D Books

I loved this book! I have read all of his books and find them to be extremely funny and well written. If you like mysteries and golden retrievers, these are the books for you!

PLAY DEAD is David Rosenfelt's sixth book starring his freewheeling, rule-bending New Jersey defense attorney Andy Carpenter. And it's one of his best. PLAY DEAD kicks off with Andy finding out that a golden retriever named Yogi is about to be put down for biting its owner. Andy, having a soft spot for golden retrievers (himself the owner of the glorious Tara), isn't about to let that happen. He goes to court and successfully reverses Yogi's death sentence. And that's that, right?

Wrong. It turns out that Yogi is supposed to have been dead for five years now. Yogi's real name is Reggie, and the actual owner is Richard Evans. Here's where it gets good. Five years ago, Evans was convicted of killing his girlfriend on his private boat, with Reggie believed to have been thrown overboard. Evans has spent the past half decade in incarceration. But, now, Reggie's sudden re-appearance calls to question the events surrounding the murder. Reggie, Andy supposes, might even be the key to finding out what really happened. When Richard's sister Karen asks him to prove her brother innocent, Andy caves.

It won't be easy, naturally. First, Andy and his oddball team have to present probable cause in order to get the case re-opened, and then there's that little thing of actually winning the re-trial. If that's not enough of a challenge, certain outside forces aren't willing to play nice (the mob, the U.S. Customs, an unknown federal government agency). And it's not enough that Andy finds his phone being tapped; now thugs are taking potshots at him.

In the light legal thriller genre, I hang my hat(s) on Paul Levine and David Rosenfelt (Paul Levine's Solomon Vs. Lord series, by the way, rocks mightily.). Both authors excel in balancing tongue-in-cheek with courtroom suspense. In PLAY DEAD Rosenfelt tops Levine just a tad with Andy's unprecedented and off-the-wall act of putting a dog on the witness stand ("The defense calls Reggie Evans."). And, somehow, Rosenfelt manages to pull it off, making the somewhat implausible plot seem logical (I don't really see real life lawyers getting away with half what our hero gets away with). Andy Carpenter, irreverent and maybe even a bit of a physical coward, continues to ingratiate himself with the reader. Work-ethically challenged and wealthy as sin, Andy can pick and choose his cases. That he'd take on the underdog cause of a convicted murderer, primarily because he owns a golden retriever, probably says everything there is to say about Andy.

For suckers of romance, there's ample sighting of Andy's Wisconsin Sheriff paramour, Laurie, who becomes concerned with Andy's case and flies in to Jersey on a makeshift vacation. Seems that long-distance thing is working out well for these two. For now. For quirkiness, the rest of the regulars are also here, including the monosyllabic and intimidating P.I./bodyguard Marcus, Andy's sarcastic cop buddy Pete, that computer hack Sam Willis (who often challenges Andy in a song quote-off), and Andy's hypochondriac law partner Kevin. Oh, and let's not forget the wondrous golden retriever Tara, who runs Andy's world and is magnanimous enough to share her home with Reggie.

I've always come away with a good feeling after finishing an Andy Carpenter book, and it's no different with PLAY DEAD. It's a whodunit which is perplexing enough (although it's one of those mysteries which'll have you slapping your head later and thinking, "Dang, I should've seen that coming." I didn't see it coming). The courtroom scenes leave you enough of Andy being Andy (although, he doesn't quite grandstand as much as he has in prior books). Not to be a Pollyanna, but this really ends up being a feel-good and heartwarming story. Especially if you love dogs. If you're into skullduggery, there's a far-reaching conspiracy which seeks to stump Andy at every turn. And, if you're just in this for a good time, well, then, Andy's snarky commentaries and observations will keep you on the smirky side of life.

Next to finally, chalk up the high-spirited Karen Evans as a very winning character. Dare I hope she'll become a recurring character? She was certainly hanging out enough in Andy's workplace.

Finally, check out Rosenfelt's acknowledgement page. It's a hoot.

Many years ago I attended a legal education program where a well-known evidence professor presented a hypothetical case involving a dog who was called to court to give evidence. It was delivered in a humorous and entertaining fashion, and the presentation helped drive home an important legal point that I have remembered for more than 20 years. David Rosenfelt, the creator of a wonderful series of courtroom mystery novels with attorney Andy Carpenter, may have heard that same evidence hypothetical at some point in his career. His newest novel, PLAY DEAD, opens with a similar legal conundrum.

Andy comes to the rescue of a golden retriever, seemingly abandoned by his owner. He is about to be put to sleep by the local dog pound, but Andy goes to court to win a reprieve for him. In the ensuing news coverage, a witness recognizes the dog for an extremely significant reason. Because the animal is alive, her brother, who is serving a life sentence for murder, cannot be guilty of the crime for which he is imprisoned. Thus begins Andy's newest legal battle, an ingenious and entertaining adventure that followers of the series have grown to expect.

Several years ago Andy inherited a large fortune, and the money gives him the opportunity to select a limited number of clients and cases. Large retainers from wealthy criminals are not his priority; obtaining real justice for the wrongly convicted is his reward.

Andy's client in PLAY DEAD is Richard Evans, convicted of the murder of his fiancée and now serving a life sentence. The golden retriever that Andy rescues from imminent death turns out to be Evans's dog. At the time of the killing the dog was four miles out in the Atlantic Ocean. He was presumed to have drowned, but that he now appears alive raises questions about the conviction. First Andy must win a new trial for Evans and then has to convince a second jury that Evans is not guilty.

Meanwhile, Andy is still balancing a long-distance romantic relationship with Laurie Collins, his former investigator who now works in Wisconsin. His loyal office crew and New Jersey cronies are all part of the mix, which makes these books such enjoyable reading.

Rosenfelt has an excellent grasp of the law and the legal process. He paints true portraits of prosecutors and judges, and his courtroom scenes have remarkable vitality. True, Andy sometimes gets away with some shenanigans that might not occur in a real courtroom, but these are his cases and he is the leading man. Under those circumstances, readers can cut him just a tiny bit of slack.

Andy's investigation into the Evans case unearths some very suspicious and potentially lethal evidence. It also portends danger for him. Early on in his investigation, Andy is the victim of a shooting attack on the highway. His assailants are killed, but their deaths raise more questions than answers. Throughout PLAY DEAD, many of the important characters are not who they appear to be. Indeed, Andy can only be certain of Reggie, the golden retriever whose life he has spared. Even the dog's life becomes endangered by those who try to dissuade Andy from his quest for justice.

Rosenfelt has a successful formula for what hopefully will be a long series of enjoyable and entertaining courtroom novels. The American legal system provides the author with substantial fodder for countless new adventures for Andy and his associates. His writing ability seems to be limitless, and readers can await with wonderful anticipation the next adventure of Andy Carpenter's legal career.

--- Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman

"Play Dead," a novel by David Rosenvelt is a great book. David has lots of other novels like "Shut Up". I really liked this book because it wasn't one of those books where you know what's coming next. It is very suspenseful, which makes you want to keep reading. This is a great lawyer book and has very good detail. I think people that plan to be lawyers should read this book but doesn't mean it is limited to them.
This book is about a lawyer who has a passion for golden retrievers. He tries to get a dog from being put down which leads to another case which puts his life in jeopardy.
The best thing about the book is how it makes you think of all the hints and clues they give out early in the book to help solve the case at the end.

The only bad thing I can say about this book is how quickly it was over. I tried to slow down and appreciate every great scene that I came upon, but before I knew it I was done. Finished with another superb Rosenfelt thriller. Go get it if you don't already have it. Awesome from start to finish.

This is a collection of essays about the first twelve rulers to bear the name Caesar. It is the definitive collection of eyewitness stories about the early emperors as they were seen by their contemporaries.

The rulers covered by this book include Julius Caesar, his adopted son Augustus and his descendents, the warlords who contended for power in the "Year of Four Caesars" after Nero was overthrown, and the Flavians.

In other words, the full list of twelve is:

Julius Caesar
Augustus
Tiberius
Gaius Caligula
Claudius
Nero
Galba
Otho
Vitellius
Vespasian
Titus
Domitian.

If you want to understand the early Roman Empire, you need to read this book. If you are a budding novelist and want to write about the early Empire, you need to read this book.

Robert Graves, author of "I Claudius" and "Claudius the God" translated this version: not surprisingly many of the snippets of gossip and fascinating little stories from Suetonius find their way into his novels. They also find their way into every good novel about first century Rome that I have ever read, absolutely without exception.

You should not take for granted that every word of Suetonius's account is accurate. For example, he supports the story that Nero set fire to the city of Rome, and then sang an aria as he watched the city burn. (This is story is often misquoted as Nero having fiddled while Rome burned - an impossibility since the violin had not been invented.)

Some modern historians have made a strong case that this was a clever libel spread by Nero's contemporary opponents, that Nero was actually away from the city when the fire broke out and hurried back to Rome to personally lead the fire-fighting efforts.

If they are right it does not cast doubt on Suetonius's integrity as a reporter of what was said about the emperor, because there is no dispute that the story of Nero singing while Rome burned was widely believed at the time. As the saying goes, "Si non e vero, e ben trovato" - if it's not true, it's well invented. Aspects of the story certainly seem in character with many of Nero's other proclivities including his love of art, enormous vanity, and complete ruthlessness. However, it illustrates that Suetonius does seem to have a propensity to repeat every snippet of gossip he heard about the early emperors, with rather less selectivity and critical judgement than the other great ancient historians, Herodotus and Thucydides.

However, for this very reason, though perhaps he is a whisker behind Herodotus and Thucydides as a historian, Suetonius is far and away the most entertaining of the three.

The translation by Graves is very easy to read. This is one of the most important, fascinating, and informative works of ancient history which was ever written.

That question can be solved by me by choosing the former simply because of what survives of his work and here it is: The Twelve Caesars. Tacitus is the other great Roman historian but what survives of his two masterpieces: The Annals and The Histories, is not as comprehensive as what is found in The Twelve Caesars.

The Twelve Caesars is definatley my favorite historical work of the Roman Empire. In it, Suetonious goes over the actions and character of not only the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty but the Flavian as well, making The Twelve Caesars cover roughly 138 years.

This is probably the best historical account of the emperors of the Roman Empire and is the best introduction to other works such as the great works of Tacitus.

lunatics that ruled Rome in the first century, & told very well in the audio cassette format. As history it is not much but as biography it is informative & entertaining. Apparently the mores & standards of decency were much diiferent than they are today. Most of these 12 Caesars did not not rule very long but they impacted the Empire probably for a long time after. I'd like to read more about the individuals that followed Domitian & before Julius thus supplementing other well known works such as the Fall of the Roman Empire. This book however, is a good start.

Suetonius grew up in the years following Nero's reign and wrote these histories while he was the secretary of the emperor Hadrian in the early second century A.D. His book covers the successive reigns of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.

The stories focus on the emperors themselves more than the events which took place under their reigns and, although there's certainly some truth to those emperors, many of Suetonius' facts are anecdotal stories and rumors. Suetonius has therefore been called one of the first tabloid writers. Nevertheless, his biographies are rather concise and systematic; touching upon the physical attributes of the ruler, his background, the good deeds (if any) in his reign and then, of course, the bad deeds.

Robert Graves' translation is superb and carries the jovial mood of the writings quite well. I can't help but be amused at some of the stories Suetonius recites on Nero and Caligula as they are definitely two of the most eccentric emperors (to put it lightly)that ever ruled the Principate. For example, when Nero first inaugurated his new gigantic Golden House with a mile-long corridor and a 130' statue of himself at the entrance, he was said to have exclaimed, "At last! I can live like a human being!"

The Twelve Caesars is the first classical book I ever read, and it fascinated me to no end. I'd recommend this is a starter book for anyone interested in the History of Political Power. Gore Vidal reviewed this book years ago, and he wrote an excellent piece about it--the nature of power, the perversions it causes, and the absurd humanity of it All. Hopefully there won't be another Tiberius as President of the USA (we only have our cheap Clintonius) but it's fun to wonder what may become of our American Empire. Please, please buy this book.

Chicken soup for the cat and dog lovers soul is a wonderful book that warms my heart and gives me a happy feeling reading thru the stories and the love people feel for there pets. When I recently lost my beloved siamese cat it helped me to feel better about my "furry baby" passing over the rainbow bridge because I knew he had a wonderful life and he knew he was cherished. All the books in the chicken soup series are very uplifting and spirtual and make people smile, I highly recommend them.

I have bought many books from this series and found this one to be my favorite. This book is a must for the animal lover. I will read a few stories before bed every night. Some stories bring tears to my eyes and others make me simle from ear to ear. Great book that people of any age will love!!

My 10 year-old son tried reading it,and thought the stories were too sad, but I adore this book. Very sweet, humbling stories about good people and good animals.

I really enjoyed this book. The main reason I liked it is because it is all about cats and dogs, and I am a hardcore animal lover. Another reason I liked it is because the stories are not made up in someone's mind. These stories are real stories that real people lived through. The last reason I liked this book so much is because you don't have to read it like an ordinary book. You can read it like I did and just jump around to stories that sound good to you, instead of reading the book cover to cover.

In this volume, Mr. Canfield and crew have compiled a smorgasboard selection of short stories about pets who fortify us and make life bearable. Especially poignant to me was "the medicine cat" as I, too, had one named Tosca. She gave up the ghost a few months ago at the age of eighteen years, as I had no way to get to her when she needed support of the kind she gave to me several years ago. They recognize the special love and devotion of animals to bless our hearts and homes.

"Cat lovers will tell you that felines are 'poetry in motion,' living sculptures at rest, and that the warm weight of a purring cat...is a surefire cure for all that ails you."

It is the physical acts of love to bring the gift of life as expressed in "The Healing Touch." I cried as I read "The Language of the Heart" about an unusual rabbit and his healing the hurt of a little girl who'd turned inward and no longer could talk. Something had died in that child which this loving rabbit cured. His innocence and trust had rekindled the same qualities in the child. The loving presence of an animal can heal where words have no effect. Alas, Roger Rabbit bit the tip off my little finger one day, which led me to the ER for a Saran-wrap bandage (to stop the bleeding -- a bandaid wouldn't work) and a tetanus shot. Needless to say, I found him another home.

"A small gesture -- the insistent tap of a cat's paw" about Jack, an adopted stray kitten (like Dante in Troy, Alabama), who grew into Ellen's savior. He woke her from a daydream of tragedy; Star woke me up with that same gesture over and over so that I would not strangle from Acid Reflux. Pets do love and care for their owners. This volume is one I will treasure for years to come. It is full of memories about pet owners' animals, not just cats and dogs.

The author makes you feel like you were there. It is a great book!

I have never seriously explored historical fiction until reading Pillars Of The Earth. A whole new world opened up for me. After reading the sequel, World Without End, I searched for a book, in the same genre,to lose myself in. I found The Eagle and the Raven. I simply bellieve it is the best book I have ever read.
Read it yourself and you will find out why I feel this way

I truly enjoyed this novel and could hardly put it down. It is very detailed and the characters are immensely ferocious.

I awaited this book with high hopes, having read the many positive reviews and being both a historical fiction fan and an avid student of ancient history and archaeology. What a disappointment! It's hard for me to believe that I am reading the same book so praised by many other reviewers. Maybe it's just a matter of expectations.

If you are even half serious about looking for quality writing (skillful use of language, depth of characters, engaging plot, etc.) and/or historical authenticity, or at least plausibility, pass this drivel by. A much better choice that deals with the same historical background would be the four Boudica novels by Manda Scott. On the other hand, if you just want something, anything to read, maybe this is a good choice.

Gedge has written several books that seem to be well-reviewed on Amazon at least, so it was a real shock when I started reading what most closely resembles bad romantic fiction. Gedge clearly made little effort to become acquainted with the historical material on which the novel is based. Her treatment of setting is at best superficial and more often completely generic--the story could take place anywhere and at any time; not what one looks for in overtly "historical" fiction.

The characters are invariably crude one-dimensional parodies of themselves, and although the story spans several decades, there is no discernible development or complexity explored. The charactrers at age 14 act and think like they do at 30. They all end up in what are supposed to be amazingly committed and passionate relationships, but we are given no real basis for believing this; that is to say, Gedge writes that it is so, she does not write anything to show how or why it is so.

In fact, Gedge's writing strikes me as not just historically sloppy, but fatally undermined by her penchant for cliches, her unstinting heavy-handedness, and especially her insistence on telling us what is happening rather than showing us what is happening and letting us, her readers, draw our own conclusions. It reads more like the very ambitious project of an untalented high school student than the mature work of a seasoned novelist. It is utterly unconvincing.

Epic historical novel in the vein of but better than Pillars of the Earth. Ms's Gedge and Gillespie can flat out write and I can't wait to get my hands on more of their efforts.

I have been using both Medstudy and Frontrunners as an adjunct to board review for my recertification. Medstudy is by far more superior as it has a more comprehensive review of each topic, whereas Frontrunners is very abbreviated and in outline form in its review. The questions in Frontrunners are also very unsophisticated, lots of matching and not many case presentations. Finally, try to call customer service or contact the company through the phone number or e-mail on the website, the e-mail link didn't work for me, and it took several days to get a call back, no one answers except a machine even though it gives liberal hours for being open. All in all, the product strikes me as being crude. If you like an outline style and already have some other more comprehensive text, then you might like it, but its quite pricey, even for what it is.

As the Educational Director for our residency and a practicing internist, I found this to be hands-down the best resource out there as far as a database of old exam questions in prepping the internal medicine boards. We also found that the book to which this is a companion (i.e. Frontrunners Syllabus), was extraordinary in laying out all the key material in a nicely-organized, concise, and outlined format offering "recently and commonly asked material". Together, these 2 books form the core of our own ABIM Certification residency training program and were mission-critical to getting our perfect pass rates last year. [...]

I was shocked after going through the book.This book is extremely inadequate for boards.you may get other reviews at one-fifth price.

My partner and I studied together this time, as we'd both missed the mark terribly on several prior administrations of the exam. We both passed easily owing in large part to this book. (incidentally, we found the book samples far easier to read (translation: not blurry) and far easier to evaluate from their main site). The outlined and user-friendly layout of the syllabus, with its boxed-in/bolded/starred points really made a huge difference and we saw the starred points ALL over the exam. We also owe our success on the exam to the 1300 Q&A book, which gives a massive number of old exam questions. We also found the Slide Shows (CD) essential for all the image questions, EKGs, etc. Bottom line, we're extremely happy we found this curriculum, and we're equally happy to have this exam behind us (finally). We easily score this curriculum a zealous four thumbs up.

This is a must-have for the I.M. CERT exam. The starred items, my favorites, pointed to recently asked material, which made my studying alot more enjoyable. In my opinion, nothing comes close to Frontrunners' review. My partners used it for their internal medicine RECERT and were equally pleased. As for me, I wouldn't have passed without it. Make sure you get through it at least twice before the exam since there was a load of material on the exam right out of the syllabus. I also went hit all of Frontrunners practice Q&A for the I.M. boards and got both from their www.frontrunners.info website (they had samples there, etc). In my opinion, if you're serious about passing or want to excel, you'd be foolish NOT to get a copy of these, even from a friend, before sitting for the exam.

This is a wonderful cookbook. The recipes are easy to follow, and produce excellent results.

I purchased this great cook book a few weeks ago and have made several recipes. The book is well written and researched. Any one who can read can prepare delicious meals with fresh food as there isn't one complicated step in the entire book. Do yourself a "flavor" and get this book. I am a chef and found the recipes wonderfully easy and GOOD!

What fun it was making these recipes at home! Having eaten at several of the resaurants in this cookbook, I had fun comparing my version to the original meals. I usually try a different one every weekend and have done my favorites more than once. Thank you, Hope.

This publication is full of recipes for gastronomic delights! With ease, I was able to prepare the Shrimp and Buternut Squash Risotto and transport my family from just outside Philadelphia to New Orleans. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to prepare a gourmet style dish without the tradiational cost associaited with a gourmet style meal.

I made the mistake of thoroughly impressing my fiance and his friends on Valentine's Day when I served them the Booree recipe found in this book. They now expect me to cook all the time. I highly recommend it to other "new" cooks. It is easy to use and you will be so pleased with yourselves! I am. I feel like a master chef.

This book is HIGHLY recommended.Management really should pay attention to who is MOBBING who.The MOBBER S are UP TO SOMETHING and I am sure it is not in your companies best interest.People just trying to DO THEIR JOB and at first DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS TREATMENT GOES ON ?The Mobbers out to harm company. I think the companies have pretty much let them.You have let this go on for so many years.As a target I am telling you all TARGET"S WANT A SAFE WORKPLACE.People do not want to play games on the job.Go ruin your own reputation you gossiping liars.
NO TOXIC "OUT OF CONTROL "coworkers who mob.People just go to work to make a living, not a living hell.

Although a little dry at times, MOBBING: EMOTIONAL ABUSE IN THE WORKPLACE is nonetheless an important book detailing a little-known phenomenon that has become rampant in companies and universities everywhere. The author explores the difference between mobbing and simply bullying, explaining that the former entails multiple coworkers ganging up on a single person in order to humiliate, discredit, and eventually dispel them from the workplace. Often the ringleader is a boss who finds the employee threatening. The author details the steps in the harassing process, and outlines the adverse effects on the workplace and the victim, explaining why the US needs to have legislation in place to prevent this common, but primarily unidentified, process. This is a very important book for HR professionals, as mobbing occurs in fifteen percent of all workplaces, yet is rarely recognized by the administrative employees called in to deal with the effects. Many times the situation is manipulated so that the victim appears emotionally unstable and paranoid. As someone who was herself the victim of a mobbing at a former job, I found this book a valuable tool in putting into perspective what had happened and why. If only I could get my ex HR director to read it!

One day soon workplace abuses like "mobbing" and "narcissistic abuse" will be as much within public awareness as sexual abuse/harassment/discrimination is today. I'm old enough to remember when sexual abuse in the workplace was "cutting edge." The questions during that time went something like this: is it really "abuse"? or is it just boys having fun and women just dressing too sexy? Why get all worked up about a little too much testosterone in the office? The problem is--it rarely had much to do with testosterone and more to do with abusing/using another human being.

I see that we are in a similar situation now with narcissistic abuse in the workplace. Not all organizational "mobbing" is caused by narcissism, but a whole lot of it is. In order to make a narcissistic organization "work" some people have to be designated as "second-rate." Ironically, the "second-rate" people most often have more on the ball than the "first-rate" people because they are too smart and emotionally healthy not to get involved in the narcissism of it all anyway. They just want to work.

One of these days, and I hope I live long enough to see it as much as Gloria Steinem ever wanted to live long enough to see laws against sexual abuse, I want to see laws against the emotional phenomenon of "mobbing" as other bellwether countries in the world have already done. What a great day that will be for the human race.

This is an excellent book. Well written. Well researched. As a recent victim of "mobbing" I can tell you that it does exist. Victims of sexual harassment/discrimination in the workplace years ago had to experience the phenomenon of either too few people believing them or too many people believing that it really wasn't that big of a deal. One great thing the authors do is to verify that "mobbing" is serious emotional abuse. That name it and call it for what it is: evil.

Why do we put up with "mobbing" today and why isn't it within the awareness of the average American yet? The author gives us some ideas why:
"One is that mobbing behaviors are ignored, tolerated, misinterpreted, or actually instigated by the company or the organizational management as a deliberate strategy." Been there, been a victim of that, got the T-shirt.
"The second reason is that this behavior has not yet been identified as workplace behavior clearly different from sexual harassment or discrimination"
"Thirdly, more often than not, the victims are worn down, feel destroyed and exhausted. They feel incapable of defending themselves, let alone initiating legal action." (page 20)

This is a super, comprehensive, competent book. I suppose that the only critique I would have of it is that the authors should have spent more than two modest pages on Narcissistic Personality Disorder. More often than not, this personality disorder is at work when "mobbing" is taking place. I really think a deeper discussion of this phenomenon could have added more psychological depth to the book. Furthermore, by doing so the authors could have helped "mobbing" victims by giving them definitive proof that the "mobbing" perpetrators, not the victim, are the ones who should be ashamed if anyone should be ashamed.

You know, now that I think about it, the authors should have focused more on "shame" as well. A huge part of the "mobbing" phenomenon is "shame dumping." The victim is supposed to be ashamed for not being "good enough" or whatever. The fact is that the "mobbing" perpetrators are probably highly motivated to avoid shame and thus dump their shame on a "not good enough" co-worker/employee. By spending more effort on unpacking the phenomenon of "shame", I believe the authors could have done a better job of helping "mobbing" victims put the shame that was dumped on them back on where it belongs--the perpetrators.

All in all, though, this is an excellent addition to the discussion of emotional abuse in the workplace. We're in denial as a country, in my opinion, to the severity of it in all areas of society. We need to follow the other European countries who call it for what it is and write laws against it.

But, one day...one day...we'll call it for what it is. I just pray I live that long and that my children won't have to fight that inevitable fight.

Let's win it soon.

This is an outstanding book. I highly recommend this book to any working professional, especially to anyone whose job requires him to deal with attorneys on a regular basis. The book defines the term mobbing - a group of employees ganging up on a fellow employee to force his resignation. It gives a description (personality type) of the likely perpetrator(s) or ringleader and breaks down the effect this abuse has on the employee. The book also provides a chapter about how to protect yourself legally. While most abuses I've seen in the legal field were one-on-one (I saw only one incident of actual mobbing against a secretary), the book provides a wealth of information to nonlawyer professionals, or anyone else for that matter, who may find themselves in a hostile environment at the job. This is a common, a daily of not hourly occurence, in many law firms. The personality types describe lawyers to a "T." This book is a must-have in the American workforce. I've seen too many legal secretaries' morale, self-esteem, and confidence go down the tubes because of harassment and abuse. This undoubtedly happens in other industries as well.

Before my experience of becoming a victim of "mobbing", I had never heard of this word. I've had to deal with a bully or two in the past, and the usual work pressures caused by demanding bosses and strict deadlines. But nothing prepared me for the experience of being mobbed. It was passive aggressive style mobbing. This book was a great resource for myself, though it made me sad that some friends and relatives couldn't believe such a thing could occur, or didn't want to admit such a thing could occur in this country. This experience has really changed my view of people. Of course, I could tell some of the participants would have caused me grief whether or not the mobbing environment existed. And it was easy to see that others were less enthusiastic about the mobbing and just did it to "fit in". Since managers were involved in my situation, the only recourse I had was to quit for the sake of my health. This book is written very clearly and will help you understand your situation, and the best way to respond.

But immediately after quitting, I then became a victim of "gang stalking", which has many similarities to mobbing, but takes place in the "community". I first encountered the word "gang stalking" during my research on "mobbing", and it sounded quite preposterous to be honest. However, now that it is happening to me, I'm finding that it isn't such a new phenomenon either. An example is the FBI's COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program). I keep asking myself "Why Me?. Its not like I'm a radical trying to bring down the government.

Could this have happened if it weren't for the so called "Patriot Act", creating opportunity for abuse of power and high technology? See "Opening Pandora's Box: How Technologies of Communication & Cognition May Be Shifting Towards a Psycho-Civilized Society" by Kingsley Dennis of Lancaster University. Another good paper is "The Mind Has No Firewall" by Timothy Thomas of the US Army War College.

I'm sure the number of people that experience "mobbing" is going to far outnumber the number of people who ever experience "gang stalking", but please believe that this is a reality in modern day America. So much for the 8th amendment about "cruel & unusual" punishments, not to mention all the other laws against this type of activity. With mobbing, I was afraid of losing a source of income & diminished health. With gang stalking, I'm afraid for my safety. I've received threats of bodily harm, threats of being framed for crimes, persecuted by the government and its extra legal "vigilantes" leaves no hope for justice, and imprisonment. Most interactions don't involve a major threat, but are just acts of harassment to let the victim know they are under surveillance. Anything to maintain a climate of fear and uncertainty. Hearing "directed conversations" (which repeat certain threatening themes, or relate to something personal in your life) at a restaurant or while walking, street theater, being tailgated or crossing paths with vehicles of various companies or government units (for instance, they all happen to appear at the intersections you stop at to condition the victim to start interpreting that type of vehicle as a threatening symbol), ect... after a while leave the victim realizing there are too many occurrences for all of them to be isolated random events, but are being coordinated by a government agency. Why would the government go to all of this trouble with our tax dollars? To quell dissent? Unify people by finding scapegoats for the vigilantes to persecute? Persecution on behalf of corporations?

This has been going on for quite a few months and I feel mobbing victims would be the most likely to understand or at least listen since the goals and methods are similar in many way. To Discredit & Destroy people in a way that leaves little evidence of the crime, and to provoke and blame the victim. And both mobbing and gang stalking are repetitive types of abuse that occur over a long period of time, so that the victim is always worried about "what will happen next?". They drain the person down emotionally since the fight or flight mechanism is on so much. Is that what happened to Gary Webb and Iris Chang?

Its depressing when so many people gang up on you, but I think the bright spot to remember is that these liars and cowards are forced to carry out their activities covertly, since most Americans would be outraged if the true facts were ever revealed. If you are in a mobbing situation, this book is well worth the money.


P.S. I would buy the book "Stalking the Soul: Emotional Abuse & the Erosion of Identity" if it weren't so expensive, but it received high ratings from customers. Plus Marie-France Hirigoyen's research helped establish the anti-mobbing laws in France. The following excerpt made me interested.

by Marie-France Hirigoyen, Helen Marx (Afterword), Thomas Moore (Translator)
"Often, emotional abuse builds over a long period of time until it becomes so unbearable that victims lash out in frustration and anger, only to appear unstable and aggressive themselves. This, according to Hirigoyen, is the intent of many abusers: to systematically "destabilize" and confuse their victims (with irrational, threatening behavior that preys on the victim's fears and self-doubts), to isolate and control them and ultimately to destroy their identity."

The book Ramona and her mother is about a 7 year old little girl who is jealous of her big sister Beatrice and she wants to spend time with her mommy as mommy's little girl but Beezus has already taken on that role. In the end, Ramona Quimby gets her wish...To spend time with her mother. You'll need to read this book and find out how it all actually ends. Though this book does have some boring parts, I would recommend this book to any elementary or beginning middle school girl who loves Beverly Cleary books or any girl who might be experiencing what Ramona is going through. I myself can relate because I go through this almost on a daily basis. Sometimes I'm jealous of my baby cousin who gets most of all the attention but in the end (just like Ramona), I get my mommy all to myself.

G.B.M. Sanders - 6th grade - Hammond Middle
Alexandria, VA

Ramona is seven-and-a-half-years-old right now. She is going through a difficult time trying to figure out if she wants to be mommy's little girl or grow up. Ramona's mother invited Ramona's best friends family over for brunch. When Howie's little sister Willa Jean arrives Ramona can't stand to be jealous. Willa Jean is a little girl with curled hair and has pretty little dresses. When Ramona sees her bear, Roger she will do anything to get her hands on it . Ramona's mom puts her in charge of watching Willa Jean. While Beezus and the adults eat brunch the adults refer to her as mother's girl. Ramona is trying to figure out why she doesn't get in trouble for anything and gets away with everything. Ramona never gets away with anything and is always in trouble. When she squirts the whole tube of toothpaste in the sink, she gets yelled at and when she has a tantrum, she is told to stop right away. In Ramona's world nothing is fair. She can't stand that her mother has to work and she is forced to be watched by Willa Jean's grandmother evryday after school. Ramona would rather stay at home sewing, cooking, reading, and watching T.V. with her mom, but things never seem to work out. All she wants to do is be mommy's little girl forever. Now time passes by and she realizes she will just have to grow up.

Ramona is seven-and-a-half-years-old right now. She is going through a difficult time trying to figure out if she wants to be mommy's little girl or grow up. Ramona's mother invited Ramona's best friends family over for brunch. When Howie's little sister Willa Jean arrives Ramona can't stand to be jealous. Willa Jean is a little girl with curled hair and has pretty little dresses. When Ramona sees her bear, Roger shes will do anything to get her hands on it . Ramona's mom puts her in charge of watching Willa Jean. While Beezus and the adults eat brunch and she keeps getting called mother's girl. Ramona is trying to figure out why she doesn't get in trouble for anything and gets away with everything. Ramona never gets away with anything and is always in trouble. When she squirts the whole tube of toothpaste in the sink, she gets yelled at and when she has a tantrum, she is told to stop right away. In Ramona's world nothing is fair. She can't stand that her mother has to work and she is forced to be watched by Willa Jean's grandmother evryday after school. Ramona would rather stay at home sewing, cooking, reading, and watching T.V. with her mom, but things never seem to work out. All she wants to do is be mommy's little girl forever. Now time passes by and she relizes she will just have to grow up.

A rambunctious little girl all her life, seven-year-old Ramona is suddenly seized with jealousy, watching New Year's guests compliment her older sister Beezus and call her their mother's girl.

Too young to want all the things that the adolescent Beezus does - but too old to run through the house, flinging Kleenex like bratty four-year-old neighbor Willa Jean - Ramona is filled with strange longings, like squeezing all the toothpaste out of a brand-new tube for no apparent reason.

All Ramona wants - like any of us - is to find her place in the family, and to know that she's ultimately loved, no matter what she does...

Being seven-and-a-half-years-old (right now!) may seem like a simple task, but for second-grader, Ramona Quimby, it's proving to be a mix of difficulty and confusion. After all, she's between two strange ages - seven and eight - and can't figure out what she wants to do. Part of her is determined to stay her mother's little bunny, twitching her nose and being babied; while the other part wants to act like a grown-up, and do whatever she pleases. When Ramona's parents throw a New Year's brunch to celebrate her father finding a new job, she's thrilled to get the chance to eat a mix of breakfast and lunch. But when her best friend Howie's younger sister, Willa Jean arrives, Ramona can't help but feel jealous of the "little angel." For one, Willa Jean has ruffles sewed onto her underpants; and two, she's holding a stuffed bear - aptly named Woger - that Ramona would do anything to get her hands on. But, alas, even at her young age, Willa Jean is determined not to part with Woger. To make matters worse, Ramona's mother leaves her in charge of Willa Jean while Beezus and the rest of the adults get to fraternize with one another over hot muffins, coffee, sausage, and so much more. Ramona can't understand why her parents are treating her like a baby, while Beezus is constantly called her "mother's girl." Beezus doesn't even get in trouble for anything, because everyone says that she's at a "difficult" age. Ramona feels that she's at a difficult age, as well. But she never gets away with anything. When she squirts a whole tube of toothpaste into the bathroom sink, she gets yelled at; when she has a tantrum, she's told to "stop this instant," when she wants to stay up later than her bedtime, she's not allowed. In Ramona's eyes, nothing is fair. She can't stand that her mother has to work, and that she's forced to be watched by Willa Jean's grandmother everyday after school, and the fact that Beezus gets to go to her friends houses only makes matters worse. Ramona would do anything to just spend everyday with her mother - sewing, cooking, reading, watching TV. But things never seem to work out the way Ramona wants them to. All she wants is to stay her mother's little girl forever, but the more time that passes the more Ramona begins to realize that, perhaps, her wish will never be granted, and she'll be forced to grow up.

I first discovered Ramona Quimby when I was about six-years-old, and instantly fell in love with her pesty antics, and penchant for throwing tantrums at the worst possible moments. Now, with the re-publication of the RAMONA series, however, I am beginning to realize that I missed out on quite a few of Ramona's tales, and have decided to re-immerse myself in the life of the Quimby family. Now, even though so many years have passed, I find that Beverly Cleary's tales about Ramona are still enjoyable, and quite irresistible. Ramona, as always, is the perfect example of a precocious child embarking on the trials and tribulations that accompany growing up. Her ability to act slightly mature at times, then revert back to full-blown childish behavior is spot-on with how growing children truly act; while her jealousy, and ability to find herself in countless bizarre situations only prove to make her even more hilarious. Cleary manages to balance humor with family problems by placing a slight emphasis on difficulties with money, a parent losing a job, and being bombarded with bills. While subjects such as money problems, and not wanting to grow-up are often sore spots, Cleary presents them in a neutral way that offers parents the opportunity to discuss such issues with their children in an effort to put their minds at ease. However, even by introducing these problems, Cleary never overshadows the humorous side of Ramona, and never talks down to the reader. In fact, Ramona remains as lovable as ever as she traverses the muddy waters of second grade, and works to accept the new teacher whom she's still unsure of; while, at the same time, working overtime to twitch her nose to remind her mother that she is, and always will be, her little bunny. The most obnoxious - yet entertaining - little sister in fiction!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

This was one of those "why not?" choices of reading.

I knew of the heavy cruiser Houston but this book filled in the story. James Hornfischer did a wonderful job accumulating stories to present a good picture of what happened to the men of the Houston in the early days of the war and what happened to them during the war.

The Houston and along with a "rag-tag" collection of ships were given the all but suicide mission to defend Java from the Imperial Navy and the approaching invasion force. Suicide in the fact they were going to a fight severely over gunned and with no air cover.

They tried but were beaten and eventually only the Houstan the and Australian Cruiser HMAS Perth remained. Trying to make a run to Australia, they stumble on the invasion forces even though they thought it was only the navy. The Perth is mortally wounded and the Houston learns she has stumbled on the invasion fleet and rushes in. Four Japanese ships are sunk by the Japanese trying to get the Houston. Eventually she is sunk.

The story reads like an adventure which are greatly added by the personal stories of the survivors. The ship cats of the Perth and Houston. The cat from the Houston runs into the jungle just before the final voyage when the ships stop to refuel. The cat from the Perth is caught 3 times and ordered to be clapped into irons(ie a fuel can with four holes). Poor kitty knew what was coming. The grizzled old marine Sargent who stays at his post firing his 50 calibers while the ship tower sinks into the water(he could not swim). The chaplin who gave up his life in the life boats so the younger men would have a better chance.

The men of both ships try to figure out what to do. Some are picked up but surprisingly many are left by the Japanese. Some unruly Australians cuss out Japanese that try to rescue them. It was commented that in a disaster it's best to be with Australians as they have the penchant to look at everything as an opportunity. One group for instance, made it to shore, made a ragtag ship and sail and were going to make a run for Australia. They were captured.

Next came the stories of the camps. The brutality and the diseases of life in the jungle as a P.O.W. You get to hear the about the amazing doctor who had knowledge of Jungle medicine and probably saved countless men. One thing was surprising was to read these men were involved with the bridge and train system that was told by the move "The Bridge on the River Kawi" I knew Hollywood tends to glamorize things but you will see the full story from this book. One of my favorite characters from this cast is the supreme scavenger named Mccone. The Japanese were scared of him because they thought he was crazy. He assembled a crew which he called the 40 thieves. One story that made me laugh was the arrival of a delivery truck. The thieves stripped it down to the frame in minutes and the tossed the frame next to the junk pile. The driver came back and was subsequently beaten by the guards for loosing the truck. The guards were beaten by the NCOs for the truck being lost and the NCOs were beaten by the commander for the guards loosing the truck. The prisoners had to work from laughing and dreaded what would have happened if the commander had put his hand on the still hot radiator as he looked through the junk pile.

An interesting aspect was the mix of brutality and the rare instances of compassion shown by the Japanese. Beatings were a constant thing but then there were moments of were they would do things. When it came to the Korean guards it was down right brutal.

One interesting side note was the fact the river Kwai was not the original name. It was later renamed after the movie came out.

All in all this is a good book for the historian and the general fan of the area. Numerous sources are listed for further research if so desired. There is also a website listed that keeps track of the survivers and men who died on that day.

As an avid reader of WWII books this is the 2nd book of Hornfischers I've read. The first was "Last of the Tin Can Soliders" which I highly recommend, also.
Growing up in the 60's I watched the movie "Bridge on the River Kwai" and thought it was great, although not extremely factual. The movie and treatment of prisoners had to be softened given how soon after WWII it came out (1958). This movie doesn't really give much background on the real hell that these captured men went through just to survive through another day.
I am always astounded at what soldiers of the "Greatest Generation" endured to survive in dire situations in WWII. How humble these men and woman remained after the war is also amazing.
This book gives extensive details of how the Houston and its men got in their predicament by being early on the frontlines trying to stop the Japanese. It contains many personalized stories of both the men that survived and those who didn't. Homage and respect is paid to both by Hornfischer in his detailed accounts of what happened.
I look forward to Hornfischer's next book. He meticulouly researches his subject matter. He then takes all of the research and creates an interesting read.

This engrossing book traces the epic story of the crew of the USS Houston, beginning with their ship's demise in the early days of WWII. Part of a hodge-podge of allied naval forces, arrayed against the trained and massively superior Japanese air and sea powers, the Houston was sunk when it stumbled onto a giant Japanese landing invasion halfway between Singapore and Batavia (now Djakarta). The book traces the surviving crew, who disappeared from contact at sinking, were captured and sent to Changi prison camp in Singapore, and were dispersed between 1942 and the end of the war as POW work slaves to Burma, Thailand, and Japan, many working on the Burma-Thai railway (the same project as the Bridge over the River Kwai). The book is a well-written and very readable litany of the many horrors endured (malaria, beri-beri, cholera, torture, malnutrition, beatings) and the adaptable will of the lucky survivors. A few more maps and timelines and such would be a welcome addition, but nonetheless this book must be lauded as a very well-researched, thorough, and page-turning account of a little chapter of WWII.

I'm not a war, history or navy buff, and "Ship of Ghosts...." was loaned me by a friend who knew I served aboard a naval vessel (DLG) for 3 years. He felt I would find the book by Mr. Hornfischer an interesting read. What an understatement. I was so mesmerized by the history of the ship, and its heroic captain and crew I had difficulty putting the book down. The author does an excellent job of chronicling the naval battles, as well as the subsequent imprisonment of the Houston's survivors and the horrific treatment inflicted on them by the Japanese. The drama is strong enough to bring tears of sorrow and joy simultaneously. What a testament to the bravery of what may be our last great generation. Bravo to the U.S.S. Houston, her captain and all who served aboard her, and to Mr. Hornfischer for revealing the story to the world.

..all this can be found here. Book is written very well. James Hornfischer did a great work collecting and chronicling dramatic stories of many marines and sailors who went through heroic battles and POW camps' existence. There are several unmarked, but clearly distinguished sections in this book, all of them having general historical background detailing how war with Japan started, progressed, concluded (including prosecution and punishment for war criminals) and affected the post-war future of this region of Asia. First (and the best IMO) is naval part, battles of the ships ending with destruction of USS "Huston" and HMAS "Perth".
Second part tells how mostly British and Americans got into enemies' hands and ended in camps to endure inhumane treatment building railroad and dying in Thailand, Burma and Japan. The third part describes last months of the war in these camps and final, gradual return of prisoners to America. In the end we read what happened to certain heroes and survivors when they returned, how difficult for some of them was "normal" life after spending three years of heavy labour in terrible, hard to imagine jungle conditions. Very unique and not without controversies saga, that cannot be forgotten.

This is an excellent book for newcomers to the sport of pure bred dogs. I often give it to puppy owners so they can learn more about showing dogs since it does an excellent job of describing everything you need to know to get started showing. It is well written and has nice photographs. This is even a good start for youth who are interested in showing their dogs. I highly recommend it.

If you have never shown a dog before and don't know what you are getting yourself into this is the book to buy! It even provides a supply list so you know what to bring! If you want to start showing your dog(s) and need to know what to do and how to do it this is one book you MUST buy!

This is probably not the best showing how to book out there but it certainally teaches you a lot without encouraging you to be a snob that cares about nothing but winning at any cost. It covers a lot of material and though it doesn't teach you EVERYTHING you need to know this book combined to going with some other people to a show made me feel confident enough to start showing my own dogs. I have never forgotten some of the things she said in this book. As I go through the dog showing life events can cause her words to ring in my head and bring me peace such as when I meet the occasional meanie "...but keep in mind the meanest people are often the ones with the least going for them." Ain't that the truth!

D. Caroline Coile is a good author. She writes good breeding articles for Dog World all the time and her book Pit Bulls for Dumies, I think, is the most breed-informative of all the "for Dummies" books on dog breeds. I have or have had Labrador Retrievers for Dummies, Golden Retrievers for Dummies, Rottweilers for Dummies, Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies, and Boxers for Dummies, all by other authors, and, blah, I felt like I was reading a general dog care book with just a tiny amount of breed-specific information you could find ANYWHERE in ANY BOOK. I feel like Coile gets more into explaining the essence of the breed in her book.

I am brand new to showing. I just got my first golden retriever. This book was beyond helpful. I am attending conformation classes and this book helped me to understand what was taking place and keep up.
I highly recommend this book for anyone starting out.

This book is an excellent start for beginners. It answered almost every question I had and is very easy to read. I would highly recommend this book.