches in this book. He adresses the short comings of a corrupt political culture in both the republican and democratic parties. So many times you read a book and it either sways heavy to the right or left, Dr. Loughrys book does not sway, he appears to be an indidual that does not see left or right, but just sees right and wrong. Finaly we have someone that is not afraid to speak his mind and say what is right. We have a very corrupt political culture in this country and as voters we sit back and allow it to happen. Dr. Loughry gives us numerous examples of just that. Although this book is written about West Virgina politics, you could very easily substitute any state into these stories and be accurate. Corruption in politics doesn't draw a line in the sand at the Wild and Wonderful signs leading into and out of WV. Political corruption is nation wide, and we as voters are allowing it to happen. Politicans will play by whatever the rules are, if we as voters change those rules and start holding our politicans accountable for what they do and say, they will have no choice but to change the way they do buisness. Dr. Loughy not only documents numerous accounts of political corruption, he also has a plan to fix it. A real plan, not just lip service. His "Contract with the Voter" is just what this country needs. If you buy this book for no other reason, buy it just to read the "Contract with the voter". I have meet Dr. Loughry and he is a very impressive man. You can just tell from talking to him that he has a passion for what he beleives in, and he truely beleives that we can change, but it has to start with each voter and at the grass roots level. This book is a must read for not only West Virginias but for every person that takes part in elections in this country. Politics in West Virginia is no different than politics in California, Texas, or even Alaska. Political corruption will not end until we as the voters put an end to it and stand up for what is right. Dr. Loughry has given us a blueprint for how to stand up for what is right. I highly reccomend this book.

This book is a must have for all political junkies. More importantly, the average reader will find it both entertaining and informative. Dr. Loughry lifts up the rock, revaling acts of corruption, venality, and hypocrisy among public servants entrusted with the stewardship of one of the poorest and most vulnerable states in the Union. Not only is this book an act of courage, it is a call to action. The final chapter contains a practical, commonsense method of ensuring accountability from our elected officials.

I originally read about this book in a review from animation world network (www.awn.com) It is everything the review said. Great information about the start of the industry fighting for its rights. A great read if you are into animation history. All of the animation old masters are involved, and speaks of even though they were in competition, they all had the same goal.

As a Disney enthusiast, I have found one of the most delicate and hard-to-research periods in Disney history was the 1941 studio strike. Tom Sito fills this gap by providing a comprehensive narration. But more important to others, he provides a complete history of labor developments in the animation profession. I had no idea there had been so much turmoil! His account is very up-to-date, too, covering the most recent developments, like computer animation. This is a key reference tool for anyone seriously interested in the business of animation.

Mickey Mouse, Popeye, Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry, Mr. Magoo, Fred Flintstone, the Pink Panther and Bart Simpson, are the biggest stars in the business. But they couldn't make the slightest move or even open their mouths, without the help of the animation worker. Meaning no disrespect, I say worker and not artist, because that's what Tom Sito's book "Drawing The Line" is all about. The eternal labor struggle of men and women in the animation industry and their right to be recognized and treated as artists. Of course Hollywood is not the kind of town where that is ever likely to happen any time soon. And for all those that scoff and think that anyone who gets paid to simply draw for a living, let alone getting to work in Hollywood at all should be forever grateful. Well -you're about to have your eyes opened as you turn the pages of this well written and lovingly researched history, that dares to speak the truth and document it in precise detail. Through first-hand accounts of the animators that struck the studios, were fired and blacklisted, Sito has chronicled their plight and shown the effect it has had on working conditions today.

As an animator himself and a former declared labor cynic. Sito learned from personal experience why their really was a need to be unionized. So much so that he later went on to become an active president of the screen cartoonists local in Hollywood. Yes, animation was and still is a labor intensive assembly-line that even in this digital computer age, still relies on the artistic and professional skill's of it's of workers. It's a "must read" not just for anyone with the least interest in animation, Hollywood or social and labor studies, but for anyone who's keen to know just how their favorite cartoon characters came into being in the first place. Believe me, you'll never see them as just simple drawings ever again!

DRAWING THE LINE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE ANIMATION UNIONS FROM BOSKO TO BART SIMPSON provides the first comprehensive history of animators' unions in modern times, from silent cartoons through today's big movie hits. Any involved in cartooning will find the business and industry insights essential to a thorough knowledge of their career choice: history and cultural observations blend with a survey of the entertainment industry as a whole, making for many important insights on how the business evolved and how it affects today's working animators.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Yes, this is a history of union activity within the American animation industry, but don't think for a moment that it is a dry, dusty treatise on labor practises. Tom Sito has written a lively, anecdotal, funny, hugely entertaining and magnificently informative history of the animated cartoon -- where it came from, who was responsible, and how far it has come. At a time when legendary figures like Walt Disney tend to be Rushmoreized, Sito presents them as real, living and breathing people -- enormously talented, even brilliant, and sometimes conflicted, yes; but real. In the process he tells the stories of these cartoon creators that are often as funny and endearing as the cartoons themselves. This is not simply the story of animation, however. It is also the larger story of Hollywood and how its traumatic, sometimes even violent unionization efforts reflected what was going on everywhere in America.

Sito has written an important story with panache, wit, and a unique insider's perspective, and has created a book that everyone interested in classic Hollywood and the Golden Age of animation must have.

"No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing;but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My father I have made known to you." (John 15:15) How would you feel if one day you woke up and the Lord showed you something great? This is how author and pastor Bill Johnson feels in his book Dreaming With God. This story has no setting and it is modern time. This story talks about Bill Johnson and his walk with Christ. Throughout this book there are tons of small stories that occured in his life. My favorite story was titled "Give God your nights." It talked about how we should ask God for visions and dreams before we go to sleep. We should ask God directly because sometimes we may have dreams that make us wonder if it is from our flesh or the Holy Spirit. When God gives us dreams or visions throughout the day or night, we should write them down and then ask God for understanding. I think the meaning of this book is that we are all Gods servants and we should always obey him.

I thought this was an excellent book because it taught me to listen to Gods voice and obey him. The pacing of this book was just Perfect! You will never want to put it down. The authors craft was very good because he kept you amazed throughout the entire story. This book was in Christian perspective because it talked about listening to God and the miracles he makes. This book was realistic fiction because things in this book can happen in real life. I thought this was a very good book and I would recommend this book to everyone.

This, as with all of Bill Johnson's books, was excellent! He is
definitely "tuned in" with God and is led by the Holy Spirit. I have
learned a lot from Bill Johnson's books because of his awesome insight
into the Spirit world with God.

I found this book to be very encouraging and insightful. In the first chapter, Bill Johnson talks about how important it is to have our minds renewed by the Word, because God's heart becomes our heart, as well as, His desires become our desires. Johnson expounds on that main thought throughout the book by emphasizing the importance of creativity, wisdom and faith.

There were a few points Johnson made that especially ministered to me. One was, "We'll know when our mind is truly renewed, because the impossible will seem logical." As well as, "God not only answers the urgent prayer list, but the secret desires of our heart."

I appreciated that Johnson puts a emphasis on the Word of God being one of the most important factors from which all desires and such flow. It would be easy to write a book like this and get into bad theology, but he does a good job sighting Scripture and thoroughly explaining it. On that note, my only complaint about this book is that Johnson in some cases could have picked better Scriptures to go with a few of his points, but for the most part I felt he was not taking Scripture out of context.

Bill Johnson has tapped into how to walk in the gift of healing just as Jesus
did when He walked on earth,He is a highly favored man of God who teaches how
to heal people just as Jesus did. How blessed we are to have his teachings
and heart for God and people! I can never get enough of his teachings, I have
a lot of his books and cd's. Wonderful faithful servant of Christ. Highly recommended!!
Brenda from MD.

Excellent book to make you dissatified with your ordinary life and seek God to change it into the life He has planned for you - extraordinary! It will unlock you to release your God-given desires, passions, and talents and use them to not only change your life but to change the world. The Creator created creation to continue to create itself (Adam and Eve, nature, etc.) but it goes even beyond that to the arts, politics, business, science, and yes, even creative miracles! Dare to dream with God!

I've had an interest in safe drinking water for many years. The market is flooded (pun intended) with advertising and claims. Mr. Ingram has made a difficult field very understandable. So much so, that you can make an intelligent decision on how to ensure safe drinking water for your family. I bought more copies and have given them as gifts.
He claims to be totally independent and from the book, it seems he is.
I am a new author, finishing my book Common Sense, The Joy of Living Smarter. I am listing this book in my reference chapter.

I wrote this book because after extensive communication with government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations and private sector manufacturers, I simply could not find objective information about drinking water safety and consumer options. Since I have been a professional writer and editor for over four decades, I decided to bite the bullet and do it myself. I spent five years researching material for this book and I have no axes to grind; just the desire for truth. This is the 2nd edition of this book. The 1st edition was hailed as the definitive consumer book on drinking water, and I believe this book is even better. You'll find that it contains the most objective, complete and easy-to-understand information on drinking water that is available, and this opinion has been confirmed by many authorities in the field of drinking water safety. Thanks for your time, Colin Ingram.

This book is well named, since it is the definitive book on drinking water. It includes extensive information on water contaminants, water testing, bottled water, and home purification systems. The information is well-researched, easy to read, and well-formatted, with simple charts and diagrams supplementing the text where necessary. I bought several books on drinking water at the same time, and this one was clearly superior to all the others. Don't waste time and money; buy this book first!

Colin Ingram pulls the reader into his book by offering "Ten Quick Tips" to "wet" your appetite for the valuable detailed information that follows.

Ingram, who has years of experience as a scientific writer, articulates with clarity in this comprehensive guide to the importance of pure drinking water for maintaining optimum health. The chapter on water pollutants and the risk to health was startling. There is a logical order to the book as the next chapter deals with water testing and finding out what is in your water, and the best drinking water for good health. I was amazed to discover the various sources of commercial water suppliers and the number and variety of their products.

Several chapters deal with water purifiers and how they work. They include information on filters, distillers, alternative methods, and suggestions for combining types of purifiers. Ingram included suggestions on how to evaluate these systems, types of installations, a cost comparison of purifiers, and a comparison of the cost of bottled water versus that of a purifier.

I found the chapter summaries and author's recommendations especially helpful. He not only introduced primary and alternative methods, and combinations of purifiers, but also pros and cons of various views being expounded by vendors, environmentalists, and politicians.

The appendix, glossary, and index add to this compact, comprehensive manual on how to insure you are drinking safer water.

This is an important, informative, guidebook, calling for imperative action steps to do something about the water you are drinking.

This book is certainly a good guide for people living in the US who have to face polluted drinking water in their homes, but if you are a scientist working for some time already in the field of water treatment I recommend that you keep your fingers off this book. This book is certainly written for the broad public and doesn't offer much news for the experienced reader. Especially if you live outside the US this book is not very suitable. It's just a shame that "real" engineering books are always so expensive.

This is worth reading if the problems in Iran, Iraq and the Middle East concern you. It is a tragic tale that shows American foreign policy as the immature outgrowth of US intervention in world affairs during the 1940's. No administration is spared. The author we involved in these events while in the US State Department.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the modern middle east, political Islam, the Iranian revolution, or the Iran hostage crisis.

After reading this book, I am amazed that James Bill is not the most sought-after Middle East commentator in America. His analysis of 20th century Iran leading up to the revolution of 1979 is a clear and concise explanation of part of the puzzle that led to the tragedies of 9/11. This is a MUST-READ for anyone who wants to become truly familiar with Iran's tumultuous history and its rocky relationship with the West. As the Bush administration continues to evolve its policy towards this area of the world, it would be wise for officials at the State Department and at the Pentagon to read and absorb the lessons contained in this crucial analysis of US-Iran relations. Again, this is a must-read.

Far and away the most balanced, well-researched, accurate and thoughtful book on US-Iran relations. Excellent psychographical backgrounds of the key players.

"The Eagle and the Lion: The Tragedy of American-Iran Relations", is an excellent book by James Bill, who explores the files of history in an effort to assess the series of events that culminated in the worsening and then breaking of U.S. -Iranian links. The author looks at the manner in which the American policy makers handled relations between the two countries. He highlights the uneasy diplomatic contacts between the two countries that date back to 1883 while searching for the causes of the artificiality of the "healthy" relationship between the two countries.

The main emphasis of Professor Bill is on the fact that American policy makers misunderstood those societal dimensions of Iran which play an important part in its foreign policy behavior. For example, the perceptions of the Iranians towards the Europeans or Americans; the sensitivity of the people of Iran towards their religion and culture and the respect that was given to the religious leadership. The writer emphasizes the modes adopted by the American foreign policy makers, especially in the context of delicate situations when ever they arose.

In order to reach a logical conclusion for the "mismanagement," the author is concerned with the deteriorating relations between the two countries, - and for that the book traces out the initial heavy contacts between the Iranians and the Americans.

One must give credit to the Professor for his understanding of Iranian society and his compassionate analysis. This study is a must for the students of U.S.-Iran relations. It is a welcome contribution, not only to the literature on the subject but also to the study of Iranian as well as American decision makers. This is the best book of its genre written by an American author.

Prof.Dr. S. Farooq Hasnat
Former Chairman,
Department of Political Science
Punjab University, Lahore
Pakistan

This book was published in 1984, and it's no longer in print, although there are plenty of used copies available. It deserves at least one new review every year. It appears as though I will be the first for 2008.

I agree with the first Amazon reviewer of this book (Marion Delgado in 2002) that reading it will increase your IQ significantly in any discussion of world events. That is even truer today than it was when the book was first published. It's that good. If there were only one book I would make required reading for every United States citizen, this would be the book. It has the advantage of being written and published before the occurrence of the absurdly extreme political polarization of our two party system. That's not to say that republicans and democrats weren't quarreling in 1984, they were. But they're not quarrelling today, they're demonizing their opponents and expressing desires to execute them for treason. That's a big change in just 25 years.

Unfortunately, this book demonstrates clearly and succinctly why today the United States is in extreme decline, and why it is probably too late to effect much reversal of fortune. Mr. Kwitny's concept of the United States is essentially the same one I learned growing up - that our country is fundamentally sound and noble, that it is fundamentally free and open, that it is fundamentally a beacon of hope for the rest of the world. Our strength and nobility derive from the fact that our government and culture are based on basic principles of freedom and democracy as stated in our Constitution and Bill of Rights. And from that basic concept, Mr. Kwitny demonstrates, with astonishing insight, understanding and documentation, how the US has almost systematically deviated from those principles since the Second World War with regard to foreign policy, substituting instead an extreme fear and hatred of communism. This displacement of our basic principles in favor of a shortsighted (indeed blind) conflict-by-conflict struggle against a largely mythologized enemy (the USSR), has slowly converted the world neighborhood into a very distrusting and sometimes even hostile planet. Our values, principles and way of life, rather than being well served by this deviation, have been severely damaged, with direct consequences (both political and economic) to the American people. Our foreign policy has been a total failure not only in terms of the harm it has done to the rest of the world, but also equally in terms of the harm we have done to ourselves. And world events since the time of first publication have shown dramatically how true that was then, and still is today.

What is frightening however, is that Mr. Kwitny showed us all this in 1984, when it still appeared possible to mend our ways and find our way back to our founding principles. Since then, US foreign policy has evolved from awful to terrifying. The evils perpetrated then as a result of a culturally ignorant, misguided and narrow-minded government, are being perpetrated today by willful greed, lust for power, and a completely conscious disrespect (bordering on contempt) for the very principles that Mr. Kwitny (and millions of Americans) hold out as our only hope.

The world today was eminently foreseeable in 1984. "Endless Enemies" saw it all too clearly, even predicting (unknowingly) very specific world events that actually unfolded (Afghanistan > the mujahadeen > 9/11). I recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone with one caveat - reading it may induce a profound sense of loss, sadness and nostalgia for an American zeitgeist that was still present in 1984. The world that "Endless Enemies" warned us was coming if we did not rectify our foreign policy is upon us. But I don't think Mr. Kwitny is shaking his finger at us from the far side of the grave and mumbling "I told you so". I think he is weeping, as many Americans are, for the great light and hope in the world that has been extinguished.

As indicated in the other reviews, this book is superb. Do try to get the original Congdon & Weed print.

I met Kwitny at a book signing for the Penguin version. He explained why the book had a rather large number of blank pages. In 1953, Kennett Love was the New York Times's man in Tehran during the CIA-orchestrated overthrow of Mossadegh. Preparing for the book, Kwitny had obtained Love's notes on the event, which were archived at Princeton under the control of a former CIA officer. In his notes, Love had somewhat gleefully described his friendly advice to an anti-Mossadegh tank crew that was sitting on its collective thumbs at the height of the attack on Mossadegh's compound. Love also recounted his cooperation in distributing anti-Mossadegh "firmans" on the street.

Love sued Kwitny and the publisher for infringement of copyright. The Penguin edition came out during the lawsuit, and one condition was that any references to Love would be whited out. Kwitny had some remainders of the original edition, and for $10, I was able to get one from him. Kwitny made no mention of involvement by the Rockefellers, but this of course does not mean that they might not have been operating behind the scenes. The lawsuit was finally settled in Kwitny's favor, but I think by then Congdon & Weed had gone belly-up.
Somebody needs to reprint the original version.

One of the best books written about the true nature of US foreign policy. BUT if you are going to buy it get the first printing of the hardcover edition. The Rockefeller family got a judge to act as post publication editor and force the removal of a number of sections related to their activities in Iran in later editions.

Precursor to Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins- but more info and from the point of view of a terrific reporter and Peace Corps person...how the IMF & them really work (fer only about 3 rich people)- depressing & eye opening

I hate not being able to finish a book.

Jonathan Kwitny, a former NYT reporter, describes in excruciating detail U.S. foreign policy disasters in Zaire, Angola, Iran, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Cuba, The Philippines, China, Lebanon, El Salvador, Vietnam, Korea, Ethiopia and elsewhere -- and frankly after a couple hundred pages of this I was simply too dispirited to continue reading.

I'm probably naive or idealistic or both, but I want to believe my country stands for the principles expounded in our Declaration of Independence. Reading this exhaustive, carefully-researched, emotionally-detached and factual account to the contrary turned out to be painful and destructive to my civic pride.

Kwitny's book, written at the end of Reagan's first term, makes it clear that economic meddling has been going on at least since WWII, and so I guess it should come as no surprise that it's in full swing again, as detailed by John Perkins' "Confessions of an Economic Hitman." Stephen Kinzer's "All The Shah's Men" tells more of the story of Iran (which is heavily censored here due to lawsuits at the time of publishing).

One lesson taken from this book is that it's not just the conservative Republican administrations which have sent troops to further the economic interests of financial contributors. Apparently ALL politics is infected with the virus of economic imperialism -- a sad truth I'd rather not have learned.

Es un libro interesantísimo que nos da un recorrido por las diferentes rutas que han llevado a latinoamerica a la decadencia de hoy en dia.
Le recomiendo este libro a todo aquel interesado en saber mas allá de lo obvio sobre el origen del subdesarrollo y la miseria en nuestros paises.

I know a lot of intelligent people whose ideas never change and think that determinate regimen is the solution to sweep away poverty. But they never attend the facts in their effort to maintain their beliefs. If you think you are a smart person you must agreed William Blake's quotation "The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind". No matter what kind of ideas you profess about underdevelopment, this book surely is going to confront a lot of them and will provide you with a wider view. Give it a change to understand why Latin America is so poor.

This book shows everything that has gone wrong n latinamerica and it not only shows one side. It talks about the bad things that corporations, unions, dictators, politicians etc. have done and why thanks to all of them and also the peole latin america is as bad as it is today.

Brilliant! An excellent book for those really concerned about the social and economical future of Latin America...For those who want to make a change.

excelent book, I really enjoy it because tell the true history of Latin America